NuWave is a popular brand of countertop convection ovens that are designed to cook food quickly and evenly using a combination of infrared heat, convection heating, and conduction. Many NuWave oven models claim to cook foods up to 50% faster than a conventional oven by using this triple combo cooking method.
One question that often comes up with NuWave ovens is whether or not they are compatible with cast iron cookware. Cast iron skillets and pans have long been prized by home cooks for their durability, even heating, and natural non-stick properties when properly seasoned. So can you safely use cast iron pots, pans, and skillets in a NuWave oven?
Benefits of Using Cast Iron
Cast iron has been valued as a cookware material for centuries thanks to its unique properties. Here are some of the benefits of cooking with cast iron:
– Even heating – Cast iron heats gradually and evenly. The heat spreads from the bottom through the sides of the pan. This can help prevent hot spots that lead to burning.
– Good heat retention – Once cast iron is hot, it will stay hot for a while even after being removed from a heat source. This makes it great for searing and retaining heat while oven braising.
– Can withstand high heat – Cast iron skillets can be used on the stovetop and in the oven at any temperature. Food can go straight from stovetop searing to oven baking.
– Nonstick when seasoned – A well-seasoned cast iron pan has a natural nonstick coating. Food will brown nicely without sticking.
– Adds iron to food – The iron in the cookware can leach trace amounts of iron into acidic foods during cooking. This can add iron nutrition.
– Naturally baking/roasting pan – The heat radiating properties of cast iron make it ideal for baking and roasting.
Is Cast Iron Safe to Use in a NuWave Oven?
The quick answer is yes – cast iron cookware is generally safe to use in a NuWave oven. However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind.
Cast iron skillets and pans work well with the triple cooking method of NuWave ovens. The infrared heat will heat up the cast iron quickly. Meanwhile, the convection fan will circulate hot air around the pan for even heating. The cast iron itself will retain heat nicely for searing and cooking food thoroughly.
Here are some tips for safely using cast iron in a NuWave oven:
– Use thick, heavy cast iron cookware – Thin or lightweight cast iron may be more prone to developing hot spots in a NuWave oven. Opt for thicker, heavier cast iron pots and pans.
– Allow for extra preheating time – It takes a little longer for cast iron to fully preheat in the NuWave compared to lightweight metal pans. Be sure to preheat cast iron sufficiently before adding food.
– Use cooking oil/fat for seasoning – Properly seasoning the cast iron with oil or butter can prevent food from sticking. Well-seasoned cast iron has a naturally nonstick surface.
– Avoid cooking empty – Don’t preheat empty cast iron pans for long periods in the NuWave oven. The concentrated infrared heat on an empty pan can potentially damage the seasoning over time.
– Let cast iron preheat gradually – If preheating empty, let the cast iron heat up slowly along with the NuWave oven. Don’t add room temperature cast iron to a fully preheated oven.
– Monitor food closely while cooking – With cast iron’s hot spots are less likely, but still possible. Keep an eye on food to prevent any unwanted burning or overcooking.
Tips for Cooking in Cast Iron with NuWave
Here are some helpful tips for cooking successfully with cast iron cookware in your NuWave oven:
– Use oil/fat for searing – Adding a small amount of butter, oil, or other fat to cast iron before searing meats or veggies can prevent sticking.
– Try no-flip meals – Place ingredients in a cast iron skillet then roast in NuWave oven. The food will cook evenly without having to flip halfway.
– Cook frozen foods in cast iron – The frozen food will help regulate the temperature of the cast iron pan while cooking.
– Bake round foods – Cast iron’s heat distribution makes it ideal for baking round foods like pizza, frittata, and rounds of bread.
– Make one-pot meals – Braise meats, simmer sauces, and steam veggies all in a cast iron Dutch oven.
– Cook cornbread in cast iron – The heat retention of cast iron makes it perfect for baking crispy cornbread.
– Roast veggies and nuts – Toss veggies or nuts with oil then roast in a cast iron skillet for caramelized flavor.
– Sear then cook low and slow – Sear meats at high temp then let cast iron slowly finish cooking food at lower oven temp.
