A cast iron skillet is an excellent kitchen investment. This versatile piece of cookware may be used to cook a flawlessly seared steak, shallow fry the greatest fried chicken you've ever had, or bake cornbread or cake (or split the difference with this wonderful fig cornmeal cake!). Cooks love cast iron because it warms and cooks evenly, can reach high temperatures, and holds heat effectively.
We test each pan to see how uniformly it warms, how well it holds warmth, and how simple it is to use and clean. We consider important characteristics such as assistant handles that make these heavy pans simpler to grasp and move about, as well as pour spouts that allow for convenient oil pouring. While we haven't done a side-by-side comparison of cast iron pans, our chefs use them often at the Lab and in our residential kitchens, where they get a lot of wear.
Continue reading to learn more about what to look for in a cast iron skillet and how to clean and season it.
Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge cast iron pans are not only affordable, but they are also built to last. Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Kitchen Appliance Lab, has been using hers for ten years, cooking anything from ribeyes to chicken thighs to frittatas, and she observes that it has developed a very nonstick patina.
This 10.25-inch cast iron skillet is preseasoned, so you can get right to cooking. The pan warms evenly, making it ideal for cooking big amounts of food without worrying about the center scorching or the borders being too cool. The brand's 8-inch skillet is popular for single-portion cooking — and it fits in several toaster ovens.
We enjoy how the short handle balances the pan and makes it simpler to maneuver around the stove or into and out of the oven. We particularly like that this model comes with a red silicone handle guard; while it can still become hot, especially in the oven, it stays cooler than the pan itself and improves grip.
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned 12.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
When it comes to affordability and functionality, Utopia's preseasoned cast iron pan is hard to match. Although reviewers indicate that they still required to season it before the first usage, it's a good alternative for first-timers on a budget. This 12.5-inch skillet is less expensive than most smaller pans from other brands, however it is also available in a 10.25-inch size.
We did notice that the interior had a rougher polish than some other skillets. And you'll need some arm strength because this pick weights in at eight pounds.
Lodge Blacklock Skillet
This skillet is ideal for every chef, but especially for people who struggle with strength. In comparison, the heaviest pan on this list weighs 8 pounds, while our standard Lodge selection is 5.35 pounds. The weight of the Blacklock is 3.86 pounds.
The weight innovation comes at a modest price rise, but while the pan is somewhat more costly than Lodge's regular range, it's still a good buy. We discovered that it retains heat well, however it will keep somewhat less heat than a thicker pan. One home tester, who used the pan for bacon and grilled cheese, said it "cooked food evenly" and was "not too heavy."
