There's something about cooking with cast iron that just makes food taste better.
Maybe it's the even heat distribution, the beautiful sear you get, or the fact that they can be used on the stovetop and in the oven.
Whatever the reason may be, cast iron skillets are a kitchen essential. In this article, we will discuss 10 of the best cast iron skillets on the market today.
We'll also provide an overview of what to look for when shopping for a cast iron skillet.
So whether you're looking for your first cast iron skillet or you're in need of an upgrade, read on for the best cast iron skillets available!
Best Cast Iron Cookware
Lodge is the big name in cast-iron cookware, and for good reason. Lodge cast iron skillets are well-made, last for years, and built strong.
This skillet has a diameter of 12.56 inches and comes pre-seasoned, so it's ready to use right out of the box. It's also large enough to cook multiple servings of food.
It also has a cast-iron lid, which is great for trapping in heat and moisture while cooking.
Not to mention, the lid has self-basting tips on the inside, which help ensure your food stays moist.
The Lodge skillet can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction cooktops, and is oven-safe.
It's not dishwasher-safe, like most cast iron cookware. We recommend cleaning it by hand with wa
rm water.
This skillet is solid cast iron and sure to last generations. It's also pre-seasoned so you can start cooking with it right away!
Cast iron cookware is a favorite because of its even heat distribution and durability. You'll be able to make all your favorite recipes in this pan - from fried chicken to a simple frittata.
One thing to keep in mind with cast iron is that it needs to be seasoned properly, or else it will rust.
Luckily, Lodge has solved this problem by pre-seasoning their skillets so you don't have to worry about it!
Click the link above to see the current price for this pan and lid cast iron set.
- Pre-seasoned
- Comes with a cast-iron lid
- Can be used on all cooking surfaces
- Well-known and reputable brand.
- Some users find the skillet to be too heavy.
- A bit pricey.
The Babish skillet is another great option if you're in the market for a cast-iron skillet. This one has a diameter of 12 inches and is also pre-seasoned.
It's made of durable cast-iron construction and has superior heat distribution and retention. It's also metal-utensil-safe, and has two ergonomic handles for easy handling.
This skillet also has built-in side spouts to help avoid spills. Plus, it's safe to use on the grill, and on gas, electric, ceramic, glass, and induction stoves. And last but not least, it's oven safe up to 500°F.
So if you're looking for a great cast-iron skillet that is pre-seasoned and ready to use, the Babish skillet is a great option.
The price is also reasonable, and less expensive than the previous option from Lodge.
- Pre-seasoned
- 12-inch diameter
- Durable cast iron construction
- Superior heat distribution and retention
- Metal utensil safe
- Ergonomic handles
- Built-in side spouts to help avoid spills
- The handles get hot during cooking, so be sure to wear mitts or pot holders.
If you're looking for a cast iron skillet that can do it all, the Petromax 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is the one for you.
This is a cast iron fire skillet, which means it can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, on a barbeque grill, or over an open campfire.
It's also pre-seasoned and perfect for braising, frying or roasting. You can keep your dishes warm and serve them directly to the table in this beautiful cast iron skillet.
This pan can cook for two to three people, making it a great option for small families or couples.
And because it's pre-seasoned and has a natural non-stick surface, cooking and cleanup is a breeze.
- Can be used on multiple cooking surfaces
- Pre-seasoned for easy use and cleanup
- Perfect for small families or couples
- Some users have complained about rust forming over time, though this is normal with cast iron. To prevent rust, make sure to season your skillet occasionally, dry your pan thoroughly after each use, and store it in a dry place.
This Overmont cast iron skillet set comes with a shallow skillet (10.5") and a 3.2 quart deep pot skillet, both of which are made of durable cast iron.
This cast iron set is perfect for cooking large meals or for meal prep, because you can use the shallow skillet as a lid when cooking in the deep pot!
The domed cover on the deep pot is also great for roasting or for making no-knead bread recipes.
Both pieces in this set, like all good cast iron cookware, conduct heat evenly and efficiently. This means your food will always come out perfectly and evenly cooked.
This set is also pre-seasoned with high-quality vegetable oil, with no synthetic coatings or chemicals, so it's ready to use right out of the box.
This set is also induction-compatible, so it can be used on any type of stovetop.
It's the ideal set of cast iron cookware for broiling, searing, baking, frying, and sautéing. You can use it to make breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert!
- Comes with two pieces: a shallow skillet and a deep pot
- Both pieces are induction-compatible
- Pre-seasoned with high-quality vegetable oil
- Great price for the quality and number of pieces
- The small cast iron skillet doubles as a lid for the bigger one
- The handles are not anti-scalding, so be sure to use a pot holder when handling hot skillets
- The lips of the skillets aren't very well suited for pouring, which can lead to spills
The Victoria 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is one of the best cast iron skillets on the market.
