Top 10 Best Cast Iron Skillets

Using iron cast pans is becoming a shopping habit of Western housewives by cast iron material not only delicate, beautiful but also good quality, durable, and delicious cooking.

Today, iron cast pans are manufactured industrially with entirely different quality and designs, making it more difficult for people to buy. That is why in today’s article, I will introduce you to 10 types of good quality cast iron skillets that are easy to fry, find out now!

What Is a Cast Iron Skillet?

Kitchen utensils often come in many categories with many specific roles. Among them, cast iron porridge is commonly known as a robust warrior. The reason I think this is because cast iron pans always remind people of keywords such as “heavy,” “bulky,” and “persistent over the years.”

I recommend that you read through a bit of knowledge about this type of device below to understand it better and to consider making the most of its use.

1. The Basic Structure of a Cast-Iron Skillet

Cast iron pan is made from iron-carbon alloy, of which iron accounts for about 98% and carbon 2%. Cast iron pans are often heavyweight, have excellent heat retention and heat distribution. Cast iron pans can be cooked on a variety of stoves, even if they are removed from the oven without worrying about damage.

Cast iron pans are cast in one piece, and there is almost no part on the pan that can be broken during use. Therefore, the service life of this pan is very durable, even extending up to 100 years, cast iron pan from generation to generation.

2. Uses of Cast Iron Skillet

If you know the great benefits of cast iron pans below, you will have to buy and take one immediately. Specifically, the benefits of cast iron pan must include:

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  Reduce the Amount of Grease to Use During Processing

  
  

Due to the natural anti-stick so when frying, frying dishes with cast iron pan, you only need to use a small amount of cooking oil only. This is a great benefit not only to save oil and fat but also to protect health better and prevent dangerous diseases of blood pressure and heart disease.

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  There Is No Nonstick Layer Harmful to Health

  
  

Cheap nonstick pans on the market today are usually coated with a nonstick layer of Teflon compound. This compound if scrubbed, rubbed, will peel off and mix with food to put into the body of people harmful to health. Cast iron pans have a natural nonstick coating, so there’s no need to worry about this.

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  The Dish Retains a Higher Nutritional Content

  
  

Cast iron skillets have excellent heat retention and heat dissipation, so when cooking, you do not need to cook thoroughly. As a result, the dish retains a higher nutritional content than cooked with other regular pans.

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  Dishes Made With Cast Iron Pans Have a Better Flavor

  
  

As mentioned, cast iron pans have a very high degree of heat retention and heat so that they will help the dish cook evenly. For example, with a pan-fried meat dish when processed with cast iron skillet, the surface will be crispy golden but eye-catching but still retain the sweetness and softness.

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  Convenient Cast Iron Pan Easy to Use

  
  

Cast iron pans can be cooked over wood stoves, gas stoves, stoves, alcohol stoves, and even ovens without damage. Cast iron pans can be processed in a way that is fried, fried, roasted, stewed, baked, or hosted BBQ right on the dining table…

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  Long Service Life

  
  

Cast iron pans have a lifespan of 1 year, ten years, and even hundreds of years if your store adequately used. Therefore, once you “invest” in a cast iron pan, you do not need to worry about shopping for pots and pans.

3. Types of Cast Iron Skillets

Based on the composition, color, durability, usage, and storage, it is possible to divide cast iron pans into two types, namely: traditional cast iron pans and industrial cast iron pans.

Comparative criteria	Traditional cast iron pan	Industrial cast iron pan
Ingredient	Traditional cast iron pans are made primarily of aluminum, iron-doped with cast iron. Traditional cast iron pans are still mixed with impurities.	Industrial cast iron pan is made from selective black cast iron and completely removes impurities.
Models	Simple design, rustic	Various designs according to cooking requirements such as round, square, flat, deep, flute, etc.
Color	Because the cast-iron mixture contains much aluminum, traditional cast iron pans are bright silver	Industrial cast iron pans are black due to the polymer coating and carbonized polymer.
Usability	Traditional cast iron pans can be cooked over wood or gas stoves with fried foods.	Industrial cast iron pan can be used on wood stoves, induction cookers, electric stoves, gas stoves, and even in ovens. This type of cast iron pan can process many different dishes, such as fried, fried, grilled dishes, etc.
Reliability	Traditional cast iron pan is made of monolithic, so it is durable, can be used for hundreds of years without damage.In addition, traditional cast iron pans can withstand heat up to 500 degrees Celsius, without cracking, breaking when used normally	Industrial cast iron pans have a normal life of about one year, ten years, and even 75 years if used properly.Industrial cast iron pan, if cold water is poured into the pan while it is hot, can cause cracking or breaking.
Non-stickiness	Non-stickiness	Very high non-stickiness
Preservation	Traditional cast iron pans are very simple to preserve. After scrubbing, apply an extra layer of oil for maintenance.	Industrial cast iron pan must pay special attention to maintenance, wash only with water, do not use dishwashing oil, apply regular maintenance oil.

