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Cast iron skillets are a beloved staple of many kitchens. They’re so durable that they often get passed down from one generation to the next. And while some people have the impression they’re harder to use than skillets made from other material, that’s not necessarily true.

There are so many benefits of cast iron skillets. This amazing cookware comes in various sizes and shapes and can be used to cook a variety of dishes. They can even be used over a campfire or fire pit in the backyard.

Top Picks

Check out our favorites here. Or scroll down for in-depth reviews.

Best Overall: Le Creuset Classic Cast Iron Handle Skillet, 9″, Artichaut
Budget Choice: Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Lid
Best 12″ Skillet: Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12-Inch
Best First Skillet: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25″
Best Smaller Skillet: Lodge Wildlife Series 6.5″ Cast Iron Skillet with Wolf Scene
Best Deep Skillet: Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Lid

This material retains heat very well, so cast iron cookware will stay hot when it’s not being used for hours at a time. That means you can keep a dish warm for seconds, or quickly reheat lunch leftovers for dinner.

An old-fashioned cast-iron skillet is the perfect way to enjoy a warm meal on a cool autumn evening. It’s also great for cooking outdoors on hot days when you don’t want the oven or stovetop heating up the entire house.

Because these skillets are so heavy, ordering them online is a great move. If you’ve ever carried one home from the store, you know what I’m talking about. It’s always easier to have them show up on your doorstep so all you have to do is bring them inside.

Here’s a list of some of the highest rated cast iron skillets online. The prices vary widely, but even the least expensive ones are very good.

Buying Guide for Cast Iron Skillets

When it comes to versatile, long-lasting, and non-stick cookware, cast iron skillets are the top choice for many home cooks and professional chefs alike. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best cast iron skillet for your kitchen.

1. Size

The size of the skillet you choose will depend on what you plan on cooking and how many people you’re serving. Here are some common sizes:

6-inch: Ideal for single servings or cooking small items like eggs.
10-inch: An excellent all-purpose size, good for most recipes.
12-inch: Great for bigger families or cooking larger meals.
15-inch: Perfect for large gatherings or recipes that need a lot of space.

2. Weight

Cast iron skillets are known for their heft. While a heavier skillet has better heat retention and even cooking, it might be difficult to handle for some people. Choose a weight that is comfortable for you to lift and maneuver.

3. Handle

A comfortable and sturdy handle is essential. Look for a skillet with a handle that is easy to grip, even with oven mitts on. Some handles also have a hole for hanging storage.

4. Pre-Seasoned vs Unseasoned

Pre-seasoned skillets have been treated with oil and baked to create a natural non-stick surface, ready to use right out of the box. Unseasoned skillets require seasoning before use, but allow you to control the type of oil and level of seasoning.

5. Brand Reputation

Look into the reputation of the brand you’re considering. Brands like Lodge, Le Creuset, and Staub are well-known for their high-quality cast iron cookware.

6. Price

While cast iron skillets can range in price, they are generally much cheaper than other types of high-quality cookware. Consider your budget but remember that a good cast iron skillet, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.

7. Additional Features

Some skillets come with extra features like dual pour spouts, lids, or silicone handle covers. Consider if these extras are necessary or beneficial for your cooking needs.

Remember, the best cast iron skillet is the one that suits your specific needs and preferences in the kitchen.

Recommended Cast Iron Skillets

Here's a list of some of the highest rated yet affordable cast iron skillets online. There are so many to choose from, but you can't go wrong with any of these. Modern cast iron is all pre-seasoned, so you don't have to worry about that.

Le Creuset Classic Cast Iron Handle Skillet, 9", Artichaut

Pros:

🎩 High-quality Le Creuset brand
🍳 Enamel-coated interior for easy cleaning and maintenance
🔥 Excellent heat distribution and retention
🥘 Suitable for use on various cooktops, including induction
☀️ Safe for use in the oven up to 500°F
💪 Versatile for searing, sautéing, and stir-frying
✅ Doesn't require seasoning like traditional cast iron
♾️ Durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking

Cons:

💰 Relatively high price point
🖍️ May experience minor discolorations on the cast iron surface over time

The Le Creuset Classic Cast Iron Handle Skillet, 9", Artichaut, is a top-tier cookware option that lives up to the Le Creuset brand's reputation for quality. With its enamel-coated interior, this skillet offers the benefits of cast iron without the need for extensive seasoning and maintenance.

