Cast iron skillets are essential in numerous kitchens for valid reasons. They not only provide even heat distribution, but they are also remarkably sturdy and adaptable. Whether frying a steak or baking a pie, a cast iron skillet is up for the task. In this article, we’re going to explore the top brands for cast iron skillets.

When it comes to purchasing a cast iron skillet, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the skillet. Cast iron skillets come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Second, think about the handle. Some skillets come with a long handle, while others have a short handle on each side. Third, consider the price. Cast iron skillets can range in price from under $20 to over $200.

After researching and testing various brands, we have identified the top three best brands for cast iron skillets. These brands were chosen based on their durability, even heat distribution, and overall performance.

1. Lodge – Lodge is a well-known brand in the cast iron skillet world and for good reason. Their skillets are made in the USA and are known for their durability. They come pre-seasoned, which means you can start cooking with them right away. Lodge skillets also come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs.

2. Le Creuset – Le Creuset is a high-end brand that produces high-quality cast iron skillets. Their skillets are known for their even heat distribution and their colorful enamel coating. While they are more expensive than other brands, they are worth the investment if you’re looking for a skillet that will last a lifetime.

3. Victoria – Victoria is a newer brand in the cast iron skillet world, but they have quickly become a favorite among home cooks. Their skillets are made in Colombia and are known for their even heat distribution and durability. They also come pre-seasoned, which means you can start cooking with them right away. Plus, they are more affordable than other high-end brands.

Overall, when it comes to choosing the best brand for cast iron skillets, it really comes down to personal preference and budget. However, we believe that Lodge, Le Creuset, and Victoria are all great options to consider.

Best Cast Iron Skillets

As avid home cooks, we know how important it is to have a reliable cast iron skillet in the kitchen. Not only do they distribute heat evenly, but they also add a unique flavor to your dishes that cannot be replicated by other types of cookware. After researching and testing various brands, we have compiled a list of the best cast iron skillets on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, these skillets are sure to meet your cooking needs. Here are our top picks:

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet
• Victoria Cast Iron Skillet
• Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet Set
• Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Each of these skillets has its own unique features and benefits, and we have included a variety of sizes and price points to fit any budget. Keep reading to find the perfect cast iron skillet for your kitchen.

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cast iron skillet, the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a great choice. We’ve used it for everything from frying eggs to baking cornbread, and it’s held up well over time.

Pros

• The Lodge skillet is pre-seasoned, so it’s ready to use right out of the box.
• The cast iron construction heats evenly and retains heat well, making it great for searing meat and slow-cooking dishes.
• The skillet is versatile enough to use on the stove, in the oven, on the grill, or over a campfire.

Cons

• The skillet is heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users.
• The cooking surface requires a bit of maintenance to keep it in good condition, including seasoning and careful cleaning.
• The skillet doesn’t come with a lid, which can be inconvenient for some recipes.

We’ve found the Lodge skillet to be a reliable and high-quality addition to our kitchen. The preseasoning saves time and effort, and the skillet’s versatility means we can use it for a wide range of dishes. However, the weight of the skillet can be a challenge, especially when cooking larger dishes. Overall, we would recommend the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet to anyone looking for a durable and versatile cast iron skillet.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 12-inch

If you’re looking for a durable and versatile cast iron skillet, the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The skillet provides even heating and unparalleled heat retention for consistent cooking.
• It comes pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil for easy-release finish that improves with use.
• The skillet is safe to use in the oven, on the stove or grill, and over a campfire.

Cons

• The skillet is heavy, which can make it difficult to handle.
• The cooking surface is relatively small, which may not be sufficient for cooking large meals.
• The handle can get hot, so it’s important to use the included silicone handle holder.

We’ve used this skillet for a variety of cooking tasks, from searing and sautéing to baking and grilling. The skillet provides excellent heat distribution and retention, which makes it easy to cook food evenly. The pre-seasoned finish is also a nice touch, as it means you don’t have to spend time seasoning the skillet yourself.

One thing to keep in mind is that the skillet is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle, especially if you’re not used to cooking with cast iron. Additionally, the cooking surface is relatively small, so you may need to cook in batches if you’re making a large meal.

Overall, we would recommend the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder to anyone looking for a durable and versatile cast iron skillet. It’s perfect for a variety of cooking tasks, and the included silicone handle holder is a nice touch that makes it easy to handle the skillet safely.

Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan

We highly recommend the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan for those who want to invest in a durable and versatile cast iron skillet.

