We queried Perelman about her essential kitchen tools and one of the most versatile for her is a cast iron skillet. Lodge manufactures its wares in the USA and they're easy on the wallet. This 12-inch option is $37. "You can use it as a roasting pan and you can use it as a frying pan to cook anything on the stove," she says. "Mine cost $20 full price. If you take care of it, you could hand it to your grandkids. Cast iron pans are great, especially if you're feeling broke and it's your first kitchen."
We queried Perelman about her essential kitchen tools and one of the most versatile for her is a cast iron skillet. Lodge manufactures its wares in the USA and they're easy on the wallet. This 12-inch option is $37. "You can use it as a roasting pan and you can use it as a frying pan to cook anything on the stove," she says. "Mine cost $20 full price. If you take care of it, you could hand it to your grandkids. Cast iron pans are great, especially if you're feeling broke and it's your first kitchen."
Tennessee. Lodge Cast Iron has been manufacturing its classic, durable cooking tools in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896.
Tennessee. Lodge Cast Iron has been manufacturing its classic, durable cooking tools in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896.
A modern take on the traditional Hannukah light piece, this cast iron menorah by Josh Owen is simple, strong, and stunning. This product can be found here
A modern take on the traditional Hannukah light piece, this cast iron menorah by Josh Owen is simple, strong, and stunning. This product can be found here
"I think a dutch oven is a great thing to have, somewhere between five and seven quarts," Perelman says. This six-quart cast-iron pot, also from Lodge, is $59. "An eight-quart dutch oven is good if you feel like you want to cook for crowds. Five quarts is great for like everyday meals for 4-6 people, but a bigger one will cover more things on the big side. I'm not saying you have to buy a Le Creuset; you'll be fine with whatever brand is in your budget. I would say that, though, if you have loving and adorable family members, for Christmas gifts it's a great time to ask for one. They're not usually break the bank on the gift scale. If a couple of people can get together it's a great present. With a skillet and a dutch oven, you can do a whole lot. After that, for me, the next essential tool is a good wooden spoon."
"I think a dutch oven is a great thing to have, somewhere between five and seven quarts," Perelman says. This six-quart cast-iron pot, also from Lodge, is $59. "An eight-quart dutch oven is good if you feel like you want to cook for crowds. Five quarts is great for like everyday meals for 4-6 people, but a bigger one will cover more things on the big side. I'm not saying you have to buy a Le Creuset; you'll be fine with whatever brand is in your budget. I would say that, though, if you have loving and adorable family members, for Christmas gifts it's a great time to ask for one. They're not usually break the bank on the gift scale. If a couple of people can get together it's a great present. With a skillet and a dutch oven, you can do a whole lot. After that, for me, the next essential tool is a good wooden spoon."
Mini server by Lodge. The versatility and durability of cast iron is unparalleled: use in the oven, on the table, or over a campfire. Lodge has been making its wares in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, since 1896.
Mini server by Lodge. The versatility and durability of cast iron is unparalleled: use in the oven, on the table, or over a campfire. Lodge has been making its wares in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, since 1896.
Product: Oigen KitchenwareIn honor of the message generated by the Japan earthquake and tsunami that material affluence is not true wealth in life and Japan’s history of producing simple designs, Japan Creative and Jasper Morrison have created a series of minimalist cast-iron products. Photo by Jasper Morrison Studios.
Product: Oigen KitchenwareIn honor of the message generated by the Japan earthquake and tsunami that material affluence is not true wealth in life and Japan’s history of producing simple designs, Japan Creative and Jasper Morrison have created a series of minimalist cast-iron products. Photo by Jasper Morrison Studios.
A cookware classic, the Sarpaneva Cast Iron Casserole will help you prepare your dinner, and make a statement when placed on the table. The casserole is such a design icon, it was once featured on the Finnish postal stamp.
A cookware classic, the Sarpaneva Cast Iron Casserole will help you prepare your dinner, and make a statement when placed on the table. The casserole is such a design icon, it was once featured on the Finnish postal stamp.
