For decades, Rachael Ray – who loves cooking with cast iron – had desired cookware that combines the high performance of classic seasoned cast iron with the beauty of colorful enameled cast iron. So, she designed just that.
The professional chef launched her NITRO Cast Iron collection (available at Walmart), and every piece is durable (and, crucially, rust-resistant) enough to be passed on as a treasured family heirloom. Put simply, Ray's collection uses advanced NITRO heat treatment technology that 'perfectly seals and smooths the usually porous surface of cast iron for enhanced rust-resistance and durability,' according to the manufacturer, Meyer. 'It's a unique collection that uses next generation technology to address age-old problems that plague traditional and enameled cast iron cookware,' the release says.
This non-toxic heat treatment (nitrogen is a natural element that makes up 78 percent of the air that we breathe) also creates a surface that allows the color finish to bond. This results in an exterior that's notably more resistant to wear and tear than traditional cast iron.
The days of strategically maintaining a cast iron pan are numbered, as Ray's pieces take the hard work out of preserving their longevity. It's hard to believe, then, that they begin at under $40. You can shop some of the stand-out pieces below.
Like every piece in Ray's Nitro collection, this skillet is built to last a lifetime – and with its statement, fortified color finish, it’ll look great for a lifetime, too. Alongside its durability, we love how it boasts convenient features like an easy-to-grip helper handle and dual pour spouts.
This pan is described as a 'kitchen superhero,' and we're inclined to agree. It retains heat similarly to cast iron, yet it's easier to clean when the cooking is complete. This roasting pan is also great with food release, but you don’t need to pre-season (and it's oven-safe to 500 degrees F). The one-stop piece for perfect lasagnas, casseroles, or shepherd’s pie.
There are easy-to-use skillets; then there is this piece by Rachael Ray. Its extra-roomy design features two side handles for easy maneuvering from stovetop to oven, while the all-important NITRO technology creates a rust-resistant surface (that is easy to maintain), eliminating the need for pre-seasoning.
Not your ordinary cast iron frying pan, this piece of NITRO cookware blends the performance of a pre-seasoned cast iron fry pan with easy maintenance, added durability, and a gorgeous enamel-like finish. Its neutral colorway will look beautiful on every stove in every kitchen, whether you're minimalist or not.
As one of the best Dutch ovens on the market, this piece is worth the investment. It features all the same qualities as its alternatives, yet is engineered to last a lifetime (in fact, Ray is so sure of its longevity, that it comes with a Quality Assurance Guarantee).
Though not officially part of the NITRO collection, we couldn't help but take a moment for Ray's fondue pot set. It features durable cast iron construction for fast, even heating that keeps foods warmer, longer, and is perfect for these long winter nights. Invite your friends for a cheese and wine evening and enjoy this Swiss tradition – wherever you are.
We're already wondering why we never brought these smart pieces into our kitchens sooner...
