Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky to have skillets made of cast iron passed down to us as family heirlooms from our parents and grandparents; however, we can change all that by buying the best skillets that we can pass down to our own children. But to do that, the skillet has to be of very good quality. In this review, we highlight five of the best cast iron skillets you can buy that will represent money well spent.
Table of Contents
Best Cast Iron Skillets
| Image | Best Cast Iron Skillets | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Cusinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | 99% |
 | 2. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | 96% |
 | 3. Utopia Cast Iron Skillet | 92% |
 | 4. Legend Cast Iron Skillet | 89% |
 | 5. Calphalon Cast Iron Cookware Skillet | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our best cast iron skillet reviews.
1. Cusinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Cuisinel is a cast iron skillet with a set of 3-piece attachment. This package contains pans that are 8- inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. The skillets are oven safe and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Cuisinel works well on all fire sources, including over stovetops and campfires. The cast iron material ensures that there is even heat distribution from one side of the skillet to the others as you ensure that your food is well cooked. This skillet will not fail or falter on ovens, grills, stoves, or induction cooking tops.
Its ability to retain heat is one of the amazing features that make it one of the best cast iron skillets on sale today. The equal and consistent performance you get from Cuisinel is satisfying since you don’t have to wait too long for your meals to be ready. If you are looking for cookware to pass down to the next generation, you are looking at one now.
Cuisinel”s superior craftsmanship makes it a must-have in your home, and it is very easy to maintain. To restore it to its default form, just apply natural oils to the skillet. You can use soap or a dishwasher to clean it.
Why do we like it?
- Cookware that will serve you for a lifetime
- Easy maintenance
- A versatile piece of cookware
- Heat resistant features
2. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge cast iron skillet is a pre-seasoned cookware with a 10.25 inches diameter. This cookware has gained legendary status amongst homeowners and chefs who do many grilling and meat steaming. Coveted by those who know a thing or two about cast iron skillets, this cookware is a must buy if you are looking for quality and durability in a single piece.
Even when this Lodge skillet is burning hot over your furnace, the handle made of silicone remains as cool as ever. Lifting, dropping, and shifting this skillet under hot temperature is easy and safe. We can assure you that this utensil is a go-to pan if you want to buy a pan that will outlive you. We also like that seasoning materials made from 100% vegetable oil. It is safe as it does not contain chemical elements or synthetic coatings.
Lodge does not crack or emit harmful toxins when exposed to heat, so your safety is assured. Just like with other cast iron skillets, the more you use Lodge, the better it becomes.
Why do we like it?
- Great cookware for induction cooktops
- Very tough build
- Even heat distribution and maximum heat retention
- A multipurpose tool for sautéing, searing, grilling, and frying
3. Utopia Cast Iron Skillet
Utopia is a 12.5 inch cast iron skillet that is not as smooth as other non-stick cookware, but it offers the kind of peak performance synonymous with cast iron utensils. The name Utopia is not an exaggeration of its quality because this skillet offers quality on all fronts. Many people in the world today suffer from iron deficiency, and if you or anyone in your household is suffering from such, we recommend Utopia because any food you cook in this skillet will have its iron content upgraded by 20% or more.
Utopia is pre-seasoned in the factory with soybean oil, and the polymers are allowed to create a foundational layer, which is equivalent to about 12-15 rounds of home seasoning. Utopia is delivered to buyers ready to use, so you don’t have to assemble it on your own, neither should you season the pan before you use it. You just open the package, remove the pan, rinse it if you must, and begin your cooking session.
To maintain your Utopia skillet, regular seasoning after the first use is important, so is washing. This skillet should only be washed by hand, but not with a dishwasher.
Why do we like it?
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Affordably priced
- Very easy to handle
- Cooks food fast
4. Legend Cast Iron Skillet
Legend is a very good option to go for if you don’t want to spend too much on a cast iron skillet. This cookware is cheap by its standards, but that does not mean that it offers limited value, as that is not the case. Legend is a multipurpose skillet that can do a lot of grilling, sauteing, and cooking. Do you love pizza, sandwiches, grilled fish, or chicken? This skillet will mince your food to perfection.
The handle is thoughtfully designed with a silicone covering to protect your hands from scalding. No matter how hot the skillet may be, the handle will remain cool. Legend represents value for money because it can do the job of a saucepan, a stew and stockpot, and as well as a roaring pan.
