5 Best Cast-Iron Skillets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We baked, seared, fried and seasoned cast-iron pans to find the perfect pan for you!

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Updated on March 11, 2024

Photo by: Stevie Stewart

Stevie Stewart

Our Top Cast Iron Skillet Picks

Tested by Stevie Stewart

When it comes to cast iron, many people think of the heavy black pan that’s been used to make steak for generations. And while a solid cast-iron skillet is a kitchen tool that stands the test of time, today there are a lot more options on the market. The modern cast-iron skillet landscape includes pans that are much lighter than their traditional counterparts, pans with longer handles, and some with a smoother finish. Some pans cost less than $20, while other artisanal designs can set a buyer back $100 or more.

We found the best pans don’t cost an arm and a leg, and they sacrifice nothing when it comes to functionality. Most of the pans we tested required similar upkeep, and they varied in weight, handle length, surface texture and design. We kept these details in mind when choosing our favorites.

Photo by: Stevie Stewart

Stevie Stewart

How We Tested

As all of the pans we tested were “pre-seasoned,” we started cooking right away. We first made a batch of simple cornbread to see how evenly the pans baked, as well as how nonstick they were initially. We then tested a batch of fried eggs in each pan to also see how nonstick they were from the beginning. After the eggs, we poured oil from the pans to see how well the pour spouts worked (or how easy it was to pour if there weren’t any spouts). Next, we seared New York strip steaks in each pan to test how well they browned the meat and how easy the pans were to clean. We then seasoned the pans based on each company’s instruction. Finally, we fried another set of eggs to see how different the seasoning was after all the cooking we had done prior.

We eliminated pans that were too heavy and difficult to maneuver or that had unnecessary features like extra-long handles that did not seem to add to the function of the pan. Our test included some artisanal pans and although they were beautiful to look at, we found the seasoning and care instructions to be overly specific for such a high price point.

What We Like
  1. Large loop handle makes it easy to hang
  2. Compatible with any type of heat source
  3. Comes pre-seasoned
What We Don't Like
  1. Not all of the sizes come with a helper handle

It is hard to beat the "gold standard" Lodge pan, but the Victoria skillet performed just as well and was even a bit more refined. The pour spouts are wider and deeper than the Lodge, so there were no drips when we poured oil from the pan. The pan is also lighter, weighing in at 4.8 pounds in comparison to the Lodge at 5.3 pounds, making it comfortable and easy to maneuver. The surface of the Victoria pan is smooth, and eggs cooked beautifully right out of the box. It also seared steaks perfectly, and our cornbread came right out of the pan. The company explains that even though the pan is smooth it "has enough texture to make your seasoning stick faster to create nice, tough layers of your own seasoning." The Victoria skillet is deep enough to deep-fry, and its longer handle is comfortable and made it very easy to baste our steaks and flip our eggs.

  1. Weight 4.8 lbs
  2. Pre-seasoned Yes
  3. Sizes available 4.8-inch, 6.5-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, 13-inch
What We Like
  1. Comes pre-seasoned
  2. Compatible with any type of heat source
What We Don't Like
  1. The handle is a bit shorter than some others

There is a reason Lodge is so popular. The company has been making pans in Tennessee since the early 1900s and has maintained tradition while innovating over the years. In 2002 they were the first company to introduce pre-seasoned cast-iron pans, which is now an industry standard. When it came to cooking, our eggs did not stick, the cornbread came out clean and evenly cooked, and our steaks were seared to perfection. The pan comes with two pour spouts and a helper handle. At two inches deep, this skillet is great for frying as well as searing.

  1. Weight 5.35 lbs
  2. Pre-seasoned Yes
  3. Sizes available 3.5-inch, 6.5-inch, 8-inch, 9-inch, 10.25-inch, 13.25-inch, 15-inch
What We Like
  1. It’s an incredible value for 3 pans
  2. Two spouts make liquid easier to pour
What We Don't Like
  1. Only the largest skillet has a helper handle
  2. It doesn’t feel as heavy-duty or durable as some other brands

If you are a camper and want a cast-iron pan that won’t weigh down your backpack or your budget, a pan Ozark is it. This three-piece set costs just $14.95 and the 10-inch pan we used in our test weighs just 4.5 pounds. This set is a great piece to bring along with you to the woods without worrying about ruining a pricey piece of equipment. While this was not the best-performing pan of our test, it still did a decent job releasing cornbread, cleaning easily and searing a steak without issue. It has a shorter handle and a rough surface, and it is missing a helper handle. But if you want a pan that can take more of a beating or that requires less care than one you may keep in your kitchen, this would be our choice.

