Black Iron Cookware
Black-iron bakeware, whether made from cast iron or spun iron has a natural seasoning which is achieved by baking layers of light vegetable oil, usually flax oil. The oil fills the little gaps in the surface of the metal to form a naturally non-stick finish which, if looked after, improves with use and age. Black ironware is designed to last and last: there is no coating to wear off and they're very tough. Buy the best and buy once.
Cast Iron Bakeware
Cast-iron bakeware is tough and designed to last indefinitely. The molten iron is poured into moulds in a special sand and then and rough edges are removed before the iron is seasoned to turn it from grey to black, giving it protection from rust. At Victoria, their experts work to reduce any unnecessary weight in the pans making them lighter and easier to handle than others.
Spun Iron Bakeware
For some applications, casting iron would result in a product that is too heavy or where the benefit of cast over thinner material is marginal. For example, the Netherton Foundry Spun Iron Cloche is made from a large sheet of steel mounted onto a lathe and then while spinning is bent around a form to take the dome shape. The dome and base are then coated with flax oil and baked to give the black seasoned finish.