Top 10 Best Cast Iron Skillet (2019) Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
- Maurice E. Terry
Skillets are the most versatile kitchen tool. They are great for scrambling, stir-frying, sautéing, pan-frying, searing, and many more cooking techniques. When it comes to choosing a skillet with extreme durability, non-stick feature, easy cleanup, easy release and many other conveniences you cannot help but choosing a cast iron skillet. Enameled cast iron cookware does not need much seasoning. It can cook varieties of delicious foods with a minimal amount of seasoning oil. It can bear superior heat retention and provides an even heat distribution. The benefits of the best cast iron skillet for cooking are immeasurable.
We are fond of cooking. We try different cuisines every weekend and always put out total faith on cast iron skillet. Only the best cast iron skillet can bring out the best out of a dish. So, we thought of sharing our experience of cooking on some best cast iron skillet with you. We have listed here top 10 best cast iron skillets we have used so far. These skillets are superior to each other in many terms, but they will never disappoint you with poor performance. Continue reading our review to get more details about enameled cast iron skillet. Hopefully, you will be able to choose one from them.
What You Will Get Here
- What To Know Before Buying The Product?
- All-Clad Nonstick Frying Pan Set
- Copper Chef Round Frying Pan
- Cuisinart Classic Nonstick Pan
- GOTHAM Non-stick Titanium Frying Pan
- Lodge Miniature Skillet
- Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover
- T-fal 10-Inch Fry Pan Cookware Set
- T-fal Iron Skillet
- Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet
- How to Use and Maintain the Product?
- Final Verdict
What To Know Before Buying The Product?
There are numerous cast iron skillets brands in the market. They have their own characteristics and features. Since have used a few, we can tell which factors you can consider for buying a cast iron skillet. These are:
Heat conductivity
Heat conductivity is a major criterion for cookware. Cast iron skillet which can be cooked on high heat retention and provide heat evenly should be chosen first. You can also pick skillet on the basis of material. For example, copper is particularly a heat conductor material which can be cooked on any heat source and any temperature.
Maintenance
Cast iron skillets have one drawback. It needs to be maintained regularly. Although it provides easy release of food, it also needs to be seasoned for it. Regular seasoning is a must have for cast iron skillets. Besides, there are many skillets which are prone to rust. You have to maintain those skillets carefully to resist and prevent rust on it.
Safety
Safety should be considered in every product. Skillets that have PFOA, chemical and toxin free surface are regarded as the safest of all. Besides, you should also pick those brands and models which are tested, verified, certificated and meet every national and international standard and safety criteria.
Durability
Cast iron skillets with heavy gauge construction and immense strength should be your top priority. It takes out the need of buying a new one after a few years and saves your cost and time.
Versatility
Pans which let you cook numbers of different types of food should be picked. You can cook wide ranges of dishes if you have such versatile pan.
Size
Size always depends on the purpose of your cooking. Large iron skillet is not a must have, if you do not need them because it will cost more than smaller ones. It still depends on your necessity.
Convenience
Lastly, you should think about your convenience too. Pans which come with tempered glass lid for locking moisture and flavor, ergonomic handle for a painless, comfortable grip, dishwasher safety, oven safety, quick releasing and many other conveniences should be your top priority. If these extra features do not bother you much, you should go for basic skillets.
These are the factors you can look over before buying a skillet. Besides all these, the price must also be considered. Check all these factors in a skillet before you finalize your decision.
All-Clad Nonstick Frying Pan Set is a set of 8 inches and 10 inches versatile low profile shape frying pans. Being made with hard anodized aluminum, this cast iron skillet extends the lifespan of the pan and provides even heating throughout the whole pan. The aluminum construction also makes it easy to clean up the pan for you. It has stainless-steel bonded anti-wrap base which lasts long, prevents burning and allows induction cooking.
This skillet pan has a PFOA-free scratch resistant nonstick coating which also offers easy cleanup and delivers less fat easy cooking. Besides, it is equipped with stainless steel contoured handles with stainless steel rivets. Its polish remains for a longer time and gives out comfortable and secure grip. The pan is oven-safe to 500-degrees F (without lids) and dishwasher-safe too.
Specifications
| Dimension | 19 x 11 x 6 inches |
| Item model number | 2100090557 |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Size | 8” and 10” |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | All-Clad |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : How much deep is this pan? Answer :
- Question : Is this iron skillet safe for metal utensils? Answer :
The two sizes of the pan are much deeper. Both of them are 1-7/8 deep. While the 8-inch pan is 6-3/8 on the bottom while the 10" one is 8-1/8th.
