A cast iron skillet is a kitchen mainstay. You can cook everything in it from fluffy eggs and grilled sandwiches to perfectly seared meats and vegetables. But in the era of non-stick pans, we’re in danger of losing touch with traditional, naturally non-stick cast iron cookware that does not rely on Teflon or chemical coatings. Aiming to reintroduce cast iron pans to every kitchen, British cast iron radiator manufacturer Castrads has launched a new cookware brand, Hornbeam.
The Hornbeam cast iron skillet is available in 10- and 12-inch diameters to cover a wide range of dishes. Made with 95 percent recycled metal, the skillets are cast in a foundry in Dorset that is powered by offshore wind energy, making them a sustainable choice. After milling and preseasoning in Stockport, the pans have a pristine cooking surface ready for baking and roasting as well as frying and searing.
Inspired by the best American heirloom cookware, Hornbeam skillets are solid, non-toxic, and have a simple, user-friendly design. Built to last, the pans are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The 4mm base gives even heat transfer, cooking your food just how you like it, and maintains its temperature even when taken off heat. The sides are thinned to 2.5 mm to keep the pan lightweight and easy to maneuver.
The best part is that Hornbeam skillets never use Teflon, forever chemicals, or PFAs to retain their non-stick properties. The raw cast iron can be seasoned with your choice of vegetable oil to keep the skillet in prime condition for generations to come. With a lifespan of centuries, a beautifully seasoned, well-loved cast iron skillet makes a wonderful family heirloom.
Also Read: How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet in 5 Easy Steps
A Hornbeam cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly on all cook surfaces including induction. It’s an excellent all-rounder pan you can use on an open fire, gas stovetop, or in the oven. Cast in a single piece, there are no parts that can come loose or wobble over time. The 10- and 12-inch skillets offer the versatility to cook for a small family or a crowd.
It has a small handle, further trimming down the weight, and a helper handle for carrying with confidence. The rim has a refined edge for mess-free pouring without the need for a spout.
Also Read: How to Clean and Care for Cast Iron Cookware
Hornbeam is a passion project for Castrads, a company with over 20 years of experience working with cast iron which is run by brothers Adam and Nick Baylis. They aim to bring traditional, British-made cookware back into kitchens with products that last forever, get better with use, and contribute to a more circular economy.
Moreover, the company offers a free reseason service, for those occasional accidents that can damage your seasoning (customer only pays for the postage, reasonable use policy applies). Currently enjoying a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, Hornbeam skillets can be pre-ordered at discounts of up to 45 percent, with estimated delivery in December 2024.