What Are The Best Cast Iron Skillets To Buy?

What kind of customer are you? How are you aiming for the best cast iron pan for your kitchen this year? Determining your needs and the type of cast iron pan that is suitable for your cooking goals will save you the most time to review and evaluate the overview based on the overall factors of the product.

I have made my own choices, low price options, as well as reputable brands. Let’s skim the main keywords below!

• Best Overall: Lodge L8SK3 Black Cast Iron Skillet
  “Perfect revamped version, distinct cooking tools, and 120 years of brand experience.”
• Best for Budget: Home-Complete HC-500310 for a Variety of Purposes Cast Iron Skillet
  “Cheap kitchen appliances, multi-purpose use, handle all meals, and user-friendly quality.”
• Best for Home Cooking: Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Skillet Combo
  “Buy one get two, a versatile combo, full housewives and family kitchens.”
• Best for Restaurants: AmazonBasics Supersize Cast Iron Skillet
  “Spacious shape, neat food, and suitable for serving multiple servings at the restaurant.”
• Best for Pizza: Lodge 17L9OG3 Black Cast Iron Skillet for Steaks
  “Fit size, thinner and lighter than other pans and capable of frying or pizzas.”
• Best Traditional: T-Fal E83405 Black Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet
  “Safe for health, traditional design, classic design, and long-lasting material.”
• Best Industrial: Le Creuset LS2024-2667 Colorful Cast Iron Skillet
  “It consumes less oil, holds superior heat with enameled iron, and is easy to clean.”
• Best Square: Lodge Square 10.5 Inches Cast Iron Skillet
  “Innovative energy, delicious baked goods, and competitive products.”
• Best Enamel: Cuisinart CI22-24BG Enamel Cast Iron Skillet
  “Rich colors, perfect for cooking and arousing culinary passion for the modern kitchen.”
• Best Deep Skillet: Lodge P14W3 14 Inches Cast Iron Skillet
  “The bottom of the pan is easy to keep balance, containing a large amount of food and savior of stir-fries.”

Basic Information Table of Cast Iron Skillets

Below is a summary table of the basic parameters that you are still looking for. I have specified the dimensions, the specific weight of the best-cast iron skillets, and their materials ( is it health-friendly or not?) In as much detail as possible. I hope it can help you become a clever buyer.

Top 10 Best Cast Iron Skillets Reviews

It is time now! I will accompany you to the objective evaluation below. Are you ready to order for the best cast iron pan for your meal yet?

Lodge L8SK3 Black Cast Iron Skillet

(Best Overall)

Originating from the desire to bring the most delicious meals to families, the famous American brand, Lodge, has continuously improved its cast iron pans over time. This L8SK3 cast iron pan is a competitive challenge for other cast iron pan brands in terms of its durability and usefulness.

Key Features

• It is the product of the famous Lodge brand from America
• The product is made of pure cast iron material
• Natural anti-stick layer, no toxic chemicals, so no need to worry about the dangers of cooking
• Pans up to 26cm in size and have a pleasing, deep design should be suitable for cooking a variety of fried, fried, grilled, stewed dishes and even baked

Product Specification

Dimensions	16,1 x 10,7 x 2 inches
Weight	5 pounds
Material	Thick cast iron from America
Type	Traditional pan with a long handle (not well insulated)
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

Home-Complete HC-500310 for a Variety of Purposes Cast Iron Skillet

(Best for Budget)

It would be hard to believe that a product with all the expectations of a shopper would have such a fantastic price. If you are skeptical of its quality compared to the amount, let me tell you why you need it in the family.

This cast-iron frying pan can handle almost any type of food, whether it’s pizza, kebabs, or pancakes for your breakfast full of nutrition.

