The passionate team behind Australia's trusted cast iron cookware resource
CastIronPan.com.au was born from a simple observation: too many Australians were missing out on the incredible benefits of cast iron cooking because they didn't know where to start. Founded in 2019 by a group of culinary enthusiasts in Melbourne, we set out to create the definitive resource for cast iron cookware in Australia.
Our journey began when our founder, after inheriting a vintage Lodge skillet from her grandmother, discovered firsthand the transformative power of properly seasoned cast iron. That skillet, passed down through three generations, could still produce the perfect sear on a steak and release fried eggs without a trace of sticking. It was this experience that sparked a deep fascination with cast iron cooking and a desire to share this knowledge with fellow Australians.
What started as a hobby blog quickly grew into something much larger. We noticed that most cast iron resources were American-centric, leaving Australian home cooks without guidance tailored to our unique conditions, local retailers, and cooking traditions. The humidity of coastal Queensland presents different seasoning challenges than the dry heat of outback South Australia. Australian beef cuts have different marbling than American steaks. And of course, we needed to know which products were actually available through Australian retailers with reasonable shipping.
Today, CastIronPan.com.au serves over 50,000 Australian home cooks every month. Our team has personally tested dozens of skillets, Dutch ovens, grill pans, and griddles in real Australian kitchens. We've experimented with different seasoning oils, from the traditional flaxseed to Australian-sourced macadamia and rice bran oil. We've cooked everything from Sunday roasts to campfire damper, kangaroo steaks to delicate crepes.
Our mission remains simple: to help every Australian home cook experience the joy of cast iron cooking. Whether you're a complete beginner wondering which pan to buy first, or a seasoned enthusiast looking to restore a rusty flea market find, we're here to guide you every step of the way. We believe that cast iron cookware represents one of the best investments any home cook can make, a purchase that will outlast you and bring joy to future generations.
We create comprehensive, research-backed content to help Australians make informed decisions about cast iron cookware. Our work includes:
Independence: We maintain editorial independence and provide honest assessments. While we may earn commissions through affiliate partnerships, this never influences our recommendations. We recommend products we would genuinely use in our own kitchens.
Thoroughness: Every guide we publish is thoroughly researched and tested. We don't publish superficial content; we aim to be the most comprehensive resource available for cast iron cooking in Australia.
Accessibility: Cast iron cooking shouldn't be intimidating. We write for home cooks of all skill levels, breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps that anyone can follow.
Sustainability: We believe cast iron represents sustainable cookware at its finest. Unlike non-stick pans that wear out every few years, a well-maintained cast iron pan can last for centuries, reducing waste and saving money over time.
Our small but dedicated team brings together decades of combined experience in cooking, food writing, and product research.
Founder & Editor
A former restaurant chef turned food writer, Sarah has been cooking with cast iron for over 15 years. She holds a culinary arts diploma and has contributed to several Australian food publications.
Product Researcher
With a background in materials science, James brings a technical perspective to our product assessments. He developed our testing methodology and ensures our comparisons are fair and comprehensive.
Content Writer
A passionate home cook and camping enthusiast, Michael specialises in outdoor cast iron cooking. He's restored over 50 vintage cast iron pieces and loves sharing the craft with beginners.
We love hearing from our readers. Whether you have a question about seasoning your first pan, want to share your cast iron success story, or have a suggestion for future content, we'd love to hear from you.