The 7 Best Cast Iron Skillets of 2024

The best cast iron skillets are easy to clean, last forever, and eliminate the need for multiple pots and pans to make a single dish. Baking with a cast-iron skillet heats your recipe evenly, adding a crispy crust to peach cobbler, not to mention cornbread, and ensuring steaks (like this easy filet mignon recipe) and other meaty entrees flaunt a perfect sear on the outside and a tender, pink center.

Blair is a huge fan of cooking with cast iron skillets to perfect her classic Southern recipes, which she uses almost exclusively in the kitchen of her Virginia farmhouse. In fact, she can’t imagine not owning a cast iron skillet and has an arsenal of them in differing sizes and depths, which she uses daily. 

To come up with this list of the best cast iron skillets, Blair and I started in her kitchen with her personal favorites, but we also researched other top-selling skillets in today’s market. While Blair adores cast-iron skillets from Lodge, Smithey, and Le Creuset, we also found impressive options from other brands.

Our Top Picks: 

1. Blair’s Favorite All-Around Skillet: Staub Cast Iron 11-Inch Traditional Skillet- $199.95 at Amazon

2. Blair’s Pick for Cornbread: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 8-Inch Skillet – $19.90 at Target

3. Blair’s Pick for Desserts: Le Creuset Classic 9-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet – $99.95 at Amazon

4. Best Cast Iron Skillet for Steak: Smithey No. 10 Cast Iron Traditional Skillet – $170 at Smithey

5. Best Value Skillet: Milo 10-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet – $105 at Amazon

6. Best Large Skillet: Staub Enameled Cast Iron 12-Inch Fry Pan – $219.99 at Amazon

7. Blair’s Favorite Dual Handle: Smithey Cast-Iron Dual Handle 14-Inch Skillet – $240 at Smithey

Reviews of The Best Cast Iron Skillets

In Blair’s Kitchen:

1. Blair’s Favorite All-Around Skillet: Staub Cast Iron 11-Inch Traditional Skillet

Calling it a “great all-around option that can handle almost any job in your kitchen,” Blair loves this 11-inch cast iron skillet that’s made in France. She reaches for it most frequently because of its versatility (she can use it to whip up everything from pork chops to stir fry).

Graphite is her preferred hue, but you can also go bold with orange, red, or blue. She also likes that this skillet’s got literal depth, which only means your cornbread or deep dish pizza has more height. Because cast iron cooks evenly, you end up with thicker versions of your favorite recipes. The 12-inch version is Blair’s go-to pan for making her Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish Pizza, but she says the 11-inch will work just as well.

The Specs:

• Weight: 6.7 pounds
• Max Temp: 500°F 
• Pan Depth: 2.1 inches
• Diameter: 11 inches
• Material: Enameled cast iron

The Pros:

• Fun, bright colors 
• Easy to clean
• No seasoning needed

The Cons:

• Heavy 
• Expensive

What Others Are Saying

The Staub Cast Iron 11-inch skillet was chosen as one of the best cast iron skillets by MarthaStewart.com.  

Buy the Staub Cast Iron 11-Inch Traditional Skillet:

2. Blair’s Pick for Cornbread: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 8-Inch Skillet

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable cast iron skillet for your niece’s first apartment or lack an 8-inch option to help get fluffy cornbread just right, this is a great option. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in Tennessee since 1896, and they know what they’re doing. 

“For a thick loaf of cast iron cornbread, I love this deep 8-inch pan,” says Blair, who uses this to make her Cast Iron Cornbread recipe. Thanks to the even heat distribution of cast iron, the cornbread comes out tender and moist on the inside, but crispy on the outside. 

The Specs:

• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Max Temp: 500°F 
• Capacity: .8 liters
• Pan Depth: 1.9 inches
• Diameter: 8 inches
• Material: Classic cast iron

The Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Made in the USA 
• Sturdy handle

The Cons:

• Rough surface
• Hand-wash only
• Heavy

What Others Are Saying

The Lodge Pre-Seasoned 8-inch skillet earned a 4.7-star rating on Amazon based on more than 38,000 reviews. 

Buy the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 8-Inch Skillet:

3. Blair’s Pick for Desserts: Le Creuset 9-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

“For a slightly larger loaf of cornbread, or for sweet desserts like cobblers and crisps, this is my go-to 9-inch skillet,” says Blair, who uses it for her famous easy peach cobbler or plum crisp, which both look amazing going from oven-to-table. 

