LODGE CAST IRON COOKWARE : A Skillet Suitable For Indoor and Outdoor Use
Written: Jan 24 '01 (Updated Mar 25 '01)
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Pros: Durable cookware at inexpensive prices
Cons: The weight of cast iron cookware
The Bottom Line: is that cast iron cookware is an inexpensive product that is more durable than most products on the market.
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| phineaskc's Full Review: Lodge Chef Skillet 12SF2A |
Whether you are a budding chef or a seasoned cook, Lodge Cast Iron products are an inexpensive and durable choice for cookware.
In a previous review, I discussed the Lodge Wok that I own and the benefits associated with not just the Lodge brand but also using cast iron in general. Over the years, I have added many pieces to my Lodge cookware collection and expect to have full use of these products for many years to come.
About The Chef Pan
The Lodge Chef Skillet is ten inches in diameter and 1 3/4" deep. What I like about this skillet is that it's perfect for sauteeing vegetables, preparing side dishes, and carmelizing. The one side has an indent similar to that of a pitcher so you can easily drain off excess juices. There is a long handle at one end for easy handling of the heated pan and a loop handle at the other for gripping when removing from the heat.
One thing I will note with this pan is that it is not one you would want to use to prepare main dishes, simply because of the size. The depth and diameter of the skillet might be okay if you were cooking for one or preparing a dish with few ingredients. In other words, don't plan to use this pan to prepare a whole fried chicken.
This pan is meant for smaller tasks and most will use it for omelettes but I preferred my Calphalon Omelette pan for this purpose. I have never used this pan for omelettes simply because of the weight compared to my other pans and felt that flipping my omelette would be a much more difficult task in a skillet that was about four pounds heavier than my other choice.
The Chef Skillet like all other Lodge brand products is easy to clean and requires very little care once it is seasoned properly.
Seasoning Your Cast Iron
Your Lodge cookware will last probably longer than you will if cared for properly. As I said, there is very little care involved once you have it properly seasoned.
When you first purchase your cookware, wash it in soapy water then rinse. Place it on the stove to remove all the excess water. Once you have completely dried the pan over the heat, take a paper towel that has been dampened with cooking oil or lard and rub the entire inside of the pan, coating it with the oil. I didn't learn until recently that you should then bake the pan in the oven for an hour to get a good season. I had always just coated it with the oil then reheated it over the stovetop, which worked just fine.
However, if you want to do it the right way place it in the oven at 425 degrees and let bake for an hour. Turn the oven off and let the pan cool. Just wipe and put away.
In the future, you will just wash with hot water and then coat with oil and heat over the stovetop. This keeps rust from forming on your pans and prolongs their life.
Other Lodge Products
I currently have approximately ten pieces of Lodge Brand cookware in my collection including a dutch oven, cornbread pan, skillet set, and even the dinner bell. Okay, the dinner bell was just for fun but they do in fact make them.
These products are good for both indoor and outdoor cooking. I don't go camping very often but have loaned my pieces on more than one occasion to my sister, who has since started her own collection of cast iron cookware.
The products will range in price from $5.00 into the double digits, depending on your needs.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 13.00
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phineaskc
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Member: Pamela
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
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