Why We Love Cast Iron: Cooking the Old Fashioned Way

At Cawl & Co, we’ve got a bit of a thing for cast iron. There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking with a pan that feels like it could outlive you, solid, simple, and full of history. But beyond the nostalgia, cast iron delivers unbeatable flavour, performance, and sustainability.

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Here’s why we love it so much.

1. It Lasts a Lifetime (and Then Some)

A well-cared-for cast iron pan can last for generations. Many are still in use after a hundred years, passed down, seasoned, and treasured like family heirlooms.

2. It Gets Better with Age

Unlike most kitchen tools, cast iron improves over time. Each use builds a natural non-stick layer known as seasoning, the secret to its beautiful black patina and rich, deep flavour.

3. It Holds the Heat Like Nothing Else

Cast iron distributes heat evenly and retains it brilliantly, making it perfect for slow-simmered stews, sizzling sears, and perfectly crisp roast potatoes.

4. It’s a Zero-Waste Hero

No coatings, no chemicals, no plastic. Cast iron is made to last forever, not end up in landfill. When you cook with cast iron, you’re choosing sustainability that’s built in.

5. It Connects Us to the Past

For centuries, cast iron pots hung over open fires in homes across Wales and beyond. Cooking with it today feels like a nod to simpler times, and a link to generations before us.

6. It’s Naturally Non-Stick (If You Treat It Right)

Forget fancy coatings. With proper seasoning and care, your pan becomes naturally non-stick, without a single drop of Teflon in sight.

7. It Can Do It All

Fry, bake, roast, simmer, or even serve, cast iron goes straight from stove to oven to table. It’s the ultimate all-rounder for any kitchen.

8. It Adds Depth of Flavour

Ask any chef, there’s something about cooking in cast iron that enhances flavour. The pan itself becomes seasoned by your food, and your food by the pan.

9. It’s Beautifully Simple

There’s an honest, unpretentious beauty to cast iron, heavy in the hand, matte in finish, and timeless in design. No gadgets or gimmicks, just good, solid craftsmanship.

10. It’s the Heart of Our Kitchen

At Cawl & Co, we believe good food deserves good tools. That’s why our seasoning products and cookware are designed to keep your cast iron in perfect shape, so it can keep cooking for years to come.

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Cooking with cast iron isn’t just about what’s on your plate, it’s about slowing down, reconnecting with real food, and celebrating the timeless joy of a well-made meal.

Explore our range of cast iron care tools and traditional cookware at Cawl & Co, because good food deserves a pan with a bit of soul.