Was just browsing Lodge cast iron, wondering if there are some pieces I should splurge on. Are there non-standard pieces people actually use? Normally it’s just me for dinner but my two teens are back summers

I have the three standard skillets that I use frequently, with lids I use occasionally. I got the small Dutch oven thinking it would be good for beans, veggies, maybe a small bread loaf, but have to admit I’ve never used it.

What about

  • the minis, like 5” or 6.5” - do you actually do like individual apple crisp or anything? Which size is actually useful? How many?
  • tall frying pan - I’ve been afraid to try frying, but is this significantly safer than the regular skillet, for fish or something? Or should I just stick to the air fryer? Do people use this?
  • does anyone like the baking pan or cookie sheet? Do you use it enough to be worthwhile?
  • PiecePractical@midwest.socialEnglish
    3·
    6 days ago

    I have a 6.5" that I got for those skillet cookies you see at restaurants and while I don’t use it much for that, I use it all the time to make a single egg for a breakfast sandwich. My wife uses that one a lot in the summer for campfire snacks. She makes a bree and tomato dip with a balsamic glaze that is worth keeping the pan for that alone.

    I don’t have a black iron fryer but I do have an enameled one that I absolutely love for sauces or a big batch of sausage gravy. The tall sides make it a lot easier to cook a big batch without splattering sauce all over the stove. I’ve actually never used that one for its intended purpose but if I lost all my pans and had to start over, I think I’d get the fryer before I bought the standard pan in that size.

    I probably wouldn’t buy the wok again though. I think it’s fun but honestly, it’s probably not nearly as practical as a carbon steel one would be.

    • AA5B@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      5 days ago

      I go back and forth on the wok - the reality is I don’t really know how to stir fry and generally use a cast iron skillet. Unfortunately I received a Teflon wok on Fathers Day a couple years back so have to use that, despite it not being able to handle the heat