We Tested the Best Cast Iron Skillets for Every Cook

Cast iron skillets are a kitchen staple. Able to transition from stove to oven to grill, these versatile pans can do everything from searing a ribeye to baking cornbread. Plus, they are virtually indestructible; if you know how to care for them, they can last a lifetime.

After studying thousands of customer reviews and looking for models that earned high marks for heat distribution and retention, durability, and versatility, we sent several models to the Allrecipes Allstars—our dedicated team of trusted experts—to test. These are the best cast iron skillets to help you in the kitchen.

Our Top Picks

• Our Top Pick: Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet: Field Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillet: KitchenAid 12–Inch Enameled Cast Iron
• Best Cast Iron Skillet for Gifting: Caraway Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Double-Handled Cast Iron Pan: Lodge Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan
• Best Classic Cast Iron Skillet: Smithey Ironware No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Splurge Cast Iron Skillet: Yeti 12-Inch Cast Iron

Lodge is well-known for high-quality cast iron skillets, and its 10.25-inch pan is a fan favorite. It comes already seasoned, so it's ready for use immediately after purchase, although you should still season it as needed.

We love the features Lodge has added to make this 5.4-pound skillet easy to use. An assist handle allows for improved control and maneuverability—and there's a hanging hole in the handle for easy storage. If the pan is seasoned correctly, the slightly rough surface does stay nonstick. That surface can be damaged by metal utensils, so be careful, as any nicks or scratches will lead to rust.

Since this comes in a range of sizes, you can easily nest pans together if you decide to expand your collection. Just be sure to dry each completely or place a paper towel in between each pan before putting it away.

In tests, Allstar Terri McHugh found this cast iron skillet to cook evenly with a smoother texture than other similar models. Although it's heavier, cooked food was easy to release from the pan thanks to the cast iron's seasoning.

The Details: Available from 3.5-inch to 15-inch in size; from 10 ounces to 12.4 pounds; induction compatible

Field Company, headed by two brothers in New York's Catskills, makes skillets modeled after the cast iron of the 1930s. With a seriously smooth cooking surface, the skillets are thinner and 25 to 50 percent lighter in weight—and, thus, easier on the wrist—than most similarly sized cast iron.

This means these lighter cast iron skillets are ideal for cooks who don't want to work with heavier pots. They're also great for grillers who appreciate cast iron's prowess over open flame but don't want to tote an extra-heavy skillet. The classic 10-inch pan will hold six fried eggs or three New York strip steaks despite weighing only six pounds.

Allstar Terri loved this cast iron pan's balanced construction and versatile, small to medium size—especially when it came to cooking pancakes. It was easy to clean and looked just as good after hand washing, so it's great for cooks trying cast iron for the first time. "I genuinely loved this cast iron skillet through and through," she says. "Of all the ones I've used in the past, this was my favorite."

The Details: Available from 6.75-inch to 13.4-inch in size; from 1.9 to 8 pounds; induction compatible

Enameled cast iron has the durability and impressive heating capabilities of classic cast iron without all the maintenance. Enameled cast iron pans don't have to be seasoned, are generally easier to clean, and are often more attractive—with lots of colorways to choose from. After testing a slew of enameled cast iron skillets, we named KitchenAid's 12-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan our overall favorite.

The 12-inch size is especially important to us as it makes the pan versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or Thanksgiving feast. The comfortable handle, helper handle, and pour spots made it easy to maneuver the pan from stovetop to oven to table during tests. Speaking of which, it's induction safe and oven safe up to 500°F. We were seriously impressed with its searing performance, as well as its nonstick abilities. Our cornbread released perfectly without the need for utensils.

The Details: Available in 12-inch size; available in Black, Pistachio, and Blue Velvet colors; weighs 8.9 pounds; induction compatible

When it comes to kitchen gifts, there are few better choices than a good enameled cast iron skillet. They're low-maintenance, long-lasting, and extremely versatile. We love this one from Caraway—a brand known for its durable ceramic cookware and stylish food storage containers—that's so beautiful you'll probably want to display it on the stove while not in use. It comes in several different colors, from classic Cream to pretty Midnight Blue, and the 10.5-inch cooking width will come in handy for all kinds of recipes. Scratch-resistant and oven safe up to 500°F, it's a great gift for new homeowners, newlyweds, and even young cooks who are just getting started in the kitchen.