This 2 in 1 skillet lives up to its hype for durability, versatility, and functionality. You don’t have to be a professional chef to make the best use of Legend. It is easy to use and light on the hand.
Why do we like it?
- Long handle for easy lifts
- Can cook varieties of food
- Easy to clean
- Season with 100% natural oil
5. Calphalon Cast Iron Cookware Skillet
Calphalon is another 12-inch cookware you might want to try. This manufacturer is known to make some of the best pots and pans money can buy, but they take craftsmanship to the level with this skillet. Firstly, the quality of the cast iron materials used is of the highest quality. Secondly, the bodywork is well constructed to ensure durability and consistent heat distribution.
With this skillet, your food will always come out nice and done on time. The pre-seasoning also makes it hard for your food to stick to the surface of the skillet. Calphalon is designed with the comfort of the user in mind. Regardless of the heat source you use at home, this cookware will fit right in. Be it boilers, induction cooktops, or stoves, Calphalon is nondiscriminatory cookware fit for all fire tops.
This skillet has large oversized handles, so lifting it from the fire will not be a problem. It also has a lifetime warranty attached to it, which is quite surprising but expected from a confident manufacturer of the quality of their cookware.
Why do we like it?
- Durable construction
- Broiler and oven safe
- Will not change the taste of your food
- Sleek design
Cast iron skillet Buyer’s Guide
If you want to buy the best cast iron skillet, you need to know exactly what to look for in a skillet. When examining conventional pots and pans, the approach you take should not be the same approach you take with skillets. Skillets are supposed to last longer, so their build design and the quality of the materials used to produce them should matter to you. Fair enough, your pots and pans should serve for longer as well, but on average, they don’t cost as much as cast iron skillets.
To ensure that you get your money’s worth, there are several factors to keep in mind when shopping for a good skillet made of cast iron. Read our buyer guide to pinpoint what you should look out for when buying an iron skillet for your kitchen.
Decision time
One of the first things you need to consider is whether you wish to buy a traditional cast iron skillet or a pre-seasoned one. Traditional skillets come un-seasoned, so you will be the one to season it yourself and get it ready for use. The pre-seasoned version comes fully seasoned with vegetable oil and is ready for immediate use. Traditional skillets are cheaper but require more work. Pre-seasoned skillets are more expensive but come fully ready for use.
Maintenance
How do you maintain the skillet? This is one question that cannot be answered in isolation but based on the skillet’s nature. Some skillets are dishwasher safe, and others are not. Some skillets can be washed with soap, while others will lose their coat if exposed to soap. Scrapers can be used on some skillets, while using one on others will ruin the surface. So you see, when buying a cast iron skillet, you must take into cognizance the kind of maintenance required.
The best cast iron skillets are easy to maintain with soap and water. If you want one that offers you a stress-free cleaning process, you may want to go for a model that is dishwasher safe.
Old Skillets/New Skillets
Skillets are like old wine that gets better with age. If you did not know this for a fact, you would question the judgment of someone else who is looking to buy an old skillet rather than a new one. The choice is yours when it comes to buying used or new skillets. If you want a skillet you can season yourself; then a new one will suffice. If you are after an old version that has already been seasoned countless times by someone else but offers premium performance, that you can also go for too. Old skillets are very durable because they have withstood the test of time, and their coatings are so smooth; food will hardly stick to them. However, unlike new skillets, they are quite expensive because they have proven their worth and are quite durable.
Size
The size you pick is another thing to consider. If you have a large household and will be doing a lot of cooking with the cast iron skillet, we recommend buying a 12-inch model. Large-sized skillets may cost a few more dollars, but they can accommodate sufficient food for 3 or more people. If your household is small or your live alone, an 8-inch skillet will do.
Handle
The skillet’s handle is another feature to look out for. During your cooking session, the body will burn at extreme temperatures, so you want to ensure that the handle protects your hands from the heat. Skillets with silicone handles are very good because they stay cool even when the entire body is hot. Besides the silicone protection, you also want to make sure that the handle is very long and easy to hold. Long handles ensure that your hands stay far away from the fire or the body of the pan. An easy to hold handle also ensures that the pan does not slip off your hand due to the weight of the skillet’s food.
Price
How much you pay for the skillet should be up to you. The best cast iron skillets cost more because of the quality of their materials and their extra features. Skillets with glass lids cost a little more than versions without lids. Versatile skillets that can be used in ovens, over induction tops, and gas stoves may be sold at a slightly higher price too.
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