Is Cast iron safe to cook with?

Question

I am thinking about getting these as a gift? I want to know what you think about them.
http://kitchen-dining.hsn.com/tim-love-collection-16-piece-cast-iron-cookware-set_pf-259369_xp.aspx?cm_mmc=EMAIL*Weekly*EMAOEMW20071205A*259369&afsrc=1&rdr=1&sourceid=EMAOEMW20071205A_259369#product_tabs

Do you have anything to support your answers with? (Proof). I know that is what people cooked on in the old days and I just want to know from everyone who does cook out there about these. Thank you for your kind answers.

Porcelain enamel-finished interior and exterior on cookware
Skillet: enamel cast iron, pour spouts, stick handle and helper handle
Steamer: stainless steel, buffet riveted handle, mirror-polish finished interior and exterior
Griddle/pizza pan: cast iron, black matte enamel and buffet handle
Saucepot: enamel cast iron, pour spouts, stick handle, enamel cast iron self-basting lid
Mini casseroles: enamel cast iron, buffet, enamel cast iron handle and self-bastin

Answer 1

Cast iron is actually much safer than pans with coatings on them, cooking with teflon for example will supposedly add toxins to your food. Steel is basically just iron with chromium or nickel coating...this set should be fine.

Answer 2

Great cooks insist on cast iron cookware due to its heat retention and even heat distribution, superior to other metals.
food cooked in a cast-iron skillet, especially acidic foods like tomato sauce, has increased iron content, in some cases up to 20 times as much.

I am sorry I can not remember where I read it but it is healthy and recommended to use cast iron. I threw out all my old skillits and have been using cast iron skillits for 2 years now. I will never go back!

Answer 3

It would be a great gift. I like Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware and this is similar. It's very safe

Contrary to a poster below me, enameled cast iron can be very good cookware. Le Creuset pans go for 100+ per pan and they last generations. They have been making this style of pan since 1925. Since people are still paying top dollar for them, I think they have withstood the test of time.

Just make sure that this particular set is good quality before you pay the fairly significant price

Answer 4

Cast iron are a wonderful thing to have they go in oven and on the stove ,but they are heavy ,if you are planning to give something as such as a gift ,you must consider the age of that person receiving it , and older person doesn't have the strenght to left one up when they are empty and when they are full it's double the weight . When you wash a cast iron pot remember to grease it afterword to prevent the rust from surfacing, I have a skillet . Those are a very nice set but before you make your purchase go and see them and pick them up if they are too heavy opt for a Stainless steel from Lagostina set and just buy one piece from the cast Iron serie.

Answer 5

Cast iron is actually good for you, besides it makes the food taste better too. It help you increase your iron intake, which is important for you to have in your diet...but don't wash with soap, it will leave soap flavor in the cast iron. Wash with hot, hot, hot, water and a scrubber brush.

Answer 6

"Porcelain enamel-finished interior and exterior on cookware"

This is not a good idea! Porcelain has a tendancy to chip if bumped. it will continue to crack and chip for several minutes and especially after it starts to heat! Cast iron skillets and pans are great, but what you are showing here aren't cast iron. they are metal stamped and coated!

Answer 7

cast iron is great to cook with and adds flavor to the food.

Answer 8

Yes, Cast Iron is the best!!!

Answer 9

I've used them for years, so did my parents and the added iron is good for you. The only problem is the weight. If someone has arthritis, they can be nearly impossile to lift, especially a heavy frypan or roast pan.

Answer 10

Yes it is safe to cook with and you get better flavor when you don't wash it! Just wipe it clean with a wet paper towel. You should rent "Meet the Fokkers". Someone is complimenting the Dustin Hoffman character (Mr. Fokker) on his fritattas, and he said, "I never wash the pan!" and you think he's joking, but for those "in the know", we know that's entirely true!