Cast Iron Cookware Set

 

Cast iron cookware has been around for ages, but still proves to be one of the best, and most popular cooking utensils around.  First and foremost, cast iron cookware is built to last.  While some modern cookware sets only last for a few years, many cast iron pieces have been handed down from generation to generation. Well cared for cast iron cookware can even last hundreds of years. 

Cast iron is also a highly-efficient heat conductor.  Why is that important?  The more efficient the cookware, the less time and energy it takes to cook.

There are also health reasons to cook with cast iron.  Doctors recommend that people with anemia cook with cast iron cookware as it promotes the production of red blood cells. 

The only challenge in cooking with cast iron cookware is the weight of each piece and the small amount of extra care needed to properly maintain the cookware. 

The new generation of cast iron cookware comes with a porcelain covering and a limited lifetime warrantees such as this Rachael Ray 3.5 quart casserole:

For a more traditional look, Paula Deen offers this 10” skillet pan:

You can check out the great selection of cast iron cookware on Gettington.com.  Then you can start your own tradition of caring for, and handing down cast iron cookware to the next generation in your family.

 

 

A friend asked me the other day "what does Gettington.com sell", and my short answer was "Gettington.com sells everything for the home".  I got to thinking about that definition this morning, and decided to start a series of blogs that highlight some of the great, unique "home" products that are sold there. 

First home item in this series:

Stowaway Table+Stools
(just $139.95 at Gettington.com)

This 3 piece set comes with a stowaway kitchen table and 2 stools. Really ideal for smaller kitchens - it will give you plenty of eating space plus an extra work area, and looks great too! The table has casters which makes it very easy to move in and out of the room space.  This is a table and bar stools set that can be core furniture for a modern kitchen space - especially in and apartment. 

A customer from Caton, MI left this review:

So, I am not much of a cook, but my husband LOVES to eat!  So I needed something to get me excited about cooking.  I figured a great cookware set that I could buy online might be exactly what I need!

Since I work here, I started my online search in Gettington.com. 

The Paula Deen 12 pc cookware set grabbed my attention right away because of the great colors offered.  Check out this red!


Then I read about the features.  Here are some of the key points :

• Made of Porcelain enamel
• Nonstick
• Oven Safe
• Stain Resistant
   

With the great price point and my option to order now and pay later (when you are shopping on a budget), I knew this cookware set was right for me!  I then began to wonder what other items does Paula Deen offer online that I could buy to match my cookware set?  Turns out there are also Paula Deen Knives available, Saute pans, Casserole dishes and even Cast Iron skillets!

Looks like I will be in the kitchen more often!

>>Buy Paula Dean Pots & Pans

  

I enjoy a great number of things in life, but one of my favorites is cooking.  Let's be clear - not baking.  There is way to much precise measuring, leveling and timing for me in baking.  I like to toss in some of this, grab some of that and saute it until it "looks done".  My wife jokes that any time I create something she really likes, she should enjoy it because odds are I'll never be able to do it again.  I've managed to duplicate success a few times, but she's really not far off on that comment.

There is a lot to love about cooking.  It can be good for you.  You don't have to look far to find a cook book, cooking show or food book extolling the benefits of fresh, home cooked food.  I believe there is a lot of truth in that.  Besides, there is a certain feeling of accomplishment when you've created something that those you love can enjoy. 

And guys, here's a tip - there is lots of science, tools and gear involved in cooking.  You can think of it like a building project it it helps.  I've learned a few things about the tools and gear and you should be able to find all of the basics you need at Gettington.com.

Where to start?  How about considering a basic 10 piece cookware set?  There are lots of options, but it comes down to a couple of basic choices - do you buy stainless steel cookware or non-stick?  Both have their benefits and applications.  Good stainless steel is timeless and can last forever.  It can be essentially when preparing food that you want to brown and if you are going to venture into creating rich pan sauces, you'll appreciate a little of the food sticking to the pan.  If you are cooking more delicate foods such as fish or eggs, however, you don't want it to stick to the pan, so non-stick may be a better choice.  Take a look at this KitchenAid 10 Piece Cookware Set.  It is a great example.   I would suggest that beginners start with a non-stick set and then add a few stainless steel or cast iron pieces. 

I wouldn't suggest you buy a cast iron cookware set, but one piece such as the the Paula Deen Cast Iron skillet might be an interesting way to branch out.  Cast iron was the original "non stick" pan - but you can still get a good pan sauce and enjoy the old-school cooking credibility of having some cast iron around.

If you are going to start with a non-stick set, you will want to make sure to use good silicone utensils to make sure you don't scratch the surface of the pan.  They will extend the life of your cookware and offer easy cleanup as a bonus.  This Rachael Ray Cooking Utensils set is really popular and would be a fun color choice as well!

Last thing to consider... preparation.  You will need mixing bowls.  I like stainless steel bowls like the ones found in this cooking starter set.  They are easy to clean, easy to use and can even be part of an impromptu double boiler for melting chocolate or cheese.  Another handy option is this colorful 4 piece Melamine Bowl Set.  You can also use glass bowls.  They are heavier, so they won't move around as much when you are stirring or whisking up some egg whites.  This Pyrex set also features plastic lids, so they can be used for storage either for prep-ahead ingredients or left-overs for tomorrow's lunch.  And the best part about prep?  The gadgets - and Gettington.com has a bunch!

