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Cast iron pans

The best material: Cast iron

Excellent heat distribution and non-stick effect

Easy to maintain and durable

Why Petromax?

  • Pfannenwender

    The fire pan

    The classic fire pan is the all-rounder for every kitchen. It is Versatile in usefrom classic roast dishes to casseroles.
    Do you love versatility? Then the fire pan is your perfect companion.

    All the advantages at a glance:

    • Surface: Smooth
    • Field of application: Versatile, all hob types & oven
    • Aroma: Intensifies the natural flavor
    • Non-stick effect: Natural patina
    • Care: Regular oiling
  • The grill pan

    The Grill and fire pan is the specialist for barbecue enthusiasts. The ribbed surface provides for Characteristic grill stripes and an intense aroma. Perfect for steaks, vegetables and everything you normally prepare on the barbecue.
    Are you a barbecue fan? Then you'll love the grill pan.

    All the advantages at a glance:

    • Surface: Fluted
    • Field of application: Especially for grilled dishes
    • Aroma: Emphasizes the grill aroma
    • Non-stick effect: Natural patina, enhanced by the grooves
    • Care: Regular oiling

Let's go! Your questions, our answers.

What is a cast iron pan?

Cast iron pans are made from cast iron and are a classic, traditional cookware that doesn’t require any artificial coating. With cast iron pans, frying at high temperatures is possible, which makes them especially well-suited for searing and braising meat.

Anyone who knows the true value of a cast iron pan won’t want to miss the incomparable flavor that the food cooked in it develops. The natural patina that forms over time makes each pan a unique kitchen helper.

Why is a cast iron pan so good?

Cast iron pans impress with their unique material properties: they retain heat exceptionally well and distribute it evenly across the entire cooking surface. This leads to perfect frying results and allows for energy-efficient cooking, as the temperature is maintained for a long time.

The natural patina makes chemical non-stick coatings unnecessary and ensures healthy cooking without harmful substances. At the same time, cast iron releases small amounts of iron into the food, which provides a nutritional benefit.

The extreme durability is another advantage – with proper care, cast iron pans can last for generations. They even improve over time as the patina continuously strengthens and the non-stick properties get better.

What can a cast iron pan be used for?

You can prepare anything you want in a cast iron pan. Whether vegetables, fish, meat, or colorful skillet dishes – there are no limits. Thanks to its versatile use in the oven, at home, or on the go, it’s perfect for searing and finishing cooking or even baking sweet or savory cakes.

For that special roasted flavor, the Grill Fire Skillet offers the best conditions, as it is additionally equipped with ridges that create the typical grill marks and allow cooking juices to drain.

Important note: Only the use of acidic foods should be avoided to protect the natural patina. Tomatoes, citrus fruits, or vinegar can attack the protective layer and should therefore be avoided.

How do I use a cast iron pan?

Using a cast iron pan is not fundamentally different from regular pans, but there are important specifics to keep in mind. The key to successful cooking is proper preheating: heat the pan slowly over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature. A drop of water should evaporate immediately when the pan is ready.

Unlike coated pans, cast iron pans develop their own protective layer: the patina. This natural non-stick property is valuable and needs to be maintained. Use plenty of fat or oil, especially with new or lightly seasoned pans. Over time, you'll need less and less fat as the patina develops better non-stick qualities.

Don’t move the food too early – it will release on its own when it’s properly seared. After cooking, let the pan cool slightly before cleaning. Avoid using harsh cleaners or dish soap to preserve the valuable patina.

After cleaning, always store the pan dry and occasionally recondition it with Petromax Care Conditioner for cast and forged iron.

Are cast iron pans coated?

Cast iron pans do not have an artificial coating in the traditional sense. Instead, they develop a natural patina through seasoning, which acts as an organic non-stick layer. This natural coating is much more durable than chemical alternatives and actually improves over time.

The patina forms through the polymerization of fats and oils at high temperatures. It creates a thin, black layer that protects the pan from corrosion while providing excellent non-stick properties. Unlike artificial coatings, this natural layer cannot chip or peel off.

