Cast iron skillets are ultra-durable and can do just about any type of cooking. Use it on the stovetop, inside the oven, and above a campfireーcast iron pans are a weapon of choice in the kitchen and outdoors! From searing steaks, deep frying chicken, and even baking bread, a cast iron skillet is certainly versatile.
There are numerous types, shapes, and features to a cast iron pan. Not to mention a variety of cast iron brands. Not to worry, we are here to help you with our buying guide fact-checked by Chef Terence Fereday Jr. and our list of the 10 best cast iron skillets. Read more below!
Quick List - Top Cast Iron Skillets
Lodge
Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet for Versatile, Even Heat Cooking
Chef's Classics
Compact Dual-Handle Cast Iron Skillet for Everyday Cooking
Lodge
Square Cast Iron Skillet for Searing, Frying, and Oven Baking
Chef Terrence has 30 years of experience working in the professional kitchen. He graduated from the Professional Culinary Institute in California, USA, and he was a former Culinary Instructor, Corporate Chef, and Executive Chef. He also won several awards in culinary competitions and is the founder and owner of Zilla Pizza.
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Here are some points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our guide below.
The choice boils down to your personal preference. Do you want a simple, easy-to-clean skillet or one that adds to the overall culinary experience and not just the cooking part? If you don't know your answer yet, you'll know after reading this article.
Uncoated cast iron skillets require seasoning. Seasoning entails baking oil into the pan so it creates a non-stick surface through polymerization where the oil breaks down and hardens into a plastic-like material. Uncoated pans might also require periodic re-seasoning. Worry not, as most cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned.
Like fine wine, cast iron skillets get better with time and proper use. This is why they are a favorite for chefs and home cooks alike as their cast iron construction enables them to be used anywhere there’s heat or fire. Plus, their simplicity and extreme versatility also make then a stand out kitchen tool.
This is one of the most versatile kitchen equipment you can use. It is durable, has superior heat retention, and will sit stable on your cooktop, whether it be induction, electric, or gas.
Enameled skillets do not require the tedious seasoning: applying oil, baking, and rust-proofing, that uncoated ones do. If you like to focus solely on the cooking part and want to do it in the most efficient way possible, this might be the choice for you.
They are simple to use, cook with, clean, dry, and reuse. The downside is that, while the cast iron can take much heat, the other fittings of enameled skillets like the handles and knobs may be prone to melting. While cast iron skillets have a high heat threshold, the additional fittings will require you to be more careful with them.
This type of skillet is ideal for quick cooking, like sauteing or pan-frying. It does not have the durability and heat capacity of a cast iron pan.
A lighter skillet is easier and more comfortable to handle. It prevents burns, spills and, inadvertently, wasting of both food and effort. It helps you cook with less strain and more finesse. The more you can control the pan, the better you can cook and focus on the dish.
You are more likely to choose a skillet that you are most comfortable with. And, cast iron skillets are heavier than the usual cookware, so it is best to keep in mind its weight. Bigger is definitely better, but heavier is not. So, choose a skillet than can accommodate more ingredients while being less taxing to cook with.
When choosing the size of your skillet, you also need to consider the size of your burner. The food might not cook evenly if you use a large skillet on a small burner.
A cast iron skillet is either deep or shallow, that is the main difference. Shallower skillets are known as frypans; the deeper ones are called Dutch ovens. One thing's for sure, you will be able to create mouth-watering dishes with either.
Frypans are the most common. They are an all-rounder. Meanwhile, Dutch ovens are great for soups, stews, and casserole. Undoubtedly, both are wonderful to have in your kitchen, it is just a matter of deciding which one you use the most. Who knows, you might even come across cast iron skillets for sale, so you can end up with both!
Dutch ovens are very versatile in the kitchen as well. Aside from making soups, casseroles, and stew, you can also deep fry in them. It is a real workhorse in the kitchen.
Features like these enhance your cooking experience. For instance, a flat cooking surface offers better contact between the pan and the food, which gives you that perfect sear, while ribbed bottoms are great for grill marks. In terms of shape, round pans heat more evenly while square ones perform better on campfires.
Since cast iron skillets are heavy, getting one that has a helper handle allows two-handed carrying. This makes cooking safer and easier. Another thing to look at is if it has a pouring spot to easily drain excess oil. Moreover, you want to look for skillets that come with a lid to help braise sauces and prevent splashes.
