Cast Iron – Is it safe to use?

Cast iron is one of the oldest and most trusted materials in the kitchen. It is used to make pans, pots, woks, grill pans, skillets and casseroles that can go from stovetop to oven and even straight to the table. But many home cooks still ask: “Is cast iron actually safe to use every day?”

Cast iron is an iron alloy that is melted and poured into a mold (“cast”), then finished into cookware like skillets, grill pans, woks and casseroles. It is loved in professional kitchens because it is durable, offers excellent heat retention and can be used on most heat sources, including gas, electric, induction and in the oven.

There are two common types of cast iron cookware:

• Bare cast iron: Traditional black cast iron that needs seasoning to build a natural non‑stick layer.
• Enameled cast iron: Cast iron with a glass‑like enamel coating inside and outside. It does not require seasoning and is easier to clean.

Sunnex enameled cast iron casseroles, skillets and dishes – for example the Cast Iron Round Casserole, 28cm (Black) and Cast Iron Rectangular Dish, 28.5x20cm (Red) – that combine strong heat retention with an attractive ceramic‑effect finish for buffet and table service.

For most people, cast iron cookware is safe for everyday use. Here are the main points to understand:

• Minimal iron transfer: Bare cast iron can release small amounts of iron into food, especially with acidic dishes like tomato sauce, but this is usually considered beneficial rather than harmful for most healthy people.
• Regulated materials: Quality enameled cast iron uses food‑safe enamel that complies with strict limits for heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.
• High‑heat tolerance: Both bare and enameled cast iron can handle high cooking temperatures and are oven‑safe within the limits given by the manufacturer (often up to around 260–500°C / 500°F depending on the product).

People who already have iron overload conditions (such as hemochromatosis) or are on high‑dose iron supplements should speak with their doctor and may want to limit cooking very acidic foods in bare cast iron. For most households and professional kitchens, cast iron is a safe and reliable choice.

Enameled cast iron adds an extra layer of safety and convenience. The enamel is a durable, glass‑based coating fused onto the cast iron at very high temperature. This non‑porous layer:

• Prevents direct contact between food and the iron core
• Reduces metal leaching, even with acidic ingredients
• Stops rust and helps avoid metallic taste or discoloration in food

High‑quality enameled cast iron from regulated manufacturers is considered non‑toxic and food‑safe when used as directed. Sunnex enameled cast iron casseroles and dishes– like our Cast Iron Shallow Round Casserole, 27cm (Black) are designed for professional foodservice use, combining strong heat retention with an easy‑to‑clean enamel surface that does not require seasoning.

To get the best experience and maintain safety, keep these simple practices in mind:

• Follow heat guidelines: Use low to medium heat for most cooking and avoid overheating empty pans. Always check the recommended maximum oven temperature for your cookware.
• Avoid sudden temperature shock: Let hot enamel cool down before washing, and avoid pouring very cold water into very hot cookware to prevent damage to the enamel surface.
• Use suitable utensils: Use wooden, silicone or nylon utensils and avoid sharp metal tools that can chip enamel or scratch the seasoned layer.
• Clean and dry thoroughly: Hand wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush or sponge, then dry completely before storage to avoid rust on any exposed cast iron areas.
• Check for chips: If enamel is heavily chipped and the cast iron core is exposed, it is better to replace or reserve that piece for non‑food use.

When you follow these steps, cast iron cookware can be a safe, long‑lasting partner in both home and professional kitchens.

Sunnex has been supporting the catering and buffetware industry for decades, supplying durable cookware and buffet equipment to hotels, restaurants and catering professionals around the world. Our enameled cast iron range is designed for both cooking and serving:

• Strong heat retention to keep dishes warm on buffets, heating plates and in chafers
• Attractive colors and ceramic‑effect enamel that look good on the buffet line or table
• Easy‑to‑clean surfaces that do not require seasoning, ideal for busy kitchens

You can explore more options in our Cast Iron Series, where you will find a full range of cast iron casseroles, skillets and serving dishes for professional foodservice.

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