Wanting a cast iron pan for your kitchen? There are different types of cast iron skillets and here I look at what’s best for the modern home kitchen and some tips on using them.
What’s the best cast iron skillet for the kitchen?
Enameled cast iron is a good option for the kitchen. My advice on traditional cast iron for the kitchen is a 10 to 13-inch skillet with both a helper handle and a long handle for ease in lifting and placing it. With a glass cooktop, you don’t want any heftiness and an enameled type is an attractive option.
For your kitchen, nothing is more versatile than a skillet. And in modern kitchens, glass cooktops are the go with induction cooking becoming ever more popular.
The 15-inch pans will do the trick, but they are weightier and for this reason, better suited to an open campfire than a modern kitchen stovetop.
I’d opt for a skillet with a cool to touch handle if you intend using it on the stovetop only. The wooden handles stay cool to touch and are such an option, but steer away from these if you want a skillet for use in a hot oven or with open flames.
Comparison table – Cast iron skillet buyers guide
Here’s a quick overview of some popular cast iron skillets including the different types.
| Item | Features | Shop* |
|---|---|---|
Le Creuset | Enameled | View! |
| Victoria | Long handle | View! |
| Amazon Basics | Budget price | View! |
| Lodge | Silicone handle | View! |
| Cuisinel | Silicone handle Glass lid | View! |
| iProuder | Wooden handle Glass lid | View! |
This guide aims to help you make an informed choice regarding what cast iron skillet to buy. It also answers some of the frequently asked questions and covers reviews of popular brands of cast iron cookware.
Who is this for? Anyone who wants a healthy option in cooking with a pan that will last and last.
With the right treatment, a cast iron skillet will offer nonstick cooking. But if you are interested in a more lightweight design, you might want to check out my article about ceramic nonstick frying pans.
Some call them pans, others call them skillets. In any case, most agree that cast iron cookware is durable and sturdy and made to last.
Why cast iron?
I love my cast iron skillet and it’s probably one of the most-used pieces of cookware in my kitchen. Here’s why…
- It’s versatile
- Easy to clean
- A safe option
- Durable
- Time tested
I use it for searing, frying, fry baking, grilling, and sautéing – basically cooking a variety of foods from omelets to chops to pizzas.
And, it’s not fragile.
I know it can handle the knocks. It won’t chip or crack, even with tough everyday use. And, I can use metal utensils without the worry of harming the product.
It’s also easy to clean and maintain as long as it’s seasoned. Learn more about this in my care section below.
Is cast iron cookware safe?
This cookware is considered a safe option since iron is the oldest cooking surface still being used today. If you are one for test kitchen results, the continued use of cast iron in cooking by various cultures over many centuries demonstrates its worth — it is a tried and tested cookware material!
The longest history of using cast iron cookware stems from Asia, with the first forging of cast iron vessels linked to crafters in China several centuries before the common era (BCE).
In the US, cast iron cookware has been around since the time of the early pioneers. Cast iron is popular as cookware for camping and the home kitchen alike.
Are cast iron pans healthy? A cast iron pan is made of iron, which is an essential element required in our diet. Among other functions, iron aids the transport of oxygen around our bodies.
The exception is where medical advice goes against this, i.e. you may need to avoid iron intake, e.g. because you’re predisposed to iron overload, as with hemochromatosis. It’s best to choose an enameled cast iron pan if this is the case. (Though, a pan that is properly sealed will reduce the leaching of iron into the food.)
Which cast iron cookware is best?
Apart from the classic or traditional look, enameled cast iron and lightweight cast iron lines are other types available in this cookware range. It’s purely preference. Each have their advantages and disadvantages.
Basic cast iron pans
The basic (or classic) design includes the bare cast iron type or those with factory seasoning. (I cover how they are made below.) They often have a long handle with a hole for hanging. This style of handle is especially useful in a camp kitchen or at an outdoor cooking site.
The classic cast iron pans are suitable for all cooktops. That’s right, iron pans will work on an induction cooktop. But if the base of the pan is less than smooth, watch when using these on glass (AKA ceramic) cooktops.
They are safe to use on glass-top stoves, but do not slide them around and as a precaution, always remove from them from the stovetop after cooking.
Enameled cast iron pans
The enameled types have an enamel glaze applied to the surfaces. This prevents the surface from rusting. The result is a smooth cast iron skillet, which is beneficial if you have a glass cooktop. Some look like the one shown here, while others are designed to look similar to the classic cast iron skillet.