Designed to look like a real hammer, this bottle opener is hand-forged in the traditional Nambu Tekki cast iron method. First made in the mid 17th century in Japan, nambu tekki is a celebrated Japanese craft, still popular today. The black color of the bottle opener is derived from a lacquer glaze called urushi, which craftsmen use to prevent rusting on the iron pieces.
Designed to look like a real hammer, this bottle opener is hand-forged in the traditional Nambu Tekki cast iron method. First made in the mid 17th century in Japan, nambu tekki is a celebrated Japanese craft, still popular today. The black color of the bottle opener is derived from a lacquer glaze called urushi, which craftsmen use to prevent rusting on the iron pieces.
Drawing his inspiration from his blacksmith grandfather, Timo Sarpaneva created a timeless and ingenious design that is as functional in the kitchen as it is appealing on the dining room table. Produced by Finnish brand Iittala, the Sarpaneva Casserole includes a wooden handle that gives the pot a natural sensibility, and it can be removed when the casserole is used in an oven. Cast-iron cookware is a safer, longer-lasting alternative to non-stick cookware, meaning this iconic design is prime to become an heirloom piece.
Drawing his inspiration from his blacksmith grandfather, Timo Sarpaneva created a timeless and ingenious design that is as functional in the kitchen as it is appealing on the dining room table. Produced by Finnish brand Iittala, the Sarpaneva Casserole includes a wooden handle that gives the pot a natural sensibility, and it can be removed when the casserole is used in an oven. Cast-iron cookware is a safer, longer-lasting alternative to non-stick cookware, meaning this iconic design is prime to become an heirloom piece.
Photo courtesy Kohler Company.
Photo courtesy Kohler Company.
The company’s collaboration with designer Jonathan Adler yielded four new hues to its range of enameled cast-iron sinks, adding yellow, green, turquoise, and bright blue to its existing collection of 24 colors. Photo courtesy Kohler Company.
The company’s collaboration with designer Jonathan Adler yielded four new hues to its range of enameled cast-iron sinks, adding yellow, green, turquoise, and bright blue to its existing collection of 24 colors. Photo courtesy Kohler Company.
Tom Dixon's marble mortar and brass pestle with a cast iron core brings back the stone age, promising to cure impoverished senses by coaxing fresh herbs and spices to release their delicate flavors.
Tom Dixon's marble mortar and brass pestle with a cast iron core brings back the stone age, promising to cure impoverished senses by coaxing fresh herbs and spices to release their delicate flavors.
The Workstead Floor Lamp, available in the Dwell store, is designed by Brooklyn duo Stefanie Brechbuehler and Robert Highsmith. It's cast iron, steel, and brass—all a blacksmith could dream of.
The Workstead Floor Lamp, available in the Dwell store, is designed by Brooklyn duo Stefanie Brechbuehler and Robert Highsmith. It's cast iron, steel, and brass—all a blacksmith could dream of.
Designed to look like a real set of pliers, this bottle opener is hand-forged in the traditional Nambu Tekki cast iron method. First made in the 17th century in Japan, nambu tekki is a celebrated Japanese craft that's still popular today.
Designed to look like a real set of pliers, this bottle opener is hand-forged in the traditional Nambu Tekki cast iron method. First made in the 17th century in Japan, nambu tekki is a celebrated Japanese craft that's still popular today.
Drawing his inspiration from his blacksmith grandfather, Timo Sarpaneva created a timeless and ingenious design that is as functional in the kitchen as it is appealing on the dining room table. Produced by Finnish brand Iittala, the Sarpaneva Casserole includes a wooden handle that gives the pot a natural sensibility, and it can be removed when the casserole is used in an oven. Cast-iron cookware is a safer, longer-lasting alternative to non-stick cookware, meaning this iconic design is prime to become an heirloom piece. Sarpaneva's cast-iron pot expresses an aesthetic so classic it was once celebrated on a Finnish postage stamp.
