More Than Just a Pan
Cast iron isn’t a trend. It’s a tool that’s been passed from hand to hand for centuries — simple, adaptable, and capable of far more than most people realise. In a kitchen full of single-purpose gadgets, one pan that can roast, sear, bake, and serve is a quiet revolution.
Whether you’re searing steak on gas, simmering curry on induction, or finishing sourdough in the oven, a good cast iron pan is built to move with you. It doesn’t wear out. It wears in. That’s why we make the Legacy Pan — a piece designed to grow stronger with time and covered by our Three Generation Guarantee.
Why Cast Iron Still Matters
A Natural Fit for Modern Cooking
Modern kitchens demand versatility. Cast iron delivers it. It holds heat like no other material, creating a stable, even cooking surface that turns simple ingredients into complex flavours.
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Heat retention: Once it’s hot, it stays hot. Perfect for searing meat or crisping vegetables.
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All-heat compatibility: From gas to induction to open fire, it works everywhere.
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Oven to table: No need to swap pans — start on the stove, finish in the oven, serve directly.
Built for Generations
A cast iron pan improves with use. Seasoning — the natural oil layer built up over time — makes it more non-stick the more you cook. It’s repairable, renewable, and recyclable. A well-cared-for pan never needs replacing.
Read the Cast Iron Care Guide →
Cooking Techniques That Unlock Performance
1. Searing: The Secret to Flavour
Cast iron’s heat retention is its superpower. Preheat the pan for at least five minutes. When the surface is hot enough, it won’t lose temperature when food hits it — that’s how you get the deep crust and flavour that other pans can’t match.
Pro tip: Dry your ingredients thoroughly. Water cools the surface and ruins the sear.
2. Oven Finishing
Cast iron moves easily from hob to oven, making it ideal for thick cuts, braises, or one-pan meals. Start with a high-heat sear, then transfer to a preheated oven for slow, even cooking.
3. Everyday Versatility
It’s not just for meat. Use cast iron for bread, vegetables, tofu, desserts, even pizzas. The even heat and natural surface help food cook more evenly and taste richer.
Caring for Cast Iron (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Cast iron care is straightforward. Forget the myths about soap or special tools. Here’s the truth:
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Clean: Rinse with warm water and a soft brush while the pan is still warm.
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Dry: Heat it briefly on the stove until all moisture evaporates.
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Oil: Wipe on a thin layer of neutral oil to protect the surface and strengthen the seasoning.
That’s it. For deeper seasoning techniques or rust fixes, see the Cast Iron Care Guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Underheating: Cold pans cause sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat.
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Over-oiling: A thin oil layer is enough. Too much creates a sticky surface.
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Soaking: Extended soaking causes rust. Wash, dry, and oil promptly.
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Neglecting seasoning: Use your pan regularly. Cooking builds and maintains the non-stick surface.
Cast Iron in a Modern Kitchen
A cast iron pan is more than a tool. It’s a constant. It replaces half the cookware in your cupboard, cooks better with age, and carries memory as well as heat. That’s why we cast every Legacy Pan to last beyond us — and why it’s backed by a Three Generation Guarantee.
FAQs
Is cast iron hard to maintain?
No. Once you understand the basics — clean, dry, oil — it becomes automatic. Each use builds seasoning and improves performance.
Can cast iron go in the dishwasher?
No. Hand washing preserves the seasoning and prevents rust.
Does cast iron work on induction cooktops?
Yes. It’s naturally induction compatible and performs consistently across all heat sources.
Can I cook acidic foods like tomato sauce in cast iron?
Yes. On a well-seasoned pan, short cooks are fine. For long simmering, re-oil afterwards.
What happens if my cast iron rusts?
It’s easy to fix. Scrub the rust off, dry the pan thoroughly, and re-season. The Cast Iron Care Guide explains the process step by step.
Final Thought
Modern kitchens move fast. Trends come and go. But cast iron remains — steady, simple, and made to last. It’s the one piece that connects past, present, and future every time you light the stove.