It's best to determine the type of cooking you frequently do before getting your skillet. This will determine the shape and size of the skillet that is ideal for you. My advice is to start with a small-sized one first and see if the weight and functionality work for you.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Size | Coating Type | Weight | Depth | Handle Type | Design Features | |||||
1 | Lodge 10.25 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Pan | ![]() | Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet for Versatile, Even Heat Cooking | 26 cm | Uncoated | 2.55 kg | Shallow Skillet | One Handle + Helper Handle | Pre‑seasoned, induction compatible, dual pour spouts | |
2 | Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet | ![]() | Large Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet for High-Heat, Even Cooking | 30.5 cm | Uncoated | 3.1 kg | Shallow Skillet | One Handle + Helper Handle | Pre‑seasoned, induction compatible, heat‑retentive | |
3 | Chef's Classics 18 cm Cast Iron Dual Handle Skillet | ![]() | Compact Dual-Handle Cast Iron Skillet for Everyday Cooking | 18 cm | Uncoated | 1.5 kg | Shallow Skillet | Two Handles | Pre‑seasoned, compact, lightweight | |
4 | Lodge 10.5 Inch Square Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | ![]() | Square Cast Iron Skillet for Searing, Frying, and Oven Baking | 26.7 cm | Uncoated | 2.8 kg | Shallow Skillet | One Handle + Helper Handle | Pre‑seasoned, square shape, oven‑ and grill‑safe | |
5 | The Iron House 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet | ![]() | Classic 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet for Daily Home Cooking | 25.4 cm | Uncoated | 2.5 kg | Shallow Skillet | One Handle + Helper Handle | Pre‑seasoned, rugged texture, oven safe | |
6 | Eurochef 6 Inch Cast Iron Skillet Pan | ![]() | Compact 6-Inch Cast Iron Skillet for Single Servings and Sides | 15.2 cm | Uncoated | 0.9 kg | Shallow Skillet | One Handle | Pre‑seasoned, compact, single‑serve | |
7 | The Iron House 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet | ![]() | Large Cast Iron Skillet for Family-Size Cooking and Searing | 30.5 cm | Uncoated | 3.2 kg | Shallow Skillet | One Handle + Helper Handle | Pre‑seasoned, heat‑retentive, versatile size | |
8 | Tramontina 30 cm Cast Iron Skillet Grill | ![]() | Ribbed Cast Iron Grill Pan for Indoor Grilling and Searing | 30 cm | Enameled | 3.6 kg | Shallow Skillet | One Handle + Side Grip | Pre‑seasoned, ridged grill surface, dual grip | |
9 | Masflex 22 cm Artisan Enamel Cast Iron Skillet | ![]() | Stylish & Durable Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Skillet for All‑Purpose Cooking | 22 cm | Enameled | 3.25 kg | Shallow Skillet | One Handle + Side Grip | Enamel‑coated, includes lid, even heating, dishwasher‑safe | |
10 | Wok Bang 3-Piece Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | ![]() | Multi-Size Cast Iron Skillet Set for Versatile Everyday Cooking | 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm | Uncoated | 0.8 kg (6"), 1.5 kg (8"), 2.3 kg (10") | Shallow Skillet、Deep Skillet | One Handle + Side Grip | Three sizes, pre‑seasoned, multipurpose |
Shoppers frequently its unbeatable heat retention and the way it browns meats and vegetables evenly. It’s commonly praised for being highly versatile — used for searing, baking, or even campfire cooking. Many note that while it’s heavy, the smaller helper handle greatly aids in maneuverability. The skillet’s pre-seasoning also receives positive remarks, with several buyers reporting that it’s ready to use straight out of the box.
Size | 26 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Uncoated |
Weight | 2.55 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle + Helper Handle |
Design Features | Pre‑seasoned, induction compatible, dual pour spouts |
Features and benefits:
Customers often praise the 12-inch size as perfect for cooking for groups or meal prepping. It gets top marks for its heat retention and even browning, especially for meats and roasted vegetables. Users also find it durable and versatile, using it on stoves, ovens, and campfires. While some find the weight a bit heavy, the helper handle is appreciated for making it more manageable.
Size | 30.5 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Uncoated |
Weight | 3.1 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle + Helper Handle |
Design Features | Pre‑seasoned, induction compatible, heat‑retentive |
Buyers appreciate the skillet's size for everyday tasks like frying eggs, reheating leftovers, or making personal meals. Its dual-handle design makes it easier to lift, especially for a heavy cast iron pan. Many mention the pre-seasoned surface being convenient and say it works well even with high-heat cooking on induction stoves. Some caution it's small for family meals but perfect for solo cooking.
