personalized cast iron skillet
Cast iron might seem a bit intimidating to novices, but there’s a reason it’s often the go-to material for many chefs and home cooks. Not only is cast iron one of the best cookware materials for heat retention and distribution, but it’s also unbelievably durable, lasting for generations if cared for properly. Whether you’re searing meat or baking cake, cast iron skillets deliver consistent and reliable results.
As you cook with your skillet, the metal will develop a natural patina often referred to as “seasoning.” This is essentially numerous layers of oil that have been baked onto the metal and will protect the skillet from rust and create a naturally nonstick surface that makes cooking eggs or sticky sauces a breeze. Just be sure to go gentle on your cast iron skillet when cleaning—you want to keep the seasoning intact, so steer clear of harsh soaps and abrasive brushes.
Lodge's classic cast iron skillets are a top choice for everyday use.
LodgeCast iron skillets come in a number of standard sizes. Eight- or 10-inch skillets are often best for everyday use, while those cooking for larger households might want to size up to a 12- or 14-inch skillet—just make sure your stovetop can accommodate the larger cookware. You’ll also want to consider the depth of your pan, as a skillet with shallow walls isn’t ideal for making sauces.
As you shop, you’ll likely encounter the term “enameled cast iron,” which means the metal has been coated with a durable non-porous glaze. Unlike traditional cast iron, enameled cast iron is fully nonstick right out of the box, and you can clean it more vigorously without worrying about damage. For these reasons, it’s often a better choice for beginners or those looking for lower-maintenance pots and pans.
Whether you’re new to cast iron or are looking to grow your collection, here are some of the best cast iron skillets across the board. From the best budget pick to the perfect pan for beginners, any one of them deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Lodge 8-Inch Skillet
Target
Lodge is an American company beloved for its affordable cast iron cookware, and many experts agree that its budget-friendly skillets work just as well as those from high-end brands. The brand has been producing cast iron since 1896, and some of those original pans are probably still out there cooking. Lodge skillets come in a range of sizes, ranging from 3 1/2 inches in diameter up to 15 inches, but the 8-inch option is a top choice for everyday use.
Field Company Skillet #8
Field Company
One common complaint about cast iron skillets is that they’re extremely heavy. The weight is largely due to the nature of iron and its ability to reach and maintain high heat is derived from that weight. But if you’re willing to spend a little extra to ease the burden on your forearms, consider the skillets from Field Company. This direct-to-consumer brand crafts cookware that’s significantly lighter than traditional cast iron pans, with a beautifully smooth finish to help you build up perfectly nonstick seasoning over time. Field Company offers several skillet sizes between 6 3/4 inches and 13 3/8 inches, but its #8 Pan, which is 10 1/4 inches in diameter, is ideal for daily use.
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Cast iron cookware can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be: plenty of budget-friendly cast iron skillets can hold their own against higher-end products. Valor’s Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillets are very popular in the restaurant world, as they have one of the best price-to-quality ratios around, can be bought in bulk and provide excellent heat retention and even heating. Valor pans come in every conceivable size and shape, but you can’t go wrong with their classic 10 1/4-inch pan, featuring two pour spouts and a helper handle that makes cooking with liquids easy.
Le Creuset
If you’re looking for a skillet that doesn’t require quite as much upkeep as traditional cast iron—or one that comes in a variety of bright colors—you’ll be happy with this classic enameled cast iron skillet from Le Creuset. The French-made 9-inch skillet has a durable nonstick, chip-resistant black enamel finish on the interior (so you can skip the seasoning) and an enameled exterior in 11 color options. It delivers the high-temperature performance and superior searing abilities of traditional cast iron, while being easier to care for and clean in the long run.
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Williams Sonoma
The sides on regular cast iron skillets are typically between two and three inches tall, which is enough for most functions, but if you’re planning on frying or making sauce, you’ll want a deeper pan. The Lodge Blacklock Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Saute Pan is a deep-walled 10 1/4-inch skillet with 4 1/4-inch sides, giving it a spacious 4-quart capacity. It includes a matching lid, allowing you to use it similarly to a Dutch oven: You could easily braise meat or bake bread in it, thanks to its oven-safe design.
Amazon
This set from Lodge includes the top three cast iron essentials you’ll need in your kitchen. It includes a versatile 10 1/4-inch cast iron skillet, a standard 12-inch size and a smaller 8-inch one, so you can choose the best option to meet your immediate needs—or simultaneously cook mains and sides.
Staub Double-Handle Skillet
Williams Sonoma
If you frequently serve food right out of the pan, the Staub Double-Handle Skillet makes it easier to transport the hot cookware from oven to table. This 13-inch skillet, which comes in five colors, would be the perfect pan for deep-dish pizza or party dip, and its enameled interior doesn’t require seasoning. Its two loop side handles give you a better grip when moving the skillet and also make it easier to store.
Target
Some cheaper cast iron pans pay less attention to the finer details, but the affordable Victoria Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is pre-seasoned with care using a 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil coating, which many believe to be the best material for seasoning. This means it’s fully nonstick from day one. It also offers a superior drip spout with a longer handle and a wider helper handle than most other brands in its price range.
Food52
Many cast iron skillets have a rough, pebbly surface, but the Smithey No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet has a satin-smooth polished finish that’s a dream to cook on. Crafted by hand and surprisingly lightweight (just over five pounds), this 10-inch pan features pour spouts on both sides and ergonomic handles with convenient holes for hanging.
Kana Lifestyle
Because it cooks differently than other materials and has very specific care instructions, cast iron can be intimidating to beginners. If you’re buying your very first cast iron skillet, you may want to start with Kana’s Milo Ultimate Skillet. It has the look and feel of traditional cast iron but is enameled on the inside and outside, so there’s no need to build up a seasoning—it’s nonstick and easy to use right out of the box.
Amazon
This classic skillet is a top-rated option on Amazon, with 4.7 out of 5 stars and more than 18,000 ratings. Its high rating is thanks to its versatility and quality at a lower price point. Perfectly pre-seasoned with soy based oil, it’s ready to use right out of the box with a size and weight that work well for the oven, stove, grill or over a campfire. One happy reviewer raves, “The cooking surface is flawless. I use this pan 2-3 times a week, it actually has gotten better over time.”
Some companies try to pass off their skillets as cast iron when they’re really not. In general, you’ll want to look at the inside of the pan. The best cast iron pans have a dark and dull surface. They may even have a layer of black seasoning. If the surface is shiny or has a non-stick covering (like teflon), it’s not cast iron. Also, a cast iron pan should be heavy—it’s iron, after all.
Plenty of people, including chefs, swear by these pans. A cast iron skillet is a workhorse and can do just about anything. These pans maintain heat and cook food evenly, whether you’re making steak or pancakes. They’re also really durable—they can last for years—and versatile, working on both the stovetop and in the oven.
It takes a lot more material and effort to create a cast iron skillet compared to, say, non-stick cookware. Making a cast iron pan is also time consuming: It requires a lot of grinding to get the right finish. Finally, cast iron pans last a long time—and quality doesn’t come cheap. But as we’ve noted above, if you’re willing to put in a bit of work on your end, even an affordable cast iron pan can become an invaluable part of your kitchen arsenal.