Pictured above is nickel plated cast iron. Enameled cast iron was created to address the drawbacks of traditional cast iron. However, it has its own drawbacks. Nickel plated cast iron is an attempt to eliminate all the drawbacks of both.
Nickel plated cast iron is reportedly dishwasher safe, broiler safe, no seasoning required, rust proof, chip proof, suitable for metal utensils and outdoor use, a much better conductor of heat than enamel, and "memory free", meaning that your food doesn't contain a lingering flavor.
The FDA approves nickel plated cast iron for cooking food in restaurants. Regular cast iron is only authorized for serving.
The most obvious drawback is the price. It's very, very expensive.
In fact, it was attempted by Wagner during the 20th century, but everyone was happy with their cast iron and unwilling to spend the extra money.
Consumers have also reported rusting, due to small pinholes in the nickel, and that it isn't "non stick"; You have to grease the pans.
That's the extent of what I know. I won't be buying any, so I can't report on its quality. But, it looks like enameled cast iron may have met its match.
Traditional cast iron, however, isn't going anywhere anytime soon, due to its value and cult following.
One thing for sure, it's very pretty! I don't know, though...the drawbacks of cast iron are also what makes it "comfy"...at least to me. I guess only time will tell if Nickel Plated Cast Iron really lives up to all those promises, especially when weighed against cost. Love the post!
ReplyDeleteI love cast iron... it seems like steps companies take to "improve" cast iron, take away from its value. Such as, wooden handles to satisfy people who complain that "It got hot and burned my hand"; Now you can't use it in the oven or outdoors. Use a potholder, problem solved.
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