The 9 Best Cast Iron Skillets for Every Cook

Cast iron skillets are a kitchen staple. Able to transition from stove to oven to grill, these versatile pans can do everything from searing a ribeye to baking cornbread. Plus, they are virtually indestructible; if you know how to care for them, they can last a lifetime.

To help you up your game in the kitchen, we searched for the best cast iron skillets. We studied thousands of customer reviews, looking for models that earned high marks for heat distribution and retention, durability, versatility, and more.

Our Favorites

• Our Top Pick: Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet: Field Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillet: KitchenAid 12–Inch Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan
• Best Double-Handled Cast Iron Pan: Lodge Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan
• Best Classic Cast Iron Skillet: Smithey Ironware No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Cast Iron Grill Pan: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan
• Best Cast Iron for Frying: Cuisinart Chef's 12-Inch Classic Enameled Cast Iron Chicken Fryer with Cover
• Best Value Cast Iron Skillet: Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 2-Piece Set
• Most Versatile Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker

Our Top Pick: Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Lodge is well-known for high-quality cast-iron skillets, and its 10.25-inch pan is a fan favorite. It comes pre-seasoned, so it's ready for use immediately after purchasing although you should still season it as needed.

Best are the features that Lodge has added to make this 5.4-pound skillet easy to use. An assist handle allows for improved control and maneuverability. And there's a hanging hole in the handle for easy storage. If the pan is seasoned correctly, the slightly-rough surface does stay nonstick. That surface can be damaged by metal utensils so be careful as any damage will lead to rust.

Since this comes in a range of sizes, you can easily nest pans together, if you decide to expand your collection. Just be sure to dry each completely, or place a paper towel in between each pan.

The Details: Available from 3.5-inch to 15-inch in size; from 10 ounces to 12.4 pounds; induction compatible

Best Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet: Field Cast Iron Skillet

Field Company, headed by two brothers in New York's Catskills, makes skillets that are modeled after the cast iron of the 1930s. With a seriously smooth cooking surface, the skillets are thinner and 25 to 50 percent lighter in weight (and, thus, easier on the wrist) than most similarly sized cast iron.

That makes these lighter cast iron skillets ideal for cooks that need a hand with heavier pots, or for grillers who appreciate cast iron's prowess over open flame but don't want to tote an extra-heavy skillet. The classic 10-inch pan will hold six fried eggs or three New York strip steaks, Field Company estimates, and weighs only six pounds.

The Details: Available from 6.75-inch to 13.4-inch in size; from 1.9 to 8 pounds; induction compatible

Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillet: KitchenAid 12–Inch Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan

Enameled cast iron offers the durability and impressive heating capabilities of cast iron without all the maintenance. Enameled cast iron pans don't have to be seasoned, are generally easier to clean, and are often more attractive—with lots of colorways to choose from. After testing a slew of enameled cast iron skillets, we named KitchenAid's 12-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan our overall favorite.

First off, we liked its 12-inch size, which makes it versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or Thanksgiving feast. The comfortable handle, helper handle, and pour spots made it easy to maneuver the pan from stovetop to oven to table. Speaking of which, it's induction-safe and oven-safe up to 500°F. We were seriously impressed with its searing performance, as well as its nonstick abilities. Our cornbread released perfectly without the need for utensils.

The Details: Available in 12-inch size; available in black, pistachio, and blue velvet colors; weighs 8.9 pounds; induction compatible

Best Double-Handle Cast Iron Pan: Lodge Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan

For cooks who want to pan-fry or bake often, this double-handled cast-iron skillet from Lodge is a great pick. You get the beloved quality of Lodge with its ready-to-use finish and a sturdy dual-assist handle design. Like Lodge's many other products, this one is designed for just about any type of cooking you prefer, from stovetop to campfire.

The skillet's high sides are what make it great for recipes like pan-fried chicken thighs, as less grease will splatter on your cooktop and you don't need to maneuver the pan around. At 12 inches in diameter, you'll have more than enough room to cook three or four thighs at once without overcrowding the pan.

