A dutch oven is a heavy cooking pot, usually made of cast iron, with a tightly fitting lid. These pots can be used on the stove or in the oven, making them perfect for casseroles.

What is a Cocotte Pot?

A cocotte, pronounced "ko-kot" is the French name for a dutch oven. You may see this term in recipes that originated outside of the United States. If your recipe calls for a cocotte, your dutch oven will serve the same purpose.

What's a Dutch Oven? How to Use, Clean, and Maintain

When you think of cast iron cookware, you probably picture a campfire. Maybe some cowboys out on the range, sizzling up some steaks while swapping tall tales of legendary heroes and lost loves. But while it’s true this material has very humble beginnings, there’s actually a lot of ways you can use cast iron – in a lot of places. You can even use cast iron in restaurants! Now you’re probably thinking, “That can’t be true. It’s impractical to use a cast iron skillet in a restaurant.” But the truth is that this age-old material is becoming more and more popular for commercial settings. Let’s explore some of the benefits cast iron has to offer and some of the myths that prevent it from being used as widely as it could be. Shop All Cast Iron Cookware Myths About Cast Iron Can you use soap to clean cast iron? Yes! This is probably one of the most common misconceptions about cast iron. While it’s true that cast iron pans do need to build up a coating in order to stay non-stick, using a little bit of dish soap won’t hurt anything. The more important thing to remember is to always dry your cast iron immediately after washing it. Otherwise, you run the risk of rust. Another thing to keep in mind here is that routine re-seasoning is recommended. You should coat your pan with a thin layer of melted vegetable oil or shortening and bake it between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. That level of heat should kill any bacteria just as effectively as soap, if not more so. So while you can use soap to wash your cast iron pans, you don’t necessarily need to. Can you use cast iron cookware for restaurants? Yes. In fact, many restaurants love using cast iron cookware because (in most cases) you can both cook and serve in the same pan. One of the most common restaurant uses you might see are “sizzle platters” where fajita fillings (like steak and peppers) are brought out on sizzling hot cast iron platters, usually on top of a heat-resistant underliner made of wood or silicone. Is cast iron expensive? Because the process of creating cast iron cookware is relatively simple, it tends to be very affordable. And when you think of the cost of cast iron in relation to a comparable non-stick pan, you’ll find that cast iron is a very cost-effective option. That’s because while most non-stick surfaces cannot be repaired after they’ve been scratched, cast iron can be re-seasoned again and again to repair any damage. If a cast iron skillet is seasoned routinely, its lifespan will far exceed that of a typical non-stick pan. My cast iron pan is rusty. Is it ruined? No. If your cast iron cookware is showing signs of rust, simply remove the rusty layer with steel wool. Even a paste made of coarsely ground salt and water on a paper towel will do the trick. You can use anything that’s abrasive enough to scrape the rust off. Just make sure it’s non-toxic because you don’t want to risk any harmful chemicals leeching into the surface of your pan. Does cast iron heat evenly? Unfortunately, no. While it may seem like the thickness of cast iron would distribute heat well, this material is notorious for cold spots. The best way to ensure even cooking while