4 Cast Iron Skillets Worth Buying in 2024

A cast iron skillet is a kitchen essential. These sturdy pans handle a wide range of recipes, from searing filet mignon to baking a berry cobbler for dessert. With proper care, a high-quality cast iron skillet can last a lifetime and even become a family heirloom.

Over the years I’ve used many cast iron pans, so I’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best cast iron skillets available today. I include options for various budgets and cooking needs—enameled and traditional cast iron, compact and large sizes—so you can pick the skillet that will get the most use in your kitchen.

Our Top Picks

1. What’s in My Kitchen: Le Creuset Signature Fry Pan — $199.95
2. My Favorite Splurge: Staub Enameled Cast Iron Fry Pan — $199.95
3. My Favorite Budget Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet — $29.90
4. Best Large Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet — $79.95

Reviews of The Best Cast Iron Skillets

1. What’s in My Kitchen: Le Creuset Signature Fry Pan

The Le Creuset Signature Fry Pan stands out for durability, cooking performance, and easy maintenance. Its enameled finish is nonstick, resists staining and chipping, and eliminates the need for seasoning. Unlike bare cast iron, many enameled pans are dishwasher-safe, which simplifies cleanup.

Design features include a comfortable handle, a secondary helper handle for lifting, and dual pour spouts for easy draining. The pan works on all cooktops and is oven-safe up to 500°F, making it versatile for recipes that start on the stove and finish in the oven.

The Specs:

• Size: 10-¼ inches
• Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Finish: Enameled

The Pros:

• Durable nonstick enamel finish
• Ergonomic handle and helper handle
• Dual pour spouts
• Dishwasher-safe
• Available in many colors

The Cons:

• Higher price point

What reviewers say: This skillet receives high marks from many users and reviewers for its performance and finish, and it is frequently recommended by major culinary publications.

2. My Favorite Splurge: Staub Enameled Cast Iron Fry Pan

Staub offers heritage-quality enameled cast iron with a slightly textured interior that promotes excellent browning. The skillet doesn’t need seasoning and is oven- and broiler-safe to high temperatures. I own this model in multiple sizes because of its dependable construction, attractive colors, and reliable cooking surface.

The Specs:

• Size: 10 inches
• Weight: 5.18 pounds
• Finish: Enameled

The Pros:

• Durable enamel interior
• Dual pour spouts
• Excellent browning
• Range of colors
• Dishwasher-safe for easier cleanup

The Cons:

• Premium price
• Not ideal for glass stovetops in some cases

What reviewers say: The Staub fry pan is highly regarded for its cooking performance and finish, and it’s often listed among top enameled cast iron choices.

3. My Favorite Budget Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

If you want a reliable, affordable cast iron skillet, the Lodge 12-inch is a top seller for a reason. It arrives pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, so it develops a better nonstick surface as you cook. The 12-inch size works well for family meals, and the skillet is versatile enough for use on stovetops, in ovens, on grills, or over campfires.

The package often includes a silicone handle cover for safer handling, and the skillet’s front helper handle helps when transferring it from heat.

The Specs:

• Size: 12 inches
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Finish: Pre-seasoned

The Pros:

• Affordable and widely available
• Versatile for many cooking methods
• Pre-seasoned and ready to use
• Includes protective handle cover

The Cons:

• Heavier handle and overall weight
• Handle size may be small for some users

What reviewers say: This Lodge skillet is a bestseller with strong user ratings and is frequently recommended as a dependable, budget-friendly cast iron pan.

4. Best Large Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet

For a roomy skillet that remains lighter than typical large cast iron pans, the Lodge Blacklock is an excellent choice. It offers a generous 12-inch cooking area with higher walls for batch cooking, yet it’s lighter than many similarly sized cast iron skillets. The surface arrives triple-seasoned for a more developed nonstick finish, and dual pour spouts make draining simple.

The Specs:

• Size: 12 inches
• Weight: 5.59 pounds
• Finish: Triple-seasoned

The Pros:

• Spacious interior with high walls
• Dual pour spouts
• Relatively lightweight for its size
• Well-seasoned out of the box

The Cons:

• Pricey compared with some brand alternatives

What reviewers say: Many cooks praise this model for balancing size and manageable weight, making it a popular pick for those who want a large but not overly heavy skillet.