Drawing his inspiration from his blacksmith grandfather, Timo Sarpaneva created a timeless and ingenious design that is as functional in the kitchen as it is appealing on the dining room table. Produced by Finnish brand Iittala, the Sarpaneva Casserole includes a wooden handle that gives the pot a natural sensibility, and it can be removed when the casserole is used in an oven. Cast-iron cookware is a safer, longer-lasting alternative to non-stick cookware, meaning this iconic design is prime to become an heirloom piece. Sarpaneva's cast-iron pot expresses an aesthetic so classic it was once celebrated on a Finnish postage stamp.
Designed to look like a real hammer, this bottle opener is hand-forged in the traditional Nambu Tekki cast iron method. First made in the mid 17th century in Japan, nambu tekki is a celebrated Japanese craft, still popular today. The black color of the bottle opener is derived from a lacquer glaze called urushi, which craftsmen use to prevent rusting on the iron pieces. This bottle opener resembles a real hammer, both in look and feel, making this piece a conversation starter that is both entertaining and functional.
Designed to look like a real hammer, this bottle opener is hand-forged in the traditional Nambu Tekki cast iron method. First made in the mid 17th century in Japan, nambu tekki is a celebrated Japanese craft, still popular today. The black color of the bottle opener is derived from a lacquer glaze called urushi, which craftsmen use to prevent rusting on the iron pieces. This bottle opener resembles a real hammer, both in look and feel, making this piece a conversation starter that is both entertaining and functional.
An innovative fire pit, the Helios Fire Bowl Set doubles as a grille, making it a smart addition to a backyard BBQ. Use the Helios with coals to grill meats and vegetables or with logs to create an inviting fire for s’mores.
An innovative fire pit, the Helios Fire Bowl Set doubles as a grille, making it a smart addition to a backyard BBQ. Use the Helios with coals to grill meats and vegetables or with logs to create an inviting fire for s’mores.
With doors open, Shino and Ken pull an Eames LCW chair for Herman Miller outside to enjoy the space.
With doors open, Shino and Ken pull an Eames LCW chair for Herman Miller outside to enjoy the space.
The stairs are made of iron, which was coated with white paint from San Marco.
The stairs are made of iron, which was coated with white paint from San Marco.
A view from above of the iron staircase, which faces one of the textural béton brut cement walls. Its treads slant at opposing angles, creating their own minimal pattern.
A view from above of the iron staircase, which faces one of the textural béton brut cement walls. Its treads slant at opposing angles, creating their own minimal pattern.
Atop the spiral staircase, a custom iron bench is festooned with Turkish throw pillows from SophiesBazaar.
Atop the spiral staircase, a custom iron bench is festooned with Turkish throw pillows from SophiesBazaar.
33rd Anniversary: Iron

1958 Le Creuset Cast Iron Casserole by Raymond Loewy for Le Creuset, $375
33rd Anniversary: Iron 1958 Le Creuset Cast Iron Casserole by Raymond Loewy for Le Creuset, $375
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, with project manager and lead designer Emily Kudsen Leland at the helm, remade a Portland abode with a crisp paint palette: Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron for the cladding and Venetian Gold for the front door. The home was originally designed by Saul Zaik in Southwest Portland, complete with a wood-clad exterior, in 1956. As part of the renovation, landscape design was completed by Lilyvilla Gardens.
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, with project manager and lead designer Emily Kudsen Leland at the helm, remade a Portland abode with a crisp paint palette: Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron for the cladding and Venetian Gold for the front door. The home was originally designed by Saul Zaik in Southwest Portland, complete with a wood-clad exterior, in 1956. As part of the renovation, landscape design was completed by Lilyvilla Gardens.
Another conversation starter is the Nambu Tekki Cast Iron Tool Bottle Opener - Hammer. Hand-forged with traditional Japanese techniques, this cast iron bottle opener is lacquered with a glaze that prevents rusting.