using a cast iron pan is to heat it really well either on the stovetop or in the oven prior to use. Can traces of iron get into my food? Cooking acidic foods (like tomato sauce) in a cast iron pan is not recommended because acid can wear down the seasoned coating and is more likely to absorb iron into the food itself. Although it's nontoxic, these traces of iron can leave a metallic taste in your sauce. So if you find that a particular recipe comes out tasting like iron, consider the acid levels of the ingredients and try making that dish in a different pan. Why Use Cast Iron? Cast iron lasts forever As mentioned above, one of the best things about cast iron cookware is that it’s extremely durable and can usually be repaired if scratched or damaged. So as long as your pan doesn’t chip or crack, you can remove any rust and re-season it again and again. Cast iron is oven safe Probably the best thing about cooking with cast iron is its versatility. This material can be used with pretty much any heat source—from open flame to induction. This, of course, includes use in commercial ovens. Not only will you be able to enjoy the effect cast iron can provide for your baked mac and cheese and fruit cobblers, but you can also experience the convenience of a naturally non-stick surface for making eggs and more. Cast iron is natural Unlike some non-stick pan coatings, cast iron pans are generally made of 100% natural materials—namely iron and oil. This is a fantastic benefit for farm-to-table restaurants or any establishment that focuses on clean cooking and natural ingredients. New features for cast iron are being developed Companies like Lodge have been developing new techniques of manufacturing and treating cast iron that are healthier for factory workers and provide convenient qualities, like dishwasher-safe finishes. By combining ancient casting techniques with cutting-edge technology, Lodge has developed a heat-treated line of rust-resistant cast iron cookware. They cast these products using the same process they’ve been practicing for over 100 years. Then, they expose the items to a heating process that penetrates the outer layer of the pan, which deoxidizes the iron, making it resistant to rust. This means that, for the first time ever, you can actually clean your cast iron in the dishwasher! And even better yet, there are no harmful chemicals used to coat the surface of these products—just oil, and heat. Since this technique is still so new, the number of rust-resistant products available is mostly limited to small, oven-to-table serving pieces. However, Lodge plans to expand their selection of heat-treated products in the near future. Cast iron is a visually appealing presentation piece Let’s not forget that the classic look of these products can contribute to an eye-catching presentation in a variety of settings. From country-themed restaurants to modern rustic establishments, customers love serving pieces made of natural materials that are designed with a classic appearance. While you may have thought you knew everything there was to know about cast iron, keep in mind that this centuries-old material is still being developed in new ways to make it more practical for commercial environments. It’s durable enough to withstand scratches and other wear and tear, and versatile enough to be used with any heat source. And the introduction of rust-resistant products has opened even more doors for new possibilities at restaurants and in other commercial settings. So if you’re thinking of replacing your existing cookware (or stocking your restaurant for the very first time), consider incorporating cast iron into the mix.

