Cast iron
Cast iron is made from pig iron, which is the product of smelting iron ore in a blast furnace. Cast iron can be made directly from the molten pig iron or by re-melting pig iron, often along with substantial quantities of iron, steel, limestone, carbon (coke) and taking various steps to remove undesirable contaminants. Phosphorus and sulfur may be burnt out of the molten iron, but this also burns out the carbon, which must be replaced. Depending on the application, carbon and silicon content are adjusted to the desired levels, which may be anywhere from 2–3.5% and 1–3%, respectively. If desired, other elements are then added to the melt before the final form is produced by casting.
Cast-iron cookware
The primary producers of traditional cast iron in France are Le Creuset and Staub, though both companies only offer enameled cast iron cookware lines. Netherton Foundry in Shropshire, England, produces cast iron and spun iron cookware. Skeppshult is a Scandinavian foundry that produces cast iron cookware and cast iron kitchen accessories. While there are many well-established brands in the United States such as Milo, Camp Chef, Lodge, Bayou Classic, and John Wright, most manufacture their cookware in China.