What to Buy for Your Cast Iron Cookware Set

The cast iron essentials you need to create the perfect cookware set for your kitchen.

cast iron cookware | danielle ravitch

When we moved back to New York from San Diego, we got rid of pretty much all of our cookware. There just wasn’t enough room to fit everything into the small pod that would carry our belongings cross country. Thankfully, when we settled into our little house on the North Shore (here on Long Island), my parents were in the process of moving into their brand new home as well. So, we were blessed with some hand me down kitchen essentials. Cookware that my parents wanted to replace to match the aesthetic of their new home. 

However, as you may have guessed or experienced yourself, hand me downs don’t typically come in a complete set. Or, have a lot of life left in them. So, while we are extremely grateful to have been gifted with the items we received, Justin and I knew that overtime we would have to slowly replace this cookware set. Because nothing lasts forever, that is unless you invest in cast iron…

Cast Iron Cookware

Hearth + Hand, 2.5 Quart Cast Iron Saucepan – this saucepan is just the right size for whipping up some of my favorite soups and stews. And, I love the neutral color,  making it a great addition to any cookware set. 

Martha Stewart, 7 Quart Enamel on Cast Iron Dutch Oven (Blue) – is it just me or can Martha do no wrong?! Seriously, I was  even captivated when I watched a how to tutorial from Martha on how to make a bed. But, I digress…

I was gifted one of her cast iron dutch ovens at my bridal shower (thanks Aunt Dianne!), and it has been one of my absolute favorites! But, this shade of blue makes me want to purchase another for our collection, and at $56 I just might. I would definitely consider this a steal!

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicon Hot Handle – we just picked up this skillet this weekend (it’s only $25) and let me tell you, I am in love! Although, it is quite heavy (around  5 lbs) but, not as heavy as the Hearth + Hand Saucepan (9 lbs). I made a sourdough breakfast skillet recipe in the oven around 425 degrees and it came out perfectly! Don’t worry, I’ll be sharing that recipe soon…

CAST IRON COOKING

Cabela’s Oven Roaster with Lid  – I’m going to be honest, I did not think I was going to find a cast iron roasting pan. So, imagine my surprise when this one from Cabela’s showed up, and with stellar reviews. One review mentioned making homemade bread in this roaster. So, naturally this is on my wish list now that I’ve been experimenting with my sourdough starter

Lodge Chef Collection Seasoned Cast Iron Double Burner Reversible Grill Pan/ Griddle – I envision making endless pancakes (5-6 silver dollars at a time) on a Sunday morning or placing this grill pan on our charcoal grill with some perfectly seasoned steak or chicken breast. What would you make?

Le Creuset, 7.25 Quart Dutch Oven (Cream) – coming in at $439.95, this one is a splurge and a half! But, isn’t she gorgeous?! I could see my future self with the entire collection prepping delicious from scratch meals in my cozy kitchen. Shhh, do not interrupt…visualization in process.

Lodge Pre-seasoned 10.5 Inch Grill Pan – this pan is a great alternative to the reversible grill pan/griddle we talked about above. And, it comes in at an affordable price point (under $25). Bring the grill indoors this winter or, you can make delicious paninis to go along with your favorite soup