That lack of a long handle is what makes it great for baking too, as you can use it like you would a cake or pie pan, and it's much easier to rotate in the oven. One downside here is the handles aren't the widest for gripping, so make sure you've got a good "handle" on the handles before moving the pan.

The Details: Available in 10.25-inch to 17-inch in size; weighs 5.7 to 13.2 pounds; induction compatible

Best Classic Cast Iron Skillet: Smithey Ironware No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet

Smithey Ironware Co. founder Issac Morton started his business in cast iron cookware by saving and restoring rusty pans that were otherwise destined for a scrapyard. After a few years of this, where he was up close and personal with a variety of ironware, he decided to begin making his own line of pans that reflected the classic techniques of decades-old ironware but made with today's technology and know-how.

The result is the Smithey Ironware collection of heavy-gauge cast iron pans that are expertly polished to produce a satin-smooth nonstick surface right from the beginning. It's designed for building its own natural seasoning over time, so get to work caramelizing onion, browning pork chops, and sautéing mushrooms. The 3-hole handle also makes for easier, more secure gripping, and if you're a cook with a limited amount of cabinet space, either side can be used for easy hanging.

In short, this line of cast iron skillets is designed to become an heirloom. They look, feel, cook, and cost like they already are.

The Details: Available in 6-inch to 14-inch in size; from 2.7 to 12 pounds; induction compatible

Best Cast Iron Grill Pan: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan

Cast iron skillets can be used on grills, but cast iron skillets can also be the grill. Cast iron gets very hot, which makes it similar to a grill: a quick sear on the outside seals in moisture, caramelizes natural sugars, and produces a hint of smoky goodness.

The raised rows in this Lodge cast iron grill pan do just that, plus their height helps fat to roll away so the food cooks and sears, instead of steams. The square shape is preferable for grill pans, as that allows more food to fit on the pan, as opposed to wasted space on a circular version.

While this isn't too heavy for cast iron, the helper handle does make carrying or moving the 6.5-pound pan easier. One issue with this cast iron is cleanup. The ridges are so high, and the searing is so good, that you might have to run your scrub brush over the surface a few times to get it clean.

The Details: Available in 10.5-inch size; weighs 6.5 pounds; induction compatible

Best Pan for Frying: Cuisinart Chef's 12-Inch Classic Enameled Cast Iron Chicken Fryer with Cover

If you regularly make fried chicken or apple fritters, you're going to want a cast iron skillet with high sides to protect against splatters. In that case, this deep enameled cast iron skillet from Cuisinart is the pick for you.

Cast iron skillets get hot quickly, heat evenly, and stay hot, which makes them ideal for frying when you need the oil to be bubbling hot batch after batch, like you need for fried fish filets. Plus, this pick comes with a lid, which makes it a versatile option if you decide to bake bread or simmer a casserole in the oven. You should be warned though that this is heavy at over 16 pounds, and only comes in two colors.

The Details: Available in 12-inch size; weighs 16.25 pounds; induction compatible

Best Value Cast Iron Skillet: Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet 2-Piece Set

Cuisinel may not be as well known as some other cast iron skillet brands, but its cast iron skillets have a strong following and many devoted customers. In fact, this 2-pack—it includes a 10-inch and a 12-inch cast iron skillet—has amassed more than 17,000 ratings and 4.7 stars. These are all great things, and then you'll see the price: less than $50 for two skillets and two heat-resistant holders.

These skillets come seasoned, which means they're ready to use right from the box. However, there's no harm in giving the pans a layer of seasoning before you plan to use it with foods that might stick, like eggs. You can get either of these skillets individually, if you wish, but smaller sizes are only available as a part of a set.

The Details: Available with 10-inch and 12-inch sizes; weighs 7.7 pounds; induction compatible

Most Versatile Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker

Cast iron skillets and pans by their nature are highly versatile. They can be used to sear steaks, bake desserts, or roast vegetables, but this combo cooker made by Lodge squeezes in even more uses. The lid for the larger pan is actually a 10.25-inch shallow skillet.

