CAST IRON AND CAST ALUMINUM COOKWARES Bare cast-iron vessels have been used for cooking for hundreds of years. Cast iron's ability to withstand and maintain very high temperatures makes it a common choice for or , and its excellent heat diffusion and retention makes it a good option for long-cooking stews or dishes. Types of bare cast iron cookware include dutch ovens, frying pans, deep fryers, tetsubin, woks, potjies, flattop grills and griddles. Health effects Cast iron cookware leaches small amounts of iron into the food. , and those with deficiencies, may benefit from this effect, though those with excess iron issues (for example, people with ) may suffer negative effects.