Size | 18 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Uncoated |
Weight | 1.5 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | Two Handles |
Design Features | Pre‑seasoned, compact, lightweight |
Users highlight the skillet’s square shape as great for fitting more food — like steaks, toast, or fish, compared to a round pan. It’s frequently praised for its excellent heat retention and even browning. Several reviewers say it’s especially handy for oven-to-table cooking. Though slightly heavier than round skillets, its long handle and helper grip make it easy to manage.
Size | 26.7 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Uncoated |
Weight | 2.8 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle + Helper Handle |
Design Features | Pre‑seasoned, square shape, oven‑ and grill‑safe |
Reviewers often describe it as a solid, dependable skillet for its price. The heat retention and even cooking results make it a go-to for many home cooks. Some users say it needs a bit more seasoning over time but performs well once broken in. The size is noted to be just right for most everyday meals, whether for frying eggs or searing pork chops.
Size | 25.4 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Uncoated |
Weight | 2.5 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle + Helper Handle |
Design Features | Pre‑seasoned, rugged texture, oven safe |
Customers like this skillet for its size — perfect for solo meals, eggs, or heating small leftovers. It’s often praised for being lightweight compared to larger cast iron pans, yet still sturdy and reliable. The pre-seasoned coating is appreciated for quick use, though a few users suggest adding extra seasoning over time. Its affordability makes it a good entry point for cast iron beginners.
Size | 15.2 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Uncoated |
Weight | 0.9 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle |
Design Features | Pre‑seasoned, compact, single‑serve |
Users often highlight the generous size as perfect for preparing meals for multiple people — great for steaks, fried rice, or stir-fried dishes. The skillet’s heat distribution and ability to hold high heat are frequently praised. While some mention it’s heavy to handle, many say the performance outweighs the weight and that the helper handle makes a big difference. Others note that it builds seasoning well over time with consistent use.
Size | 30.5 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Uncoated |
Weight | 3.2 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle + Helper Handle |
Design Features | Pre‑seasoned, heat‑retentive, versatile size |
Customers love this skillet grill for delivering outdoor-style grilling indoors. The ribbed base sears steaks, burgers, and veggies well while keeping them above rendered fat. The enameled coating is often praised for being easy to clean and maintenance-free compared to traditional cast iron. Some mention it’s heavy, but they feel the performance justifies the weight. It's frequently used for weekend cookouts and indoor steak nights.
Size | 30 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Enameled |
Weight | 3.6 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle + Side Grip |
Design Features | Pre‑seasoned, ridged grill surface, dual grip |
Masflex’s Artisan enamel line is praised for its vibrant finishes and everyday practicality on social media — users enjoy the ergonomic handles and versatility in cooking and serving. Users appreciate its durability and convenience thanks to the no-seasoning, low-maintenance approach.
Size | 22 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Enameled |
Weight | 3.25 kg |
Depth | Shallow Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle + Side Grip |
Design Features | Enamel‑coated, includes lid, even heating, dishwasher‑safe |
Buyers find this 3-piece set highly practical for a range of recipes — from frying eggs in the 6" to searing meats in the 10". The skillets are praised for their solid build, excellent heat retention, and the convenience of being pre-seasoned. Many appreciate the value for money and flexibility of having multiple sizes, though some suggest applying additional seasoning after a few uses for best results.
Size | 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm |
---|---|
Coating Type | Uncoated |
Weight | 0.8 kg (6"), 1.5 kg (8"), 2.3 kg (10") |
Depth | Shallow Skillet、Deep Skillet |
Handle Type | One Handle + Side Grip |
Design Features | Three sizes, pre‑seasoned, multipurpose |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by professional chef Terence Fereday.
Handwash your skillet with a little amount of soap. For stubborn, stuck-on food, add water and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Cool down, then use a scraper and wash with soap and water.
Depending on your use. If you see dull spots on the surface, it's time to re-season.
In the kitchen, you can have a wide array of tools and equipment to help you create the best dishes imaginable. But, before you start, you must be sure you have the fundamentals covered. Now, it's time to choose your other kitchen essentials. Follow the links below and set yourself up with the basics.
Author: Petre Baliton
Re-editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Lodge |10.25 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Pan
No. 2: Lodge|12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
No. 3: Chef's Classics|18 cm Cast Iron Dual Handle Skillet
No. 4: Lodge|10.5 Inch Square Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
No. 5: The Iron House|10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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