10 Best Cast Iron Skillets

A cast iron skillet is one of the must-have cookware in your kitchen. From roasting a chicken to searing a T-bone, there is no limit to what it can do. Compared to stainless steel pan, cast iron needs proper care and maintenance. However, in exchange, you get to enjoy a well-maintained layer of seasoning and a piece of cookware that is rugged enough to last you a lifetime and put a weighty sear on your thick steak. With a cast iron pan, you are assured of excellent service for generations on end.

We have keenly analyzed and extensively researched the ones available on the market and have finally settled on the following 10 best cast iron skillets.

Heavy Duty Cast Iron Skillet With Great Heat Retention

What we like: Looking for a cast-iron skillet that consistently and heats evenly? This one from T-fal is the best available. It is made from the best iron cast making it great for both retention and distribution of heat. Its size is another advantage of this product as it is extra-large. To enhance easy handling, the skillet comes with a thump rest. For first time users, it comes with easy to follow step-by-step instructions. It is a great option for frying, browning, and searing.

The T-fal cast iron skillet is very easy to handle while preparing your food courtesy of its side grip handles. It is okay for all cooktops. You can use it to cook on campfires, outdoor BBQ grill, stovetops and in ovens. It has an oven-safe of 600 degrees. This skillet is Cadmium and PFOA free. Finally, yet importantly, it is easy to clean.

Specifications:

• Item weight: 9 pounds
• Dimensions: 19.7 x 13 x 2.5 inches

Versatile Cast Iron Skillet With Ultra Smooth Surface

What we like: The Finex 8-Inch cast iron skillet gives you a natural non-stick performance because of its ultra-smooth and polished surface. It is great for frying eggs on the stovetops since you do not need oven mitts. You can also use it for making hamburgers, baking bread, searing meat, and roasting vegetables. With a lid on top, it is possible for simmering, steaming, and braising.

Apart from being stylish and classy due to its stainless-steel handle, the Finex 8-Inch cast iron skillet is lighter compared to others on the list. Moreover, this cast iron skillet is ready for use as it comes pre-seasoned with organic oil.

Specifications:

• Item weight: 3.57 pounds
• Dimensions: 14.6 x 8.6 x 2.9 inches

Affordable Cast Iron Skillet With an Oven-Safe Knob

What we like: A major highlight of this product is its pocket-friendly nature. It is durable, strong, and available in different colors to complement your kitchen décor. The Cuisinart cast iron skillet not only distributes heat evenly but also retains heat for long periods. It is highly recommended for home chefs who want to try different cooking methods ranging from grilling, braising, or simmering. You can even use it to serve meals.

It is made from porcelain enamel meaning it does not absorb odor nor affect flavors. This cast iron also creates distinctive grill marks, making it an ideal cast iron skillet for meat and steak.

If you are an upcoming home chef, you need to try the Cuisinart cast iron skillet as it is not only good for cooking but also serving. It is easy to clean and maintain due to the enamel interior.

Specifications:

• Item weight: 6.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 2.5 x 18 inches

High-End Cast Iron Skillet With Iron Handle

What we like: If you are all about class and high standards, then the Le Creuset Signature cast iron skillet is a great choice. On top of its high quality, it features a beautiful design that leaves a lasting impression in the eyes of your guests. Its enamel interior ensures that there are minimal wear and tear plus that that there are no stains left on it after cooking. It is different from other cast iron cookware in the sense that you need do not need any additional seasoning due to its black enamel interior.

This product provides better heat retention because of its enameled cast-iron construction. It is best for low-fat cooking since it requires very little oil.

The Le Creuset Signature cast iron skillet comes with a handle that not only makes it easy to control but also comfortable to cook and serve guests. Moreover, its colorful exterior enamel ensures that it complements your kitchen décor.

Specifications

• Item weight: 6.8 pounds
• Dimensions: 12.9 x 16.9 x 2.6 inches

Professional Cast Iron Skillet With Even Distribution of Heat

What we like: The VonShef cast iron skillet is all-purpose. You can use it in open campfires, BBQs, and or ovens. In addition to evenly distributing heat, it also has an unrivalled ability to retain heat. Use it for a variety of things such as roasting, baking and grilling. Incorporate more than one method of cooking using it. It comes in a set of three. Not only is the VonShef cast iron skillet oven-safe, but it is also easy to clean.

This cast-iron skillet does not limit you to only one type of cooking. Therefore, this is the go-to cast iron skillet in case you are preparing a variety of meals since you can sear, grill, fry, roast, bake, and sauté. During the seasoning process, vegetable oil is applied on the surface at high temperature. This creates a natural non-stick surface without using any chemical for coating.

Specifications

• Item weight: 10.36 pounds
• Dimensions: 16.6 x 12.7 x 6.1 inches

Deep Cast Iron Skillet With Opposite Side Handle

What we like: For heat retention and distribution, the Lodge Cast iron skillet comes with a lid. The depth of the pan and lid is what makes it stand out. It is easy to use. The pan is suitable for cooking casseroles, meat, and soup. It comes with opposite-side handles, which help in easy storage and handling. To prevent wear and rusting, the product comes with a pre-surfaced surface.

