Vintage cast-iron skillets are smoother, lighter and highly collectible Among collectors, conversations about cast iron have a way of getting sentimental, and they often land in the same place: craftsmanship.

We asked Southerners what foods they do not cook in a cast-iron skillet. Aside from "nothing," the other answers might surprise you.

Wash the Skillet with Warm Soapy Water and Dry Well: While using soap on cast iron was frowned upon for years, it is, in fact, OK. After washing, rinse off any soap, then dry the pan thoroughly with a soft cloth. The skillet is raw iron at this point, and water will cause it to rust.

These are some of the top cast iron skillets to add to your cookware collection, including pans from Lodge and Stargazer.

Whether you bought a pre-seasoned pan from Lodge or want to preserve grandma's skillet for the next generation, proper care is critical when it comes to cast iron. Here's why cast iron should never go in the dishwasher and how to clean your skillet so it will last for decades to come.

Cast iron is an excellent, durable cooking tool, but it requires proper care and cleaning techniques to maintain its nonstick surface for years. Fortunately, the best way to anything clean cast iron—pans,