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:
Go straight to our favorites here. Or you can scroll down for in-depth reviews. You can also read more about how we choose products.
- Best Overall: 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.
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.
Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Lid
This is a generous 12" skillet that comes with a tempered glass lid. The included silicone handle cover keeps the handle comfortable to the touch. And it's oven safe up to 350 degrees.
The skillet is pre-seasoned, but you can re-season it if you like. It will work on any kind of cooktop, including induction.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25"
Lodge has long been considered one of the best brands of American made traditional cast iron cookware. This is their standard, basic, no-nonsense skillet - very affordable, but ready to last generations.
It's pre-seasoned and the size is 10.25″, which is a great size for any stovetop. If you cook a lot of big dishes, you might prefer a larger skillet, but this one fits on burners, is easy to handle, and gets the job done.
Lodge Wildlife Series 6.5" Cast Iron Skillet with Wolf Scene
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.
This little skillet is a great complement to a larger skillet, especially a 12-inch one, because it only needs a small burner and takes up very little room on a stovetop.
Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12-Inch
Here's Calphalon's 12-inch alternative. This slightly larger size skillet is a little more versatile than the smaller size. You can easily cook larger strips of bacon or a big morning breakfast scramble in it.
The disadvantage to its size is that it can take up too much room on some stovetops.
Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Lid
If you do a lot of baking or frying, a deeper skillet might be just what you need. This one comes with a lid. It's recommended for cooking stew, jambalaya, red beans, curries, woks and for baking bread in the oven. It's a very versatile piece of cookware.