Artisan Enameled Cast Iron Skillet (👈 available at Amazon)
If it is enameled inside as well as out, the advantage is that you get less leaching of dietary iron into the food being cooked. This is great if you need to reduce iron in your diet because of medical reasons.
The downside of enamel is that it can chip and overheating or adding cold water to a hot enamel pan can damage the cookware. You lose the benefits of bare cast iron cookware in this respect. Enameling lessens the ability to withstand searing heat and resist sticking.
The enamel will stain. It won’t affect the performance but rather the looks. But, there are ways to remove the stain, which I cover in how to clean enameled cast iron cookware.
Lightweight cast iron pans
Lightweight cast iron cookware is cast in metal molds rather than sand and this allows them to be cast thinner than the classic castings. This makes the frying pan easier to handle but they may have drawbacks, such as, not as robust and cook less evenly.
Cooking with cast iron pans
Iron surfaces are the oldest form of cookware still in use today and cast iron is still considered a safe cookware option in terms of health and the environment by many, including the EWG.
Iron is an essential element in our diet.
Care and maintenance
How do you successfully clean a cast iron skillet?
This is easily maintained by hand cleaning with dish detergent and warm water. Then proper drying and storing is recommended. To successfully clean a cast iron skillet, a brush with a scrap works can help do it justice.
Cast Iron Brush and Scraper for cleaning (👈 available at Amazon)
If it has burnt on crud or is rusty, see my tips on deep cleaning in my article on how to clean that cast iron skillet.
It’s probably a good idea to give the bottom a proper cleaning to ensure no residue burns on and cause issues with your glass cooktop also.
How do you care for a cast iron skillet? The main way to care for that best cast iron skillet is to keep it seasoned.
The following are answers to frequently asked questions on the care and maintenance of a cast iron fry pan.
How to season a cast iron pan?
Some skillets are pre-seasoned when purchased. But…others will need seasoning to achieve their nonstick performance.
An easy 1 step solution…
Recommended product
To keep cast iron cookware in top condition, seasoning is important. This product by US company, Lodge, will make that a breeze…
Seasoning the pan gives it its nonstick surface and protects it from rust. This is not the seasoning in cooking that you do with spices, by the way. It involves oiling and heating the pan.
Seasoning the cast iron fry pan can be just a matter of coating the surface with fat or oil and baking it in an oven at 350° F for about an hour. Unsaturated fats are said to work best because they polymerize well, but a lot of people use vegetable oil, which also works.
And…the more you use your cast iron skillet the better the seasoning will get.
How can I keep the seasoning on my cast iron skillet?
Simply avoid cleaning it with harsh detergents or scourers.
Add a dab of oil and wipe the pan over after washing every now and then if the pan is showing some dry areas.
When you cook, if you heat a bit of oil each time you reinforce the seasoning and this will maintain the nonstick properties.
When should you season a pre seasoned cast iron skillet?
When needed, which is no different from a cast iron pan that you have seasoned yourself. See the section on the “Non Stick Properties” above.
Cast iron skillet reviews
Here, I look at some top cast iron skillet options in the classic and enameled type range. I’ve included Lodge cast iron skillets.
I’ve included the pros and cons as well as any special features.
Cuisinel iron skillet review
The Cuisinel item here is a 10 inch cast iron pan with lid and silicone handle cover. The long handle has a hole for hanging in the cooking area. (This design is also available in 8 and 12 inch skillets.)
Weight: 7.85 lb.
You’ll notice a helper handle on the opposite side to the long handle. This feature is great for when you need to move the pan from the cooktop or fire.
The silicone handle cover is rated up to 450° F. The great thing about this feature is that you do not have to keep looking for an oven mitt to move the skillet around.
Also, the Cuisinel pan has pour spouts on both sides, so suits both left and right handed cooks. The 12 inch pan has a 10.25 inch cooking surface and 2.5 inch depth. And, the 10 inch pan has a 8.25 inch cooking surface with a depth of 2.25 inches.
The Cuisinel cast iron products are made in China.
Pros
What’s so good about this one? It’s got a lid and a silicon cover for the long handle. The silicone handle cover prevents burns when moving the pan. The handle is also a good length. It is shaped nicely and its length means a well balanced handling of the pan.
It comes with a 1 year money back guarantee.
Cons
The base is rough and may scratch a glass cooking surface when slid across the surface. So make sure to lift the pan when moving it.
Price
Affordably priced at Amazon — See details.
