Whether you are a professional chef or a home-based cooking enthusiast, you need a cast-iron skillet. The heavy-duty, almost indestructible cast iron skillet has been used for centuries and there are few reasons why it continues as a “must-have” cooking tool for any kitchen.
The 7 Best Cast Iron Skillets
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Our Top Pick)
- Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned 12.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- PR PeakRous 10-Inch Skillet
- Tramontina 80131/058DS Enameled Cast Iron 12-Inch Covered Skillet
- Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Skillet
- Bruntmor Enameled 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker
- Bayou Classic Cast-Iron Skillet
Our Top Pick for the Best Cast Iron Skillet
Our top pick for the best cast iron skillet is the Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet.
With a world-famous reputation for manufacturing top-quality cast iron cookware, Lodge has designed a highly versatile skillet that will reward you with its unparalleled heating and cooking performance. Built to last for generations, its old-world charm will captivate you. Its cast-iron construction can handle all types of cooking conditions, so you can create all types of meals, in your kitchen or over the campfire in the wilderness.
Check the price on AmazonA Cast-Iron Skillet: A Highly Versatile Cooking Tool
- As cast iron is strong and durable, a cast iron skillet can handle high temperatures. Its heavy-duty construction means it will last you a lifetime
- A cast-iron skillet is very versatile, you can use it for cooking all types of food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert
- You can use it for cooking indoors, on the stove-top, in the oven and the broiler. You can also use it for cooking in the great outdoors, on the barbecue, or the campfire
- There are some substantial health benefits from cooking in a cast-iron skillet. Iron deficiency is fairly common worldwide, especially among women. So cooking food in a cast-iron skillet can increase a person’s iron content by as much as 20%
A cast-iron skillet can be more expensive but it rewards you with a superior level of heating and cooking. And the longer you have it the better it performs. Cast iron tends to heat up slowly, but it can maintain and conduct heat very well. If you want to sear a steak, then a cast-iron skillet is an excellent choice.
Cast-iron is very heavy and can be susceptible to corrosion if it is not maintained properly. However, if you season and maintain the cast iron, your skillet will continue as an heirloom for generations.
A cast-iron skillet requires very little oil or fat to cook, making it the go-to pan for low-fat, healthy cooking.
As there are so many skillets available, here are some features to consider as you search for your new cast iron skillet.
Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron
Some cast-iron manufacturers such as Lodge, America’s oldest family-owned cookware manufacturer, make its skillets out of uncoated cast-iron. However, the surface undergoes a special pre-seasoning treatment which enhances the integrity of the cast iron and adds extra flavor to your food, but you will need to re-season the surface now and then with oil.
Enameled Cast Iron
As well as featuring the strength of cast iron, enameled cast iron skillets have a special enameled interior. The Tramontina 80131/058DS Enameled Cast Iron 12-Inch Covered Skillet and the Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Skillet both have a black enameled interior finish that requires no seasoning. Enameled cast iron has excellent heat retention and ensures highly efficient heat distribution, which seals in the natural flavors of the food.
One of the other highlights of enameled cast iron is that many manufacturers, such as Le Creuset, offer you a range of attractive colors to choose from. The only real downside of using an enameled cast iron skillet is that the enamel can crack or chip if you drop the skillet.
How to Choose the Best Cast Iron Skillet
Size
Skillets range in sizes from 8, 10, 10.25, or 12-inches in diameter, which is important to note as the size will determine how many people you can cook for.
Here is a good guide for choosing the right sized cast iron skillet that will fit your cooking needs:
- 8-inch fry pan = cooking for 2 people
- 10-inch fry pan = 3 people
- 12-inch fry pan = 4-5 people
- 12.5-inch fry pan = 6 people
- 20-inch = 6 people and more
Cooking with cast iron can be a bit tricky. Some people still struggle with food that sticks to the surface of their skillet, even ones that have a very good non-stick surface such as Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned 12.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet or Bruntmor Enameled 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker. So here are some cooking tips to help you to get the most out of your new cast iron skillet.
7 Best Cast Iron Skillets – Reviews
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is proudly made in the US and with a high cooking performance and long-term durability, this heavy-duty, outstanding skillet is an excellent choice.
