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Whether you’re roasting a chicken, simmering sauces, or want to cook a Filet Mignon in a cast iron pan like Blair, one of the best cast iron cookware sets is an indispensable addition to any kitchen.
Table of Contents
Looking for other cast iron recommendations? Check out our vast collection of cast iron recipes, the ultimate guide to cast iron cooking, and our other shopping guides including the best oils for seasoning for cast iron, the best Dutch ovens, the best cast iron skillets, and the best cast iron griddles, too!
If you weren’t lucky enough to inherit the set your grandmother used for decades, you’ll want to invest in a quality cast iron cookware set, like the Le Creuset Signature 7-Piece Marseille Cast Iron Cookware Set that everyone you know is obsessed with.
To come up with this list of cast iron cookware sets that can do it all with superior heat distribution for exceptional results every time, Blair and I researched all the top-selling sets on the market. We were especially impressed with both enameled and classic cast iron sets from some of Blair’s favorite brands like Le Creuset, Lodge, and Staub.
Read ahead to discover the best cast iron cookware sets that we selected for their quality, durability, and overall value.
Our Top Picks:
- Blair’s Top Pick: Le Creuset Signature 7-Piece Marseille Cast Iron Cookware Set – $999.95 at Williams Sonoma
- Runner-Up: Made In Enameled Cast Iron 9-Piece Set – $949 at Made In
- Best Budget Cast Iron Cookware Set: Lodge Vintage Style Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set – $99.90 at Amazon
- Best Stackable: Staub Enameled 4-Piece Cast Iron Stackable Cookware Set – $399.94 at Amazon
- Best USA Made Cast Iron Cookware Set: Lodge Blacklock 3-Piece Seasoned Set – $159.95 at Williams Sonoma
Reviews of The Best Cast Iron Cookware Sets
1. Blair’s Top Pick: Le Creuset Signature 7-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set – $999.95 at Williams Sonoma
If you’re seeking both style and substance without any of the unnecessary extras that drive up the cost like spatulas and oven mitts, the Le Creuset Signature 7-Piece Marseille Cast Iron Cookware Set delivers on all fronts.
Each piece is crafted in France from premium enameled cast iron that absorbs, retains, and distributes heat evenly for slow cooking, roasting, and simmering. The exterior is coated with vibrant porcelain enamel that requires no seasoning and resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking. Not only do the 5 color choices (cerise red, flame orange, Marseille blue, oyster gray, and white) make for a beautiful oven-to-table presentation, but it’s the lightest cast iron material by quart on the market, so you won’t wear yourself out trying to lift it out of the oven.
Blair swears by the Le Creuset Signature Braiser, which she uses for making recipes like Skillet Lasagna and Cajun Shrimp Pasta. “The enamel coating doesn’t require seasoning, and it’s easier to clean than traditional cast iron,” says Blair. “I love that I can also use this braiser as a serving dish on the dining table.”
The Specs:
- Material: Enameled Cast Iron
- Set Includes: 4.5-quart round Dutch oven, 5.25-quart roaster, 2.5-quart braiser, 10.25-inch skillet, square skillet grill
- Requires Seasoning: No
- Dishwasher safe: Yes (but handwashing is better)
The Pros:
- No seasoning required
- Enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking
- Easy to clean
The Cons:
- Expensive
What Others Are Saying
Epicurious found the Le Creuset’s Dutch oven to be the best overall Dutch oven and Good Housekeeping named the 10.25-inch skillet the best enameled cast iron skillet they tested.
Buy the Le Creuset Signature 7-Piece Marseille Cast Iron Cookware Set:
2. Runner-Up: Made In Enameled Cast Iron 9-Piece Set – $949 at Made In
Our runner-up for the best cast iron cookware sets was also made in France. The Made In Enameled Cast Iron Set features a hand-enameled finish that offers even heat retention and a nonstick surface that isn’t hard to clean or maintain. These are professional quality pieces of cookware that can sear, saute, and braise on virtually any cooking surface.
Overall, this set performs just as well as the Le Creuset set at half the price. Both sets are produced with the same traditional techniques that have been used for decades–the only difference is an established brand versus this newcomer. Available in both harbour blue and red, they are a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
The Specs:
- Material: Enameled Cast Iron
- Set Includes: 7.5-quart Dutch oven, 5.5-quart Dutch oven, 3.5-quart Dutch oven, 11-inch skillet, 2-quart saucepan
- Requires Seasoning: No
- Dishwasher Safe: No
The Pros:
- Professional quality
- Lifetime warranty
- Vibrant enamel colors
- Versatile
The Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Doesn’t include a grill pan
What Others Are Saying
Forbes named the Made In Cast Iron Dutch oven a worthwhile investment.
Buy the Made In Enameled Cast Iron Set:
3. Best Budget Cast Iron Cookware Set: Lodge Vintage Style Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set – $99.90 at Amazon
The classically designed Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Bundle is a perfect starter kit for anyone looking to dive into the world of cast iron cooking. This set includes everything you need to cook in the oven, on the stove (even on induction cooktops), on the grill, or even over a campfire. Each piece has easy-grip handles, which come in handy because the pieces are heavy.
