A few months ago, I decided to try buying a nonstick pan to make eggs. I thought I’d give it a try for convenience. I chose a well-rated, mid-priced pan. Today, after using it for a few months, I noticed pits on the surface, even though I had been careful to use only safe utensils while cooking in the pan. Having scratches and pits means the pan is already unsafe to use, as the coating can spread unwanted chemicals into your food. I ended up throwing away the pan and have decided to go back to my trusty cast-iron skillet.
When you live in an apartment, every item you own has to be worth keeping. There is no space for extras. When you decide to keep something that takes up cabinet space, it better be multipurpose and sturdy enough to do the job.
That is why cast-iron cookware deserves a permanent spot in any small kitchen. It cooks nearly anything, works with any heat source, survives rough handling, and can last for generations. In fact, some of the cast iron I own came from my mother-in-law’s kitchen. No one else wanted them when she passed away, but I could see their value.
In an emergency, such as power outages, temporary relocations, cooking outdoors, and even limited fuel, you can rely on cast iron to do its job. If I had to choose just one piece of cookware for survival cooking, I would choose cast iron.
TL;DR: Cast iron cookware is durable, versatile, and ideal for survival cooking. It works with any heat source, saves fuel, and lasts for generations.
Quick Look at What You’ll Learn
One Pan, Lots of Uses
A basic 10 or 12-inch skillet can be used to:
- Fry eggs or pancakes.
- Saute vegetables
- Cook rice or beans
- Heat canned food
- Bake cornbread or biscuits.
- Roast meat
- Simmer sauces or soups.
I’ve used it as a makeshift wok for stir-fry dishes, as it distributes heat so well.
If you want to be able to make stews, bread, pasta dishes, and one-pot meals, add a Dutch oven, and you’re set.
No need to fill your cabinets with multiple pans. These two cast-iron pieces can cook most of your meals. In a small apartment, this helps you save space and time. Plus, you have fewer items to pack if you have to leave quickly.
Works With Almost Any Heat Source
During a power outage, your electric stove and other kitchen gadgets, such as air fryers and slow cookers, become useless. Your cast iron will still be usable, as you can cook with it on gas stoves, propane or butane camp stoves, alcohol stoves, charcoal grills, fire pits, wood fires, or even fireplace coals.
Not many types of cookware can be versatile enough to move between indoor and outdoor cooking as easily.
Tough Enough to Last
Preparedness gear should be durable. As I found out, nonstick-coated pans scratch and peel very easily. Thin aluminum pans can warp, and plastic handles can melt. Cast iron doesn’t have those flaws. It’s a solid chunk of metal, and it won’t fail you.
The only issue you may face is rust if you don’t take care of it. But rust is easy enough to remove. All you have to do is scrub well and restore the pan with a bit of oil. A damaged nonstick pan just goes in the trash. Your cast-iron pan will last for years, and your heirs will benefit from it as well.
Holds Heat and Saves Fuel
If you had to cook in an emergency, with limited propane or charcoal, you’d be relieved to find that cast iron holds heat very well. Once it’s heated, it stays hot for a while. This means you will need less fuel to maintain the temperature. Your food will cook evenly, even if you turn off the heat early, because the residual heat can help finish cooking.
Thinner pans cool off quickly, making you use up more fuel. Cast iron helps you conserve fuel when supplies are limited.
How to Season a Cast Iron Pan
Many people are hesitant to try cast iron because they think it’s too hard to maintain. It’s actually very easy – you just need to get used to seasoning your pan.
Seasoning just means applying a thin layer of oil and baking it onto the surface. It protects the metal from rust and creates a natural nonstick coating.
Here’s how to season a new or restored pan:
- Wash and dry: Use warm water and a bit of dish soap to wash the pan for the first time (or if you are trying to restore one). Dry the pan completely to avoid rust.
- Apply the oil: Rub a small amount of neutral oil, such as vegetable, avocado, canola, or grapeseed, all over the pan, both inside and out. Wipe it down again, as too much oil will make it feel sticky.
- Bake it: Heat your oven to 400-450 degrees (Fahrenheit). Line the stove with foil beneath the pan, then place your cast iron on top. Leave it in the oven for one hour.
- Let it cool slowly: Turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside.
- Repeat: Do these steps two to three times to build a strong coating. After that, regular use of the pan continues to improve the seasoning naturally.
📣 Additional InformationAvoid using oils with low smoke points, such as oil, butter, extra-virgin olive oil, and bacon grease, for seasoning cast iron. They can burn, become sticky, or smoke excessively.
Everyday care
Every time you use it, wipe or rinse the pan. Scrub lightly with a sponge or brush. Dry it completely, then rub a thin coat of oil on it.
Do not soak or leave it in the dishwasher, as this will cause rust. If you are low on water, you can just wipe it clean and reheat to sanitize.
Other Uses Beyond Cooking
Cast iron is versatile enough for various jobs: Use it to press sandwiches or flatten burgers. You can also use it in the oven as a baking surface.
Best Starter Setup for Apartment Living
If you want to get started, all you need are two pieces:
- 10–12-inch skillet for everyday cooking
- 3–5 quart Dutch oven (optional) for soups, stews, bread
These two items will cover most of your cooking needs. Choose sizes that are right for your household. Cast iron only improves when you cook with it.
The Bottom Line
I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t need to try yet another nonstick pan. My good old cast-iron skillet is the most reliable cookware around. If you want something that can work on almost any heat source, last for decades, use less fuel, and withstand rough handling, cast iron deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Additional Resources
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