The Best CastIron Skillets To Instantly Upgrade Your Cooking

Cast iron can be a little intimidating to beginners, but there's a reason it's such a popular ingredient for many cooks and home cooks. Not only is it one of the best cookware materials for storing and distributing heat, cast iron is extremely durable; it can last for generations if cared for properly. Whether you're roasting meat or baking pies, the best cast iron pans will provide consistent, reliable results. Overall, our top pick is the Lodge 8-inch pan, though we stand behind every pan on this list.

When shopping for your ideal cast iron skillet, be sure to consider the size. An 8 or 10 inch pan is often best for everyday use, while cooks in larger homes can use pots up to 12 or 14 inches (make sure your oven accommodates larger cookware). You should also consider the depth of your pan, as flat-sided pans are not ideal for making sauces.

When you cook in a skillet, the metal develops a natural patina, which is often called "flavor." It's basically a few layers of oil baked into the metal, protecting the pan from rust and creating a naturally non-stick surface that cools sticky eggs or sauces. Be sure to keep a close eye on your cast iron pans while you clean them. You want the spices to stay intact, so avoid harsh soaps and abrasive brushes. (Here are our favorite tools for cleaning cast iron.)

Whether you're new to cast iron or looking to add to your collection, here are some of the best cast iron skillets.

Lodge is an American company known for its affordable cast iron cookware, and many experts agree that its budget-friendly cookware performs just as well as the high-end brands. The brand has been making cast iron since 1896, and some of those original pans are likely still being made. Cottage pots come in a variety of sizes, from 3 1/2 inches to 15 inches in diameter, but the 8-inch version is the best choice for everyday use.

One of the most common complaints about cast iron pans is that they are too heavy. Its weight is due primarily to the properties of iron, and its ability to achieve and maintain high heat stems from this weight. But if you're willing to spend a little more to relieve the strain on your forearms, consider Potties Field Company. This direct-to-consumer brand produces cookware that is much lighter than traditional cast iron pans with a beautiful finish, so you can cook nonstick spices to perfection over time. The Field Company offers several sizes of pans from 6 3/4 inches to 13 3/8 inches, but their #8 pan at 10 1/4 inches in diameter is ideal for everyday use.

Cast iron cookware can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Many inexpensive cast iron cookware can withstand high-end products. Valor ready made cast iron pans are very popular in the restaurant world as they offer some of the best value for money, can be purchased in bulk and offer excellent heat retention and even heating. Heavy duty stockpots come in every shape and size imaginable, but you can't go wrong with the classic 10 1/4-inch saucepan, which has a double spout and auxiliary handle that makes cooking with juices a breeze.

Unlike traditional cast iron, enameled cast iron is coated with a durable, non-porous glaze, which means it doesn't protrude completely from the case. If you're looking for a pan that requires less maintenance than traditional cast iron or is available in a variety of bright colors, you'll be pleased with this classic Le Creuset enamelled cast iron pan. Made in France, the 9-inch jar has a non-stick and chip-resistant black enamel interior (so you can skip the spices) and an enamel exterior in 11 color options. It offers high temperature performance and cooling capabilities superior to traditional cast iron, while being easier to maintain and clean in the long term.

A regular cast iron skillet usually has sides of five to three inches deep, which is plenty for most functions, but if you plan on frying or making sauces, you'll need a deeper pan. . The Lodge Blacklock Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Pan is a 10 1/4" deep pan with 4 1/4" sides which provides a spacious 4 liter capacity. It includes a matching lid that allows it to be used as a Dutch oven; Thanks to the oven-safe design, you can easily prepare meat or bake bread in it.

This Lodge set contains the first three cast iron items you will need in your kitchen. These include a versatile 10 1/4-inch cast iron skillet, a standard 12-inch skillet, and a smaller 8-inch skillet, allowing you to choose the best option for your immediate needs or for preparing your mains and sides. side at the same time. .

If you frequently serve food straight from the pot, the Staub Two Handle Pan makes it easy to transfer hot food from the stove to the table. This 13-inch pan, which comes in five colors, would be the perfect pan for pizza or a deep-dish picnic, and its enamel interior requires no seasoning. Its two ring-shaped side handles give you a better grip when moving the pot and also make it easy to store.

Some less expensive cast iron pans lack attention to the finer details, but the affordable Victorian Seasoned Cast Iron Pan is pre-treated with a coating of 100% non-GMO linseed oil, considered by many to be the best ingredient for spices. This means that it is completely non-sticky from day one. It also offers a superior drip nozzle with a longer grip and a wider auxiliary grip than most other brands in its price range.

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Many cast iron pots have a rough, rocky surface, but the Smithey No. 1 Cast Iron Skillet. 10 has a satin finish that makes cooking a dream. Handcrafted and incredibly light (just over five pounds), this 10-inch pan features overflow tubes on both sides and an ergonomic handle with a convenient hanging hole.

With 4.7 out of 5 stars and over 18,000 reviews, this classic pan is a top choice on Amazon. Its high rating is due to its versatility and quality at a lower price. Perfectly made with soy-based oil, it's ready to use in a size and weight suitable for the oven, stove, grill, or campfire. A satisfied critic will be blown away. "Panura is clean. I use this pan 2-3 times a week, over time it gets better.

How do you know if a cast iron pan is good?

Some companies try to pass off their pans as cast iron when they are not. In general, you have to look at the pot. The best cast iron cookware has a dark, matte finish. You can also have a black spice coating. If the surface is shiny or has a non-stick coating (such as Teflon), it is not cast iron. Cast iron pans also have to be heavy, they are made of iron after all.

Is a cast iron pan worth it?

Many people, including chefs, swear by this pan. Cast iron pans are hard workers and can do anything. These pans retain heat and cook food evenly, whether you're cooking steaks or pancakes. They are also very durable, can last for years and have many uses, both on the stove and in the oven.

Why is cast iron so expensive?

It takes a lot more materials and effort to make a cast-iron skillet than, say, non-stick cookware. Making a cast iron skillet also takes time. It takes a lot of sanding to get the right finish. After all, cast iron pans are durable and priceless in quality. But as mentioned above, if you're willing to go a little extra mile, even affordable cast iron can become an invaluable part of your kitchen arsenal.