With the many ways to cook with this combo cast iron cooker, it would make a great pick for beginners. You can use the skillet to sear meat or fry eggs; the base is great for stews or trying your hand at deep-frying. For bakers, this is a great choice for baking bread especially since a large Dutch oven can sometimes be too much room. As with other bare cast iron pieces, you'll need to season both of these pieces and only wash by hand.

The Details: 10.25 inch; weighs 13 pounds; induction compatible

Our Takeaway

Our overall top pick is the Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet since it's the right size cast iron for most of your needs and could be an heirloom if treated properly. If you don't want to ever worry about seasoning, we recommend the KitchenAid 12–Inch Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan.

How to Pick the Right Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron is trusted by home cooks and professionals alike because it can be heated to very high temperatures, it stays hot longer than stainless steel or nonstick pans, and it develops a natural nonstick surface that's second to none. But for all that there is to love about cast iron skillets, there are a few considerations that may narrow your selections and help you decide which options are right for you and your kitchen.

Size

The typical cast iron skillet is 10 inches, but 8 inches and 12 inches are also common. Larger sizes are available but may require special ordering. Eight-inch skillets are good for meals for one, like frying a couple of eggs, while 12-inch versions can handle big meals, like roasting a whole chicken.

Recipes like cakes and cornbread may call for a specific size, so it's important to have and use the one your recipes call for so you get the best results. Beyond that, it's a matter of preference. The bigger the skillet, the heavier it is.

Seasoning

Seasoning creates a cast iron skillet's nonstick capability. With use, cast iron pans become more seasoned. As seasoning builds, the pans become slicker, which is partly why vintage pans are so popular with antique and consignment shoppers.

Today, most manufacturers season skillets before they leave their factories, and all bare cast iron pans will need periodic seasoning. To do that, lightly coat the skillet or pan with a high-temperature oil, like vegetable oil. Bake the pan in a 375°F (190°C) oven for one hour. Let cool. Wipe down with a cloth, and store.

Handles

Cast iron skillets and pans are very heavy, and the larger they are, the heavier they will be. (Lids add extra pounds, too.) To make carrying or moving these hefty pans from place to place in the kitchen easier, many have helper handles across from the long, narrow handle on any pan. If lifting weighty objects is difficult for you, look to purchase a cast iron skillet that's made with these supplemental handles or one that's lighter weight. (And keep in mind those handles get extremely hot; make sure you have oven mitts at the ready).

Caring for Your New Cast Iron Skillet

Most cast iron pans today come seasoned with oil applied at the factory, but it's always a good idea to rinse the pan with water and season it again before the first time you use it. Why? Pans sit on shelves for weeks, even months, before they're shipped out to buyers, so the pans can collect dust. A quick rinse and a round of seasoning will help you be safe.

When you're ready to wash a cast iron pan, remember that water is the enemy. You can use a brush or abrasive sponge to knock off cooked-on bits. Soap can remove the seasoning, but you can use a very small amount if you want.

The best way to dry cast iron is to heat a freshly-washed skillet on low on a stovetop and let the water in the skillet evaporate. If you notice a lot of seasoning is gone after that rinse, you can season the pan again right then and there, or wait until the next time you need to use it.

Common Questions

What should I cook in my cast iron pans?

Among the other great things about cooking with cast iron is that you can take it from skillet to oven and back. It's super versatile. Check out our collection of Cast Iron Skillet Recipes. And here are a dozen of our Best Recipes to Cook with a Cast Iron Skillet.

Why Take Our Word For It?

Kimberly Holland is a writer and editor with 15 years of experience in food, lifestyle, and homes content. She has been senior editor at Allrecipes.com since 2019. Before that, she was editor of CookingLight.com. Her work has also been published in Real Simple, Southern Living, EatingWell, Healthline, and other publications.