It is not recommended to use metal utensils because it will get scratched.
Our Remarks
All-Clad Nonstick Frying Pan Set comes from a leading brand which is all over the market for over four decades. It meets the standard of kitchen performance and lasting durability. For this reason, this skillet is made with such a combination of durability and convenience. The scratch-resistant pan provides easy cooking and cleans up at the same time while gives out dishwasher and oven cooking convenience.
You can use it for searing, browning, and pan-frying everything from eggs to meats. Even at high heat, it would cook food with full, rich flavor, color, and crisp texture, also preventing burning. We have always favored this best cast iron skillet.
Copper Chef Round Frying Pan is beautiful copper that proves “Copper is the new gold.” It comes with an additional beautiful glass lid which makes cooking easy and skillet more protective. As there is thermal shock-resistant technology, you should not bother about shattering. The whole cast iron skillet is highly durable for its aluminum and 5 layers of non-stick ceramic construction.
Most importantly, it is made of the healthy, safe and eco-friendly coating. As there is no PTFE, PFOA, PFOS, and cadmium, it is free from harmful toxic chemicals. The non-stick bottom provides superior cooking experience, and it prevents oxidation or causing tarnish. It is oven safe up to 850 F. Moreover, the skillet provides even high heat so that flavors reach every corner of the pan.
Specifications
| Dimension | 18.5 x 10 x 3 inches |
| Item model number | KC15057-02000 |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Size | 10 inches |
| Color | Copper |
| Material | Glass |
| Style Name | With Lid |
| Brand | Copper Chef |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : How safe is the pan on copper coating? Answer :
- Question : Is it oven-safe? Answer :
Copper has been there as a colored high heat coating. It is absolutely safe on food. It is easy to clean up too.
Yes, the pan has oven safe ceramic-tech non-stick coating.
Our Remarks
Copper Chef Round Frying Pan is an award-winning, innovative, versatile and one of the best selling cast iron skillet in the market. The nonstick toxic chemical free surface provides even and quick, impressive heat distribution. You can use it for a while cooking steaks, broiling fish, frying meat, bacon, eggs, omelets, bake chicken, desserts, etc. Nonstick coating also makes one of the best crispier fries. It gives out hassle-free cooking, after all. Also, you can take the pan to enhance the beauty of your kitchen décor.
Cuisinart Classic Nonstick Pan is built with Quantanium nonstick cooking surface that even professionals suggest getting professional-like results. It allows unsurpassed heat distribution so that your food is cooked evenly and has drip-free pouring facility too. The pan has a hard anodized dense exterior which offers a quality service for a lifetime. Besides being durable, this best cast iron pan is highly wearing resistant as well. So, there are fewer chances of burning.
These best iron skillets come with tempered glass lids which are also durable enough to last for years. The glass cover locks flavor in the food and prevents burning to some extent. Also, there is a cool grip riveted handle. The riveted handle gives out comfort in holding the grip properly and does not turn hot quickly while cooking.
Specifications
| Dimension | 5 x 17.8 x 9.6 inches |
| Item model number | 635-24 |
| Weight | 4.45 pounds |
| Size | 3-Quart |
| Style | Chef’s pan |
| Brand | Cuisinart |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : Is this pan POFA free? Answer :
- Question : Is this cookware dishwasher safe? Answer :
Yes, this cookware is POFA free.
No, they are not dishwasher safe. However, nonstick cookware is recommended to be washed by hand.
Our Remarks
Cuisinart Classic Nonstick Pan is ideally taken for one-dish meals. The pan has sufficient space for generous fillets of beef, chicken, and fish and provides you with professional cooking experience. It makes every day’s boring cooking a pleasant task through its wear resistance, dense and durable exterior, cool grip handle, even heat distribution and a tough and convenient tempered glass cover. The price is affordable too. For all these reasons, we have put the best cast iron skillet on our list.
GOTHAM Non-stick Titanium Frying Pan is a wonderful skillet pan endorsed by Chef Daniel Green. If you are a fan of this master chef, you might have already finalized your decision. The ultra-durable and scratch proof surface is built with extremely safe Ti-Cerama. This means the ceramic is reinforced with titanium to deliver optimum performance and durability.