Key Features

• Promising high durability because of super-durable cast iron material
• Can be used immediately without stickiness
• Use well with campfire
• The temperature difference should not exceed 25 degrees
• Peace of mind with an induction cooker

Product Specification

Dimensions	15 x 9,8 x 2 inches
Weight	5.3 pounds
Material	Super durable cast iron
Type	Traditional pan with a long handle
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Skillet Combo

(Best for Home Cooking)

My friends often complain to me that they pay a high price for products that have few uses and functions, as well as practical applicability when cooking. For passionate housewives like you, some products can take advantage of the best, right?

Understanding the sentiments of the owners of the home kitchen, the manufacturer decided to launch a super convenient shopping package that includes a combo of two cast iron pans of different sizes and tasks.

Key Features

• A deep cast iron pan and a shallower cast iron pan with many versatile purposes
• Coating vegetable oils and saying no to toxic chemicals
• Cook in the kitchen or outdoor parties are not to worry
• Unrivaled heat retention
• Store by promptly drying with a lint-free cloth or paper

Product Specification

Dimensions	1 x 1 x 2 inches
Weight	13 pounds
Material	Thick cast iron from America
Type	A deep cast iron pan and a deep cast iron pan (both with long handles)
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

AmazonBasics Supersize Cast Iron Skillet

(Best for Restaurants)

Large cast iron pans can help chefs speed up to ensure the fastest and highest quality customer service. This cast-iron pan is especially striking with stir-fries. Besides, chefs can also freely perform technical performances without fear of too-small pans to drop food out during work.

Key Features

• Diameter up to 14 inches
• Deep and deep pans shape around
• Adapt well to all cooking surfaces
• Distributes heat evenly
• Do not use soap when cleaning

Product Specification

Dimensions	17,2 x 14,7 x 4,2 inches
Weight	8.51 pounds
Material	Heavy cast iron
Type	Deep pan with two small handles
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

Lodge 17L9OG3 Black Cast Iron Skillet for Steaks

(Best for Pizza)

This is for strict fans of medium-sized pizzas. What is more pleasing and more economical when you only need to own such a cast iron pan instead of other expensive and bulky kitchen utensils?

Key Features

• Thin and shallow pan
• The anti-stick layer is quite good, does not peel off, leading to food adhesion or harm to the health of users
• The bottom of the pan is insulated, so heat is reduced somewhat
• Resistant to high temperatures
• Should be regular season

Product Specification

Dimensions	15,9 x 10,3 x 1,5 inches
Weight	4.5 pounds
Material	Thick cast iron from America
Type	Shallow pan with a long handle
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

T-Fal E83405 Black Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet

(Best Traditional)

Products made from pure cast iron, fully nonstick, good heat retaining ability, longevity, etc. Primarily, this high-grade cast iron pan has big size, flatness, and depth, so it can cook many different dishes from frying, stir-frying, cooking, stewing to the oven, etc.

Key Features

• Hand holding a long and short easy to move
• Dispensing nozzles allow liquid extraction
• Safe in an oven to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
• Does not contain PFOA and Cadmium

Product Specification

Dimensions	17,1 x 11 x 2,5 inches
Weight	6.5 pounds
Material	Super durable iron cast
Type	Traditional pan with a long handle, grips and two small funnels on the side
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

Le Creuset LS2024-2667 Colorful Cast Iron Skillet

(Best Industrial)

Industrial pans always bring a lot of unexpected utilities. This enameled cast iron pan is no exception. It possesses a sleek appearance and a modern design with many far more optimal utilities.

Key Features

• Lovely cherry color
• Handles create grip
• Used in dishwashers
• Made in France
• Does not include a silicon handle
• Clean enamel coating

Product Specification

Dimensions	13 x 14,8 x 3 inches
Weight	6.5 pounds
Material	Thick cast iron from France
Type	Traditional pan with a long handle, grips and two small funnels on the side
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

Lodge Square 10.5 Inches Cast Iron Skillet

(Best Square)

This is a specialized cast iron pan used for grilling or cooking vegetables. The slotted design eliminates excess grease from food for a deliciously flavored dish, limiting fat that is harmful to health.

Key Features

• Includes insulated red plastic handle
• Use well on a grill
• Need long-term oil coating process
• Do not wash with soap in any case

Product Specification

Dimensions	17,4 x 10,5 x 2,6 inches
Weight	6.67 pounds
Material	Thick cast iron from America
Type	Square pan with a long handle (not well insulated)
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

Cuisinart CI22-24BG Enamel Cast Iron Skillet

(Best Enamel)

Cuisinart CI22-24BG Cast Iron Cast Pan impressed with the design with a very long handle, convenient to stir the food, suitable for professional chefs in restaurants, big hotels. Products are cast from solid cast iron with a weight of up to 6 pounds, superheat retention, and exceptionally long service life.