It excels in heat distribution and retention, making it suitable for various cooking techniques on different stovetops, including induction. Additionally, its oven-safe design, easy-to-clean surface, and durable build make it a versatile and reliable addition to any kitchen.

While the price may be on the higher side, the quality and performance justify the investment. Keep in mind that some minor discolorations may occur on the cast iron surface with use

Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Lid

Pros:

🌡️ Precision Heat Distribution: This cast iron skillet offers even heat distribution, ensuring consistent cooking and frying results whether you're using it on grills, stoves, or induction cooktops.
💪 True Cooking Versatility: The Cuisinel cast iron skillet is incredibly versatile and can be used for frying, baking, grilling, broiling, braising, sautéing meats, vegetables, and more.
🔥 Superior Craftsmanship: Crafted with seasoned cast iron, this skillet is built to last, enduring years of regular use and washing while maintaining its reliability.
🧼 Easy to Clean & Maintain: While it should be hand-washed and dried thoroughly after every use, this skillet is easy to maintain. Seasoning with natural oils keeps it in great shape for the long term.
🍳 Included Silicone Hot Handle Holder & Tempered Glass Lid: The skillet comes with a heat-resistant handle cover for safe handling, and a tempered glass lid for versatile cooking options.

Cons:

🔥 Hot Handle: The handle can get extremely hot during cooking. While a silicone cover is provided for protection, it might slip, and you should handle the skillet with care.
⚙️ Maintenance: Cast iron cookware requires ongoing care and maintenance, which may not be suitable for those seeking a low-maintenance cooking option.

The Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Lid is a highly versatile and well-crafted addition to your cookware collection. With excellent heat distribution and a broad range of cooking possibilities, it's suitable for everything from frying to baking, grilling to sautéing. Keep in mind that it requires proper maintenance and care, but with the right treatment, it can serve you for many years. The hot handle can be a concern, so always use caution when handling it during and after cooking.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25"

Pros:

🌟 Excellent heat retention for even cooking.
🍳 Versatile – suitable for stovetops, ovens, grills, and campfires.
🌱 Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, no synthetic coatings.
🔥 Durable and long-lasting cast iron construction.
🇺🇸 Made in the USA by a family-owned company.
💰 Great value for the price.
🧱 Rust spots can be easily remedied.
🍳 Comes in various sizes to suit your cooking needs.
♻️ Environmentally responsible and free of harmful chemicals.

Cons:

🏞️ Some users may not prefer the bumpy texture of the Lodge pre-seasoning.

The Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a timeless classic and a versatile kitchen tool. It offers excellent heat retention, making it ideal for various cooking methods, including stovetop, oven, grill, and campfire. Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, this cast iron skillet is free from synthetic coatings or chemicals, ensuring safe and healthy cooking. Lodge, a family-owned company with a long history, manufactures these skillets in the USA, emphasizing environmental responsibility and quality. With its affordable price, durability, and ease of use, the Lodge cast iron skillet is a valuable addition to any kitchen, even if some users may not prefer its bumpy texture.

Lodge Wildlife Series 6.5" Cast Iron Skillet with Wolf Scene

Pros:

🎨 Beautiful Wolf Scene: This Lodge cast iron skillet features an eye-catching wolf design on its cooking surface, making it both functional and collectible.
🇺🇸 Made in the USA: Lodge has been producing cast iron cookware in the USA since 1896, known for its high quality, durability, and cooking versatility.
🔥 Seasoned Cookware: This skillet is seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, offering a non-stick cooking surface without synthetic coatings or chemicals.
🍳 Versatile: Use this skillet in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campfire for various cooking needs.
🌟 Even Heating: Cast iron provides unparalleled heat retention and even heating, ensuring your food cooks evenly.
🍽️ Induction Stovetop Compatible: This skillet is suitable for induction cooktops, adding versatility to your cooking options.
🤩 Collectible: The wolf design on the bottom of the skillet is a unique and attractive feature for collectors or those who appreciate wildlife-themed decor.
💪 Durable: Cast iron is known for its durability and can last for generations when properly maintained.