This cast iron is oven friendly up to 500 F. It is always recommended to cook on a low to medium flame for using this pan. Besides this, the cast iron skillet is safe from harmful toxins like PTHE, PFOA, and PFOS. So, you can totally put your faith in this amazing iron skillet. You should also know this skillet is not compatible with induction which is the only drawback of this pan.
Specifications
| Dimension | 16.3 x 9.5 x 1.8 inches |
| Item model number | 9951 |
| Weight | 1.15 pound |
| Size | 9.5” |
| Style | Pack of 1 |
| Brand | GOTHAM |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : What is Gotham steel? Answer :
- Question : Is the skillet oven-friendly? Answer :
Gotham steel is the name of a well-reputed company of steel which makes the pan durable.
They are oven safe but make sure to keep the oven on the low degree.
Our Remarks
GOTHAM Non-stick Titanium Frying Pan eliminates the need for excessive oil or butter for effortless food release. It substitutes unhealthy oil with something extremely beneficial to health. As the pan has a ceramic with titanium coating, there is no doubt in the durability of the pan. Besides, it is extremely safe too. One of our major reasons for buying this skillet was it was endorsed by our favorite Chef Daniel Green. So, you can rely on this pan just like us, if you are a fan too.
Lodge Miniature Skillet is a miniature version of original Lodge cast iron skillet. It is a small and convenient cast iron griddle which measures 3.5 inches in diameter. The size is presentable enough to keep it on your table while eating. It distributes heat evenly and provides superior heat retention for flavorsome tasty cooking. The pan only requires little seasoning with vegetable oil for an easy release of food.
This easy release finish also makes it easy for you to maintain the pan. It can be hand washed easily. You should use a mild soap for washing, and it requires lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the pan promptly. You can use the pan at home in the oven, on the stove, on the grill or even over the campfire.
Specifications
| Dimension | 5 x 4 x 1 inches |
| Item Model Number | LMS3 |
| Weight | 9.4 ounces |
| Size | 3.5” |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Brand | Lodge |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : What is the measurement of inside surface of this skillet? Answer :
- Question : Where the skillet is originally made? Answer :
It is labeled 8 inches across the inside bottom surface.
The skillet is made in USA.
Our Remarks
Lodge Miniature Skillet comes from a high-quality cookware and accessories brand which has been ruling market for over a century. Being a miniature version of a popular skillet, you should not expect huge space from it. If you want a huge space for cooking, you should buy the original version.
This small cast iron skillet can be used to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry, etc. You can also make baked items in it. It evenly distributes all heat through the sidewalls and provides flavor through all corner. It is easy to maintain the pan too. The price is highly affordable too.
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet has a high-quality design, immense durability, and cooking versatility. The brand seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil, and there is no synthetic or chemical coating. So, you get the safest way to cool meal. As you iron, the seasoning will get better with it. It can be put into service on any heat source, starting from kitchen stove to campfire. It is induction and oven compatible too.
This best cast iron cookware comes with a silicone hot handle holder. The handle stays cool by resisting heat up to 450 degrees F. It provides superior grip and is dishwasher safe too. The pan has a tempered lid too to lock in the moisture and flavor in your favorite signature dishes. Not to mention, the pan provides even heat distribution and easy to release facility like any other efficient skillet.
Specifications
| Dimension | 15.5 x 11 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.4 pounds |
| Size | 10.25” |
| Color | Black Silicone |
| Brand | Lodge |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : Are the silicone handle removable? Answer :
- Question : Is the pan rust-proof? Answer :
Yes, the silicone handle comes separately, and it takes minimal effort to put it on and off.
No, they are not rust proof. You should keep your pan conditioned in hot water to get rid of rust.
Our Remarks
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet arrives from one of the most renowned cast iron pots and pans in the USA. This high-quality cookware holds the tradition of quality American products having seasoned with pure vegetable oil. There are seen in professional kitchens and campsites frequently. The premium quality versatile cast iron skillet takes you an advanced level of cooking and does the cooking, releasing food, cleaning and other activities an effortless task. It is worth much over price.
Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover has a deluxe nonstick surface on both the inside and outside of this skillet pan. It provides an easy release facility, nonstick cooking, and easy cleanup. This large cast iron skillet arrives two times more convenient when entertaining people with buffet service. As it is an electric skillet, the skillet preserves more energy compared to skillets which are used on burner or oven.
The cast iron skillet pan is made according to North American Electrical Standards. It meets safety and quality and can easily win the hearts of the customer. Its luxurious style with tempered glass cover attracts many. Besides this, the base is made of ware proof heavy cast aluminum, and it has well built high sidewalls for extra cooking and serving purposes. These are dishwasher safe too.
