Cast Iron Cookware

turfguy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008

I was wondering if many of you use cast iron cookware on the boat? It seems like they would be good (even though heavy) cause they would serve two purposes. One on the stove and oven, but also could be used on the BBQ grill. Am I right?
Look forward to your opinions,
thanks
turf

hellosailor · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008

You love or hate cast iron. Among other things, if it isn't seasoned on all surfaces it will try to rust in salt air. It heats evenly--but takes a lot of fuel to get the mass heated up. And then you have to reseason it every time you cook with it. A bit of extra work on a boat.

bubb2 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008

Yes, We use cast iron on our boat as much as we can. We do not have a oven on the boat but with a cast iron Dutch oven we can make just about anything including bread. With a cast iron flat grill we make pan cakes and eggs for breakfast on the BBQ grill on summer mornings and not heat up the cabin. My cast iron is as important to me as any other tool on the boat.

Vasco · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Threw most of mine away. Too much upkeep every time I wanted to use it, it was covered in rust.

AjariBonten · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

One possible solution for those who really want many of the advantages of cast iron would be the enameled variety. I've seen dutch ovens that are completely enameled, and frying pans with the sides enameled.

It would solve most of the rust issues.

I have to agree with the long heat-up time with cast iron though, it really can be a pain with a non-traditional heat source. It's probably worth the effort for stews, chillies, etc, but I would go with a lighter stainless for any type of sauteing or boiling water.

WouldaShoulda · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Alton Brown swears by the stuff!!

bubb2 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

If your cast iron is rusting you are not taking care of it right. you do not wash cast iron , if you do you louse the "seasoning" the rust preventer. After you use your cast iron you wipe it out with a paper towel, thats it!!!! I have some of my mothers cast iron it is over 60 years old no rust.

Cast Iron Cookware Seasoning Care

chucklesR · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Lemme see, cast IRON in a MARINE environment.

I took chemistry in high school. I think the formula works out to
IRON+MARINE = RUST.

I could be wrong, formula's are tough.

I have several old casties at home, love them. At home. On the boat I have teflon coated aluminum pans, lite weight, and disposable.

bubb2 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by chucklesR

Lemme see, cast IRON in a MARINE environment.

I took chemistry in high school. I think the formula works out to
IRON+MARINE = RUST.

I could be wrong, formula's are tough.

I have several old casties at home, love them. At home. On the boat I have teflon coated aluminum pans, lite weight, and disposable.

Think of seasoning as paint, a rust preventer. Chip and paint, a Navy thing, should not be that hard to get your arms around the concept.

T37Chef · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Bubb's got it right on the money. A good cook always has a cast iron pan or two in their cookware inventory, home or boat. I can tell in an instant if someone knows how to cook just by looking at their cookware. I have used it on the grill as well, works nicely, so does a pizza stone (but I dropped it overboard