For more information about the importance of the patina, also read our section "Why is seasoning so important for cast iron pans?".

Which is the best cast iron pan?

Cast iron pans are available in various designs. The reason is obvious: the taste of food prepared in cast iron pans is hard to beat and they also have many other advantages.

Nevertheless, there are differences - especially when it comes to the naturalness of the material:

  • Pure cast iron pans enable the most natural form of cooking. If you are looking for a sustainable and durable product and natural product properties are important to you, you should consider a cast iron pan without an artificial coating such as the Petromax Fire Skillet.
  • For a real roasting experience over an open fire or on the stove, the Petromax Grill Fire Pan is the best choice. The grooves of the Grill Fire Pan provide the typical roasting stripes and allow food liquids to drain off, so you have an unmistakable grilled taste from the pan and an unhindered grilling experience, regardless of the season.

All Petromax cast iron pans are manufactured traditionally and without mechanical coating. Find out which of the Petromax fire pans is the best for you.

What is the best steak pan?

Medium or rare? That's the question at the steakhouse – but when it comes to a steak pan, the question is more like: seared or with grill marks? For the perfect steak, a cast iron pan is unbeatable, but the choice depends on your preferences.

For pure grilled and roasted flavor: If you love authentic grill marks and intense roasted aroma, the Petromax Grill Fire Skillet is the perfect choice. It creates the typical grill marks and collects cooking fat in the grooves, which enhances the roasted flavors.

For quick, high-heat searing: If a crispy sear from quick, high-heat cooking is what makes your heart beat faster, then a forged iron pan like the Petromax forged iron pan is just right for you.

For traditional preparation: The classic Petromax Fire Skillet with a 28 cm diameter offers the ideal size for one or two steaks. The even heat distribution prevents hot spots that could cause uneven browning.

All versions can be used over an open fire as well as on all types of stoves. The high heat retention ensures the temperature stays constant even when placing cold meat in the pan, allowing for the characteristic crust while keeping the inside juicy.

 

Why is seasoning so important for cast iron pans?

Seasoning cast iron pans is an essential process where heating with fat or oil creates a protective patina. This patina protects the cast iron pan from rust and simultaneously acts as a natural non-stick coating, making chemical coatings unnecessary.

The patina formed through seasoning becomes stronger with each use of the cast iron pan, continuously improving its cooking properties. Food browns more easily, and the pan truly develops its characteristic qualities.

Many Petromax cast iron pans come pre-seasoned and ready to use right out of the box. Regular reseasoning at the first signs of patina wear helps extend the lifespan and prevent rust. This is especially important when the pan is used in damp outdoor conditions.

For a detailed guide, we recommend our guide on Seasoning cast iron pans.

How do I properly clean my cast iron pan?

The correct cleaning of a cast iron pan is ideally done immediately after use with hot water and a stiff brush. Aggressive cleaning agents and dish soap should be avoided to protect the valuable patina. The natural protective layer is the secret to the non-stick properties.

Stubborn food residues can be loosened by briefly heating the pan with some warm water. Alternatively, special cleaning tools like the Petromax Chain Mail Cleaner or the Scraper for Dutch Ovens and Skillets, which is also available with grooves specifically for the cast iron grill pan, can help.

Afterwards, the cast iron pan should be thoroughly dried and treated with Petromax Care Conditioner for cast and forged iron to prevent rust formation. This special Care Conditioner is perfectly tailored to the needs of cast iron.

If rust does occur, it can be removed with steel wool or salt. After that, the pan must be re-seasoned to restore the protective layer and prevent rust.

For detailed care tips, we recommend our guide on Cleaning and caring for cast iron pans.

What should be considered when buying a cast-iron pan?

Weight and material thickness
When buying a cast-iron pan, you should pay attention to the weight and uniform material thickness. A high-quality cast-iron pan has a decent weight and shows no thin spots or unevenness. The weight is a good quality indicator – heavy pans consist of more material and thus ensure uniform heat distribution.

