Cast iron bakeware has been valued for centuries for its durability, versatility, and ability to retain heat. These qualities make cast iron an ideal choice for off-grid living situations where reliability and longevity are key. This article will discuss the benefits of cast iron for off grid use and provide guidance on selecting high-quality cast iron bakeware built to last a lifetime.
Why Cast Iron Excels for Off-Grid Bakeware
Cast iron offers a number of advantages that make it well-suited for off grid living:
Extreme Durability
Cast iron is incredibly durable and can withstand years of regular use without warping or wearing down significantly. Unlike other bakeware materials, minor scratches or chips in the surface will not impact performance. Properly cared for cast iron passed down through generations is not uncommon. This extreme durability is invaluable for off grid situations where replacing items may be difficult or impossible.
Superior Heat Retention
Once cast iron is heated, it retains heat extremely well. This allows for more consistent baking temperatures and makes it easier to bake items like bread that rely on a blast of initial heat. Superior heat retention also saves fuel when baking, as less energy is required to maintain oven temperatures. This fuel efficiency is very beneficial for off grid living.
Multi-Purpose Functionality
From baking bread to frying eggs to simmering stews, cast iron can do it all. Having versatile bakeware is useful for off grid kitchens with limited space and equipment. One well-seasoned cast iron pan can serve as your go-to for all cooking and baking needs.
Naturally Non-Stick Surface
With proper seasoning and care, cast iron develops a natural non-stick patina. Foods release easily from well-maintained cast iron, eliminating the need for disposable non-stick coatings that scratch and wear out. This not only saves money but reduces waste for sustainable off grid living.
Safe for All Heat Sources
You can use cast iron pans directly on almost any heat source, from wood stoves to open fires. This flexibility allows you to bake and cook regardless of your off grid power setup. Cast iron works perfectly across fuel types including wood, propane, solar, etc.
With its extreme durability, heat retention, versatility, non-stick properties, and flexibility across fuel sources, cast iron is quite simply the ideal choice for off grid bakeware built to last a lifetime.
A Survival Kitchen Needs Tools
Selecting Quality Cast Iron Bakeware for Off Grid Use
While cast iron excels for off grid use, not all cast iron pans are created equal. Choosing quality cast iron bakeware designed and constructed to provide generations of use requires some discernment. Here are the key factors to evaluate:
Type of Cast Iron
There are two main types of cast iron bakeware – traditional untreated cast iron and enameled cast iron.
Traditional cast iron is seasoned to create a natural non-stick surface. It requires more care and maintenance but if properly looked after can literally last for centuries. This is the best type for off grid use given its durability and longevity.
Enameled cast iron has a vitreous glass coating applied to the surface. It requires less maintenance than traditional cast iron but the enamel can chip and degrade over time. Enameled cast iron is not ideal for off grid situations where replacements are impractical.
When selecting cast iron for off grid use, opt for traditional untreated cast iron rather than enameled. Make sure any enameled pieces you buy are high quality and have strong enamel unlikely to chip or fail.
Construction Quality
For traditional cast iron, assess construction quality by looking for the following characteristics:
- Smooth surface – A smooth cooking surface with a polished look indicates quality construction and machining. Rough surfaces are harder to properly season.
- Lightweight – Heavier does not necessarily mean better quality. Quality cast iron has been machined to an optimal thickness and weight. Extremely heavy pieces indicate excess iron that can lead to hot spots during cooking.
- Tight tolerances – High quality cast iron is made with extremely tight machining tolerances, especially around the pouring spouts and handle connections. Verify parts fit together snugly with no gaps.
- Balanced handle – Quality handles will be balanced to the weight of the pan rather than overly light or stubby. They should also have a hole for hanging storage.
These indicators will help you identify the highest quality traditional cast iron for off grid use. Brands like Finex, Butter Pat, Field Company, Smithey, and Stargazer represent the pinnacle of modern cast iron construction. Vintage cast iron brands like Griswold and Wagner are also prized for their quality. While expensive, these pieces represent an investment that can literally be passed down indefinitely.
Restoring Old Cast Iron
If purchasing quality modern cast iron is cost prohibitive, restoring old cast iron is an excellent option. Check places like antique stores, flea markets, estate sales, etc for vintage cast iron pans. Look for pieces without excessive rust pitting, cracks, or damage in the cooking surface. Avoid enamel coated cast iron, as restoring damaged enamel is largely impossible.
Restoring old cast iron simply requires removing old seasoning and rust before re-seasoning from scratch. This guide covers the full stripping and re-seasoning process in detail. With some elbow grease, you can restore old quality cast iron on the cheap for a fraction of the cost of new pieces.
Maintaining Cast Iron in an Off Grid Setting
While extremely durable, cast iron still requires some basic care and maintenance to keep it in good working order, especially in harsh off grid environments:
Seasoning
Maintaining seasoning on traditional cast iron prevents rust and provides a natural non-stick cooking surface. When stored for long periods, cast iron can lose seasoning allowing rust to form. Periodically re-season stored pans before any rust develops. Any surface rust that does form is easy to remove with steel wool before re-seasoning.