Whether it’s been passed down through generations or just recently purchased, a cast iron grill pan is a vital tool to have in your kitchen. But once service is over, do you know how to properly clean your cast iron grill pan? With the right care, these pans can outlast even your most durable non-stick or stainless steel pans. After cooking with cast iron, follow these steps on how to clean and season a cast iron skillet to ensure your sturdy cast iron stays a staple in your commercial kitchen. Shop All Cast Iron Grill Pans How to Clean a Cast Iron Grill Pan Check out our tutorial for a visual demonstration on cleaning a cast iron grill pan: <iframe scrolling="no" width="392" height="226" src="/v/?num=12778&width=600&height=500&embed=1" frameborder="0"></iframe> How Do You Clean a Cast Iron Pan? Below are the best ways to clean a cast-iron pan after cooking: How to Clean Cast Iron with Salt and Water Because maintaining your cast iron’s seasoned surface is important, it makes sense why many chefs reach for kosher salt instead of detergent when cleaning. The coarseness of kosher salt offers an abrasive cleaning solution that helps rid your pan of stuck-on particles. Often considered the best way to clean a cast-iron skillet, here’s how to use salt and water to effectively scrub your pan. Allow the pan to cool to the touch, but do not let it cool completely. Generously cover the surface with coarse kosher salt. Add a small amount of hot water to the surface, so the salt sticks together to form a paste-like texture. Use a sponge to scrub the salt around the pan, getting in between the ridges and all around the sides. Rinse the pan with hot water to remove salt and debris. Repeat if necessary. How to Clean Cast Iron with Salt If you’re a firm believer in keeping your cast iron far away from water, this method may be perfect for you. It offers the same abrasive scrubbing as the method above, which makes it effective for combating stuck-on food. Sprinkle the top of the pan with a generous amount of coarse kosher salt. Use a folded paper towel to rub the salt into the stuck-on food. Add more salt as needed and continue to scrub the pan with the salt and paper towel. Using a new paper towel, do one more wipe down and dump all residue and salt into the trash. How to Clean Cast Iron with Soap Just as your cast iron has been passed down over the years, so has the idea that you should never use soap with it. When done right, however, soap and water can be an effective method for removing rust or cleaning brand-new cast iron. Because this method can break down and remove the flavor-enhancing seasoning you’ve built up over multiple uses, it is recommended you use the following method only when necessary. Place a small amount of non-abrasive soap or detergent in the middle of your grill pan. Using steel wool, a scrubber, or a sponge, scrub down all surfaces on the pan with soap and a small amount of hot water. Rinse the grill pan with hot water. Take a sponge or non-abrasive pad and do one more scrub around the pan with soap. Rinse off any remaining soap residue. How to Clean Cast Iron with Boiling Water If you’re short on supplies or your pan contains a lot of large food particles, this simple method may work best for you. Note: this method will only work with grill pans that have tall sides to contain the water. Set your grill pan back on the stove and fill it with about two to three inches of water. After a few minutes of boiling, food particles should begin to float to the surface. Use a spatula and scrape between the ridges to loosen up any excess stuck-on food. Allow the pan to cool for a few minutes, and then dump water and residue down the drain. Rinse out the empty pan with hot water.Use a dry paper towel to wipe away any remaining food particles. How to Season a Cast Iron Grill Pan Below is the best way to season a cast-iron skillet: After cleaning your cast iron, set it on the stovetop or in an oven set to 450 or 500 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure any remaining water is evaporated. Take a paper towel and thoroughly rub a neutral oil or shortening of your choice over the entire pan. Be sure to get the cooking surface, sides, bottom, and handle. Tear off another paper towel and wipe away excess oil. Let the skillet sit on the stovetop until it begins to smoke. If you're using the oven, turn it off after an hour and allow the skillet to cool in the oven. What you do after cleaning your cast iron skillet will determine how long it lasts in your kitchen. Because cast iron is especially susceptible to rust, you must make sure it is bone dry before storage. Best Oil for Seasoning Cast Iron The best oil to use for seasoning cast iron is a high smoke point oil, such as canola, vegetable, grapeseed, and even lard. These oils are also inexpensive and have a mild taste, so they shouldn't affect the flavor of your cooking. Using flaxseed oil to season a cast iron skillet is a hotly debated topic. It is a great drying oil and can leave a nice, sturdy polymer network chain which creates a harder and smoother surface on your cast iron pan. However, many flaxseed oil users have reported that flaxseed oil can flake off after use. Another downside is that flaxseed oil is expensive, and you will need many coats of this oil to fully season the cast iron pan. Cast Iron Grill Pan Maintenance No matter what method you use to clean a cast iron grill pan, here are a few tips for increasing the life of your cast iron: Never leave water in the pan or allow it to soak because this can cause rusting. Warping may occur if you allow the hot pan to come into contact with cold water. To avoid this, allow the pan to cool to the touch first, or clean it with very hot water. If you don’t wipe away excess oil when seasoning, your pan can be left with a sticky coating. When possible, opt for solid shortening. If your cast iron grill pan includes a lid, do not store it with the lid on. This can trap moisture from the air between the lid and pan, which may result in rust. When cleaning your pan in the sink, line the sink with towels to prevent scratching on the bottom of your pan. Make your oven as hot as possible when re-seasoning the pan. This allows the oil to pass its smoking point and begin to break down, which will bond it to the cast iron, creating a smooth surface. When reseasoning in the oven, set the skillet upside down and place foil underneath to allow excess oil to drip off during this process. No matter what method you think is best to clean a cast iron grill pan, be sure to stay consistent and diligent with your after-cooking care. When cast iron pans are well preserved, they only get better with age. Build up years of flavor-enhancing seasoning to produce delicious food guests will come back to time and time again.

