7 Cast Iron Pans That Keep Selling Out

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Cast iron pans are kitchen workhorses that have stood the test of time. I love how these durable, versatile pans can handle everything from searing steaks to baking cornbread. They’re prized for their ability to retain heat, develop a natural non-stick surface, and even add a bit of iron to your food.

When choosing a cast iron pan, I think about a few key factors. Weight is important – heavier pans hold heat better but can be harder to handle. The size and shape matter too, depending on what you plan to cook. Some pans come pre-seasoned, while others need a bit more TLC before first use.

I spent weeks testing different cast iron pans in my kitchen. I cooked countless meals to see which ones performed best across a range of tasks. My goal was to find pans that heat evenly, develop a great non-stick surface, and are easy to use and care for.

Best Cast Iron Pans

I’ve tested dozens of cast iron pans to find the very best options. My top picks offer excellent heat retention, durability, and versatility in the kitchen. Here’s my roundup of the best cast iron pans you can buy today.

Amazon Basics 15″ Cast Iron Skillet

I think this skillet is a solid choice for anyone looking for a big, budget-friendly cast iron pan.

Pros

• Large 15-inch size
• Even heat distribution
• Oven safe up to 500°F

Cons

• Very heavy at 10.8 pounds
• Rough initial seasoning
• Needs extra care

I recently got my hands on this Amazon Basics cast iron skillet, and I’m pretty happy with it. The 15-inch size is perfect for cooking big meals. I’ve made everything from bacon and eggs to a giant pancake for the whole family.

One thing to keep in mind is that this pan is heavy. I mean really heavy. It’s not the kind of pan you’ll be tossing around with one hand. But that weight helps it hold heat really well. I’ve found it great for searing steaks and getting a nice crust on cornbread.

The pre-seasoning on this skillet isn’t perfect out of the box. I had to add a few layers of my own seasoning before it started to get that nice non-stick surface. But with a little TLC, it’s become one of my go-to pans. Just remember to hand wash and dry it right away to keep it in good shape.

Lodge Classic Cast Iron Skillet

This Lodge 10.25-inch skillet is a must-have for any kitchen due to its versatility, durability, and excellent heat retention.

Pros

• Pre-seasoned and ready to use
• Versatile for stovetop, oven, grill, or campfire
• Made in the USA with high-quality materials

Cons

• Heavy and may be hard to handle
• Requires special care and maintenance
• Not ideal for cooking acidic foods

I recently got my hands on this Lodge cast iron skillet, and I’m impressed with its performance. The 10.25-inch size is perfect for most of my cooking needs. I’ve used it to fry eggs, sear steaks, and even bake cornbread. The heat distribution is top-notch, and food cooks evenly across the entire surface.

One thing I love about this skillet is its versatility. I’ve taken it camping and used it over an open fire with great results. It’s also oven-safe, so I can start a dish on the stovetop and finish it in the oven without switching pans. The pre-seasoned surface is a nice touch, though I did add a few more layers of seasoning to enhance its non-stick properties.

Cleaning and maintenance are a bit different from other pans, but it’s not too hard once you get the hang of it. I simply scrub it with hot water and a stiff brush, dry it thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of oil. The extra care is worth it for a pan that will last for generations. While it’s on the heavier side, the helper handle makes it easier to maneuver. All in all, this Lodge skillet has quickly become my go-to pan for many meals.

Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

I highly recommend this Lodge skillet for its versatility, durability, and excellent cooking performance.

Pros

• Heats evenly and retains heat well
• Pre-seasoned and improves with use
• Versatile for stovetop, oven, grill, or campfire

Cons

• Heavy to lift and maneuver
• Requires special care and cleaning
• Takes time to heat up fully

I’ve been using this Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet for a while now, and I’m really impressed. The first thing I noticed was how solid and well-made it feels. It’s pretty heavy, which took some getting used to, but that weight helps it hold heat really well.

I love how versatile this pan is. I’ve used it for everything from searing steaks on the stovetop to baking cornbread in the oven. It gives a nice, even heat that’s great for cooking. The pre-seasoning is a nice touch, and I’ve found that the more I use it, the better it gets at being non-stick.

One thing to keep in mind is that it needs special care. You can’t just throw it in the dishwasher like other pans. I wash mine by hand with hot water and a brush, then dry it right away and give it a light coat of oil. It’s a bit of extra work, but I think it’s worth it for how well it cooks. The included silicone handle holder is handy too, since the handle can get pretty hot.

Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet

I think this skillet is a great buy for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cast iron pan at a good price.

Pros

• Excellent heat retention and distribution
• Versatile for stovetop, oven, grill, and campfire use
• Pre-seasoned and ready to use

Cons

• Requires special care and maintenance
• Heavy compared to other types of pans
• Not dishwasher safe

The first thing I noticed was how solid it felt. It’s got some weight to it, which is normal for cast iron, but it also means it holds heat really well.

I tried it out for a few different meals. It did a great job searing steaks – the heat spread evenly across the surface, giving me a nice crust. I also used it to bake some cornbread, and it came out perfectly. The pre-seasoning worked well, and food didn’t stick much.

One thing to keep in mind is that you need to take care of it properly. I make sure to dry it thoroughly after washing and give it a light coat of oil. It’s a bit more work than a non-stick pan, but I think the results are worth it. Plus, with proper care, this skillet could last for years.

Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Set

I think this 3-piece cast iron set is a great buy for anyone looking to add versatile, durable cookware to their kitchen.

Pros

• Even heat distribution
• Pre-seasoned and ready to use
• Versatile for stovetop, oven, and outdoor cooking

Cons

• Smaller sizes may be limiting
• Requires special care and maintenance
• Heavy to handle

I recently got my hands on this Utopia Kitchen cast iron set, and I’m really happy with it. The three different sizes (6″, 8″, and 10″) give me options for various cooking tasks. I’ve used the largest one for searing steaks, and it did a fantastic job creating a nice crust.

The pans come pre-seasoned, which is great for getting started right away. I found the non-stick properties improved with use. I made some cornbread in the medium-sized skillet, and it came out perfect – golden brown and easy to remove.

One thing to keep in mind is that these pans are heavy. It’s part of what makes them so good at retaining heat, but it can be a bit of a workout when moving them around. The smallest pan is cute, but I mostly use it for single eggs or melting butter. The larger ones are more practical for everyday cooking.

I like how versatile these skillets are. I’ve used them on my stovetop and in the oven without any issues. They’re also great for camping trips. Just remember to dry them well and rub with oil after washing to prevent rust. It’s a bit of extra work, but totally worth it for the cooking performance you get.