Fans of Le Creuset love the different options the cooking line has, and this cast iron skillet is no exception, which comes in 8 different color options and is compatible with almost any stove top (gas, electric, and induction). Le Creuset makes some of the best enameled cast iron skillets you can buy today; plus, they’re dishwasher safe and come with a lifetime warranty. 

The Specs:

• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Max Temp: 500°F 
• Diameter: 9 inches
• Material: Enameled cast iron

The Pros:

• Lightweight
• Dishwasher safe
• Excellent warranty

The Cons:

• Not as heavy-duty as traditional cast iron
• Enamel can scratch easily 
• Pricey

What Others Are Saying

The Strategist found the Le Creuset 9-inch enameled skillet to be the best enamel cast iron skillet they tested. 

Buy the Le Creuset 9-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet:

4. Best Cast Iron Skillet for Steak: Smithey No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet

Not only are the Smithey cast iron skillets gorgeous pieces of cookware, but they’re also excellent at searing steaks. The Smithey No. 12 has a larger diameter and is safe to go on the grill (whereas some enameled pans from other brands are not). 

“For bigger jobs, it’s important to have 12-inch and/or 14-inch cast iron skillets in your repertoire,” says Blair. “These are great for searing enough meat to feed a family since the larger surface area speeds up the job as you don’t have to work in batches. I love that the Smithey skillets have lids that fit the various size pans, too.”

What’s cool about this skillet is it’s crafted in South Carolina, meant to last a lifetime, and the surface is smooth, which means food does not stick (cue easy clean up!).

The Specs:

• Weight: 8 pounds
• Pan Depth: 2 inches
• Diameter: 12 inches
• Material: Cast iron

The Pros:

• Smooth surface
• Easy to clean
• Holes on both sides for hanging
• Can use on the grill

The Cons:

• The gold finish may not last
• Expensive
• Heavy

What Others Are Saying

Bon Appetit calls the Smithey No. 12 cast iron skillet  “a worthwhile splurge” in their reviews of cast iron skillets, and America’s Test Kitchen found it to be the best cast iron skillet they tested. 

Buy the Smithey No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet: 

5. Best Value Skillet: Milo 10-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

If you’re looking for a premium, all-around cast iron pan but at a moderate price, Blair recommends this 10-inch enameled cast iron skillet as “a nice quality option at a slightly lower price point.” Designed in California, it’s available in eight colors (like eucalyptus, pink, or classic white) and includes a lifetime warranty.

On a busy weeknight when you’re trying to get dinner on the table fast, “a 10-inch skillet is a great all-around pan that works well for searing meat, browning ground beef, and preparing most average-sized meals,” says Blair. This includes her 20-minute recipe for Egg Roll in a Bowl, folding in ground beef (or chicken or pork) with a few other ingredients like a bag of coleslaw mix and soy sauce.

The Specs:

• Weight: 6 pounds
• Max Temp: 500°F 
• Capacity: 2.1 quarts
• Pan Depth: 2.5 inches
• Diameter: 10 inches
• Material: Cast iron (40% recycled)

The Pros:

• Dishwasher safe
• Bright colors
• Deeper pan

The Cons:

• Food tends to stick
• Heavy

What Others Are Saying

CNN Underscored found the Milo by Kana 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet to be one of the best skillets they tested. 

Buy the Milo by Kana 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet:

6. Best Large Skillet: Staub Enameled Cast Iron 12-Inch Frying Pan 

To make a meal that feeds the entire family, such as Blair’s Skillet Lasagna recipe, a large cast iron pan like this 12-inch option is what she suggests. This made-in-France skillet is from the same manufacturer (Staub) as her top choice, only this is a slightly larger version for larger serving quantities. 

It comes in 6 colors, including basil green and cherry red, which offers a lovely presentation when serving meals from the pan at the dinner table. You can also fit lots of ingredients, thanks to the 2-inch depth, but also ensure that it’s evenly cooked.

The Specs:

• Weight: 7.8 pounds
• Max Temp: 900°F
• Capacity: 2.9 quarts
• Pan Depth: 2-inches
• Diameter: 12-inches
• Material: Cast Iron

The Pros:

• Highest max temp Up to 900° F
• Bright colors
• Dishwasher safe

The Cons:

• Enamel can chip (use caution when cleaning)
• Heavy

What Others Are Saying

TheKitchn found the Staub cast iron 12-inch pan to be the best enameled cast iron skillet they tested. 

Buy the Staub Enameled Cast Iron 12-Inch Frying Pan

7. Blair’s Favorite Dual Handle: Smithey Cast-Iron Dual Handle 14-Inch Skillet 

This is another cast iron pan from Smithey that finds a place in our list of favorite cast iron skillets. Made in the U.S. and with a satin-polished finish, this pan gets “so much” use in Blair’s kitchen, she says, and is a necessary tool for making the best cast iron skillet recipes.

