Cast iron cookware has long been cherished for its durability and 'healthier' qualities. However, wrought iron cookware is actually the superior option for those looking for non-toxic, long-lasting performance. At Solidteknics, we are proud to be the only manufacturer in the world with a patented new method for creating seamless, one-piece wrought iron cookware.
Wrought iron is mechanically worked into shape and virtually indestructible, while cast iron is poured into a mould and prone to cracking under impact or thermal shock. The difference comes down to how each metal is formed: wrought iron's worked structure resists crack growth, while cast iron's crystalline structure makes it hard but brittle. That structural difference carries through to durability, energy efficiency, handle comfort, weight and even food safety: all covered below.
Is wrought iron cookware more durable than cast iron?
Yes. Wrought iron will not crack or break if dropped or thermally shocked, whereas cast iron is highly prone to cracking under the same conditions.
Wrought iron has been mechanically 'worked' into shape, preventing crack growth and making it far more malleable than cast iron. It will never crack or break if dropped or thermally shocked. Cast iron, in contrast, is in a crystalline metal state where cracks can easily grow on crystal boundaries, making it hard but very brittle, and highly likely to crack if dropped. There are very few centuries-old cast iron pots in museums that aren't cracked, though you'll easily find wrought iron pans with no cracks dating back to Roman times and earlier.
Which is more energy efficient, wrought iron or cast iron?
Wrought iron is more energy efficient than cast iron because its superior conductivity allows it to heat up faster and distribute heat more evenly.
This means wrought iron pots and pans require less energy to reach the desired temperature and cook food efficiently. For those interested in eco-friendly cookware, wrought iron offers a real advantage over cast iron: faster, more even heating reduces both cooking time and energy consumption.
Is wrought iron lighter than cast?
Yes, our wrought iron cookware is around half the weight of cast iron, without sacrificing heat retention or searing performance.
We precision-form our pans from a single solid sheet of wrought iron at 3mm thick — strong and conductive, but without the unnecessary mass of cast iron. You'll notice the difference in your wrist after every meal.
Is wrought iron cookware healthier and safer than cast iron?
Our wrought iron cookware is made from 99.7% clean Australian iron, and is free from heavy metals, compared to the 96% contained in cast iron. This is one secret to our superior conductivity - iron is a far superior conductor than carbon, making it the best healthy, naturally non-stick cookware.
Most cast iron cookware, particularly from offshore, is created using recycled steel (e.g. car parts with other materials attached!) and can therefore contain a mix of heavy metals, leading to contamination and leaching into foods that can have negative health impacts.
Our AUS-ION™ wrought iron pans have long, ergonomic handles
Cast iron pans typically have short, thick and stubby handles, as longer handles will almost always break during the casting production process. Being short and thick, cast iron handles hold a lot of heat when cooking, making it impossibly hot to hold while cooking.
Compare that with our vented handles, especially designed vents to dissipate the heat. This means the handles stay cool enough to hold and maneuver when cooking on the stovetop.
One-Piece Seamless Construction
Unlike cast iron, which requires separate handles to be riveted or bolted on, creating weak points and hygiene traps, every AUS-ION™ pan is formed from a single, seamless sheet of wrought iron. No joins. No rivets. No failure points. Just one solid, permanent piece, backed by our multi-century warranty.
Forever Renewable
Like cast iron, wrought iron can be seasoned naturally with oils and fats to achieve a healthy, non-stick surface. But unlike cast iron, our wrought iron will never chip, crack, or break, meaning it can always be renewed, restored, and passed down for generations to come.
Explore the AUS-ION™ wrought iron range.
FAQ
What is the main difference between wrought iron and cast iron cookware? Wrought iron is mechanically worked into shape, making it durable and crack-resistant, while cast iron is poured into a mould, making it brittle and prone to cracking under impact or thermal shock.
Does wrought iron cookware crack like cast iron? No. Wrought iron will not crack or break if dropped or thermally shocked, thanks to its worked, malleable structure. Cast iron's crystalline structure makes it far more likely to crack under the same stress.
Is wrought iron cookware healthier than cast iron? Solidteknics wrought iron is made from 99.7% clean Australian iron and is free from the heavy metals sometimes found in cast iron made from recycled steel.
Are your wrought iron pan handles cooler to hold than cast iron handles? Wrought iron pans, like AUS-ION™, use long handles with heat-dissipating vents. Cast iron handles are typically short and thick by necessity of the casting process, which causes them to retain heat and become hot to hold.
Is wrought iron cookware lighter than cast iron? Yes, wrought iron cookware is around half the weight of cast iron, while still retaining excellent heat and searing performance.