Specifications
| Dimension | 23 x 13 x 9 inches |
| Item model number | 6852 |
| Weight | 8.5 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Brand | Presto |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : How deep is this cast iron skillet? Answer :
- Question : Where is the origin of the pan? Answer :
The skillet measures 3 inches of depth from inside.
This pan is originally made in China.
Our Remarks
Presto 06852 16-Inches Electric Skillet with Glass Cover is superior to others in regards to its way of operating. The electrical source is more convenient and energy saving than stove or induction cooking. The tempered glass lets you see what you are cooking and make it more useful for buffet serving. Despite having deluxe easy cleaning surface, it is dishwasher safe too. The pan is very convenient, after all. You might not have any issue with the feet; the skillet has stable high aluminum cast base.
T-fal 10-Inch Fry Pan Cookware Set is a set of 8 inches, and 10.25 inches enameled cast iron cookware. It has one of the safest nonstick ceramic coatings. It is free from PTFE, PFOA, Cadmium, and lead. Besides safety, the skillet provides quick and easy releasing convenience as well. So, you can enjoy safe, effortless cooking on this pan.
This cast iron skillet has a heavy gauge aluminum construction which is not only durable but also stain resistant. It has a long durable polished lifespan. In addition to having durability, this skillet offers convenience too. It is a dishwasher and oven safe cast iron skillet. You can cook with it on the oven for up to 350 degrees F.
Specifications
| Dimension | 18 x 10.5 x 5.3 inches |
| Item model number | 2100103486 |
| Weight | 1.6 pounds |
| Color | Copper |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Style Name | 2 pack copper ceramic |
| Brand | T-fal |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : Are these skillets made of aluminum or stainless steel? Answer :
- Question : Does the pan contain PFOA? Answer :
These are made of aluminum which is easier to clean.
No, they are PFOA free.
Our Remarks
T-fal 10-Inch Fry Pan Cookware Set is a perfect cast iron cookware set or cast iron dutch oven of two well functioning cast iron skillets that every kitchen must have. The two perfect sizes of skillets meet the need for cooking any sizes of food. It has a safe, quick release coating which has made us put our trust in it. Besides, it has stain resistant surface too which makes the skillet even more durable. If the handle seems loose to you, you can try to re-adjust and tighten it. It will surely become more stable than before.
T-fal Iron Skillet arrives with the pre-seasoned surface. It will not get damaged but will season to perfection day after day. It delivers quick releasing convenience and provides your dishes a restaurant-like finishing. Besides, it heavy cast iron construction makes it more endurable than ever. The pan is absolutely safe as it does not contain PFOA, cadmium or any other toxin and chemicals.
This pan has an extra long handle with a superior grip and signature thumb rest. This extra feature makes holding the pan a painless task. Moreover, the skillet is oven friendly and easy to clean up. It just requires pouring spouts to transfer contents, and it will be cleaned easily.
Specifications
| Dimension | 17.1 x 11 x 2.5 inches |
| Item model number | 2100082837 |
| Weight | 6.66 pounds |
| Size | 10.25 inch |
| Brand | T-fal |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : Which lid will be suitable for the skillet? Answer :
- Question : Is it induction safe? Answer :
It is recommended to buy Poderno SS model #11061-32. But, if you want something less costly, you can also consider Norpro SS pan cover model #609.
Yes, the pan is compatible with induction.
Our Remarks
T-fal Iron Skillet is perfect for cooking grilled steak, fish and veggies or even for browning, searing, flying and sautéing. It will release very quickly, deliver a flavor from all corners and prevent overcooking. This heavy-duty cookware can be used on all types of the stove but keep it in your mind to not raise the heat level too much. The surface is so safe that you can trust it to cook meals for your children. It is a great combination of performance and convenience too. Its beautifully designed extra long easy-to-grip handles make cooking enjoyable while easy-to-drain surface provides cleanup convenience.
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet is a pre-seasoned cast iron cookware where soy-based oil is used as an initial layer of seasoning. This one layer is so effective, it is considered as 10-15 rounds of normal home seasoning. Wash it with your hands once you but it, dry it and rub it with a light coating of vegetable oil after every wash. In order to maintain this seasoning, it needs to be seasoned from time to time. As it is not dishwasher safe, you will have to wash it with mild liquid soap.