Weighing 11 pounds, the Lodge Cast iron skillet is relatively light in comparison to others. It is compatible with numerous cooktops such as gas, electric coil, and smooth surface induction. Therefore, if you are looking to prepare homemade popcorns or a slow-cooking chicken, then the Lodge Cast iron skillet is a perfect choice.

This is also a great cast iron skillet for camping.

Specifications

• Item weight: 11.0 pounds
• Dimensions: 14.7 x 10.8 x 3.7 inches

Lightweight Cast Iron Skillets With a Leather Handle

What we like: This cast iron skillet stands out due to its size and weight. In addition to its lightweight, the seasoning of this skillet only gets better with time not forgetting how durable it is. In case you want to bake, sear, fry, or braise, then it is highly recommended. The handles are made from leather and thus are safe to handle while cooking. Cleaning it is easy peasy!

You can use it in outside BBQs, ovens, on stoves, over campfires and on grills. It is easy to use since all you must do is rinse and you are ready to go. This is because this cast-iron skillet before leaving the factory is seasoned with vegetable oil. This vegetable oil is important for less sticking. The leather handle ensures that you are safe since they can handle the heat of up to 600 degrees.

Specifications

• Item weight: 5 pounds  
• Dimensions: 15.4 x 10.8 x 3.3 inches

Traditional-Looking Cast Iron Skillet With an Oversize Handle

What we like: If you are into preserving cultural practices, you need to try the Calphalon cast iron skillet. It cooks food slowly and steadily. This durable and versatile pan is intended for electric, induction and gas stovetops. Since it distributes heat evenly, it can cook for long hours without wearing or tearing off.

This cast-iron skillet is perfect for oven and stovetop use and makes delicious tasty frittatas, seared steaks, baked cornbread, sautéing vegetables and more. Besides, it can be used to prepare a variety of meals due to its diameter of 12- inch. It is safe for both broiler and oven use for you can sear meat on a stovetop and let it finish cooking in the oven due to its oven-safe design. It is easy to clean and lasts long without wearing and tearing off if all maintenance procedures are followed.

Specifications

• Item weight: 6.75 pounds
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 2.5 x 18 inches

Simple Cast Iron Skillet With Matte Enamel Coating

What we like: if you have a shortage of space or if you have a small family, then this is the ideal cast iron skillet. Staub cast iron pan fry distinguishes itself from other cast iron skillets due to its matte enamel coating. This coating gives it an attractive and is available in different colors to complement your kitchen décor. Also, these dry pans are pocket-friendly and thus affordable.

By browning food, Staub fry pan makes it attractive and beautiful. The pans temperature does not drop as you cook, this is because this dry pan ensures that it retains and distribute heat evenly. Many chefs in the world prefer this cast iron fillet because it is durable hence ideal for day-to-day use be it at restaurants or home. Besides, due to the interior, it also promotes exceptional browning.

They are exceptionally durable and can be passed from one generation to the other because they do not wear and tear easily. Finally, this dry pan is not only limited to be used in the kitchen, but it can also be used in the dining table to serve visitors or family members. Due to its smooth enamel bottom, Staub fry pan is perfect for all stovetops including electric, induction, gas, and halogen. To deal with fat removal, it comes with a pouring spout.

Specifications

• Item weight: 6.58 pounds
• Dimensions: 19 x 2 x 10.4 inches

Ready To Use Cast Iron Skillets With Superior Heat Retention

What we like: if you are looking for a cast-iron skillet that requires no initial seasoning, then Utopia kitchen cast iron skillet is the perfect pan for you. This is because it passes through factory pre-seasoning stage where soy oil is used to create a layer of seasoning. Therefore, once you buy this pan from the stores then you are good to go. However, you will need to season it often to maintain its initial factory-seasoned layer. Proper maintenance and regular use of this pan ensure that you maintain its perfect black color and non-stick surface.

This pan has a wide diameter that allows it to be compatible with grill, ovens, campfire, electric, ceramic-glass top stoves and induction. Also, this pan does not limit you on what types of meal to cook be it vegetable steaks. You are assured of having the best cooking experience when you use this cast iron skillet, this is because you can use numerous methods of cooking that include simmering, frying, baking, sautéing, searing, roasting, and or braising.

By using this pan, not only are you able to enjoy your delicious meal, but you also get to eat healthily. This is because of the soy oil that is used during seasoning. By evenly retaining and distributing heat, it ensures that food can stay warm for a long period. Finally, it is easy to clean and maintain for all is required is wash using hot soapy water then season it with vegetable oil. By following all the above maintenance, you are certain that this pan will be durable with no or minimal wear and tear.

Specifications

• Item Weight: 8 Pounds
• Dimensions: 17 X 12.5 X 2.3 Inches