Pros

• The skillet’s superior heat retention keeps your food warm for a long time, making it perfect for serving dishes.
• It is suitable for both stovetop and oven cooking, making it a versatile kitchen tool.
• Cooking food in a cast iron skillet can increase iron content by as much as 20%, which is especially beneficial for those with iron deficiencies.

Cons

• This skillet is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing and immediate drying after use.
• The skillet’s rough surface is not as smooth as non-stick cookware, which can make it more difficult to clean.
• The skillet is heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users.

The Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan is a must-have for any serious cook. Its pre-seasoned cast iron surface allows for even cooking and excellent heat retention, making it perfect for a variety of dishes. We especially love using it for searing steaks, frying eggs, and baking cornbread. The skillet’s large size also makes it great for cooking for a crowd.

While the skillet’s rough surface can make it more difficult to clean, we found that a light coating of vegetable oil after each use helps to prevent food from sticking and makes cleaning a breeze. We also appreciated that the skillet can be used on both stovetops and in the oven, making it a versatile tool in the kitchen.

Overall, we highly recommend the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan for those looking for a durable and versatile cast iron skillet. Its excellent heat retention, large size, and pre-seasoned surface make it a great investment for any home cook.

Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 3 Piece, Cast Iron Grill Pan, Frying Pans, Saute Fry Pan, Cast Iron Set (Black)

If you are looking for an affordable cast iron skillet set that is also versatile, the Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 3 Piece Set is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The set includes 3 different sizes of cast iron pans that are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
• The pans are pre-seasoned and coated with an extra layer of protection that ensures even heat distribution for an improved cooking experience.
• The pans are highly compatible and can be used on any heating source, making them perfect for grilling, frying, sautéing, roasting, braising, and broiling meats, vegetables, and more.

Cons

• The smallest pan is too small to cook anything more than one or two fried eggs in.
• The pans are heavy and may not feel as dense or durable as some other cast iron pans.
• The care instructions recommend washing the skillets completely before washing in hot soapy water with a sponge using a regular dishwashing liquid soap.

In terms of performance, the Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 3 Piece Set does an excellent job of cooking food evenly and thoroughly. The set is also very versatile, as it can be used on any heating source, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor cooking.

The pans come pre-seasoned, but it is recommended to season the cast iron pan set with any vegetable oil before use. After washing, rub some oil over your cookware’s surface and place it in an oven at low temperature for the oil to seep in. This is a simple process that ensures your pans will last longer and perform better.

In terms of design, the Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 3 Piece Set comes with unique handles for easy maneuvering and pouring. The pans are also highly compatible, as they can be used on any heating source.

Overall, if you are looking for an affordable cast iron skillet set that is versatile and performs well, the Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 3 Piece Set is definitely worth considering.

Lodge Cast Iron Baker’s Skillet 10.25 inch

If you’re looking for a cast iron skillet that can help you bake delicious, shareable moments, the Lodge Cast Iron Baker’s Skillet 10.25 inch is worth considering.

Pros

• The naturally seasoned cooking surface provides excellent heat distribution and retention for consistent, even baking.
• The cast iron bakeware won’t dent, bend, or warp, so you can keep it in the family for years to come.
• Each piece of bakeware is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil and ready to use right out of the box.

Cons

• The skillet is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it.
• It’s not recommended for use on a gas stove.
• The skillet is relatively heavy, so it may be difficult to handle for some users.

We were impressed with the Lodge Cast Iron Baker’s Skillet 10.25 inch’s performance when we baked a variety of dishes. The even heat distribution and retention ensured that our baked goods came out perfectly every time. We appreciated that the skillet is seasoned and ready to use, saving us time and effort. However, we did find that the skillet is relatively heavy, so it may not be the best option for users who have difficulty lifting heavier objects.

Overall, if you’re looking for a cast iron skillet that can help you bake like a pro, the Lodge Cast Iron Baker’s Skillet 10.25 inch is a great choice.

Lodge 12-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan

If you’re in the market for a versatile and durable cast iron skillet, the Lodge 12-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan is an excellent choice.

Pros

• With its ample cooking surface and ergonomic dual-assist handle design, this 12-inch Lodge cast iron skillet is perfect for searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, or grilling.
• Lodge Cast Iron cookware is unparalleled in heat retention and even heating, making it ideal for everyday cooking, from morning pancakes to roasted chicken dinners.
• The more you use your cast iron cookware, the better the seasoning will get. Lodge seasons its cast iron cookware with 100% vegetable oil, with no synthetic coatings or chemicals.