  1. Weight 4.8 lbs
  2. Pre-seasoned Yes
  3. Sizes available 8-inch, 10.5-inch, 12-inch
What We Like
  1. It comes in 12 vibrant colors
  2. The enamel backing means it won’t scratch induction stoves
  3. Compatible with all cooktops
  4. It's dishwasher-safe
What We Don't Like
  1. It’s considerably more expensive than the other skillets on this list
  2. It’s not safe to use over an open flame

This is the cast-iron pan for the cook who wants the function of a classic cast-iron pan but may not want to deal with the upkeep that comes along with it. Le Creuset’s skillets are coated with matte black enamel that eliminates the need for seasoning or special care when cleaning. You can use this pan over high heat and clean it with soap and water without a worry. The pan feels heavy and has one of the higher price tags, but it will last you a lifetime just like a regular cast iron. Plus, you can choose from a variety of colors that will look beautiful in your kitchen.

  1. Weight 6 lbs
  2. Pre-seasoned Doesn’t require seasoning
  3. Sizes available 6.3-inch, 9-inch, 10.25-inch, 11.75-inch
What We Like
  1. Large helper handle makes it easy to carry
  2. Shallow depth makes it ideal for searing steak or fish
What We Don't Like
  1. Foods can stick to the surface, so it requires a bit more oil than others

Most of the cast-iron pans we tested have the same general look: dark black, heavy, deep, with spouts and a helper handle. The Kohl’s pan is a wide, round pan with just a helper handle and no spouts, giving it a more modern look. It has a shallower depth, which is great for searing meat and fish because the steam can escape. The pan comes with instructions that are as you would expect for a cast-iron pan, despite its slightly more contemporary design. Our cornbread came out clean and cooked evenly, our eggs did not stick, and our steak seared to perfection.

  1. Weight 5.2 lbs
  2. Pre-seasoned Yes
  3. Sizes available 10-inch, 12-inch

Photo by: Stevie Stewart

Stevie Stewart

What To Know About Using, Cleaning and Caring for a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron has a reputation for being difficult to maintain. While the material does require some attention to make it truly nonstick and to prevent it from rusting, if you follow a few basic steps, you won’t have any trouble keeping that pan slick and happy for a lifetime — or more.

Make cornbread first. Baking cornbread is a great first recipe to add an additional layer of seasoning to the pan. Pretty much all pans come pre-seasoned these days, but the more you cook in yours, the more nonstick it will become. Cornbread will add a layer of fat to the pan and allow the pan to heat at a consistent temperature for an extended period of time, creating a nice even layer of seasoning to your pan.

Wash it with water. Don’t be afraid to wash your pan with water! If you have really stuck-on pieces of meat from searing or from cooking your first scrambled eggs, don’t hesitate to put your pan in the sink and use some water to help you loosen the food. Most of the brands we selected also say it is OK to use a small amount of dish soap on their pans if needed. The most important thing when it comes to water and cast iron is to make sure there is no water left on the pan when you’re done cooking or washing it.

That said, use water sparingly! Our favorite technique for getting stuck-on food off the pan is to add about a half-inch of water to the pan, bring to a boil for about a minute, let cool slightly, pour out the water and wipe dry. Then, place the pan over low heat for about five minutes to remove any residual water (see note above). Next, simply add about a teaspoon of oil (use oil that has a high smoke point like vegetable, coconut or flax seed) to the pan while it is still warm, and wipe dry with a clean towel until the pan has a matte finish and does not feel or look overly oily. Your pan is now dry, clean and protected with a nice coating of oil.

Keep some salt nearby. Another trusted cleaning technique used by many chefs in the Food Network Kitchen is coarse salt. Add a layer of salt to the pan while the pan is still warm, then use a dry towel to scrub off any stuck-on food items. The salt will act as an abrasive and help to take off any food that has attached to the pan's surface. Then just wipe clean with a towel, heat again over the stove and then wipe with about a teaspoon of oil.

It’s possible to over-season your pan. Cast-iron pans come with specific instructions for how to season them, but, ultimately, you add a small amount of oil to both the inside and the outside of the pan and place it in a hot oven for about an hour. This is great to do if your seasoning ever looks uneven or dull. Just be careful not to add too much oil. You want to almost wipe it all away before you place in the oven or you could create a web-like surface from the oil dripping in your pan and this is very difficult to get rid of.

Best Cast-Iron Skillets
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Looking for a new cast iron skillet? Sarah Holden, culinary producer for Food Network Kitchen, breaks down three of our top picks, above.

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