Cons:

🌊 Water Traps: The design on the bottom of the skillet, while visually appealing, may trap water and require extra care to ensure it is dried properly, as excess moisture can lead to rust.
🛠️ Minor Manufacturing Flaws: Some customers have reported minor manufacturing flaws in the seasoning and design of the skillet, which may affect the aesthetics and require extra maintenance.

This gorgeous small skillet from Lodge is perfect for smaller items, or when you're cooking for one. Its lighter weight also makes it great for taking on camping trips.

Please measure 6.5" to get an idea of the size before you order. It's quite small, and not designed to be your primary skillet. But that small size is just right for cooking a single egg, pan searing a filet mignon, or sauteeing a few vegetables.

The Lodge Wildlife Series 6.5" Cast Iron Skillet with a Wolf Scene offers a charming combination of functionality and aesthetics. It features a beautiful wolf design, is made in the USA, and is seasoned with natural vegetable oil, providing a non-stick cooking surface.

This versatile skillet can be used on various heat sources, including induction cooktops. However, the design on the bottom may trap water and requires extra attention during drying to prevent rust. Some customers have reported minor manufacturing flaws, but overall, it's a durable and collectible piece for cast iron enthusiasts and those who appreciate wildlife-themed decor.

Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12-Inch

Pros:

🍳 Great for cooking meat and maintaining juices.
🥚 Functions as a non-stick pan with proper seasoning.
🍳 Suitable for frying eggs without sticking.
🍳 Even heating with a bit over medium heat.
🔥 Versatile for use on all cooking surfaces, including induction and campfires.
🧼 Easy to clean, with simple seasoning.

Cons:

🏋️‍♂️ Heavy (typical of cast iron).
🔍 Short handle.

The Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet is a brilliant addition to your cookware collection. It excels at cooking meat, maintaining juices, and acts as a non-stick pan with proper seasoning. Frying eggs is a breeze with no sticking. The pan offers even heating when set a bit over medium heat and works on all cooking surfaces, including induction and campfires.

Although it's on the heavier side, the short handle might be a minor inconvenience. Overall, this skillet is a valuable and long-lasting investment that provides excellent results in the kitchen.

Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Lid

Pros:

💪 Versatile: This 3.2-quart cast iron deep skillet comes with a cover, making it ideal for a wide range of cooking tasks, from deep frying to bread baking.
🔥 Even Heat Distribution: Cast iron cookware heats evenly, ensuring that your food cooks consistently and thoroughly.
✅ Pre-Seasoned: The skillet comes pre-seasoned, meaning it's ready to use right out of the box. The pre-seasoning process involves applying a coating of vegetable oil and baking it onto the skillet, creating a natural, easy-release finish.
🇺🇸 Made in the USA: The Lodge L8CFKPLT is proudly made in the United States.

Cons:

🏋️‍♀️ Weight: Cast iron cookware is known for its durability and heat retention, but it can be heavy, which might not be suitable for those who prefer lighter cookware.
🔥Handle Gets Hot: As with all cast iron cookware, the handle can get very hot, so you'll need to use a protective mitt or handle cover when cooking.

This fryer is a versatile and well-loved kitchen tool. It's pre-seasoned, ready to use, and made in the USA. Its even heat distribution makes it perfect for a variety of cooking tasks, and it's especially well-suited for those who enjoy traditional, high-quality cast iron cookware. While it can be heavy and requires some maintenance, the benefits of this durable skillet far outweigh any drawbacks for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and performance of cast iron cookware.