Whether you like to sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry, or grill, the 12-inch skillet from Lodge offers a lot of cooking versatility and makes cooking all types of meals so easy. Lodge is one of the leading manufacturers of cast-iron cookware and this multifunctional skillet is a favorite kitchen tool that is used by leading chefs and is destined to become a part of your cooking entourage. It is also guaranteed to last you for generations.
As cast iron is very heavy, the solid skillet features two handles to help you lift and carry it from the cooktop to the counter. One handle is built into the skillet and the other handle has a bright red silicone hot removable holder that protects you from burning your hands. The two subtle side lips help you to pour, without any dripping.
It is already pre-seasoned with vegetable oil to prevent food from sticking and to enhance the flavor of your food. You can use the skillet in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, on induction cooktops, and even over an open flame at the campsite.
Lodge has created a high-quality skillet that offers you outstanding heat retention, even heating, and an easy-release finish. So whatever you want to cook, this cast iron skillet makes cooking your culinary creations so easy.
You cannot put the skillet in the dishwasher so you have to wash it in warm soapy water. You also need to keep it seasoned to maintain its high cooking ability and keep it dry to stop it from rusting.
The durable skillet is large enough for a family of 4, but if you need a smaller skillet, Lodge offers skillets in a range of sizes as well. Some of its skillets come in regular cast-iron that is not pre-seasoned, so you are bound to find the right skillet for your cooking needs and lifestyle.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Outstanding heat retention
- Provides even-heating
- Easy-release finish
- Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
- Great for induction cooktops and stoves
- Can use it to cook over an open flame
- Two handles: integrated handle and silicone holder handle
- Silicone holder is removable
- Easy pouring side lips
Cons
- Rough surface
- Need to re-season the skillet
- Not dishwasher safe
2. Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned 12.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
With an extra spacious cooking surface, an excellent heat retention ability, and even heating design, and a superior non-stick interior, the Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned 12.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet will have you cooking up a storm. Utopia Kitchen has created a solid cast iron skillet with a fairly smooth surface and a heavy-duty base that gives you all the cooking space you need.
It is 2¼-inches deep, which makes it your No.1 go-to pan for searing, sautéing, simmering, braising, baking, roasting, or frying all types of food.
As it has already been pre-seasoned in Utopia’s factory, with a special soy-based oil, and has undergone a high heat-sealing process, this allows the cast iron’s natural polymers to create an initial layer of seasoning. The result is a top-quality skillet that gives you an excellent level of fast and even heating and a non-stick surface that is simply amazing.
A highly versatile skillet, it can be used on various heat sources including gas, electric, induction, and ceramic-glass top stoves, and ovens, and also grills. Why not take it with you on your next camping trip and use it to fry up some bacon and beans over the campfire!
There are 2 handles to make lifting and carrying the skillet so much easier and it has 2 pouring lips on either side to help you to serve your culinary creation. Cleaning the skillet is very easy but you will have to season it again after a few cooking sessions. Utopia Kitchen offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Solid quality cast iron skillet
- Great value for money
- Highly versatile
- Works well on most cooktops
- Excellent heat retention
- Heats up and cooks fast
- Spacious interior design
- Superior non-stick ability
- Sturdy handles
- Two pour spouts
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Surface of the skillet is a little rough
- Requires re-seasoning
- Not dishwasher safe
3. PR PeakRous 10-Inch Skillet
If you want a great alternative to a traditional heavy skillet, then invest in the cast iron grill pan from PR PeakRous. Even though it is made from heavy-duty cast iron, the PR PeakRous 10-Inch Skillet can do everything a skillet can do. However, it is a little lighter than the traditional skillet. You can create delicious, healthier meals like vegetables and all types of meat with the authentic taste of outdoor grilling on the barbecue.
The grill pan is made from solid cast iron which is specially designed for cooking over high heat. Its surface is pre-seasoned to create a naturally non-stick surface to seal your steak or fry potatoes with very little oil and no fat. As opposed to larger skillets that can be quite heavy to lift and only have one handle, the PR PeakRous skillet has 2 easy-grip handles that make it so much easier to carry and transfer your meal from the cooktop to your table, or fry an early morning breakfast over the campfire. The skillet is oven safe up to 600°F.
