Everyone Overlooked It — The Cast Iron Cookware We Want Back On Our Modern Counters

Professional chefs and home cooks alike have long praised the reliability of cast iron cookware. Skillets, in particular, rank high among the valuable cast iron pans collectors dream of finding. They can handle everything from stovetop stews to baked goods. But if you enjoy baking more than cooking, another cast iron piece is worth including in your modern kitchen: the Bundt pan. Today, you will see these ring-shaped pans made with aluminum or silicone, but vintage versions were made with cast iron. You can find newer cast iron Bundt pans in retail stores for about $80, depending on size, while pre-loved pans can be found at thrift stores for much less.

Technically, Bundt pans weren't always called Bundt pans. They were originally called Gugelhupf pans, named after the dense, ring-shaped cake they were designed to make. The renaming happened in the 1950s, when a few Jewish women asked David Dalquist, owner of Nordic Ware, to recreate the Gugelhupf pans because they couldn't find them in the United States. The new name is a nod to the German word "bund," which means alliance, and then a "t" was added to the end to trademark the name. Beyond making and selling Bundt pans in the U.S., Nordic Ware also published cookbooks with sweet and savory recipes anyone could make with a Bundt pan.

If you plan on finding vintage Bundt pans at the thrift store, you may come across ones made by Nordic Ware, other manufacturers like Wagner Ware, or even unbranded or unmarked pans. Since Nordic Ware is known for producing cast aluminum Bundt pans, keep in mind they are lighter than cast iron and may not retain heat as long. But cast aluminum still remains reliable in terms of durability. You'll also want to inspect the Bundt pans closely to decide whether they're worth bringing home. When it comes to cast iron or even cast aluminum, any significant cracks or rust will require one heck of a restoration project. So if you don't feel equipped for that, you may want to look for less damaged ironware.

If you do score a vintage Bundt pan, it is vital to clean and season the ironware before use. As you care for your cast iron pan, remember that they don't naturally have a nonstick surface. You can season it by spreading some cooking oil evenly across its entire surface. For baking, heat the Bundt in the oven before pouring any batter into the container. Or, if you don't intend to use it and would rather display it in your kitchen, take a design idea from Martha Stewart's '70s kitchen and place the Bundt pans on open shelves. Using them as decor is a great way to bring a more mid-century modern vibe into your space.