This best cast iron skillet has superior heat retention which can standby any high level of heat required to make mouth-watering food. You can put into service it on gas, electric, induction and ceramic-glass top stoves, and ovens and any other heat source. It is more durable than nonstick cookware. Another most important factor about this cookware is it increase iron content by as much as 20 percent and helps to fight iron deficiency which is commonly seen in women.
Specifications
| Dimension | 17 x 12.5 x 2.3 inches |
| Item model number | UK0040 |
| Weight | 7.9 pounds |
| Size | 12.5 inches |
| Brand | Utopia |
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : Where this pan is originally made? Answer :
- Question : Can this be used on the smooth cooktop? Answer :
This pan is originally made in China.
Yes, this is applicable on smooth cooktop stove. They are good at conducting heat.
Our Remarks
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet saves your seasoning oil to a great extent. It is smoother than non-stick cookware and requires less amount of oil for searing, sautéing, simmering, braising, baking, roasting, or frying. It is a properly seasoned skillet which needs a little maintenance on a regular basis. Keep it clean and try applying lubes on its surface to avoid rust and corrosion settling on the pan. It is easy to clean also.
As iron deficiency is thought to be common among women, this cast iron skillet can be quite useful to all women in your home. This versatile cast iron skillet can increase iron content by as much as 20%. It is a different and handy cast iron skillet indeed.
How to Use and Maintain the Product?
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Using a cast iron skillet is somewhat different from non-stick skillets. In order to let you know how to use the skillet, we have highlighted a few points for you which are given below:
Heating
Cast iron skillets require heating prior to your cooking or applying oil. Let it sit on your stove for 5-10 minutes until it gets hot. After it gets hot, you can cook anything on this pan. You should also know that as this pan takes time to get hot, it also takes time to cool down.
Cleaning
Cleaning a skillet is easy. As it quickly releases food, it rarely let the food settle on it. You can get them out by a wooden spoon or spatula. Wash the entire pan with water and mild soap, and it will be cleaned with minimum effort.
Seasoning
As we have mentioned before this skillet needs seasoning, you should also know how to season it. For this take your favorite fat or oil and put it all over the surface of the pan. Wipe it with paper towel later. Leave your pan on the stove for an hour, and you will eventually see the shine on the cooking surface.
Storing
You should also know how to store the pan properly. Keeping it in too much damp or humid area is not a good idea. If you have enough space, toss it upside down after cleaning and let it air dry and store there securely.
Maintenance
Maintaining is skillet is more advanced than just cleaning and seasoning the skillet. We all know how easily rust settles on the surface of the skillet, if not seasoned regularly and properly. So, here we have mentioned some steps that you can take to get rid of rust.
- Simply scrub the rust with a cloth or sandpaper, whatever you want, rinse and dry. This method is the preliminary level of maintenance. If the rust still remains and come back soon, you have to re-season the pan again.
- Wash your skillet thoroughly with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. As washing is done, you have to rinse the skillet carefully.
- For re-seasoning put a thin and even layer of melted solid vegetable fat or any other fat or oil, both inside and outside of the skillet. Do not take too much or apply a thick layer to avoid extremely greasy surface.
- For absorbing the oil, put aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven, keep your skillet in the oven, put it upside down and set oven temperature “350-400 degrees F”.
- Let it bake for about an hour. After an hour take out the skillet and let it cool for some time. It will be re-seasoned, and the rust will be all gone. You can repeat the process again if you do not find a desirable result.
Final Verdict
Well, this was all about our journey with a best cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillet will forever be our best companion when trying out something new. This never fails to deliver out expected result. By now you must have gained many facts about cast iron skillets. It is one of the oldest and most dynamic cookware once can ever you used. You might still be confused with which one to choose. So, here we have attached some criteria for you that will surely help you distinguish the perfect one for you.
There are people who seek for quality over anything. If you are one of them, Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet and Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet are the right products for you. They are the most ranked and positively reviewed by the customer for its premium quality. If you are seeking for something exclusive apart from quality, our suggestion would be to consider All-Clad Nonstick Frying Pan Set. The set stands out superior to others in terms of its elegance and high-class.
If you are not interested in any of these lavish factors, we have the perfect skillets for you. Lodge Miniature Skillet and T-fal Iron Skillet are basic yet well-performing cast iron pans. They come in a good deal and impress customers with its cool features. There are more in our list if you do not want to consider any of these options. Go through our review once again, and you will surely find yourself one. The decision is all yours now. Happy shopping!
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