Key Features

• Nordic style elegance elegance
• This handle can be used in the oven, removable for cleaning.
• The nonstick layer made of this technology is also perfect, resistant to temperatures up to 240 degrees Celsius
• Decorating the kitchen more vivid with many colors

Product Specification

Dimensions	16,8 x 10,7 x 4 inches
Weight	5.8 pounds
Material	Thick cast iron
Type	Enameled pan with a long handle
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

Lodge P14W3 14 Inches Cast Iron Skillet

(Best Deep Skillet)

Products manufactured by the Lodge brand from My has 120 years of experience in making great cast iron cookware. If you want to cook a lot of food or want to find a large cast-iron pan, you should consider this Deep-Fried Round Pan.

Key Features

• It can be used on all types of stoves, ovens, and outdoor grills and are rated up to 500 ° F
• Caring for and preserving easily with salts or soaps
• Flat base helps keep pans non-slip

Product Specification

Dimensions	18,1 x 14,6 x 4,4 inches
Weight	11 pounds
Material	Thick cast iron from America
Type	Deep pan with two small handles
Warranty	The lifetime of the original purchaser

Buying Guide for the Best Cast Iron Skillets

Currently, most of the cast iron pans are manufactured in large quantities, so the design and quality are also diverse and tough to choose. Below I give some of the essential criteria to select to buy the best-cast iron pans, which will undoubtedly help you a lot. Specifically include:

1. Should You Select Traditional Cast Iron Skillets or Enamel Ones?

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  Traditional Cast Iron Pan

  
  

Traditional cast iron pans after being cooked cannot be cleaned with soap or placed in a dishwasher. Instead, you need to remove the food traces on the pan surface, then coated with a thin layer of oil, and avoid getting wet pan will make them more likely to rust.

If you know how to look after this cast iron pan, their lifespan will last for decades. Typically, an uncoated iron pan 35 cm in diameter costs about over 20$.

Depending on the manufacturer, the price of cast iron pan is higher with the accompanying advantages such as tighter lids, less food contact surface.

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  Enameled Cast Iron Pan

  
  

Enameled cast iron pan is coated with nonstick enamel and is easier to take care of than traditional pans. You can wash it out with salt and water comfortably, even for cooking acidic foods.

At the same time, uncoated cast iron pans are restricted because they can cause chemical reactions to make food taste metallic.

However, the enameled cast iron pan can still be chipped, and the color may be outdated. The price of this pan is higher than the traditional pan. Usually, a 35mm diameter enamel pan costs more than 50$.

Most of the price of this pan depends on the enamel coating on the inside and outside of the pan, as well as the durability of the pan (such as the degree of tooth enamel chipping over time).

2. Should You Buy a New Pan or a Used Pan?

You can easily buy a new cast iron pan whenever you want at markets, supermarkets or shops, compared to used pans.

However, you should also consider buying a used pan as follows:

• Traditional cast iron pans can survive for generations, so you can find this type of antique pan at places that sell antique pans, auction websites, flea markets, etc.
• Used cast iron pans can comfortably process food, saving cooking time and thicker pan quality.
• The imitation of a used pan varies, depending on the brand, model, and seniority.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type of Cast Iron Pans

There are two common types of cast iron pans: frying pans (small frying pans) and Dutch oven (large, heavy pans, and often with lids). The size of the pan depends on your cooking needs, the larger the pan, of course, the more power.

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  Frying pan

  
  

If you intend to fry the meat, you can choose the popular cast iron pan, which is popular in sizes of 10.25 inches (26 cm) or 12 inches (35 cm). Also, these pans have auxiliary handles in front allows you to lift pans more easily out of the kitchen.

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  Dutch oven pan

  
  

If you want to cook stews, sauces, or even baked food, you can choose the Dutch oven. A deeper pan (pot), comes with a lid and two handles. Accessible pot capacities are 4.7-liter and 5.7-liter.

Besides, this pan is also shaped like a spider, meaning that it has legs at the bottom of the pot, suitable for you to use on charcoal stoves, serving the purpose of the campfire.

4. Manufacturer

Cast iron pans have a very long service life made from good quality cast iron. Therefore, when choosing to buy cast iron pans, you must learn and choose a reputable manufacturer, with clear origin.