Cons

• This skillet is heavy, which can make it difficult for some people to lift and move around.
• Cast iron cookware requires a bit of maintenance to keep it in good condition. You’ll need to hand wash it, dry it thoroughly, and rub it with cooking oil.
• While this skillet is suitable for use on all heat sources, including induction cooktops, it’s not suitable for use in the microwave.

In our experience, the Lodge 12-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan is a workhorse in the kitchen. It’s perfect for everything from frying bacon to baking cornbread, and it’s tough enough to last for decades with proper care.

The skillet heats evenly and retains heat well, which means your food will cook evenly and stay hot for longer. The dual-assist handles make it easy to lift and move the skillet, even when it’s full of food.

One thing to keep in mind is that this skillet is heavy, weighing in at 6.6 pounds. If you have trouble lifting heavy objects, you may want to consider a lighter option.

Overall, we highly recommend the Lodge 12-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cast iron skillet. It’s a kitchen essential that will last for years to come.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 10.25-inch

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cast iron skillet, the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder is a solid choice.

Pros

• The skillet is made of high-quality cast iron that provides superior heat retention and even cooking.
• It comes pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, making it easy to use right out of the box.
• The red silicone hot handle holder provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when the skillet is hot.

Cons

• The skillet is quite heavy, which may be difficult for some users to handle.
• It requires hand washing and regular seasoning to maintain its non-stick properties.
• The handle holder may not fit all users’ hands comfortably.

In our experience, the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a great all-purpose cooking tool. It’s perfect for searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, and grilling. We especially appreciate its versatility, as it can be used on the stove, in the oven, on the grill, or over the campfire.

One of the standout features of the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is its even heating. We found that it cooked food evenly, without any hot spots or burning. The skillet’s non-stick properties also improved with use, making it easier to cook and clean over time.

However, the skillet’s weight may be a drawback for some users. It can be difficult to handle, especially when it’s full of food. Additionally, the handle holder may not fit all users’ hands comfortably, which could be a problem for those with larger or smaller hands.

Overall, we would recommend the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder to anyone looking for a durable and versatile cooking tool. Its high-quality construction, even heating, and non-stick properties make it a great addition to any kitchen.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet

If you’re looking for a versatile kitchen essential for searing, sautéing, stir-frying, and more, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet is a great choice. The interior surface is finished with black satin enamel that eliminates the need for traditional seasoning and maintenance of raw cast iron. Specially formulated for higher surface temperature cooking, the enamel develops a natural patina over time, making it virtually nonstick and easy to clean.

Pros

• Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention
• Ready to use, requires no seasoning
• Easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking

Cons

• Expensive compared to other brands
• Heavy and difficult to handle for some users
• Not suitable for high-heat cooking methods like broiling and grilling

We were impressed with the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet’s performance. The black satin interior enamel is specially formulated for higher surface temperatures, which enhances cooking performance. It is also the lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market, making it easy to handle.

The skillet is compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F. It is safe for dishwasher and metal utensils, and the porcelain enamel requires no seasoning, minimizing sticking.

One downside is that this skillet is expensive compared to other brands, but it is worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality cast iron skillet that will last for generations. It is also heavy and difficult to handle for some users, so keep that in mind before purchasing. Finally, it is not suitable for high-heat cooking methods like broiling and grilling.

In summary, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet is a versatile and durable kitchen essential that delivers superior heat distribution and retention. If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, this skillet is a great investment that will last for generations.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best cast iron skillet, there are a few key features to consider. Here’s what we suggest looking for:

Material

First and foremost, make sure the skillet is made from high-quality cast iron. This material is known for its durability and heat retention, making it ideal for cooking a wide range of dishes.

Size

Cast iron skillets come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs. If you’re cooking for a large family or frequently entertain guests, a larger skillet may be the way to go. However, if you’re cooking for just one or two people, a smaller skillet may suffice.

Handle

The handle of the skillet is another important factor to consider. Look for a skillet with a sturdy, heat-resistant handle that’s comfortable to grip. This will make it easier to move the skillet around the kitchen and transfer food to and from the oven.

Seasoning

Finally, consider whether the skillet comes pre-seasoned or if you’ll need to season it yourself. Seasoning helps create a non-stick surface on the skillet and can improve its overall performance.

When shopping for a cast iron skillet, keep these features in mind to help you choose the best one for your needs.