Cooking has become a portion of our daily life. From breakfast to dinner, cooking at home with the right cookware is better than going out. With new inventions in kitchen materials, cast iron is undoubtedly one of the best ones for cookware.
This is because cast iron cookware is extremely versatile and durable. The problem is that all cookware is not compatible with electric stoves. For that, some people are confused about using cast iron cookware on electric stoves. But the fact is, cast iron cookware is compatible with electric stoves like other kitchen equipment. Read this context to know more about cast iron compatibility with electric stoves.
What Is Exactly Cast Iron Cookware?
Usually, cast iron is used to make heavy-duty cookware. This cookware offers extreme heat retention, durability, and use at very high temperatures. Besides, properly seasoned cast iron cookware helps non-stick cooking and protects the bare iron from rust.
For that, different types of cookware are made from cast iron, including frying pans, griddles, dutch ovens, waffle irons, flat-top grills, deep fryers, works, and so on. The research found that cast iron can be compatible with temperatures around 400 °F (204 °C) or more.
Although cast iron cookware requires a long time to cook on an electric stove, it still works. However, choosing the best cookware for electric stove will help you reduce the cooking duration. In that case, you can use cookware made of different materials like copper, and ceramic, stainless steel cookware.
Can You Use Cast Iron On An Electric Stove
Undoubtedly, the answer is yes. Cast iron made cookware is quite versatile and works with almost all cooking equipment. Although you typically see the cookware used on gas stoves, you can still use it on electric stoves. But you will need to be careful because cast iron cookware is heavy and has a rough exterior.
However, cooking with cast iron on electric stoves may slow the process; you have to keep patience during cooking. Like other materials-made cookware, you first need to lower the heat when using this cookware. And you have to wait until the cookware surface is hot. The surface of the cast iron cookware will not be susceptible to scratches.
Why Is Cast Iron Cookware Different From Others?
Modern chefs prefer cast iron cookware because it does not add the same chemicals to Teflon food. Cast iron’s versatility executes cooking on almost any surface. Gas burners are ideal for this cookware, where heat surfaces evenly.
It also helps to prevent the metal from becoming rugged. On the other hand, the ceramic burners on electric coil stoves create hot spots without spreading heat evenly. Hot spots cause cast iron to warp and crack, expanding the cookware lifespan.
Besides, cast iron cookware can be used directly on an open fire as a cooking process. It is very helpful for campy people to make fire treats. The only thing you need to do is bury the cookware under the ashes of an extinguished fire.
Warning Regarding Cast Iron Cookware
There are some things to keep in mind while using cast iron cookware on electric stoves. As cast iron and moisture do not mix, you need to dry the tray thoroughly after each wash before storing it. You can easily do this by baking the cookware in the oven for a few moments. It is essential to season cookware before utilizing it. Below we have pointed out how you can season cast iron cookware.
- Spread some fat on the cooking surface of the cookware.
- Put the cookware in the oven for one hour at medium temperature.
- Repeat this process a few times.
The Precaution And Caring Tips For Cast Iron Cookware
Here we have outlined some safety precautions and tips for using cast iron cookware on electric stoves. These will help you prevent possible accidents and increase the cookware’s lifespan.
Good Seasoning
Cast iron cookware can easily rust, which leads to the supply of tetanus germs. This can be very harmful to your nervous system. Consistently seasoning your cast iron cookware will resist rust and help with non-stick cooking. Besides, it will mitigate iron-on foods and save you from fungal problems. Using eucalyptus or wall-nut oils would be ideal for seasoning. You should repeat the seasoning procedure at least twice.
Use Wooden Spatula
Metallic spatulas can harm polymerization coatings, so no one wants to use them. Besides, non-stick spatulas may be damaged on the flip slide because of elevated temperatures. For that reason, using a wooden spatula will be a good option that is entirely secure.
Follow Proper Cleaning Procedure
Washing the cookware each time after using it is a good habit. Otherwise, the fungus can grow from the sticky food. Usually, cast iron cookware needs a very long time to reduce heat at room temperature. So, avoid washing the hot cookware using cold water, as it can cause cracks or thermal contraction. As a result, the durability of the cookware can be damaged. For washing the cookware, calm them at room temperature, then wash with sterile warm water. In that case, avoid using any tricky scrubber because it can damage the polymerized coating.
De-Moisturize the Cookware on Stove-Top
Consistently washing your cookware with dish soap can damage the nonstick coating. Additionally, cast iron shouldn’t be exposed to too much moisture. For that, do lite seasoning onto cookware when it becomes moisture-less. After that, hang the cookware onto the cookware hanger for a short time.
Avoids Overheating
Every electric stove has different options to control the heat. As cast iron cookware requires a little time to heat up, you should start the stove with lower heat. Don’t turn the knob to a high temperature on the cook-top. This is because cast iron cookware does not calm its temperature fast.
Take Care Of Cookware Movement
Cast iron cookware has an equally smooth exterior foundation. Furthermore, a rough slip or improper landing on an electric coil can cause cracks in the upper glass surface. So, do not shake the cookware during meal prep. Stir the food properly using a wooden spatula. It will protect your food from burning.
Conclusion
Cooking with cast iron cookware is quite challenging due to the nature of cast iron. It doesn’t mean that you can use cast iron cookware on electric stoves. Although most cast iron cookware is used on gas stoves, you can still use electric stoves for such cook cookware.
But it is crucial to consider the cooking surface of the cooking appliance. This is because these cookwares are quite versatile, but you need to be careful because the exterior of this cookware is rough. For that, you can follow the precaution and safety tips discussed above. These will help you prevent unexpected injuries and damage to your cookware.