Lodge cast iron skillet review
Only Lodge cast iron pans are made in the USA, being manufactured in South Pittsburg, Tennessee by the same family since 1896, and sell for a competitive price.
Weight: 7.8 lb (12″)
This 12-inch
Lodge state you shouldn’t have a problem with using this cast iron skillet on glass cooktops as long as you keep the cooktop surface clean and free of fine grains, such as salt and sugar granules.
Pros
The pans come pre-seasoned. Lodge claims to use 100% vegetable oil for this seasoning and applies no artificial coatings.
USA made. Lighter than many others. It comes with a silicone handle cover.
Cons
Some people may not like the silicone handle cover, which can work loose. You can use the pan without this. Just take care to use potholders to avoid burns.
Price
Economical and available at Amazon. See details.
Victoria cast iron skillet review
This is a preseasoned cast iron skillet by Victoria.
This 12-inch round frying pan comes with a longer handle (~7.5″) than others. The handle has a hole for hanging and there is also a helper handle. The large pour spouts that work a treat when pouring off the fat without the drips. This pan also has sloped sides, which helps extend the 10.25-inch cooking surface.
Weight: 6.7 lb
According to the manufacture, the preseasoning involves 100% Non-GMO flaxseed oil. Recommendations are that you will need to enhance this seasoning to get the best performance.
This one is made in Colombia (using European machinery). Also available in smaller and larger sizes.
Pros
What’s so good about this one? It’s relatively lightweight. That is, it is lightweight compared to others listed.
Has a flat bottom surface with no rings or imprints that can damage glass cooktops.
Cons
No lid option from the manufacturer. The factory seasoning might need enhancing for the best performance.
Price
An economical buy and available at Amazon. See details.
Le Creuset signature iron handle pan
This is a beautifully designed 10¼ inch enameled cast iron pan with a signature iron handle.
It is an attractive skillet with the enameled exterior adding a fresh cool color. There is a choice of colors from Caribbean through to White to suit your decor. The interior is also enameled, in black.
Weight: 5.4 lb
Like the others, this pan has pouring spouts on both sides, a helper handle, and a long handle with a looped end for hanging.
The interior does not require seasoning, being enamel (though it has the look of the traditional cast iron surface).
Pros
What’s so good about this one? The design is appealing if you are looking for one for the home kitchen. It is also relatively lightweight.
Because the interior is enamel, it requires no additional seasoning. Can be placed in a dishwasher (though I recommend handwash to avoid any damage from dishwasher arms etc).
Cons
May chip if thrown around, stacked, or knocked — won’t take the rough and tough of a classic cast iron.
Not exactly non stick.
Price
More expensive than the classic ones listed here.
Where to buy
Check out the latest price at Amazon — See details.
Or: Get it online at the company’s website, Le Creuset
AmazonBasics Cast Iron 10¼, 12, or 15 Inch Skillet
The one shown is the 15 inch
Once again, a long handle with a hole for hanging, a helper handle, and two pour spouts are features of this classic style cast iron skillet. And, it comes pre-seasoned with oil.
Weight: 11.33 lb (12″); 14.11 lb (15″)
The 12 inch skillet handle is 6.5″ long.
Safe for fast ovens, up to 500ºF. Is made in China.
Pros
Affordable price. Has a limited 1 year warranty.
Cons
A heavy frypan. Might need extra seasoning. The long handle design might feel a tad small or awkward for the size and weight of the pan, especially in the 15″ pan.
Price
Similar price to the Lodge skillet at Amazon — See details.
T-fal cast iron pan review
Similar to the others listed, this Tfal cast iron skillet one has two pour spouts and a helper handle.
The long handle has a hole for hanging and the design includes a signature thumb rest. This product is oven-safe up to 600º F and is PFOA and cadmium free.
Weight: 9 lb
This T-fal skillet is pre-seasoned for nonstick properties. It is a durable cast iron fry pan 12-inch in size in cast iron black.
This is a 12 inch with 2.5 inch sides. There is also a 10.25 inch version.
Pros
Comparable price. Comes pre-seasoned and includes step-by-step instructions for upkeep of seasoning.
Cons
It is weightier than others. Has emblem on base, slightly rough texture – watch glass cooktops. May need extra seasoning before first use. Overheating may cause brown or blue stains.
Price
Similar to others in price. Check out the latest price at Amazon — See details.
Camp chef cast iron 12 inch skillet
This Camp Chef classic style skillet is pre-seasoned. Camp Chef is one of the well-established brands in the USA, though the product is manufactured in China.
