Aside from creating delicious seared edges on your favorite foods, cast iron skillets have a lot to offer. They add iron to your food as it cooks, and since the average adult doesn’t get enough iron in their diet, that can be a real benefit. Plus, cast iron skillets hold flavor well, transfering seasonings from one dish to the next, adding a depth to the flavor profile of all of your home cooked meals. There are tons of cast iron options out there, big and small, so choosing your next skillet can be a challenge. Thankfully, we were able to weed out the posers and deliver you a list of top of the line cast iron skillets that are great for any home kitchen. We tried to create a range of options, including skillets across a broad price range in all shapes and sizes, to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lodge 10.25 Cast Iron skillet
This durable 10 ¼ inch skillet is made in the usa continuing lodges tradition of american made products. Lodges seasons it cookware with 100% vegetable oil with no synthetic coating or additives making it ready to use right out of the box and gives it that additional non stick quality. It also comes equipped with a silicone hot handle holder that provides protection from heat up to 450 degrees and is dishwasher safe as well. A helper handle opposite of its long handle simplifies tasks such as moving, carrying, or pouring from the skillet. This skillet is highly regarded as being one of the best cast iron skillets for purchase.
T-Fal Pre-Seasoned Non-Stick Cast Iron Skillet
This versatile 12 inch non-stick skillet is perfect for searing, frying, browning and sautéing making dressing up that fish, steak, and veggies a breeze. The T-Fal cast iron skillet has a large extra long handle with easy to grip side helper handles and and a signature thumb rest making this skillet comfortable and simple to use and carry. This skillet comes pre-seasoned for its first use and also includes step by step instructions on future seasoning for individuals that are new to using a cast iron skillet. This cookware heats evenly, distributing your heat to what you are preparing to give you the best results. It is oven safe for temperatures up to 600 degrees and includes pouring spouts on both sides of the skillet for simple transfer of contents from your skillet to another container. The T-Fal can be used on any cooktop including on a grill or campfire making it a great addition to a frequent camper or hikers arsenal.
Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet
Le Creuset is known for its superior quality and attention to detail when it comes to cookware and this product really shows that. This 11 ¾ inch skillet has a black enamel interior making it resistant to staining, dulling as well as providing protection against other types of damages. While the interior might appear like uncoated cast iron, it never requires any seasoning making it prepared to cook any and all types of food, even highly acidic meals. A freshly designed large loop helped makes the skillet more comfortable to hold and easier to use. The handle has a hole making for easy storage by hanging on a rack and the skillet has pour spouts on both sides making a transfer of contents simple. Its enamel cast iron construction provides superior heat retention and even distribution of heat. This skillet can be purchased in a great variety of colors and is dishwasher safe for easy and safe cleanup.
Victoria Pre-Seasoned 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet
This large cast iron skillet by Victoria is made of high quality commercial iron casting making it super durable as well as providing excellent heat retention. Its long, curved handle enables better leverage and handling making it an excellent choice for frequent usage. The Victoria cast iron comes pre-seasoned with 100% non-gmo flax seed oil that gives a natural, easy release. Its long handle keeps your hand further from the heat source and it remains cooler for a longer amount of time on the stovetop. The larger than standard helper handle makes for comfortable and easy lifting and transfer. This skillets pour spouts are equipped with intricate drip-cutters that make cleanup easy and simple. Instructions on use, care, upkeep, and future seasoning are all included for individuals new to using a cast iron. The skillet is usable in all kitchens including gas, oven, camping, grill as well as others.
Camp Chef Seasoned 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet
This simple and affordable 12 inch skillet from Camp Chef performs very impressively and is up to par with many high end skillets. Its comfort designed handle makes it comfortable to use, carry, and pour. The skillet comes with dual pour spouts for the convenience of simple mess free transfer of content. This skillet is ready to go right out of the box with its pre-seasoned cast true finish that is 100% chemical free. It’s also equipped with a comfortable helping handle that ensures lifting and controlling the skillet is as effortless as possible. This skillet from Camp Chef is ideal for those looking for a great cast iron piece on a reasonable budget compared to many other competitors.