Allstar Terri gave this cast iron top marks for design, performance, and cleanup, citing the beautiful outer enamel and overall pleasing aesthetic. "I love the size of the skillet and the overall look of it," she says. "The enamel portion is definitely beautiful!" She also said it cooked evenly in the oven, and food released easily without sticking. While the inner and outer textures weren't as smooth as others, Terri noted that it was super easy to clean and perfect for the everyday cook.

The Details: 10.5 inches; available in Cream, Midnight Blue, Gray, Charcoal, Light Mist, and Rust colors; 5.8 pounds; all-stovetop compatible

For cooks who want to pan-fry or bake often, this double-handled cast iron skillet from Lodge is a great pick. You get the beloved quality of Lodge with its ready-to-use finish and a sturdy dual-assist handle design. Like Lodge's many other products, this one is designed for just about any type of cooking you prefer, from stovetop to campfire.

The skillet's high sides are what make it great for recipes like pan-fried chicken thighs, as less grease will splatter on your cooktop and you don't need to maneuver the pan around. At 12 inches in diameter, you'll have more than enough room to cook three or four thighs at once without overcrowding the pan.

The lack of a long handle is what makes it great for baking, too, since you can use it like you would a cake or pie pan, and it's much easier to rotate in the oven. One downside here is the handles aren't the widest for gripping, so make sure you've got a good "handle" on the handles before moving the pan. Likewise, the heat transfers to the handles, so grab some good oven mitts or a thick dish towel to assist you with moving it. 

Allstar Ashley Schuering used this pan to make a range of different meals, including baked focaccia, casserole, and ribeye steak. "The heating was super even, and there were no acrid smells at all during my first use—a nice change of pace from other cast iron cookware I’ve used," she says. "The hamburger meat I browned released easily during cooking, and the sear was nice." While she did wish the pan was slightly deeper, it was still comfortably sized to make a large family-sized casserole. She also preferred the two shorter handles since it made it much easier to store than a pan with one longer handle.

The Details: Available in 10.25-inch to 17-inch in size; weighs 5.7 to 13.2 pounds; induction compatible

Smithey Ironware Co. founder Issac Morton started his business in cast iron cookware by saving and restoring rusty pans that were otherwise destined for a scrapyard. After a few years of this, where he was up close and personal with a variety of ironware, he decided to begin making his line of pans that reflected the classic techniques of decades-old ironware but made with today's technology and know-how.

The result is the Smithey Ironware collection of heavy-gauge cast iron pans that are expertly polished to produce a satin-smooth nonstick surface right from the beginning. It's designed to build its natural seasoning over time, so get to work caramelizing onions, browning pork chops, and sautéing mushrooms. The 3-hole handle also makes for easier, more secure gripping, and if you're a cook with a limited amount of cabinet space, either side can be used for easy hanging.

"This is by far the most beautiful cast iron pan I’ve ever seen," says Ashley. "While most cast iron skillets have a rustic aesthetic, I’d venture to say this one is downright elegant." In tests, the heating was quick and even, there were no acrid smells, and food released easily—even after making caramel sauce and baking a round of cinnamon rolls. It was also easy to move around despite the weight, and the smooth interior was ideal for more delicate foods like over easy eggs that other cast iron textures would be too rough for. In short, this line of cast iron skillets is designed to become an heirloom.

The Details: Available in 6-inch to 14-inch in size; from 2.7 to 12 pounds; induction compatible

If you want to invest in a high-quality cast iron skillet that's thoughtfully designed and simply beautiful to look at, Yeti has you covered. Of course, we'd expect nothing less from the brand that's brought us some of our favorite insulated water bottles and coolers. The Yeti cast iron skillet is built for use in your home kitchen and the great outdoors with a lightweight construction, ergonomic handle, and two pour spouts.

Senior editor Siobhan Wallace tested the Yeti cast iron in her own kitchen and found it to heat up thoroughly and evenly. Cornbread came out of the oven perfectly golden and baked through, homemade cobbler gained crispy sides, and the skillet itself was easy to lift thanks to the lightweight design. She also appreciated the smooth cooking surface and durable seasoning. Although the skillet conducted heat a little too quickly in the oven because of the thin sides, this definitely wasn't a dealbreaker—especially if you don't plan to bake in the skillet very often.

The Details: Available with 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch sizes; weighs 3 pounds, 4.8-pounds, or 6.9 pounds; induction compatible

Our Takeaway

Our overall top pick is the Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet since it's the right size cast iron for most of your needs and could be an heirloom if treated properly. If you don't want to ever worry about seasoning, we recommend the KitchenAid 12–Inch Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan.

