Understanding the Different Types of Cast Iron (and How to Choose the Right One)

If you’re looking for cookware that lasts a lifetime, holds heat like a dream, and makes food taste incredible,cast iron cookwareis the way to go. But not all cast iron is the same. From bare cast iron skillets to enameled Dutch ovens, each type has its own perks, and a few things to consider before you buy. Here’s what you need to know about the most common types of cast iron cookware you’ll find in Australia, and which one is the best fit for how you cook.

Bare/Raw Cast Iron

Bare or raw cast iron is what most people picture when they think of traditional cast iron cookware. It’s heavy-duty, tough as nails, and if looked after properly can last for generations.

Pros:

• Incredible heat retention – Once it gets hot, it stays hot, making it perfect for searing and frying.
• Builds its own non-stick surface – Over time, seasoning creates a natural, chemical-free coating.
• Works on all heat sources – Gas, induction, ovens, BBQs, and even open flames.

Cons:

• Needs regular seasoning – Without it, food will stick, and the pan can rust.
• Can react with acidic foods – Tomatoes, wine, and vinegar-based sauces can strip seasoning.
• Heavy and requires maintenance – Not the best for those who want low-fuss cookware.

Bare cast iron is a great choice if you’re willing to put in a little extra care. If you love the idea of cast iron but don’t want to deal with seasoning, enameled cast iron might be a better option.

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron has all the heat-retention benefits of traditional cast iron, but with a smooth, protective enamel coating that makes it easier to use. It won’t rust, doesn’t need seasoning, and won’t react with acidic foods.

Pros:

• No seasoning required– The enamel coating creates a naturally non-stick surface. Easier to clean – You can wash it with soap, and food won’t cling as much.
• Great for slow-cooking and baking– Perfect for soups, stews, and breads.

Cons:

• More expensive than bare cast iron– But it’s an investment piece that lasts.
• Can chip if dropped– Needs a little more care when handling.
• Heavier than most other cookware– Especially larger Dutch ovens.

   

Enameled cast iron is perfect if you love slow-cooked meals, braises, or baking sourdough. If you want the heat-retention benefits of cast iron but don’t want the upkeep of seasoning, it’s a no-brainer. 

Crumble’s Dutch ovens fall into this category, offering all the benefits of cast iron without the hassle.

Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron

Pre-seasoned cast iron is just bare cast iron that’s been factory-seasoned so you can start cooking with it straight away. You’ll still need to maintain the seasoning over time, but it saves you from having to do the initial rounds of seasoning yourself.

Pros:

• Ready to use out of the box – No need to season before first use.
• Naturally non-stick (with maintenance) – The seasoning improves over time.
• Works on all stovetops and in the oven – A solid all-rounder.

Cons:

• Needs ongoing care – You still have to season and dry it properly after washing.
• Some brands have uneven seasoning – You might need to do a few extra layers at home.

Crumble’s pre-seasoned cast iron skillets fall into this category. If you love the idea of traditional cast iron but don’t want to start from scratch, this is a great option.

Understanding Seasoning vs. Using Oil Before Cooking

There is often some confusion around seasoning when it comes to cast iron cookware. Some people think it’s just rubbing oil onto the pan before cooking, but that’s not quite right.

Seasoning is the process of building up a layer of polymerised oil on the surface of bare or pre-seasoned cast iron. When you heat oil past its smoke point, it bonds to the metal and forms a protective, slick layer. Over time, this seasoning layer improves, making your cast iron more non-stick and resistant to rust.

On the other hand, using oil before cooking is for preventing food from sticking in the moment. Even a well-seasoned cast iron pan benefits from a little butter or oil before cooking – especially for things like eggs, pancakes, or fish.

For enameled cast iron, you don’t need seasoning at all, but a small amount of oil or butter before cooking is still a good idea. The enamel provides a smooth, non-reactive surface, but it still needs some sort of oil or butter to help the food not stick to the pan. 

If you’re using Crumble’s pre-seasoned cast iron skillets, the seasoning will improve over time with regular cooking, but keeping up with occasional re-seasoning will help it last a lifetime.

How to Choose the Right Cast Iron for Your Cooking Style

Still not sure? Here’s how to decide based on what you cook most.

If you love high-heat searing and frying…

Go for raw or pre-seasoned cast iron. It can handle extreme temperatures and creates the perfect crust on steaks, stir-fries, and crispy roast potatoes.

If you want low-maintenance cast iron…

Choose enameled cast iron. You’ll get all the benefits of cast iron, but without the seasoning and extra maintenance.

If you slow-cook or bake a lot…

An enameled cast iron Dutch oven is your best bet. It’s perfect for soups, stews, braised meats, and even baking bread.

If you want a long-term, chemical-free alternative to non-stick pans…

Both bare and enameled cast iron are great options. Bare cast iron becomes more non-stick over time with seasoning, while enameled cast iron gives you an easy-to-use, non-reactive surface.

Crumble’s Cast Iron Cookware Difference

Crumble’s cast iron range is designed for home cooks who want quality, long-lasting cookware without the hassle. Our enameled cast iron cookwareis made with a premium Tomatec Japan enamel coating, which means:

• It won’t rust or react with acidic foods.
• It develops better non-stick properties over time.
• It’s completely free from toxic coatings like PFAS or PFOA

Which Cast Iron Cookware is Right for You?

If you love high-heat searing and don’t mind the upkeep, go for bare or pre-seasoned cast iron. If you want something versatile and easy to clean, enameled cast iron is the way to go. Either way, cast iron is a lifetime investment, and choosing the right type for your cooking style will make all the difference.

Explore Crumble’s full range of cast iron cookware and find the perfect piece for your kitchen.