Correct choice of size
The size of your pan should suit the intended use. For outdoor activities and versatile applications, a diameter of 28 cm is an ideal compromise between cooking surface and transport weight. This size provides enough space for larger foods or multiple portions while remaining manageable.

Handle characteristics
Pay attention to the characteristics of the handle. Ideally, a handle is cast in one piece with the pan – this ensures maximum stability when cooking over an open fire. A one-piece cast handle is more robust than separate handles and withstands high temperatures without any problems.

Pre-treatment from the factory
High-quality cast-iron pans are delivered from the factory with a pre-treated surface (seasoned finish). They are ready for immediate use and save you the initial seasoning process. In tests, pre-treated models usually perform better as they offer optimal cooking properties from the start.

What size and shape should my cast-iron pan have?

Classic frying pan
The classic, round frying pan with a diameter of 28 cm is a true all-rounder. It is perfectly suited for most dishes during outdoor cooking, offers sufficient space, and is still easy to transport.

Compact variants for on the go
For longer hikes or solo trips, smaller pans with a 20–24 cm diameter are ideal. They are lighter, take up less space, and still offer enough surface area for one portion.

Understanding handle variants
It is also worth taking a close look at the handle: A one-piece, cast handle is particularly robust for outdoor use and withstands direct fire contact. Alternatively, pans with two handles offer maximum stability when carrying and hanging.

Special shapes for specific applications
In addition to the classic frying pan, there are special shapes such as roasters for larger quantities or grill pans with typical ridges for authentic grill marks. Each shape has its own advantages – depending on what you want to cook.

What makes Petromax cast-iron pans so unique?

Diverse assortment
Petromax offers a wide range of cast-iron pans that harmonize perfectly with the Dutch Oven and Fire Pot assortment. Whether it's a classic fire pan or a specialized grill pan – every pan is designed for the highest quality, durability, and functionality.

Differences between fire pan and grill pan

The Fire Pan – the all-rounder:

  • Surface: Smooth for versatile frying and braising
  • Area of application: Suitable for all stove types and the oven
  • Aroma: Enhances the natural flavor of the food
  • Non-stick effect: Through natural patina
  • Care: Regular oiling
  • Ideal for: Steaks, fried potatoes, casseroles, and traditional dishes

The Grill Pan – the specialist:

  • Surface: Ridged with characteristic grooves
  • Area of application: Ideal for grilled dishes
  • Aroma: Emphasizes the grill aroma through sear marks
  • Non-stick effect: Through natural patina, enhanced by the ridges
  • Care: Regular oiling
  • Ideal for: Steaks with grill marks, vegetables, and other grilled dishes

The ridged surface of the grill pan allows liquids to drain and provides the typical grill aroma – perfect for true grill fans.

High-quality material quality and traditional manufacturing
All Petromax cast-iron pans are traditionally manufactured from high-quality cast iron – entirely without artificial coatings. Thanks to the pre-treated surface (seasoned finish), they are ready for immediate use. The robust construction ensures that they function reliably for decades even with intensive use – whether as an alternative to the Dutch Oven or a classic roaster.

Cast iron is one of the most original materials for cookware. In recent decades, it was often displaced by lightweight pans with artificial coatings – but with growing awareness of taste, health, and sustainability, cast iron is experiencing a strong comeback. It offers natural non-stick properties, gets better with every use, and lasts a lifetime with proper care.

On which stove types can I use cast-iron pans?

Universal usability
Cast-iron pans are universally applicable – they work on all stove types, whether gas, electric, glass ceramic, or induction. This makes them versatile companions, both at home and in the outdoor kitchen.

Optimal performance over an open fire
Over an open fire or on a camping stove, cast iron distributes heat evenly and thus prevents food from burning or cooking unevenly. The robust construction withstands even extreme temperatures.

Efficient heat storage
Cast-iron pans store heat particularly well and hold it for a long time. This allows you to cook energy-efficiently – ideal when you are out and about or working with limited resources.

Induction stove compatibility
On induction stoves, cast iron heats up quickly and reaches high temperatures. To ensure the heat is distributed evenly, you should preheat the pan briefly before frying. This way, you achieve optimal frying results.