The main advantage of cast iron is that it has very high volumetric heat capacity, which means that once it's hot, it stays hot. This is vitally important when searing meat. To really heat cast iron evenly, place it over a burner and let it preheat for at least 10 minutes or so, rotating it every once in a while.

What is the advantage of cooking with cast iron?

Once cast iron is hot, it stays hot. So cast iron pans are great for searing meat. Cast iron is great for keeping food warm since it holds heat for a considerable length of time.

Are cast iron pans better for you?

You've probably heard at one point or another that cooking in a cast-iron pan releases iron into your food. It's not a myth, nor is it a bad thing, especially for women, kids, and vegetarians, who are more prone to being iron-deficient. Research has shown that cast-iron use does indeed impact the iron level in food.