Russian cast iron frying pans

Since childhood, we remember the unique taste of grandmother's pancakes. Such tasty, fragrant, oily, but low-fat pancakes cannot be cooked on modern pancake maker with a non-stick coating. Soviet people know the secret of an amazing taste, and it consists in the use of a cast-iron pan. Now it’s not so easy to find a pig-iron specimen, however, the people of Russia were lucky, because in our country there are quite a few manufacturers of cast-iron dishes.

Despite the popularity of modern kitchen utensils, making it possible to quickly cook delicious dishes, the relevance of cast iron pans does not decrease. Cast iron has amazing properties that can not be repeated in the production of dishes from another material. Its main advantage is the ability to evenly distribute heat over the entire area, the walls and the bottom for a long time keep the right temperature, and this is not just convenient and important while maintaining the taste of the dish, but also beneficial in terms of saving gas or electricity.

Soviet mistresses know that before first use, the cast iron pan must be thoroughly calcined several timesThis process improves the performance of the product without the use of toxic components, that is, the pan remains environmentally friendly.

Cast iron is a material that is very resistant to deformation, although sometimes it can be a minus. For example, with a strong blow, the pan may crack. But still this disadvantage is compensated by natural non-stick properties, for which the cast-iron pan and is valued not only in simple Russian cuisines, but also in well-known elite restaurants. Among other drawbacks of the products can be called its heavy weight and the inability to store food in the refrigerator. In addition, cast iron requires special care during operation, but, nevertheless, it is this dish that is one of the most popular at present.

Russian buyers are lucky, because the relevance of cast iron products has led to the spread of production throughout the country. If in many countries of the world a cast iron skillet is quite difficult to find in a store, then on the Russian counter this product is quite affordable.

There are several types of cast iron cookware made in Russia.

• Pans for induction plates. These include universal pans that can be used for any type of cooker. Operation is possible in virtually any environment. After the pot is removed from the stove, it cools down almost immediately. Such models are more common in the line of Russian manufacturers than among foreign-made specimens.
• Non-stick varieties. These products are covered with an additional non-stick layer. The added coating provides protection and prevents the absorption of food odors. The advantage of such pans is that they can be washed with a classic detergent.
• Enamelled pan. Not so often found on the departments of domestic dishes, it is more common to use it in European countries.Not very popular option in Russia, as it is characterized by a short service life, but it is simpler to maintain.

Domestic companies for the production of cast-iron cookware offer a variety of forms for cooking, including instances of narrow orientation, for example:

• universal pans;
• cast iron wok;
• grill pans;
• cast iron pancake makers;
• frying pans-braziers.

Before you buy a Russian pan Pay attention to the following criteria.

• If the pan is needed to prepare a particular dish, then choose a narrowly focused dish. If for pancakes, then pancake maker, if for cooking liquid dishes and soups, then a stewpan. Then the product will serve the buyer much longer than the frequently used universal pan.
• Decide on the diameter. If food is prepared for one person, then a frying pan with a diameter of 22 cm is sufficient. For a large family, choose a container with a diameter of 26 cm. Among the products of domestic production even models with a diameter of 50 cm are offered. This option is suitable for preparing dishes for a large number of guests.
• Pay attention to the thickness of the bottom and walls. Typically, the thickness of cast iron dishes ranges from 3-20 mm. If the pan is needed for cooking sauces, then a product with a small thickness will do; thick-walled specimens are intended for cooking on the grill.
• If you choose dishes with non-stick coating, then you should carefully examine the composition of each product. Among them are harmful layers, but there are also coatings that allow you to fry meat with a crust without using oil.

Each Russian company represents a wide range of cast iron products. According to customer reviews, there are several most preferred models from different manufacturers.

Greater attention deserve products "Dobrynya" and "Balezino". "Dobrynya" - a fairly competitive company, in many ways surpassing foreign counterparts, although in this case it was not without drawbacks. So, as users note, products are often supplied for sale with a factory marriage, and the cost is sometimes more expensive than for products made in Ukraine or China.

Model “Dobrynya DO-3302” has a diameter of 24 cm and rather thin walls and bottom. It would seem that this, too, should be attributed to the minuses, but in this case, a small thickness allows the pan to heat up more quickly and fry the dishes until crisp. The weight is rather big - 2.7 kg, but this disadvantage is compensated by the presence of two handles at once: long and short. These handles are made of heat-resistant plastic. Users appreciated the ability to work on an induction cooker, as well as a glass cover included.

The frying pan does not have any additional coverage, this is reflected in the complexity of caring for it, but this particular product is as close as possible to the Soviet version used by our grandmothers.

Another popular all-purpose pan is a product. Balezinsky plant. Of the minuses there is a large weight - about 7 kg, however, this is due to the obvious advantage - a thick bottom. Two side handles allow you to easily carry the pan, and the high sides provide the preparation of semi-liquid dishes.

The disadvantages include the lack of a cover and a grab for safe operation.

Users note that this is a multifunctional product that can simultaneously serve as a barbecue and a barbecue, a griddle and a pressure cooker, an oven and a microwave. Buyers appreciate the natural taste and aroma of products that are perfectly preserved due to the thick walls and the cover-press. Also, the pan fully saves and the use of products.

This is a suitable copy for supporters of a healthy diet, as it is possible to use a minimum amount of oil. Due to the thick bottom all the ingredients warm up evenly, and the products do not burn.

The disadvantages include a large weight - 3.2 kg without a lid, a separate lid weighs 3.4 kg. Also among the shortcomings is the need to rinse the grill well after each use, it is impossible to wash the iron in the dishwasher. After each thorough hand washing, the pan should be well wiped and oiled.

A great option for fans of pancakes. The pan has a comfortable wooden handle that is comfortable to hold in your hand when pouring the dough and turning the pancakes. Well buyers respond about fastening. Also, users appreciate the preliminary preparation of pancake makers in the production and cleaning from engine oil, which reduces the consumer's time to prepare the cast iron pan for the first use.

Of the minuses, however, not too high-quality processing stands out, buyers find roughness on the surface, although a perfectly flat bottom is needed to make pancakes. Also, as a disadvantage, users note a small diameter - 22 cm. For simple pancakes, this is a suitable option, but, for example, you should not wrap the stuffing in such pancakes, so you need a larger diameter for cooking pancakes with filling.

In general, reviews of the products of Russian manufacturers are positive. Many models surpass foreign competitors in quality, in price and even in aesthetic properties. Highly appreciate consumers and the diversity of the options presented: these are universal pans, and pans for specific dishes, dishes with removable or fixed handles, sets with and without lids, and much more. Of the shortcomings, some mention instances of marriage, as well as the heavy weight of the products, although this aspect mostly depends on the specifics of the instance, and not on the manufacturer.

The video below provides instructions for the assembly, preparation and operation of the cast iron pan "BIOL".