Using cast iron cookware offers cooks a number of significant advantages in the kitchen, from adding some sophisticated style to enhancing the quality of dishes.

Forged cookware has the advantage of retaining heat better than other metals or alloys, but also offers better heat distribution.

Cast iron pans are likely to significantly improve the cooking of those who find it difficult to evenly cook their steaks, for example.

The absence of hot spots can also improve the overall quality of sauces, stews and soups too, ensuring better maintenance of temperature across the whole pot rather than from the bottom up.

Cast iron pots are also very versatile. The Lodge Dutch Oven with loop handles, available for a discount £94.50 on Headcook and Bottlewasher, has been designed so that it can be easily moved from stovetop to oven, without having to transfer food into a different receptacle.

Meanwhile, smaller frying pans, such as the Lodge Logic Wonder Mini Skillet 5", are forged to last - and if properly cared for can be passed on from generation to generation.