Every chef that’s passionate about creating the best food possible knows that an essential part of every recipe is the dishes used to cook and prepare the food. Certain dishes can actually help (or hinder) the quality of the food, because some cookware materials are ideal for bringing out the natural flavors of food. For that purpose, one of the most highly regarded cooking materials is cast iron. Baking pans made with this material are noted for being durable and delivering food that is cooked evenly.

This even cooking is particularly important for any kind of bread recipe. Whether you’re trying to make the perfect muffins or the best cornbread, many chefs turn to cast iron to create a golden brown result. The only downside to these pans is that they require a bit more maintenance than stainless steel or aluminum. They must be properly seasoned, or they could rust, but many food fanatics feel this extra step is worth the results they get from these pots and pans.