When using cast iron regularly, simply oil the cooking surface after each use once the pan cools. This maintains the seasoning between uses. If foods start sticking, strip the pan and start the seasoning process over from scratch.
Storage & Protection
Protect cast iron from moisture during storage. Pans left sitting with moisture inside will eventually rust. ALWAYS hand dry cast iron thoroughly after washing. For long-term storage, apply a very light coating of oil and wrap in paper or cloth. This prevents oxygen exposure leading to rust.
Also avoid stacking cast iron pans directly on top of one another during storage. This can damage the cooking surface. Individual storage bags or shelves that prevent contact work best for long term cast iron storage.
Cleaning
While soap was historically discouraged, modern dish soaps will not harm properly seasoned cast iron. Avoid abrasive cleaners like steel wool except when stripping for re-seasoning. Instead, clean with a brush or non-metal scrubber and hot water. Make sure to fully dry immediately after washing to prevent rust.
Cooking & Cooling
Allow cast iron to preheat gradually when cooking. Thermal shock from quickly going to high temperatures can damage the iron. Let pans cool gradually as well by moving to a burner in the off position. Avoid transferring directly from stove to sink. Gradual heating and cooling preserves your investment.
By respecting basic care and maintenance requirements, your cast iron bakeware will provide generations of reliable service even in harsh off grid environments.
Based on the search results, here are step-by-step instructions for seasoning cast iron cookware over an open flame or fire pit:
Seasoning Cast Iron Over an Open Flame
Chances are you are either going to be seasoning your cookware on an open flame or wood stove if you are off grid, here’s how.
Supplies Needed
- Cast iron cookware (skillet, Dutch oven, etc.)
- Vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or shortening, or some sort of animal fat
- Grill grate or similar to place cast iron on
- Fire pit or charcoal grill
- Heat-resistant gloves
Steps
- Build a hot fire using hardwood like oak or hickory. Allow it to burn down to hot coals.
- Using steel wool or abrasive pad, scrub cast iron cookware to remove any residue or rust on the surface. Dry thoroughly.
- Apply a thin, even layer of oil over the entire surface of the cookware – inside and out.
- Place grill grate over fire pit or charcoal grill. Set cast iron upside down on hot grate.
- Allow cast iron to heat until fire begins dying down. This allows the oil to polymerize onto the surface.
- Once fire is nearly out and cast iron is cool to the touch, remove it.
- Wash briefly in hot water to remove any soot. Dry immediately and thoroughly with towels or on the wood stove.
- Repeat oiling and heating over fire 2-3 more times to build up seasoning layer.
- Cookware is now ready to use or store. Re-oil after each use.
The key things to remember are using unsaturated oils with high smoke points, allowing cast iron to heat gradually to avoid damage, and fully drying after each use. Proper seasoning over an open fire will create a natural nonstick surface.
Conclusion
From Dutch ovens to frying pans, cast iron is the ideal choice for long lasting bakeware when living off the grid. Extremely durable and multi-purpose, well maintained cast iron lasts indefinitely. Seek out high quality traditional cast iron construction when purchasing new pieces. For the budget conscious, restoring old cast iron is also a great option. With proper seasoning, storage, cleaning, heating, and cooling habits, cast iron bakeware will serve as a lifetime kitchen companion regardless of your off grid situation. Choose cast iron over other bakeware materials and you’ll likely never need to replace another pan again!
Citations:
[1] https://www.offgridlivingnews.com/blog/off-grid-cookware-what-are-your-options
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-K0jlbizxc
[3] https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-cast-iron-pans-to-buy-4140095
[4] https://homepuff.com/blogs/blog/benefits-of-cast-iron-cookware
[5] http://inthewilderness.net/2021/12/11/cast-iron-cookware-for-the-homestead-kitchen/
[6] https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/how-to-season-cast-iron/
[7] https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/cast-iron-skillet-guide
[8] https://chatelaine.com/food/kitchen-tips/difference-cast-iron-cookware/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2MtgQAtOzc
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgsaQ3FdOwY
[11] https://madeincookware.com/blogs/cast-iron-cookware
[12] https://www.lodgecastiron.com/cast-iron-101/cast-iron-product-guide
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5slJcHZ3o7c
[14] https://www.reddit.com/r/cookingforbeginners/comments/zqhrcm/castiron_maintenance/?rdt=43823
[15] https://homesteadingfamily.com/choosing-best-cast-iron-cookware/
[16] https://www.lodgecastiron.com
[17] https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/blogs/scout/set-up-a-complete-off-grid-kitchen-that-rivals-the-one-in-your-house
[18] https://purelivingforlife.com/seasoning-cast-iron-skillet/
[19] https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/7-things-you-should-check-when-buying-a-cast-iron-skillet
[20] https://www.bbqguys.com/cookware/resources/buying-guides/cast-iron-cookware-advantages-disadvantages
[21] https://homesteadingfamily.com/stripping-and-seasoning-a-cast-iron-pan/
[22] https://www.souschef.co.uk/blogs/the-bureau-of-taste/the-buyer-s-guide-to-cast-iron-pans
[23] https://commonsensehome.com/cast-iron-cooking/
[24] https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/best-cast-iron-skillet-pan-reviews-article
[25] https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cast-iron-skillet/