The skillet’s square surface gives you a good amount of room for cooking thick-cut steak and the ridges give your meat that just grilled on the barbecue look. You do not have to worry about your food splattering during the cooking process as the surface is very flat. To protect your hands from the cast-iron handle, the skillet comes with 2 removable heat-resistant red silicone covers.
This skillet pan requires minimal maintenance and you can wash it with warm water, but you need to dry it completely or the cast iron can rust.
PR PeakRous offers a refund or return guarantee on the cast iron skillet.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Great alternative to a heavy skillet
- Affordable price
- Solid cast-iron
- Pre-seasoned
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor cooking
- Good amount of room for thick-cut steak
- Not as heavy as other skillets
- Very good non-stick surface
- Two easy-grip handles
- Heat-resistant removable red silicone handle covers
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Oven safe up to 600°F
- Easy to clean
- Refund or return guarantee
Cons
- Gloves may still be required for extra high heat cooking
- Can rust if the skillet is not dried properly
4. Tramontina 80131/058DS Enameled Cast Iron 12-Inch Covered Skillet
As well as having that gorgeous old-fashioned cast-iron charm, the Tramontina 80131/058DS Enameled Cast Iron 12-Inch Covered Skillet incorporates some modern style. Tramontina’s dedication to creating a wide range of premium-quality cookware is evident in this beautiful skillet that is designed for a superior level of cooking.
With a sturdy heavy-gauge cast iron construction and a graduated porcelain-enamel exterior that has a vibrant red finish, the Tramontina skillet adds a contemporary feel to your kitchen while giving you the durability and strength of cast iron. The covered skillet has a matte black porcelain enamel cooking surface that will not react with your food.
As it is PFOA- and PTFE-free, you can fry, sear, brown, or poach all types of food without worrying about any chemicals leaching into your food. The skillet’s surface has a very good cooking ability and the flat bottom also helps your food to cook quicker.
As well as looking super striking in your kitchen or at the dinner table, the skillet provides outstanding heat distribution and retention, and professional cooking results. The self-basting condensation ridges under the tight-fitting cast iron lid will keep your food moist and trap in the food’s natural flavors. The skillet has one small handle and a larger handle and a pouring lip, which makes carrying and pouring so much easier.
Although the skillet cannot go in the dishwasher and has to be hand-washed, it is one of the easiest skillets to clean. The skillet is compatible with all cooktops and is oven safe up to 450°F. Tramontina also makes a 10-inch skillet in graduated red and graduated cobalt blue, and all their skillets are covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Sturdy heavy-gauge cast iron construction
- Flat bottom
- Secure-fitting lid with self-basting condensation ridges
- Superior heat retention and distribution
- Professional cooking performance
- Graduated vibrant red porcelain-enamel exterior
- Matte black porcelain enamel cooking surface
- Two sturdy handles and a pouring lip
- Very easy to clean
Cons
- Some foods may stick to the enameled cooking surface
- Cast iron material is thinner than other skillets
- Lid and skillet are very heavy
5. Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Skillet
One of the most well-known manufacturers of cast iron cookware, Le Creuset has designed a top-quality Enameled Cast-Iron Skillet that gives you plenty of room to cook all types of meals. The heavy-duty 11¾-inch skillet boasts a reliable cooking performance with even heating. It only requires a minimum amount of oil for everyday cooking. So as well as being a delight to work with, the Le Creuset skillet helps you to eat healthier meals.
The skillet has an improved enamel interior that delivers superior heat retention. The interior and exterior enamel are highly resistant to any cracks or chipping and the satin black enamel interior does not need additional seasoning. After you have been cooking for a while, the skillet’s slightly abrasive interior develops a natural patina that is ideal for searing and frying.
If you love your comfort foods such as cornbread, the cast iron skillet has a unique ability to produce just the right balance of a crispy golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. You can cook a stir-fry, slow-cook a casserole, sear a steak, or even bake a cake. The skillet has an integrated iron handle and a helper handle for easy carrying and transporting the skillet from the cooktop to the benchtop.
As cast iron is specially designed for high temperatures, the Le Creuset skillet can be used in the oven and broiler, regardless of the temperature. The skillet cannot go in the dishwasher so you have to hand wash it.
