This Is The Cult Classic Cajun Cookware Favorite Missing From Your Kitchen

The Magnalite aluminum heavy duty cookware are a staple in almost every household in south Louisiana. I don’t know that I even realized it until recently that it was regional to Cajun country until a friend posted to Facebook. My mom still has her collection, but these virtually indestructible pots and pans can’t be bought anymore from the original manufacturer.

Have no fear. Amazon has you covered with its own line of cookware known as the Cajun Classic. These Magnalite roasters, pots, and even pans weren’t isolated to Louisiana. Made in Ohio beginning in 1934, the reason the roasting pans in particular were so popular (and still a find) was because they could go from the stove to the oven to the stove again.

This 13-piece Cast Aluminum Cajun Cookware Set is almost identical to the original Magnalite cookware that is still in my mom’s kitchen. You can buy it on Amazon. It also comes in an 8-piece set.

The Cajun Classic line is actually produced by McWare, which is located in Mamou, Louisiana. That happens to be my grandmother’s hometown. While the original Magnalite line in Wagner ceased operations, McWare has since taken up making cookware that many used the original Magnalite products for to make foods that make Louisiana famous.

Using a unique gravity casting process, the producer (Wagner) molded it into the desired shape. The aluminum of the pots and pans provided great heat conduction when it came to cooking. With the 50-year warranty, the roasting pan in particular became a cult favorite.

The Cajun Classic Heavy Aluminum 15-Inch Oval Roaster with cover is the replica of the legendary Magnalite roaster that can cook anything from gumbo to a turkey. It can go from oven to stove to fridge. It also comes in an 11-inch and 13-inch model.

While the Cajun Classic roaster looks very similar to the now defunct Wagner Magnalite roasting pan, it is by no means an exact match. It is probably the closest one will get. A Pampered Chef rep will likely say that one of those roasters is superior.

However, I would put my money on the Cajun Classic. For starters, the anything from Pampered Chef can’t be washed in the dishwasher or washed really at all. These aluminum pots and pans can literally withstand almost anything, but as with most cookware these days, the dishwasher isn’t advised. They are about on par with iron skillets in their versatility, which is probably why so many southern women took to them.

I am assuming my mom has had her Magnalite cookware for at least close to 50 years. Hers is far superior to any other piece of cookware I’ve yet to encounter. After all, hers survived countless moves, several ovens, and dishwashers. I think my aunt even dropped one of these on her foot. Although nothing was broken, it left behind a severe bruise that took months to heal.

Amazon shoppers agree that this line of cookware is worth the price with high praise and good reviews. I know that I will be buying it as soon as I get my own kitchen, which I hope will be very, very soon. Please stay tuned, because I plan to give some tips on seasoning these bad boys.

Note: I got an up close look at the McWare pots and pans at a small store in Natchitoches. These are made in China even though the company is based in Mamou. Please do not let that discourage you. A lot of high price cookware is made in China or another country due to the high cost of manufacturing. If I had to guess, the cost of manufacturing is why the company that made the original Magnalite went under.

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