This 12-inch pan boasts features of left and right pour spouts and two handles, one a long handle with hole and the other a helper handle to aid handling and pouring – especially great in a field skillet.
Weight is 7 lb.
Pros
An ideal field cast iron skillet. Fairly lightweight. Dual pour spouts and helper handle for ease of pouring. It comes seasoned and ready to use.
Cons
Bottom of pan is embellished with a cast logo, so probably best to not use on glass (aka ceramic) cooktops and may not sit stable on other electric stove plates.
Price
Check out the latest price at Amazon — See details.
IPROUD cast iron skillet with wooden handle and glass lid
Comes preseasoned.
At 11.27 pounds shipping weight, this 13″ deep seems heavier than the others, but this does include the lid and being deeper adds to the weight.
What I love about this cast iron skillet
- Glass lid with vent for steam release so you can see the food being cooked without having to remove the lid.
- Wooden handle means you can grab hold without worry of burns and needing a mitt.
- Hole at the end of the handle to hand the skillet if you wish. A good option when drying the pan.
- A helper handle as well as the long handle to help with lifting and placing the pan.
- It comes with a scrubber brush for cleaning.
- Low price.
Things you may not like
- Because it has a wooden handle, it’s not suited to very hot oven use nor the best for open flames and it will start to burn.
- Has no pouring spouts. This is a downside if your style of cooking involves pouring liquids or sauces from the cooking pan.
Check it out at Amazon — See latest details.
What are the pros and cons of a classic cast iron skillet?
Cast iron pans are popular because they are durable and sturdy, meaning — they’ll take the knocks. They’ll last your forever. They are superb for use on outdoor grills.
Some people worry about the black specks that can appear in the food after cooking with cast iron. I cover this in my article on the black residue from cast iron pans…is it harmful?
What are the main pros and cons of cooking with a cast iron fry pan? In a nutshell, the following lists the advantages and disadvantages of the classic cast iron frypans.
- Easy to clean
- Okay to use metal utensils without harming surface
- Durable and built to last — a cookware item that will serve you a lifetime
- Handles are cast in the mold — there are no screws or rivets to worry about
- Non stick, which means easy cooking and cleaning and less fat in your diet
- Holds and distributes heat exceptionally well
- Is cookware than can be used on induction cooktops
- Oven safe at high temperatures
- Okay for high heat — great for searing, frying, browning of meats
- Not as lightweight as other cookware
- Metal handles will be hot to touch
- Takes longer to heat than the ceramic non stick cookware or stainless steel types
- Needs seasoning to begin and then at infrequent times
- An unseasoned cast iron will show signs of rust
- Can taint the flavor of tomato-based sauces or soups
- Cast iron handles are hot to touch
One way to keep your skillet from marking your glass cooktop is to make sure the surface of both the cooktop and the skillet is free from granules or burned on residue that make cause a problem.
Some people place baking paper or aluminum foil between the stove top and the skillet to avoid marking the glass cooktop.
FAQs
How are cast iron pans made?
Cast iron cookware is made from iron that is melted at very high temperatures and then poured into molds made of sand to form the classic cast iron product. The handle is usually part of the mold giving you have an iron handle skillet.
Why do cast iron skillets have spouts?
These pour spouts help to transfer the pan’s contents to plates and bowls. They are a traditional feature of the classic style cast iron pan. They originated back in times when rendering of fat was a thing and the spout helped with pouring off the liquid.
What is the best way to use a cast iron skillet?
Make sure it’s seasoned and then cook with it in any way your heart desires. On an open fire when camping. Use it on an induction cooktop. It is so versatile.
References for cast iron skillet guide
- Arnold, Dave. 2010. Heavy Metal: the Science of Cast Iron Cooking. Cooking Issues
- Beard JL, Dawson HD. Iron. In: O’Dell BL, Sunde RA, editors. 1997. Handbook of Nutritionally Essential Mineral Elements. New York: CRC Press; pp. 275–334.
- Clark, S. F. 2008. Iron Deficiency Anemia Nutr Clin Pract. 23(2):128-41. doi: 10.1177/0884533608314536.
- Brittin HC, Nossaman CE. 1986. Iron Content of Food Cooked in Iron Utensils. J Am Diet Assoc. 1986 Jul;86(7):897-901.
- Steinbicker AU, Muckenthaler MU. 2013. Out of balance–systemic iron homeostasis in iron-related disorders Nutrients. 5(8):3034-61. doi: 10.3390/nu5083034