The skillet is made of cast iron and provides even heat distribution and heat retention. It also has a seasoned coating that is made from 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil.
This ensures that food will not stick to the pan, and that it will be healthy for you to eat, since the coating is made without PFOAs or PTFE.
Not to mention, cooking in a cast iron skillet can actually help to boost the levels of iron in your diet.
The Victoria 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet also has a curved handle for better grip and a helper handle for easier handling.
The skillet measures 12 inches in diameter and is two inches deep, making it the perfect size for cooking multiple items at once.
The big cast iron frying pan is multi-functional, and can be used for serving, cooking, baking, grilling, and oven-to-table meals. You can prepare everything from deep-dish pizzas to carrot cakes in it!
It's also a great option for families, since it's big enough to roast and sauté big portions of pork chops, chicken, steak, and so on.
Plus, the Victoria Skillet is suitable for cooking on any type of stovetop, including induction, ceramic, campfire, grill, and oven.
And to top it all off, this skillet has a deeper and wider cooking surface, so you can sear, bake, and fry to your heart's content.
The price can't be beaten for a cast iron skillet of this size and quality!
- Even heat distribution and retention
- 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil seasoning
- Curved handle for better grip
- Helper handle for easier handling
- Multi-functional, and can be used on any type of stovetop
- Deep and wide cooking surface
- Affordable
- Needs careful maintenance; leaving any water in the pan will lead to rusting very easily.
- Not as thick as Lodge cast iron skillets.
If you love cast iron skillets and want a whole set of them, this is a great choice for you!
The Cuisinel cast iron skillet set comes with four skillets in sizes six, eight, ten, and twelve inches in diameter.
The skillets have a smooth finish to help provide even heat distribution for improved cooking and frying.
The cast iron set also comes with four heat-resistant handle holders to make it easier to use the pans on grills and stoves alike.
The Cuisinel skillets can be used for frying, baking, grilling, broiling, braising, sautéing meats, vegetables and more!
They come pre-seasoned so you can start using them right away. The skillets are also suitable for cooking on induction cooktops.
- The Cuisinel cast iron set is easy to clean and very durable.
- You can also reach out to the company for a free scrubber brush by registering online.
- The price is great for the number of pieces you get.
- It heats perfectly on induction and radiant stovetops alike.
- They also go in the oven with no temperature limitation as you would get from non-stick pans.
- The silicone handles are a little thin.
- The pre-seasoning isn't great. However, these are minor complaints in an otherwise great set of cast iron skillets.
How to Find the Best Cast Iron Pots and Pans
When it comes to finding the best cast iron skillet, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.
Let's take a closer look at each of these factors.
Size
When it comes to cast iron skillets, size definitely matters. You'll want to choose a skillet that's large enough to accommodate whatever you're cooking, and however many people you'll be cooking for.
If you're only ever going to be cooking for one or two people, then a smaller skillet will suffice. But if you frequently cook for larger groups, then you'll need a larger skillet.
Overstuffing a small pan will lead to unevenly cooked food.
The good news is that cast iron skillets come in a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find one that's just right for your needs!
Price
Another important factor to consider is price. Cast iron skillets can range in price from around $20 to $200 or more.
Of course, you'll want to find a skillet that fits within your budget. But it's also important to remember that cast iron skillets are a lifetime investment if you treat them right.
So even if you have to spend a little bit more upfront, it will be worth it in the long run, since you'll never have to replace your skillet and can pass it down. High-quality cast iron pans are made to last generations.
Quality
When it comes to quality, there are a few things you'll want to look for in a cast iron skillet.
First, you'll want to make sure that the skillet is made from heavy-duty cast iron. This will ensure that your skillet is durable and long-lasting.
Second, you'll want to look for a skillet with a smooth surface. A smooth surface will help promote even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
Finally, you'll want to make sure that the skillet has been properly pre-seasoned. This will ensure that your food doesn't stick to the pan and that it has a nice flavor.
Ease of Use
Another important factor to consider is ease of use. You'll want to make sure that the skillet you choose is easy to use on a variety of cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction.
You'll also want to make sure that the skillet is easy to clean. Look for a skillet with a smooth surface that can easily be wiped down.
You should also consider whether or not the skillet comes with any additional features that would make it easier to use, such as heat-resistant handle holders or a pouring spout.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best cast iron skillet, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Size, price, quality, and ease of use are all important factors to consider.
Keep these things in mind, and you'll be sure to find the perfect cast iron skillet for your needs.
Now that you know what to look for in a cast iron skillet, it's time to start shopping!
Use our list of the six best cast iron skillets to find the perfect one for you.
Happy cooking!
Talya Davis
Talya, like all members of the HomeDesignX team, is enamored by all things related to cooking and eating. She’s written cookware articles for numerous publications before working with her lifelong friend Jessica to create their very own website on cookware.
She's currently writing a book on induction cooktops, and enjoys making clean, vegan meals for her family.