Best Cast Iron Cookware for NuWave
Wondering what types of cast iron cookware work best with the NuWave oven? Here are some recommended cast iron pieces:
Cast Iron Skillets
– 10 or 12 inch cast iron skillet
– Enameled cast iron skillet
– Grill pan or ridged cast iron skillet
– Shallow chicken fryer skillet
Cast Iron Pots
– Cast iron Dutch oven
– Round cast iron stew pot
– Enameled cast iron sauce pot
Other Cast Iron Items
– Plain round cake or pizza pan
– Grill press
– Baking sheet
– Pie pan
– Bread pan
Avoid any cast iron that seems thin, lightweight, or flimsy. Thicker cast iron works best to take advantage of the oven’s triple cooking method. Vintage cast iron pieces like Griswold or Wagner ware skillets are ideal.
Cast Iron vs. Other Cookware in NuWave
How does cast iron cookware stand up against other choices like stainless steel, ceramic, copper, or nonstick cookware when used in the NuWave oven? Here’s a comparison:
Cast Iron
– Retains heat well for searing and baking
– With seasoning, has a natural nonstick surface
– Heats gradually and evenly
– Withstands very high temperatures
– Can develop hot spots if lightweight
Stainless Steel
– Heats up quickly but unevenly
– Doesn’t retain heat as efficiently
– Risk of hot spots developing
– Low risk of overheating or damage
Ceramic/Stoneware
– Slow heat conduction but retains heat well
– Brittle if exposed to thermal shock
– Porous surfaces can absorb stains
– Safe at ultra-high temperatures
Copper
– Excellent heat conduction and control
– Can be reactive and requires lining
– Heat tarnishes and discolors copper
– Not as durable over time
Nonstick Coatings
– Prevents sticking without much oil/butter
– Low heat retention
– Coating can deteriorate over time
– Avoid metal utensils that damage coating
For most purposes, pre-seasoned cast iron or enameled cast iron prove to be the most versatile and high-performing cookware for NuWave ovens. Stainless steel and ceramic bakeware are also generally safe options too.
Tips for Caring for Cast Iron with NuWave
To keep cast iron cookware performing its best when used with the NuWave oven, follow these care tips:
– Allow to cool before cleaning – Always let cast iron pans cool completely before rinsing or cleaning after cooking. Thermal shock can damage cast iron.
– Clean with a stiff brush – A stiff brush is usually all that’s needed to remove stuck-on food particles from properly seasoned cast iron used in a NuWave oven. Avoid harsh soaps.
– Rinse and dry thoroughly – Be sure to rinse off any soap and dry completely with a dish towel to prevent rusting.
– Reseason occasionally – Every so often, reseason the cooking surfaces by applying a fresh coat of oil and heating until it polymerizes.
– Store cookware with oil – Lightly coat cast iron with vegetable oil before storing to prevent rusting.
– Avoid soaking – Don’t let cast iron soak in water or cleaning solutions. Only wash manually and rinse/dry promptly.
– Use baking soda if needed – For stubborn residues, make a paste with baking soda and water and gently scour. Rinse thoroughly.
With proper care, cast iron can last for decades or even centuries! Treat it well and it will perform beautifully in your NuWave oven for many meals to come.
FAQs About Cast Iron in NuWave Ovens
Can I use a cast iron skillet on the highest setting in my NuWave?
Yes, cast iron skillets are safe to use on the highest temperatures settings in a NuWave oven. The thick material won’t warp or crack under high heat like other pans might.
Should I preheat my cast iron pan before putting it in the NuWave?
It’s best not to preheat an empty cast iron pan. Instead, let it heat up gradually along with the NuWave oven. Adding room temp cast iron to a hot oven could potentially damage it.
Why does my cast iron smoke in the NuWave oven?
This likely means your cast iron wasn’t seasoned properly and cooking oil or food is burning onto the surface. Try re-seasoning the cookware before your next use.
Do I need to season enameled cast iron for use in NuWave?
No, enameled cast iron comes with a glossy porcelain enamel coating that prevents food from sticking. Seasoning isn’t necessary for enameled cast iron.
Can I cook acidic foods like tomato sauce in cast iron in my NuWave?
Yes, but the iron can react with high-acid foods. To prevent damage to seasoning, stir periodically and avoid simmering acidic sauces for too long.
Conclusion
Cast iron is generally an excellent choice to use in a NuWave oven. The triple cooking method of NuWave ovens complements cast iron’s ability to retain heat and cook foods evenly. With proper preheating and cooking techniques, cast iron pans and pots can achieve great results in a NuWave oven. Just be sure to select high-quality, thick cast iron cookware and care for it properly after each use. With a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, you can enjoy quick, healthy, and delicious meals from your NuWave for years to come. Give cast iron cooking a try – you may find that this classic cookware is a perfect match for your high-tech NuWave oven!