Crafted in America with iron and oil, its naturally pre-seasoned surface is ready to use right out of the box so you can start frying, sautéing, and baking right away. Once you receive your set in the mail, give Blair’s skillet cornbread recipe a try–it’s the only cornbread recipe you’ll ever need!
The Specs:
- Material: Classic Cast Iron
- Set Includes: 10.5-inch griddle, an 8-inch skillet, a 10.25-inch skillet, a 10.25-inch Dutch oven, and a 10.25-inch lid
- Seasoning Required: No
- Dishwasher Safe: No
The Pros:
- Works with induction cooktops
- Durable
- Heats evenly
- Retains heat
The Cons:
- Old-fashioned design
- Not dishwasher safe
- No casserole/baking dish included
What Others Are Saying
Forbes found Lodge’s 10.25-inch cast iron skillet to be the best value option for cast iron skillets. Additionally, the set has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon from more than 7,500 reviews.
Buy the Lodge Vintage Style Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set:
4. Best Stackable Cast Iron Cookware Set: Staub Enameled 4-Piece Cast Iron Stackable Set- $399.94 at Amazon
The Staub Cast Iron 4-Piece Stackable Set is a premium collection of cookware that exemplifies elegance, durability, and versatility in a way we have never seen before. Its innovative stackable design features sloped sides which allow them to nestle within each other neatly, so they store conveniently and don’t take up valuable cabinet space.
The enamel coating enhances the cookware’s longevity, adds a touch of sophistication, and makes it easy to clean and maintain. Each piece is designed with an ergonomic handle with room for oven mitts, making it easy to maneuver around. The only thing it’s missing is the Staub Cast Iron 10-inch Fry Pan, which you can purchase on Amazon for $189.95.
The Specs:
- Material: Enameled Cast Iron
- Set Includes: 5.25-quart cocotte, 3.5-quart braiser, 10-inch grill pan, and universal lid
- Requires Seasoning: No
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes (but handwashing is better)
The Pros:
- Convenient to store
- Wide loop handles
- Easy to clean
- Vibrant colors
The Cons:
- No skillet, grill pan, or baking dish
What Others Are Saying
Apartment Therapy called the Staub Cast Iron 4-Piece Stackable Set ideal for small kitchens and it received a great review by Food Network.
Buy the Staub Enameled 4-Piece Cast Iron Stackable Cookware Set:
5. Best USA-Made Cast Iron Cookware Set: Lodge Blacklock 3-Piece Seasoned Set – $159.95 at Williams Sonoma
For those who don’t need a Dutch oven or griddle and just want a set of trusty skillets, the Lodge Blacklock 3-Piece Seasoned Set is the best American-made cast iron skillets you can buy. For 125 years, Lodge cast iron cookware has proudly been made in the USA, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Crafted from premium cast iron, the Blacklock set ensures exceptional durability and heat retention, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks, from searing and frying to baking and roasting. The cookware naturally comes pre-seasoned with oil, providing a nonstick surface that improves with use over time. The sidewalls are sloped for easier flipping and pouring and the handle is ergonomic, which makes it easier to maneuver.
The Specs:
- Material: Triple-seasoned cast iron
- Set includes: 7-inch, 10.25-inch, and 12-inch fry pans
- Requires Seasoning: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: No
The Pros:
- Made in USA
- Triple seasoned
- Nonstick finish
- Lighter weight than most cast irons
The Cons:
- No Dutch oven
- Not dishwasher safe
What Others Are Saying
Serious Eats named Lodge’s 10.25-inch Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet from this set the best lightweight cast iron skillet.
Buy the Lodge Blacklock 3-Piece Seasoned Set:
Other Cast Iron Cookware Sets to Consider
The green and blue enamel coatings are gorgeous and the set can be used for grilling, frying, sautéing, roasting, braising, and more. But they are hand wash only. The bundle of three includes three sizes (6-, 8-, and 10-inch pre-seasoned frying pan) but the 6-inch is pretty small. You’re better off with the Lodge Blacklock 3-Piece Seasoned Set. The Utopia Kitchen 3-Piece Set is available at Amazon for $28.99.
MegaChef 5-Piece Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kitchen Cookware Set
This set of 5 pieces is sold at reputable big box stores and is a great budget buy. But because the brand is relatively unknown, you’re better off going with the tried-and-true Lodge Vintage Style Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set. The MegaChef 5-Piece Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Kitchen Cookware Set is available at Target for $59.99.
Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Kitchen Cookware Set
This isn’t a bad starter set because it’s affordable and comes with everything you need. The pre-seasoned set includes a 10.5-inch griddle, 8-inch skillet, 10.25-inch skillet, and 10.25-inch Dutch oven with lid. But food can stick to the surface, so we prefer the Lodge Vintage Style Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set. The Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Kitchen Cookware Set is available at Amazon for $89.91.