5. Pan Sizes

Depending on your needs, choose the right size pan. Some types of pan sizes are available on the market, such as 8cm, 12cm, 16cm, 23cm, 26cm, etc. Note that the pan is larger, the pan will be deeper!

6. Design of the Pan

Cast iron pans are now manufactured on modern technology lines, so the design pattern is very diverse, meeting all different cooking needs of users. If you want to cook fried or stewed dishes, buy a flat cast iron pan. If you’re going to cook baked dishes and beefsteak as well as grilled salmon and BBQ ribs, then buy a grooved cast iron pan.

Notes for Using a Cast-Iron Skillet

Cast iron pan is much more durable than other types of pots and pans. But with rust-prone properties, many people are concerned about its use and storage. Check out the information below to know the reasons.

1. Remove Rust With Detergent and Plastic Pad

Cast iron pans that are used for a long time, or which are exposed to water, often cause rust. To remove the lightning stains, use a small amount of dishwashing liquid and scrub the pan.

Note that cast iron pans are cast in one piece, so you need to wash every part of the pan, both the inner and outer layers and the handle, not just the pan.

After removing the stains, rinse the pan under warm water. Use a soft scrub brush and rub again to ensure clean dirt.

Cast iron pans are easy to rust if they are still damp, so wipe them off with a towel before storing them, or place the pan on the stove to let the water evaporate, then turn off the heat, wait for the pan to cool and store.

2. The Way to Season the Pan

There are two ways to prepare cast iron pans, based on the available cookware. The first, the most optimal way is to use the oven. The second way is to use the kitchen.

• Season With the Oven

After purchasing the pan, with the type of non-oiling from the manufacturer, wash it thoroughly with warm water and diluted washing oil. After washing, wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Next, you apply a layer of oil to the surface of the pan entirely, from the pan to the handle and back. Oiling does not only help the pan prevent sticking, but also protects the pan from rust-causing agents. Turn on the stoves and set the temperature between 180-200 degrees C.

Be careful not to use oils that have a high smoke point, above the heat threshold above. You can flexibly use many different oils. I have read and know that flaxseed oil is best for frying pan oil.

Put the pan into the oven; remember to put the pan face down. Large pans require a large capacity oven. For example, I use a 23cm diameter pan, need an oven with a capacity of at least 42L or more. Leave the pan in the oven for about 1 hour.

Then remove the pan, let cool down, apply more oil, and repeat at least one more time. In my opinion, you should oil 3-4 times. Every few months or whenever you see the pan sticking, you will need to repeat the process.

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  Season With the Stove

  
  

The method of quenching is like that of an oven. You should also pay attention to oil the entire surface of the pan offline!

3. Clean the Pan After Finishing Cooking With Salt and Vinegar

Note: When the pan is still hot, it is easy to clean immediately. You need to clean the pan when it is still warm, so the food does not stick to the pan.

Sprinkle some salt in a pan and rinse with warm water. Clean the pan with a soft cloth. Salt will remove food stains without scratching the pan.

After the pan is clean, wipe dry and put on the stove to add some oil to the pan of the pan until the oil fumes, then wait for the pan to cool and take away for later use.

4. Note When Cooking With Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans hold well and conduct heat well, but you still need to wait for the hot skillet for 5 to 10 minutes before adding food. If the cold food in the pan is still cold, the food that easily sticks to the pan makes cleaning difficult.

When cooking with cast iron pans, do not overturn the food. When frying meat, the meat will automatically separate from the pan if there is already a brown outer layer. Wait for the meat to cook first and then turn it over.

Limit cooking with sour dishes with cast iron pans, as this can damage the oil layer. You can cook fewer tomatoes, less vinegar, but do not give too much.

Cast iron skillet, although it takes a lot of maintenance effort, just need to follow the above notes, a cast iron pan can be used for a lifetime.

FAQs

My Top Pick

My Top Pick is Lodge L8SK3 black cast iron skillet. Due to the size of up to 26cm and the deep flat design, Lodge L8SK3 Premium Cast Iron Pan with a diameter of 26cm is suitable for cooking a variety of fried, boiled, stewed dishes and even baked. The product does not waste much oil, easy to clean.

Cast iron pan is heavy but very durable, retains heat long, spreads heat evenly, prevents natural sticking to help the dish achieve the most delicious taste.

Cast iron pan has many advantages and benefits that other types of pans do not have; it is worth choosing for daily cooking, for family dishes with steaming flavor guide and safety for health.