Zelancio Cast Iron Skillet
This 10 inch skillet from Zelancio truly sets the bar when it comes to cast iron cookware. This extremely durable skillet is made of cast iron construction and features a long loop handle for simple storage and a tough three layers of porcelain enamel that are chip and crack resistant giving this piece longevity as well as maintaining a smooth cooking surface. Its superior heat retention and distribution ensures even cooking and keeping your meal warm as its served. The interior is coated with a black porcelain glaze eliminating the need to pre-season and allows for simple and easy clean up after use. This skillet can go straight from stove-top to the oven cutting down on prep time. Its solid cast iron handle helps with transportation and it is broiler and oven safe in temperatures up to 500 degrees. It can be used on any heat source from gas and electric to campfire. Along with its ergonomic handle design it comes equipped with dual pour spouts. This skillet is available for purchase in a variety of colors making it possible to get that matching cookware for your kitchen and is also free of lead and any other harmful materials.
Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet
This pre-seasoned cast iron skillet from Utopia Kitchen comes ready to use, seasoned with soy-based oil equivalent to 10-15 home based seasoning this is ready to go right out of the box. This versatile cookware can be used on any heat source to prepare anything you see fit whether it be steak, chicken, fish or even your favorite vegetables. It comes equipped with handle with loop for simple storage on a rack freeing up storage under the cabinet. Dual pour spouts simplify pouring, draining or transfer you may see fit . A helping handle on opposite of the handle helps to maintain control during cooking. This skillet makes preparing your favorite meals effortless and is ideal for anything from simmering and searing to baking and frying. Its cheap cost is great for those looking for a quality skillet on a budget.
Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill
This 10 inch grill pan from Calphalon is highly rated and perfect for tradition slow cooking of meats such as steak and chicken giving it that high quality restaurant style finish that many desire. This pan is designed to heat even and steadily and retains its heat very well ensuring that your food stays warm in the pan while being served. Its pre-seasoned surface allows for immediate use and simplifies clean up by preventing sticking. Its equipped with a larger than average handle as well as helper handle for comfortability and ease. Its ridged cooking surface helps to give your meat those much desired grill marks as well as separating your meat from any excess oil and fats making it not only a tasty meal but also aesthetically pleasing. This grill is made of extremely durable cast iron guaranteeing longevity and is usable on all heat sources. Its oven and broiler safe maintaining even under very extreme temperatures.
Staub Cast Iron Fry Pan
This compact and stylish skillet from Staub got its start in France and has become synonymous with high quality cookware. Its smallish size is ideal for someone who is looking for quality cookware that doesn’t require a large amount of storage space and its lightweight helps with the transport during cooking for those that might have difficult carrying a standard size skillet. Its superior quality and design is not reflected by its price as its cheaper than its competitors while being just as good if not better. Another distinguishing feature is its matte enamel coating eliminating the need for pre-seasoning as well as providing great chip and crack protection. Its also safe for very extreme temperatures up to 900 degrees a feat that not many others can boast. Its smooth enamel bottom is suitable for all types of stovetops from electric to gas. Dual pouring spouts simplify transfer of contents or draining fat from your dish and its interior matte finish making this a perfect skillet for browning. This skillet is dishwasher safe and is available for purchase in a variety of colors.
Australian Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
This 12 ½ inch skillet from Australian Kitchen provides a larger than standard cooking surface compared to others in its class. Its premium quality constructed cast iron has unrivaled heat retention ensuring an even cook with no cool spots. This skillet is oven proof and can be used on any cook top including grills, campfires, electric and many others making it ideal for someone who needs a skillet on the fly. This versatile skillet is perfect from any type of cook ranging from baking, grilling, and broiling to searing and braising. It comes pre-seasoned granting it the ability of immediate use and its toughness and durability should make this a skillet that lasts a lifetime. Its equipped with a long handle with loop for storage as well as a helping handle and also can double as a baking dish. This is one of the cheapest skillets of its class making it ideal for someone on a budget or wanting to learn more and try cast iron without breaking the bank to do so. Instructions on how to care for your cast iron as well as how to season it for future use are included.