With a 14-inch diameter and a 2.4-inch depth, it’s so spacious that it could double as a Dutch oven if needed (if purchased with the lid), moving from the stovetop to the oven, and then right to the dinner table and used as a serving dish while keeping the food warm.

The Specs:

• Weight: 10 pounds
• Pan Depth: 2.4 inches
• Diameter: 14-inches
• Material: Cast Iron

The Pros:

• Glass lid available (for an extra fee)
• Reliable non-stick
• Easy to clean

The Cons:

• Requires periodic seasoning
• Heavy

Buy the Smithey Cast-Iron Dual Handle 14-Inch Skillet: 

Other Cast Iron Skillets to Consider

Our Place 10-Inch Cast Iron Always Pan

Available in 7 colors, this skillet’s trending with minimalists and small-apartment dwellers who want a multi-purpose pan. While able to hold up to 500°F and crafted from heirloom-quality, enameled cast iron, this pan is the “sister” to the top-selling Always fry pan. That said, the cast iron pan is a relatively new option, so it hasn’t yet been time-tested, but it’s on our radar! The Our Place 10-Inch Cast Iron Always Pan is available at Our Place for $124.

Finex 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Lid

When you’re hunting for the best vintage cast iron skillet to keep as a reliable pan in your home for many decades, this one meets that need. Pre-seasoned with organic flaxseed oil, the satin-smooth design has a unique octagonal shape with a matching lid and a spring handle. This unusual piece comes at a high price (it’s the most expensive one on this list). The Finex Cast Iron Skillet with Lid is available at Amazon for $300.

Segretto 10.25-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

We like that this skillet with porcelain enamel has a lot of the features of the other top enameled cast iron pans but at a much lower price; however, its depth is a bit more shallow. In our research, we found generally positive reviews, but there were several complaints about food sticking. The Segretto 10.25-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet is available at Amazon for $59.99.

Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

Blair loves her 8-inch Lodge skillet for cornbread but often prefers other brands for larger, main meals that go from stove to table. If you’re not worried about the presentation, hand washing, or seasoning (and are just looking for a medium-sized skillet at an affordable price), this is still a solid option. The Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet is available at Amazon for $19.90.

Why You Can Trust Us

As a food writer and recipe editor for two decades—and the author of Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook: Creamy, Cheesy, Sweet, and Savory Recipes from the State’s Best Creameries—I know my way around the kitchen and have interviewed hundreds of chefs about their favorite kitchen tools and gadgets for online media outlets that include Wine Enthusiast and TheKitchn.com.

Blair’s expertise as a busy home chef means she’s using a cast-iron skillet almost exclusively. Her love affair with cast iron began with the Le Creuset Dutch oven her mom gave her many years ago as a college graduation gift, which turned her into a cast iron convert. She now uses many different cast iron skillets and has hundreds of recipes on The Seasoned Mom that she’s made in a cast iron skillet, such as her Southern Skillet Cornbread recipe (just like Grandma makes it!) or her Country Chicken & Biscuits, a combo of creamy chicken and cheesy, fluffy biscuits that’s to die for.

The methodology Blair and I used to create this list of the best cast iron skillets include practical features like handles you can grip without dropping the pan, how big the surface cooking area is, how easy it is to clean, and the quality of materials. Also, does the product price match the product value? If it’s a resounding yes, we’ve included the product here. Taking it one step further, we’ve identified the best cast iron skillet for a particular need, so your cornbread is fluffy, and your fajitas stay sizzling hot. 

What to Know About Cast Iron Skillets

Things to Consider when Buying a Cast Iron Skillet

As soon as you start shopping for a cast iron skillet, some factors to think about are size, materials, the maximum temperature it can withstand, and other features like whether it’s dishwasher safe or includes a warranty.

Size: Take a minute and think about what you plan to use this cast iron skillet for. Will you be cooking meals for the entire family? If so, you’ll likely want a 12-inch or 14-inch skillet. Desserts like fruit cobblers or cookies? An 8-inch should suffice. Solo breakfasts for one? Go with a 10-inch for more variety of recipes. There’s nothing saying you can’t own more than one cast iron skillet (if you’ve got the space for it), although it’s a good idea to approach the buying process by finding an all-in-one option.