BergHOFF Neo 10-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set
This set made a close showing to our top picks for its modern design that marries function and form. The covered dishes are ideal for slow-cooking stews, braising, baking, and more. Plus, the enamel on the inside and out can be used on a variety of heat sources. But because it’s a lesser-known brand and it’s hard to find, it didn’t make the cut. The BergHOFF Neo 10pcs Cast Iron Cookware Set is available at Wayfair for $642.36.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi! I’m Belle DuChene, a journalist and professor of communications. I’m passionate about all things lifestyle including fashion, food, and French culture. (And wine, of course!) For 20 years, I’ve held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants, and my writing and on-camera work can be seen on the Better Homes & Gardens website.
As a busy home cook and mother of three, Blair started The Seasoned Mom to help simplify meal time and focus on quick prep meals that bring families together. She uses her cast iron cookware all the time to prepare yummy recipes like Skillet Lasagna and Cast Iron Skillet Pizza. Not sure where to start? Check out her Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron Cooking to learn more!
To make this list, I worked with Blair to leverage her personal experience with cast iron cookware for her recipes. I then deeply researched the market to pick the best cast iron cookware sets based on reviews about performance and overall value.
What to Know About Cast Iron Cookware Sets
Cast iron cookware has a rich history that dates back centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China. Over time, this durable material made its way into kitchens around the world, becoming a go-to for professional chefs and home cooks alike.
If you are interested in purchasing one of the best cast iron cooking sets, there are a few things to consider.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cast Iron Cookware Set
1: Size: Do you have a large family and throw lots of dinner parties or do you typically cook for one or two? If you have a lot of mouths to feed, you’ll want skillets that are 10- or 12-inches and a Dutch oven with at least a 5-quart capacity or larger. If you just need to make single-serve recipes, a 6-inch skillet will do.
2: Weight: Let’s be clear: cast iron cookware is heavy. If you think someone in your household might have trouble lifting a huge Dutch oven filled with a roasted chicken and all the trimmings out of the oven, you may want to look for cast iron sets that are lighter, or at least on the smaller side.
3: Enameled vs traditional cast iron: Enamel has a non-porous finish that is great at conducting heat, washes easily, won’t rust, and it typically comes in stylish colors. Traditional black cast iron also heats evenly, but the iron is porous and can rust, so it has to be seasoned and requires upkeep to maintain. Plus, enameled cast iron can usually go in the dishwasher whereas traditional cast iron pans must be hand washed.
Where Can I Buy a Cast Iron Cookware Set?
Most of our top picks can be purchased from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Williams-Sonoma, as they offer a wide range of cast iron cookware sets from different brands. Some cast iron cookware manufacturers, such as Lodge, Le Creuset, and Staub, sell their products directly through their websites. Made In only sells directly to consumers.
How to Clean Cast Iron Cookware
First, always check the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning. In general, there are a few rules for cleaning enameled versus traditional cast iron cookware.
Enameled cast iron cookware: These days, most enamel cast iron pieces are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing can often preserve the enamel finish, ensuring the longevity of your cookware. While washing enamel cast iron by hand, be careful not to scrub so hard that the enamel comes off, and never use abrasive metal cleaning pads or products. Warm water and dish soap will do the trick.
Traditional cast iron cookware: There’s no way around it, traditional cast iron requires a little elbow grease. Blair typically washes them with hot water, using a little bit of dish soap when necessary, and then drying them over a low flame on the stovetop.
How to Season Cast Iron Cookware
Blair says seasoning your cast iron cookware once a month is essential. But there’s an art to it, and it starts with choosing the right seasoning oil. Blair’s favorite is the Lancaster Cast Iron Seasoning, but you can read her tips on the best oils for seasoning cast iron to learn about different oils to shop for.
How to Season Cast Iron in an Oven:
- Using an even coat of your seasoning of choice, make sure it covers the entire surface of the pan. (You can use a paper towel to gently spread the oil.)
- Place the skillet upside down (on top of a baking sheet, so the oil doesn’t drip) in a preheated oven of 350°F for about an hour.
How to Season Cast Iron Without an Oven:
- If you are camping or don’t have access to an oven, start with a clean and dry pan, then add a thin layer of oil or your choice of seasoning (a paper towel helps to spread evenly if you don’t have a flat surface).
- Place the pan on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- Make sure the pan has cooled down before you put it away, and wipe away any remaining oil since it can stick.
How to Season a Rusty Cast Iron Skillet
- Use vinegar and baking soda paste to scrub the interior
- Wash it with warm, soapy water
- Season with canola oil as normal
More Great Recipes Using Cast Iron Cookware
Ready to dig in and try out your new cast iron cookware? Here are a few of Blair’s tried and true recipes!
- No-Knead Cast Iron Focaccia
- Skillet Lasagna
- Cast Iron Chicken Breast
- Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza
- No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