How to Pick the Right Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron is trusted by home cooks and professionals alike because it can be heated to very high temperatures, it stays hot longer than stainless steel or nonstick pans, and it develops a natural nonstick surface that's second to none. But for all that, there is to love about cast iron skillets, there are a few considerations that may narrow your selections and help you decide which options are right for you and your kitchen.

Size

The typical cast iron skillet is 10 inches, but 8 inches and 12 inches are also common. Larger sizes are available but may require special ordering. Eight-inch skillets are good for meals for one, like frying a couple of eggs, while 12-inch versions can handle big meals, like roasting a whole chicken.

Recipes like cakes and cornbread may call for a specific size, so it's important to have and use the one your recipes call for so you get the best results. Beyond that, it's a matter of preference. Keep in mind that the bigger the skillet, the heavier and more difficult to store it will be.

Seasoning

Seasoning creates a cast iron skillet's nonstick capability. With use, cast iron pans become more seasoned. As seasoning builds, the pans become slicker, which is partly why vintage pans are so popular with antique and consignment shoppers.

Today, most manufacturers season skillets before they leave their factories, and all bare cast iron pans will need periodic seasoning. To do that, lightly coat the skillet or pan with a high-temperature oil, like vegetable oil. Bake the pan in a 375°F (190°C) oven for one hour. Let cool. Wipe down with a cloth, and store.

Handles

Cast iron skillets and pans are very heavy, and the larger they are, the heavier they will be. Lids add extra pounds, too. To make carrying or moving these hefty pans from place to place in the kitchen easier, many have helper handles across from the long, narrow handle on any pan. If lifting weighty objects is difficult for you, look to purchase a cast iron skillet that's made with these supplemental handles or one that's lighter weight. Keep in mind those handles get extremely hot, so make sure you have oven mitts at the ready.

About Our Tests

We sent top-rated cast iron skillets to Allrecipes Allstars Terri McHugh and Ashley Schuering to test in their own kitchens using several different recipes, including high-heat recipes. During tests, our Allstars paid special attention to the following attributes:

• Design: Is the skillet well-balanced? Is the handle comfortable to hold while cooking and moving the pan? Are there pour spouts on both sides of the skillet? Does it feel heavy? Is the surface rough or smooth?
• Performance: Does the cast iron skillet heat evenly, or are there any hot spots? Does it emit any acrid smells during cooking? Does food release easily, or does it stick? Is it easy to maneuver while cooking? Are you able to achieve a good sear? 
• Cleanup: How easy is it to clean? Do you have to season the skillet frequently?
  

Common Questions

What should I cook in my cast iron pans?

Among the other great things about cooking with cast iron is that you can take it from skillet to oven and back. It's super versatile. Check out our collection of Cast Iron Skillet Recipes. And here are a dozen of our Best Recipes to Cook with a Cast Iron Skillet.

What's a cast iron scrubber?

While can use your everyday soap or scrub brush to clean your cast iron, you might need something a little more abrasive—but not abrasive enough to scratch the surface—when food gets really burnt on. That's when many turn to a chain-mail-looking cast iron scrubber. It's simply stainless steel linked together that'll get any leftover bits off your cast iron, but won't affect your hard-earned seasoning.

How do you care for a new cast iron skillet?

Most cast iron pans today come seasoned with oil applied at the factory, but it's always a good idea to rinse the pan with water and season it again before the first time you use it. Why? Pans sit on shelves for weeks, even months, before they're shipped out to buyers, so the pans can collect dust. A quick rinse and a round of seasoning will help you be safe.

When you're ready to wash a cast iron pan, remember that water is the enemy. You can use a brush or abrasive sponge to knock off cooked-on bits. Soap can remove the seasoning, but you can use a very small amount if you want.

The best way to dry cast iron is to heat a freshly washed skillet on low on a stovetop and let the water in the skillet evaporate. If you notice a lot of seasoning is gone after that rinse, you can season the pan again right then and there, or wait until the next time you need to use it.

Why Take Our Word For It?

Kimberly Holland is a writer and editor with 15 years of experience in food, lifestyle, and homes content. She has been senior editor at Allrecipes.com since 2019. Before that, she was editor of CookingLight.com. Her work has also been published in Real Simple, Southern Living, EatingWell, Healthline, and other publications.