Quality of Materials: Because you don’t want to replace this skillet in a few years and instead keep it for a decade or more, look for a handle that’s sturdy and ergonomic, as well as pour spouts on each side to help you drain the pan when needed. Read online reviews and look for reports of cracking or chipping not long after the user has acquired it. If you’re thinking of splurging on a pricier pan, are the materials protected under a lifetime warranty? 

Temperature: A high-quality cast iron skillet can withstand up to 500° F (or more) and can be used in a broiler and on multiple cooking surfaces. 

Added Features: Some other added perks are whether the pan includes a lid or handle covers (they can get very hot). Pro tip: find a skillet that pairs with a tight-fitting lid so that you can move it from stovetop to oven in one swoop. 

Does the skillet have the benefit of being able to go in the dishwasher? Remember: traditional cast iron must be hand washed, but enameled is often dishwasher safe. 

What is Cast Iron, and What Can You Cook in it?

Cast iron pans are made from a large piece of iron that’s molded into shape, and this type of cookware has been used for thousands of years. Today, home chefs—and professional chefs, too—adore cast iron for its natural non-stick coating and the fact that once it’s hot, it stays hot. The options for what to cook in your cast iron pan are endless. Blair likes to make desserts, cornbread, and dinners for the whole family in a cast iron skillet. 

How to Cook a Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet 

The reason many people prefer to cook a steak in a cast iron skillet is because it heats evenly, adding a nice sear to the meat and maintaining a pink, tender center. It takes only about 5 minutes to cook (depending on how you like your steak done).

Start with two tablespoons of oil in the pan, or enough to coat the bottom surface; preheat the pan for about 5 minutes before dropping in the steak, and then sear until lightly browned (usually 2-4 minutes) before flipping the steak and repeat. You may want to finish the steak in the oven once the outside is brown to reach the desired cooking preference.

You can cook different types of steak this way, including filet mignon.

What is Enameled Cast Iron?

Enameled cast iron consists of several layers of coating on top of the cast iron, which helps with the presentation of the dish. Traditional cast iron has an industrial look, so some might prefer the colorful array of enameled cast iron pans. When pre-seasoned and oiled, a traditional cast iron pan is nonstick but must be hand washed, whereas enameled cast iron can go in the dishwasher (but this can cause the enamel surface to fade over time). Some enameled cast iron may not be able to withstand higher temperatures, campfires, or grills (so be sure to check). 

Is Enameled Cast Iron Safe?

Enameled cast iron—which is on the exterior of a pan, not the interior surface where you are cooking with food—is safe and non-toxic. Because the enamel does not react with any food, it will not leach any harmful chemicals into your food and (subsequently) body. 

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Before you start scrubbing, take a step back to review the product’s specifications. Many enameled cast iron skillets are now dishwasher safe. If that’s the case, that’s good news: less cleaning on your part. If there is an enamel coating and you’re hand washing it, you want to be careful not to scrub so hard that the enamel comes off. Metal utensils should never be used with enameled skillets.

When it comes to traditional cast iron, it’s a pretty standard hand-cleaning process with some elbow grease. “Don’t be intimidated by the care required for cast iron,” says Blair. “It’s really not a big deal! The key is keeping your pans dry to avoid rust.” She typically washes them with hot water, using a little bit of dish soap when necessary, and dries them over a low flame on the stovetop. For classic cast iron, “I also love a chainmail scrubber and a natural bristle brush to get any hard-to-remove bits off the bottom of a pan,” she says.

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet

You will want to apply a coat of cast iron seasoning from time to time, using a paper towel gently until it covers the entire surface. If you’re searching for the best oil to season your cast iron skillet, Blair recommends Lancaster Cast Iron Seasoning. But if you don’t have this, it’s okay to use canola oil. Next, 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 Restore Cast Iron Skillet

If you’ve inherited a cast iron skillet that’s rusty or simply need to reinvigorate the one you already own, don’t fret. There are a few steps you can take to remove that icky rust and begin cooking with the skillet again. First, soak the pan in equal parts vinegar and water for a half hour. Gently use a brush to clean the pan. Before putting it back into operation, be sure to dry and season it. Now your skillet is as good as new!

Best Recipes to Use Your Cast Iron Skillet

What’s sweet about a cast iron skillet is its versatility: you can get berries bubbling in a fruit cobbler or ensure the cornbread is moist with a crisp crust. Blair also likes to use a cast iron skillet for family-friendly dinners ranging from deep-dish pizza to lasagna, or to use up vegetables from the garden. Here are a few additional favorites: 

• Zucchini Gratin with Corn and Bacon
• Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
• Smothered Round Steak
• Coca Cola Pork Chops

 Prices were accurate at time of publication.