Cooking can be a great way to relax and share with your family and friends.  You don't have to invest a ton of money in the equipment and you don't have to be a gourmet to get started.  

Have fun.  Be creative.  And if you are eating a good meal... don't forget to kiss the cook!

Shop Stainless Steel Cookware Sets at Gettington.com
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Shop all Cookware Sets at Gettington.com

Induction cooking is a really cool new technology.  It is a glass cooktop, but the heat is created directly in the pot or pan - not on the cooktop.  What is great about that is the safety factor for small children that may reach up to the cooktop.  It is also very precise cooking allowing the "chef" of the house to control the temperature like on a gas cooktop.  Here's the link to wikipedia for more information on induction cooking.

However, a key thing that many people don't realize is that the cookware they use must also be appropriate for induction cooktops.  The key is that the cookware must be able to create a magnetic field.  Stainless steel cookware sets and cast iron cookware sets are the best for induction cooktops.  Aluminum cookware or many of the non-stick cookware sets will not work.  A quick test is to see if a magnet will stick to your cookware.

Gettington.com is an online shopping site that carries many different types of cookware including stainless steel and cast iron cookware.  I will be honest that buying cookware for induction cooktops can be tricky.  Your safest best is to go cast iron because you can be sure that it conducts the energy.  Stainless steel is trickier because not every stainless steel pan will conduct a magnetic field.  That is because many stainless steel pots and pans also have aluminum as part of their construction.

Buying cast iron cookware can also be spendy.  I bought my cast iron cookware a piece at a time versus buying a full set.  Some good start pieces are:

Paula Deen Cast Iron Skillet
The Paula Deen 10 inch cast iron skillet currently retails for $34.95.  It has pouring spouts on each side.  It is a pretty piece of cookware with a swirl design and natural cast iron color.  You can use it in the oven, on a cooktop and with your induction cooktop.


Another good basic piece is the Paula Deen 3.5qt Round Casserole.  This pot currently retails for $69.95.  This 3.5 quart pot is good for use in the brolier or on the cooktop.  It includes the lid and has the same pretty swirl design. 

Both of these items are great cast iron pieces that will last a lifetime.  Gettington.com is a great place to buy your cookware because we provide the payment options you need to manage your budget.  At Gettington.com, every item is offered with a Pay Now, Fast Option (4 pay) or Easy Option (extended pay).  Your shopping bag and payment calculator shows you your payment choices so you can make the best selection for your budget.

Shop Cookware at Gettington.com

I'm Paula Drum, not Paula Deen.  But, imagine my surprise when I received the Paula Deen Signature 12 piece nonstick cookware set and realized that the signature mongram of PD on the top of each lid was actually my initials too. 

I knew I was going to love this Paula Deen cookware set. 

And I really do love it.  My other cookware set is a cast iron cookware set.  That set was required for my previous cooktop that was induction - it needed the cast iron to conduct the heat.  But I no longer have an induction cooktop and the cast iron was too heavy for everyday use on a glass cooktop.  And definitely too heavy for my mother to handle on a daily basis.  The Paula Deen pots and pans are lightweight and easy to handle.  Plus they look great too. 

They are also very easy to clean - which I also love.  A simple sponge with the plastic scrubber takes off any grease or residue on the bottom of the pans so they stay sparkling like new.

At Gettington.com we sell quite a few Paula Deen pots and pans.  The Paula Deen Signature 12pc Porcelain Cookware Set currently retails for $119.95.  We also carry other brands of nonstick cookware and nonstick bakeware, like a Kitchen Aid 10 piece cookware set that currently retails for $159.95 or a Chef's Mark 10 piece cookware set that is currently 30% off at $69.33 or a T Fal pan set.  However, I'm loving my personally monogrammed cookware. 

Shop All Nonstick Cookware Sets

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I enjoy cooking, and I like it a lot more when I have the right tools. I'm not a cookware snob (my wife would not agree), but I do know the basics, and most importantly...I know what works for me.  So when I decided it was time to replace my post-college cookware, I spent a lot of time and talked to people that knew more than me to make the best decision.

After doing my research, and choosing a new set, here were the 5 most important things I considered:

1. Sets are great. Good for a starter cookware set, and good for replacement. Most offer basic shapes and sizes so you can get the most use from the least equipment.
2. Know your materials. There are many great ones (Stainless, Anodized Aluminum, Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron, etc.). You really can pick the one best for you, and the best way to do that is to use a comparison chart. Gettington.com (my employer!) has a good one to get you started: http://www.gettington.com/productguide.aspx
3. Matching pots and pans are nice, but you'll want to supplement any set with various non-matching pieces made for specific purposes.  Not everything has to match.
4. Be honest with yourself on your care & cleaning. This includes others in the family! I'm fine with ALWAYS hand cleaning my cookware, but if you think you'll be tossing them in the dishwasher from time to time (or your teenager will), then choose your material accordingly (reference the guide in #2).
5. You get what you pay for. It's an old phrase, but a good one. Especially when upgrading your set.  Once you move up the quality scale, you'll quickly find you want more/better. Best bet is to buy the highest quality in your budget. And cheap, flimsy cookware is not efficient and can even fall apart.

Go to the site and check out this Cuisinart 10pc set, and give the calculator a try - just add it to the CART and you'll see how it works http://www.gettington.com/product.aspx?groupxid=110801.  While you're there check out the fun colors/patterns from Rachael Ray and Paula Deen!

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