The short answer to this question is yes, you can use cast iron on a gas stove. Cast iron pans are extremely versatile. They can be used on gas and electric stove tops, in ovens, and even on an open flame.
The long answer is that there are some things you need to know before you can safely and effectively use your cast iron cookware on a gas stove top.
Cast iron, like all metals, expands when it heats up. This means that a cold pan left in contact with heat will warp as it warms, and eventually may even crack as the metal expands beyond its ability to flex.
How to properly use cast iron on a gas stove top?
In order to properly use cast iron on a gas stove top, you must follow these steps:
- Preheat your cast iron pan on the stove top. This allows the metal to gradually expand along with the other components of the pan.
- When cooking with cast iron on a gas stove top, use medium to high heat. Since the pan takes longer to heat up than traditional pots and pans, it is best suited for recipes that require a longer cook time. The cast iron will distribute heat evenly throughout the pan, making it a great choice for any recipe.
- Use high heat only when absolutely necessary (for example, searing meat). Otherwise, keep the temperature at medium or low heat to prevent warping or cracking.
- Remove your pan from the burner immediately after using it for cooking.
- You may want to get a grill pan or skillet with ridges in order to use less oil when cooking meat. This will help prevent flare ups from occurring when there’s too much fat dripping off the meat onto the burner below. This is especially important with older models of gas stoves which have less ventilation than newer ones do.,
Some cast iron cooking advantages
A cast iron pan will give you great results and also has many other advantages:
- Cast iron cookware is one of the most durable utensils available. It can last for generations if properly cared for.
- Cast iron cookware heats evenly and retains heat well, which makes it ideal for certain recipes.
- It’s naturally non-stick and doesn’t require the use of harmful chemicals like Teflon pans do.
- A cast iron pan allows you to cook a steak for example, at a higher temperature than a non-stick pan (only when you heat it up). Therefore with a cast iron pan you can achieve a nicely seared and crispy outside and soft succulent inside. So the cast iron gives it a better flavour and texture.
Additional Questions
Can you use a skillet on a gas stove?
Yes, you can absolutely use a skillet on a gas stove. Although it’s possible to use any type of pot or pan when cooking on a gas stove, certain materials thrive on this type of stove. The top pick in my kitchen is a stainless steel cookware. Its excellent heat distribution makes it ideal for searing, sautéing and more, ensuring an even cooking every time.
What stove can you not use cast iron on?
Contrarily to what some people might think, cast iron cookware is highly versatile and can be used on any type of stove, without any exceptions. Yes, you’ve read it right, it’s even safe to use on glass-top stoves! From my personal experience, there’s nothing quite as reliable or as durable as a cast iron skillet for making perfectly seared steaks or oven-baked pastas.
What type of cooktop is best for cast iron?
If you ask me, a cast iron cookware shines the most when used on an induction stovetop. Thanks to its magnetic properties, iron works wonderfully well on induction tops, ensuring even heat distribution. However, no matter what kind of stovetop you have, always remember to handle your cast iron cookware with care; a dropped pan could crack your glass cooktop!
Can you use a cast iron Dutch oven on a gas stove?
Definitely, a Dutch oven can be utilized on a gas stove without any problem. Be it simmering a flavorful stew, searing a piece of meat, or braising some vegetables, a Dutch oven is up to the task regardless of it being a gas or an electric stovetop. Personally, I find a Dutch oven to be an indispensable tool in my kitchen.