What price advantages does a cast iron pan have compared to other types of cookware?

The price advantage of cast iron pans is mainly reflected in their high long-term cost-effectiveness. Compared with high-end material cookware, they are affordable; and compared with ordinary cookware at the same price, they can highlight their value through durability. The specific price comparison advantages with common cookware are as follows:

1. Compared with titanium alloy pans: Titanium alloy pans are generally expensive due to their rare materials and complex processing technology. The price of ordinary titanium alloy woks is mostly over 400 yuan, and some high-end models even approach 1,000 yuan. In contrast, the average price of cast iron pans is only 100-300 yuan, and even titanium-cast iron pans with improved materials are only 400-700 yuan, which is much lower than most pure titanium pans. For consumers seeking healthy uncoated cookware, cast iron pans are a more cost-effective choice.

2. Compared with high-end non-stick pans and stainless steel pans: Although ordinary non-stick pans and 304 stainless steel pans have low-price models around 100 yuan, their performance is generally poor. If you want to choose high-end non-stick pans with durable coatings or high-quality stainless steel pans such as 316L stainless steel, the price will often rise to 400-800 yuan. At this price, you can buy high-quality, thickened material high-end cast iron pans. Moreover, cast iron pans have no risk of coating peeling off, so they are more cost-effective in the long run than high-end non-stick pans that need to be replaced regularly.

3. Compared with some internet-famous/handmade special cookware: Imported handmade non-stick pans, custom stainless steel pans, etc., often exceed 1,000 yuan in price. Even for well-known brands like Le Creuset, most regular cast iron pan models can be controlled within 200-1,000 yuan, and ordinary mass-market cast iron pans can be bought for around 200 yuan for durable models. More importantly, the service life of cast iron pans can reach several decades, making them "heritage cookware". Non-stick pans need to be replaced every 1-3 years after the coating wears off, and stainless steel pans also need to be replaced after long-term use when deformation and scratches occur. Considering the replacement cost, the long-term price advantage of cast iron pans is extremely obvious.

However, it should be noted that when comparing low-cost cast iron pans with the cheapest ordinary non-stick pans and thin stainless steel pans, the initial selling price may not be advantageous. But considering the service life and usage experience, the comprehensive price advantage of cast iron pans is very prominent.