Cast Iron cookware is one of the most popular cookware because of its versatility. Let’s assume that you want to buy a cast-iron skillet and you have an electric stove. If so then probably you have a question, can you use a cast-iron skillet on an electric stove or not?
The answer is Yes. Besides an electric stove, you can use it on gas stoves and even on an open fire. In addition, these skillets are very handy and flexible in use.
This article is all about how to use these pans, some general tips, and other related things. Keep reading to know in detail.
How to Use a Cast Iron Skillet on an Electric Stove?
Firstly, you need to place the iron cooker on the stove softly. Let the pan warm up just like any other pan. Keep patience, the process will take some time.
Afterward, lubricate the pan with oil or butter. As a result, the food will not stick with the body. One thing to add here is the fact that cast iron pots are not nonstick. So, to get the best result you have to lubricate the pot before cooking.
However, you can cook the meals as usual while using an electric stove using a cast iron pan. But make sure you hold the handle of the pan using a cloth.
The handle is also generally made of the same material. Because of that, it becomes very hot during the cooking process. So, never touch the handle with bare hands while cooking.
Why Will You Use Cast Iron Cookware?
Cast-iron cookware is a very effective cooking gadget for a kitchen. It is versatile because you can use it both for cooking on a gas and electric burner. In addition, you can use it at campfires.
Moreover, in comparison with nonstick aluminum thin cookers, cast iron pans are weightier. So, these pans take a long time to heat. However, it will also take much longer than the lighter pots to cool down.
You shouldn’t worry about this unless you’re in an extreme hurry. Its slow but evenly heating process helps to keep the quality of your food fresh and pure.
These pans are also a convenient, durable, and flexible cooking partner. They are well built, and the handles are tightly fixed here. Moreover, these are perfect for grilling and simmering.
Coming to electric stoves, these are magnificent furnaces widely used across the globe. The main reason to use these is the easiness in operation. Who doesn’t want kitchens to remain calm as much as possible?
Important Tips to Follow
Like everyone else, surely you want to utilize the maximum capability of your pots and pans. To do that you have to use it appropriately. Most importantly, it would be easier if you follow the guidelines.
To back you, we have come up with some important factors that will make your cooking easy. No more ado, let’s go on.
Keep it neat and clean:
You don’t want a filthy environment to cook in. Including the floors of the kitchen, you need to keep the iron pans clean too.
Many people do not put effort into washing the pan thoroughly. Incomplete washing will cause some oily waste to remain in the pan. When they begin to cook again on the pan, the foods tend to stick on the surface.
And the residue oil will produce a foul odor within the foods. Proper cleaning helps you retain the fresh flavor so that you can include that food into your diet. And this is the reason you need to clean the pans properly after serving the foods.
Avoid buying too many pans
You may use your cast iron pan for nearly any type of cooking. Iron pans, as previously we have mentioned, are versatile cookware. These are implemented for a range of tasks in the kitchen. Cooking, sauteing, frying, and even reheating food are all possible with them.
They don’t have the same delicate surface as nonstick pans, and they can withstand higher temperatures.
You don’t need to buy a lot of pans because cast iron pans are so effective. These pans have good longevity. So, maintain the one properly you have, and it is to last for 1-2 years.
This point is necessary because if you bring in a new pan after every 3-4 months, a problem will arise. New pans will have complex and sharp surfacing in the lower part of the pans. And sharp edges will be tough on the stovetop and leave spots and scratches.
Buy lightweight pans
Some cast-iron pans are very heavy, making them difficult to handle in the kitchen. If you try to elevate your wrist with just one hand, you risk spraining it.
When purchasing a pan, make sure you lift it to determine its weight. Purchase a pan that you can easily take up so that you may cook freely in it.
Moreover, heavy pans leave rough spots on the stovetop, so try buying lighter ones.
Don’t shake the pan on the stove
Cast iron pans, as previously said, are usually fairly heavy to lift. When sauteing vegetables, many cooks like to shake the pan to toss the vegetables around. This should never be done on a stove with such a pan because it harms the stovetop.
On an electric stove, shaking a heavy pan causes scratches on the grates and disrupts the coils. If you have a glass top, it may crack. As a result, shaking the pan will severely damage your stove, which you should avoid at all costs!
If you use it carefully then you can use it on a glass top stove. In this case, you have to be really careful.
Don’t hurry while using an electric stove
It would help if you wait for a while for your pan to heat up on an electric stove. It takes longer than using a regular gas stove. This implies that you’ll need to have patience if you’re cooking the same meals on an electric stove.
The electric stove makes it easier to maintain a consistent temperature. It will allow you to maintain lower heat levels and consistently simmer your meal.
An electric stove’s coils can become quite hot. The cast-iron pan is excellent at maintaining warmth. This is why, once you’ve preheated the pan to get your cooking going, you should turn down the heat.
Food readily adheres to cast iron if there isn’t enough oil in the pan, so you don’t want to burn it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is a cast iron pot cooking better?
These pans are excellent for meat searing. Cast iron is ideal for keeping food warm because it keeps heat long.
You make them better by seasoning each time you cook in your cast iron cookware. A minor quantity of iron is absorbed in the meal during the cooking procedure.
Why do Cast Iron skillets need extra care?
You must help build a seasoning layer to ensure that your pot becomes non-stickable. While many cast iron pans are now sold pre-seasoned, we find that the producer needs a lot more oomph for seasoning to reach the “nonstick” level that you would expect.
Early on, the pan is more likely to roast and interact with acidic foods when you are yet to establish a good base for seasoning. Acidity can work against your seasoning and can potentially give your food a metallic taste.
But once the seasoning is good, you won’t have to worry about acidic food in the pot.
What kind of utensils is good to use on cast iron skillets?
You don’t have to worry about using metal utensils to scratch cast iron. Metal utensils are recommended.
An old-fashioned metal spatula appears as the perfect instrument for the job. Find one with angles that are straight, flat, and rounded. The flat edge helps you to eat, and the rounded corners prevent gouging.
Final Words
Hopefully, the article was helpful, and by now you know that you can use a cast-iron skillet on an electric stove. If you follow the above-mentioned guidelines accordingly then I assure you that something great is waiting for you.
If you still have any queries or anything else to know, please let me know by commenting below. Have a nice day!