It is available in 3 other colors that are just as stunning as the cherry: flame, cassis, and also Marseilles. The skillet is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High-quality skillet
- Great value for money
- Superb cooking performance
- Excellent even heat distribution and superior heat retention
- Spacious cooking surface for multiple servings and larger ingredients
- Durable black enamel finish requires no seasoning
- Long-lasting enamel
- Solid cast-iron construction
- Beautiful cherry enameled exterior
- Other attractive colors available
- Strong integrated iron handle and extra helper handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Some foods may stick to the enameled interior
6. Bruntmor Enameled 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker
If you want to upgrade your cookware, or you want a high-quality cast iron skillet to take your cooking skills to another level, then look no further than the pre-seasoned Bruntmor Enameled 2-In-1 Cast Iron Multi-Cooker. In this combo, Bruntmor gives you a 3-quart skillet that can double as a Dutch oven for stews and casseroles. The lid not only seals in the food’s natural juices and flavors, but you can even use the lid as a separate skillet.
This skillet and lid combo are just the right tools to get you cooking all types of meals, from roast chicken, steak to your favorite fried foods, or comfort food such as cornbread. Not only does the combo pack make cooking, searing, and frying offer you a lot of cooking versatility, the skillet, and its lid are both pre-seasoned to add extra flavor and guarantees healthier meals.
The 3-quart skillet has an enameled surface that is 100% non-stick, which also means that your cooking and cleaning will be effortless.
Just one look at the 2 skillets and you will see the quality oozing out of the cast iron. Bruntmor’s dedication to creating solid cookware is reflected in the skillet’s superior level of heating and cooking performance. As the skillet and lid can withstand high temperatures, you can use them on a stove, in an oven, or for cooking on your campfire.
Lifting, maneuvering, and carrying the skillet and lid is also made easier with the integrated handle and the extra handle helper is strong and sturdy. If you want to show off your new cast iron skillets, both the 3-quart skillet and its lid have good-sized holes in the handles so you can proudly hang them up in your kitchen to add some old-fashioned country charm.
Pros
- Fantastic quality
- Very good price
- Two-in-one combo: skillet and lid
- Skillet doubles as a Dutch oven
- Skillet lid doubles as a shallow skillet
- Solid cast iron
- Pre-seasoned surface
- 100% non-stick ability
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Can also use it in the oven
- Strong and sturdy handles
Cons
- Need to be re-seasoned
- Very heavy
7. Bayou Classic Cast-Iron Skillet
If you are heading off for a camping getaway or need to feed a hungry horde of hunters on a fishing trip, the Bayou Classic Cast-Iron Skillet is one heavy-duty skillet that needs to be a part of your cooking gear. The skillet is made from rugged and sturdy cast iron that can withstand high temperatures.
So you can use it for almost any type of cooking situation, on your stovetop at home to fry bacon and eggs and pancakes for breakfast, or fry freshly caught fish or steak over the campfire.
It boasts an extra-large cooking surface that measures 20-inch in diameter and 3-inch deep. So it can hold loads of food and the handles are strong and allow you to easily hold and carry the skillet from the stovetop to the counter or from the fire to the camping table.
The skillet is quite easy to clean, just simply rinse and scrub the skillet without detergent after each use. If you have never used a cast-iron skillet, Bayou Classic offers you some tips so that you can get the best performance out of the skillet.
Before the first use, you should season the cast-iron skillet at least once and preferably several times. This will help prevent rusting and create a long-lasting non-stick finish. After washing and drying thoroughly, the skillet should be coated with solid vegetable shortening, such as lard or bacon fat (not butter or margarine). Let the skillet ‘bake’ in a 300°F oven for an hour, then remove and wipe off the excess.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Heavy-duty, rugged cast-iron skillet
- Extra-large cooking surface
- Sturdy handles
- Ideal for cooking for a large group
- Can use it indoors and outdoors
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not pre-seasoned
- Not ideal for small ovens
- Very heavy
- Requires some maintenance
Our Top Pick for the Best Cast Iron Skillet
Our top pick for the best cast iron skillet is the Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet.
With a world-famous reputation for manufacturing top-quality cast iron cookware, Lodge has designed a highly versatile skillet that will reward you with its unparalleled heating and cooking performance. Built to last for generations, its old-world charm will captivate you. Its cast-iron construction can handle all types of cooking conditions, so you can create all types of meals, in your kitchen or over the campfire in the wilderness.
Check the price on Amazon