Another conversation starter is the Nambu Tekki Cast Iron Tool Bottle Opener - Hammer. Hand-forged with traditional Japanese techniques, this cast iron bottle opener is lacquered with a glaze that prevents rusting.
The F 305 model comes in two iterations. The F 305 LL is propped on four legs.
The F 305 model comes in two iterations. The F 305 LL is propped on four legs.
The F 305 B version comes with a base compartment for storing wood.
The F 305 B version comes with a base compartment for storing wood.
After entering through the front door, visitors pass over the large koi pond on a cast-concrete footbridge chiseled to look like stone.
After entering through the front door, visitors pass over the large koi pond on a cast-concrete footbridge chiseled to look like stone.
Iron Street Farm

Located on seven acres in the city's Southside Bridgeport neighborhood, Iron Street Farm, on the street of the same name, has turned an industrial site into a community center and agricultural hotbed producing greens for some of the city's top chefs. Growing Power, a Milwaukee nonprofit founded by a former Procter & Gamble exec, led the reclaimation project.
Iron Street Farm Located on seven acres in the city's Southside Bridgeport neighborhood, Iron Street Farm, on the street of the same name, has turned an industrial site into a community center and agricultural hotbed producing greens for some of the city's top chefs. Growing Power, a Milwaukee nonprofit founded by a former Procter & Gamble exec, led the reclaimation project.
Then the individual leaves are cast.
Then the individual leaves are cast.
This modern pot rack from Merkled Studio is made from salvaged steel loom ends collected from a weaving company located only 10 blocks from the designer's studio. Able to hold even the heaviest cast-iron skillet, each organic piece has also been powder-coated for durability.
This modern pot rack from Merkled Studio is made from salvaged steel loom ends collected from a weaving company located only 10 blocks from the designer's studio. Able to hold even the heaviest cast-iron skillet, each organic piece has also been powder-coated for durability.
In the master bathroom is a reclaimed, cast iron tub that creates the feeling of soaking in the outdoors without interrupting moments of repose.
In the master bathroom is a reclaimed, cast iron tub that creates the feeling of soaking in the outdoors without interrupting moments of repose.
William Krisel designed the Ocotillo Lodge, a hotel that features a number of his signature design moves: post-and-beam construction, walls of glass, and seamless indoor/outdoor connections. Pictured here is one of the hotel’s bungalows.
William Krisel designed the Ocotillo Lodge, a hotel that features a number of his signature design moves: post-and-beam construction, walls of glass, and seamless indoor/outdoor connections. Pictured here is one of the hotel’s bungalows.
“Concealing a stair leading to trail access to the park, the wall’s form suggests the folds and striations of the sandstone geology,” explains SurfaceDesign. While the wall and fence provide more privacy for the backyard, their transparency restores visual connections with the park.
“Concealing a stair leading to trail access to the park, the wall’s form suggests the folds and striations of the sandstone geology,” explains SurfaceDesign. While the wall and fence provide more privacy for the backyard, their transparency restores visual connections with the park.
Birdsall and Atticus are seated on an ipe bench designed by Anna Boeschenstein; the stucco exterior cladding was matched to Cast Iron 6202 paint by Sherwin-Williams.
Birdsall and Atticus are seated on an ipe bench designed by Anna Boeschenstein; the stucco exterior cladding was matched to Cast Iron 6202 paint by Sherwin-Williams.
Handle Me, a collection of cast iron cookware, by Angel Wyller Aarseth.
Handle Me, a collection of cast iron cookware, by Angel Wyller Aarseth.
Di Ioia and Bédard designed the wrought-iron spiral staircase that leads to the rooftop terrace and sauna as a visual nod to Montreal’s signature outdoor stairways.
Di Ioia and Bédard designed the wrought-iron spiral staircase that leads to the rooftop terrace and sauna as a visual nod to Montreal’s signature outdoor stairways.

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