Nothing says home cooking like a cast-iron skillet. It’s been the kitchen tool of choice for centuries, thanks to its indestructible design and ability to last a lifetime. Just like nurturing a child to get better with age, the same must go into your cast-iron. You have to clean them a certain way and make sure you’re keeping a regular seasoning schedule. It may sound like too much work to own a cast-iron, but the more attention you show to this essential piece of cookware, the longer you’ll be able to cook amazing dishes within it, and the better it’ll get with age.
Whether you’re just getting started with cast-iron cooking or you’re looking to add to your collection, it’s definitely a worthy investment. To help you find the perfect piece, we compiled this list of our 10 favorite cast-iron skillets for your kitchen, camping cookware, and everything in between.
Best Overall Cast-Iron: Victoria 12-inch
Victoria is a three-generation family company with its roots in Medellín, Colombia. Its 12-inch cast-iron just beat our Lodge’s (our runner-up) for two main reasons. First, we liked the more extended handle that Victoria offers, giving you more leverage on the stovetop. Second, its out-of-the-box seasoning is the best we’ve seen. Many cast-irons come pre-seasoned but still need some seasoning to get the true nonstick effect. You can fry up some eggs with very little added fat with Victoria and not worry about them sticking. This skillet is an excellent life-long investment for your kitchen at a reasonable price.
Best Overall Cast-Iron (Runner-Up): Lodge 12-inch
Lodge’s name has been synonymous with quality cookware for more than 125 years, so picking up one of its cast-ions is never a wrong move. We already mentioned why the Victoria skillet narrowly beat out this model. When it comes down to it, a lot is personal preference, and we preferred the Victoria. This Lodge skillet is the top-rated skillet on Amazon, with over 64,000 5-star reviews. You can also get it for a bit cheaper than the Victoria, and it comes with a useful silicone sleeve for the handle.
Best Enameled Cast-Iron: Le Creuset Signature Skillet
Le Creuset has been manufacturing cast-iron cookware since, well, companies started selling cookware. Le Creuset is known for its extensive product lines that come in a wide variety of beautiful colors, sure to match any kitchen design scheme. Plus, they’re top-rated and come with a lifetime guarantee. Le Creuset has made a name for itself in the cast-iron cookware game, and its price reflects it. The Signature Skillet is no exception and comes in a stunning array of chip-resistant colors, from matte pink to rich indigo. With that said, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding your look.
Best Large Capacity Cast-Iron: Lodge 17-inch Skillet
Aside from buying a removable cast-iron flat-top for your stovetop, this 17-inch skillet from Lodge is going to give you the largest surface area without sacrificing quality. Lodge is renowned for its top-notch cast-iron cookware, and this model is no exception. If you have a lot of hungry mouths to feed, this is your best bet. Use it on your stovetop, grill, or over a campfire.
Best Budget Cast-Iron: Victoria Cookware 8-inch Skillet
Victoria is coming through again with a quality product at an excellent value. Its 8-inch skillet will let you start your cast iron cooking journey for less than 20 bucks. This skillet’s smaller size keeps it lightweight while still giving you enough space to comfortably cook for two. Wide spouts on either side will help you drain grease without spilling, and the sloped handle design stays cooler longer than other cast iron skillets.
Best Beginner Cast-Iron Set: Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Chef Set
Looking for a basic starter set to help you get into cast iron cooking? This three-piece skillet set from Cuisinel is a great low-cost way to start stocking your kitchen. Although Cuisinel doesn’t carry the same brand recognition as Lodge or Victoria (likely because it’s a Chinese company), you can’t complain about the value. It’s clear that they “borrowed” their cookware design from Lodge. Still, there’s no reason that with the proper care (and perhaps a few extra rounds of seasoning) that these skillets can’t last just as long. Plus, only your friends with culinary prowess will know you skimmed on the brand name.
Most Unique Cast-Iron: Finex 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet With Lid
If you like to stand out in the kitchen, then you’ve got to get your oven mitts on Finex’s 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet. Rather than a traditional circular shape, Finex uses an octagonal design for its skillet that turns every corner into a pour spout and provides flat sides to easily maneuver a spatula around the pan. Add on the matching lid, and the octagonal shape becomes even more functional: the lid can be rotated while cooking to create eight evenly spaced steam vents. Finex touts their skillet as “the most versatile pan you’ll ever own,” and they just might be right. The skillet is polished smooth for a near-nonstick surface. It features a stainless steel handle to stay cool longer and cool off quicker. The lid is designed with interior basting rings to keep food moist during cooking.
Best Cast-Iron for Camping: Field No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet
When you are ready to take your cast-iron cooking out into the wild, Field has you covered with their No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet. At just 4.5 pounds, this skillet is lightweight and ergonomic enough to tag along on your adventures without weighing you down. Bring your friends along, too, because the Field No. 8 still has enough cooking surface to feed a few: the 8.75-inch interior is big enough to fry four eggs at once (or two New York strip steaks if you’re glamping). The design recalls the simple vintage cast-iron style, with modern updates for the best cooking experience and it comes with a lifetime warranty to boot.
Other Cast-Irons We Loved
Best Splurge Cast-Iron: Smithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Skillet
A company doesn’t need to be in business for a century to produce a premium cast-iron, and Smithey is proof of that. Out of Charleston, South Carolina, Smithey creates beautiful, artfully crafted cast-iron that comes with a glassy and naturally nonstick cooking surface. Each skillet is hand- and machine-finished for a satin-smooth interior that will only get even satiny-smoother the more you use it. This skillet also comes with a lifetime guarantee and has multiple holes for hanging and displaying its beauty.
Butter Pat 12-Inch Polished Cast Iron “Joan” Skillet
If you’re already living that cast-iron life and are looking to upgrade your collection, do yourself a big, beautiful favor and pick up this 12-inch polished cast-iron skillet from Butter Pat Industries. Like eggs that are cooked in them, each of Butter Pat’s cast iron skillets is made to order. Right here in the good old United States. The casting process is a real labor of love, involving over 40 people and over 60 operations. With that level of care, it’s not surprising that Butter Pat products come with a 100-year warranty.