Other Cast Iron Skillets to Consider

Victoria Cast Iron Skillet

Victoria offers budget-friendly cast iron pans in a wide range of sizes, from small 5-inch skillets up to 13 inches. These pans are pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil, and larger sizes often include longer, curved handles for a better grip. The cooking surface benefits from additional seasoning over time to reach its optimal nonstick performance.

Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet

The Field Company No.8 is a lightweight, well-balanced 10-inch skillet that weighs about 4.5 pounds. It’s pre-seasoned with multiple coats of oil for an excellent finish right out of the box. While it lacks pour spouts and sits at a higher price point, many cooks appreciate the smooth surface and comfortable handle.

Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet

Calphalon’s 12-inch cast iron skillet is built for heavy-duty use and has curved walls that suit stir-fries and dishes that benefit from tossing. It usually comes with a lifetime warranty, but the cooking surface can feel rough initially and will require seasoning to reach a nonstick patina.

FINEX Cast Iron Skillet

The FINEX skillet features a distinctive octagonal shape with multiple pour points and a polished cooking surface for smoother seasoning. It’s available in several sizes and may include a stainless steel handle that stays cooler to the touch. These skillets are heavy-duty and well-made but tend to be more expensive and bulkier than standard options.

Why You Can Trust Me

I’m Gina, the author and recipe developer behind Skinnytaste, which focuses on healthy, family-friendly meals using real ingredients. I’ve tested many types of cookware—nonstick pans, grill pans, and numerous cast iron skillets—and I rely on personal experience combined with trusted user reviews when evaluating products.

Where I haven’t personally tested a pan, I reviewed professional assessments and user ratings to inform my recommendations. The goal is to highlight skillets that perform well, are built to last, and offer the best value for different budgets and cooking styles.

Everything to Know Before Buying a Cast Iron Skillet

What to Consider Before Buying a Cast Iron Skillet

When choosing a skillet, consider these factors:

Finish: Decide between bare cast iron and enameled cast iron. Bare cast iron is generally less expensive and highly durable but requires regular seasoning and careful care. Enameled cast iron doesn’t need seasoning and is easier to clean, but it costs more up front.

Size: Skillets range from 4 to 14 inches. Ten- and 12-inch pans are the most popular because they’re large enough for multiple servings yet still manageable to lift and store.

Features: Look for useful features like pour spouts, helper handles, included lids, and handle covers. These can make the skillet easier to use and maintain.

How Do You Clean a Cast Iron Skillet?

For bare cast iron, wash by hand with warm water and a gentle brush or sponge; a small amount of soap is fine if needed. Dry the pan immediately to prevent rust and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to protect the surface before storing. For enameled cast iron, you can soak baked-on food and clean with dish soap—many enameled pans tolerate dishwasher use, though hand washing will prolong their finish.

How Do You Season a Cast Iron Skillet?

Seasoning is simply baked-on oil that forms a protective, nonstick patina. To season a skillet, coat it lightly with vegetable oil and bake it in a preheated oven at 450–500°F for about an hour. Most pre-seasoned pans will improve with regular use and additional seasoning cycles.

How Do You Remove Rust from a Cast Iron Skillet?

Remove rust by scrubbing affected areas with steel wool, then wash with warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly and re-season the pan in the oven to rebuild the protective finish.

How Do You Cook a Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet?

For great results, bring steaks to room temperature, season them, and lightly oil the pan. Heat the skillet until very hot, sear steaks for a couple of minutes per side to develop a crust, then finish in a preheated oven if desired. Rest the meat a few minutes before serving for juicy, evenly cooked results.

The Best Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

Cast iron skillets are extremely versatile. Beyond steaks and chicken, use them for stir-fries, pizzas, desserts, and one-pan dinners. Here are a few favorite recipes well-suited to cast iron:

• Quick Skillet Steak with Onions and Mushrooms
• Thin Tortilla Pizza
• Blackened Scallops with Horseradish Sauce
• Skillet Mexican Zucchini
• Skillet Lemon Chicken with Olives and Herbs

Prices were accurate at time of publication.