Although cast iron cookware was invented centuries ago, it is becoming the preferred choice for many cooks today, even over modern pieces. This post will tell you everything you need to know about why cast iron has endured for so long, and why it’s suddenly becoming popular again. We will also go over some tips for keeping your cast iron cookware in good condition, so you can keep using it for years to come. How is Cast Iron Cookware Made? Cast iron cookware is made by melting blocks of iron and steel together in a factory. Then chemicals are added to the mixture in order to raise its carbon levels. Next, the molten metal is poured into a mold made of sand, water, and powdered clay. When the cast iron pot or pan is cool, the sand mold is broken and the cookware is released. Workers then smooth each piece before it’s ready to be sold. Shop All Cast Iron Cookware The History of Cast Iron Cookware The first known use of cast iron cookware was during the Han Dynasty in China, around 220 A.D. Casting techniques became widespread in Europe by the 16th century, and since then, this versatile equipment has been a staple in households all over the world. In 1707, Abraham Darby patented the sand casting method, which is similar to the way we make cast iron today. Because of Darby’s contribution, the 18th and 19th centuries saw a boom in cast iron cookware. Cast iron pots and pans were so important to daily life that in his book, The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith says they were worth more than gold. Cast iron cookware saw a decline in the 20th century as other cooking materials like aluminum grew in popularity. Reasons Why Cast Iron is Becoming Popular Again Some people may think that ancient styles of cookware wouldn’t hold up next to modern aluminum or stainless steel pieces, but cast iron is experiencing a resurgence in restaurants and homes all over the country. We’re here to help you understand why people are returning to old cooking methods, and how you can participate in this exciting resurgence. 1. Other Cookware May Come with Health Concerns A major reason why cast iron cookware is making a comeback is because of health concerns involving other types of cookware. For example, some non-stick coated pans are now known to emit toxic fumes when they are heated past a certain temperature. Cast iron poses none of these risks, and can be heated to extremely high temperatures without negative effects. 2. Cast Iron Cookware Lasts Forever Many people would rather invest in cookware that will last, instead of spending money on something they’ll need to replace within a few years. Cast iron cookware can be used for hundreds of years, so as long as you treat it right, it should last you a great deal longer than other cookware might. 3. Cast Iron is Visually Appealing Some restaurant owners are incorporating more cast iron cookware into their mix because it looks great for serving. When cooking with cast iron, you can make sizzling fajitas or a giant skillet cookie, which adds a rustic and unique feel to the presentation. Can I Resurface a Rusty Cast Iron Pot or Pan? One of the reasons that cast iron cookware is experiencing a boom in popularity is because it is extremely durable. So durable, in fact, that cast iron pieces can be restored, even when they’re completely rusted over. Follow the steps below to learn how to clean rusty cast iron to make it look like new. How to Resurface Cast Iron Cookware Scrape the pan with steel wool until there are no more rust spots. Wash the cookware with warm, soapy water. Dry the piece completely. This is an important step that will keep new rust spots from appearing. First, dry with a cloth, then place it on a range burner and let the heat dry your pot or pan the rest of the way. Soak paper towels with cooking oil and use them to coat the inside of your cookware with a thin layer of oil. Place the cookware on the top rack of the oven, face down at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to put a piece of aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch dripping oil. Leave the piece like this for an hour. Remove your pan from the oven and let it cool. It’s now ready to use! What Are the Best Cast Iron Cookware Brands? Whether you want to add an antique cast iron skillet to your collection or you’re looking for a brand new dutch oven, these are some of the important brands you should pay attention to. Old Cast Iron Brands You can find antique cast iron cookware in places like yard sales and antique shops, but how do you know if you’re getting a good product? Antique brands to look out for include Griswold, Wagner, and Wapak. None of these companies make cast iron cookware anymore, but their legacies live on. New Cast Iron Brands If you’d rather start fresh with a new cast iron pan or dutch oven, there are still plenty of brands that make high-quality cast iron cookware. Lodge offers excellent options for new generations that want to participate in the cast iron phenomenon. American Metalcraft also offers cook and serve cast iron items, which are perfect for enhancing presentation. How Do I Care for My Cast Iron Cookware? Although cast iron is very durable, you still have to take certain precautions to keep it clean and rust free. Keep it Dry: Cast iron cookware will require attention immediately after you’re done using it. You can wash it with a little bit of soap and water, but you’ll have to leave it sitting on a hot burner for a few minutes after you towel dry it. Any amount of water left in the pan can cause a rust spot. Reseason Frequently: Seasoning is the process that creates a non-stick layer on your cookware. Be sure to reseason your cast iron often, especially when you first buy or restore it. The more times you use your cookware, the better the layer of seasoning will work. Coat with Oil After Every Wash: Before you put your cast iron skillet or pot away, be sure to wipe it down with a light coating of oil to protect the seasoning. Cast iron cookware has been around forever, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. If you want to get in on this trend, follow these tips and you’ll be whipping up pan-seared steaks and skillet cornbread in no time.

What Is a Dutch Oven?

Shop All Dutch Ovens