Fans of cast iron skillets will tell you there is no better way to sear and cook your food, but investing in this type of cookware can be a daunting prospect. Cast iron skillets were once regarded as old-fashioned and high-maintenance, but these heavyweight pans are now making a comeback thanks to their durability and impressive heat-retention properties. When looked after properly, a well-used cast iron pan becomes the home cook’s best friend, providing a reliably non-stick surface like no other. Modern-day cast iron pans are also easy to care for; most can be washed in warm, soapy water without any issues. Drying the pan thoroughly before wiping it with oil helps to preserve the seasoned cooking surface. When purchasing the best cast iron skillet, the range of options can be overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start. So, here are three great options that we think are definitely worth considering.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Budget-friendly pre-seasoned medium skillet with deep sides, ideal for cooking larger pieces of meat and poultry.
Size: 10.25 inches
The Lodge range of cast iron cookware boasts incredible quality for such a low price, and this brand is a great starter option for anyone new to cast iron skillets. In fact, these skillets are renowned for their longevity and ease of use, so this may well be the first and last cast iron skillet you ever buy! The taller sides make it ideal for cooking larger food items without accidental spills, and serving is simple thanks to the dual pouring spouts and double handles. One word of caution – this skillet is pre-seasoned, but it is worth spending time seasoning it again before first use. However, this seems to apply to most pre-seasoned pans and is good practice for anyone new to caring for a cast iron skillet.
Features:
- Deep-sided cast iron skillet
- Signature teardrop handle
- Dual-sided pouring spouts
Pros:
- Pre-seasoned cooking surface
- No synthetic coatings or chemicals
- Suitable for oven, stovetop, grill, and campfire cooking
Cons:
- Small cooking surface
- Users report that it needs further seasoning to prevent food from sticking
- Shorter handle than other models
Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet
Top-quality family-sized cast iron skillet with a pre-seasoned cooking surface.
Size: 12 inches
Take your cast-iron cooking skills to the next level with this premium family-sized skillet featuring a high-quality pre-seasoned cooking surface. Lighter than our budget version, this skillet is easy to lift and maneuver and can be used on all types of stovetops, the oven, and the broiler. The curved sides help to ensure food is cooked and browned evenly, and the larger cooking surface means you can cook for the whole family in one pan. From delicious crispy rice to indulgent seared steaks, this cast iron skillet makes it easy to achieve perfection in your cooking. Plus, the higher price tag is worth it for the full lifetime warranty, meaning you can keep it forever.
Features:
- Oven and broiler safe
- Dual-sided pouring spouts
- Full lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Pre-seasoned cooking surface
- Ergonomically curved handle for easy lifting
- Lighter than similar-sized cast iron skillets
Cons:
- Shallow curved sides
- Small handles compared to the size of the skillet
Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet
A mid-budget cast iron skillet that is durable and built to last.
Size: 12 inches
The joy of cast iron skillets is that they are the perfect addition to an environmentally responsible kitchen, but what makes one pan more sustainable than another? We selected the Utopia cast iron skillet as our responsible choice purely for its longevity – this is one piece of cookware that is made to last! Fans of this brand rave about the excellent cooking properties, enabling them to turn out restaurant-grade meals from the comfort of their own homes. Best of all, these skillets get better and better the more you use them, and you’ll likely find that this quality piece of cookware becomes a firm favorite in the kitchen. It also comes pre-seasoned with sustainable flaxseed oil.
Features:
- Ready-to-use 12” cast iron skillet with double handles for easy lifting
- Suitable for ovens and all types of stovetops, including induction hobs
- Restaurant-grade heat retention properties
Pros:
- Pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil
- Available in five colors
- Smooth non-stick cooking surface
Cons:
- Heavier than similar-sized cast iron skillets
- Shallow sides
Everything we recommend
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet
Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet
Best Recipes Using Cast Iron Skillets
- Cast Iron Seared Salmon
- Chocolate Butterscotch Chip Pizookie
- The Best Seared Scallops
- Mexican Breakfast Chilaquiles Rojos
- Spicy Poblano Macaroni and Cheese
- Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Best Cast Iron Skillets
Here we have three of the best cast iron skillets available, all of which feature a pre-seasoned cooking surface suitable for any type of stovetop or oven. No matter your budget, culinary skills, or meal requirements, there is a perfect cast iron skillet to meet your needs. Adding any of these cast iron skillets to your range of cookware will unlock the joy of this time-honored cooking method, perfect for bringing out the incredible flavors of your carefully sourced ingredients!