Best Cast Iron Skillets of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Cast iron skillets are a kitchen essential for any home cook. These durable and versatile pans are perfect for searing, sautéing, and frying. They can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open flame. Cast iron skillets are known for their ability to evenly distribute heat, making them ideal for cooking everything from pancakes to steaks. They also develop a natural nonstick surface over time with proper seasoning and care. With their timeless design and long-lasting durability, cast iron skillets are a must-have for any kitchen.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Cast Iron Skillets
Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
The Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a timeless classic for the modern kitchen. It is made of cast iron and pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, making it perfect for searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, and grilling. It is also induction stovetop compatible and has unparalleled heat retention and even heating.
PIBC Cast Iron Chainmail Scrubber 8"x6"
The PIBC Chainmail Scrubber is specially designed to clean your cast iron cookware gently and effectively. Its unique chainmail design makes it easy to remove stuck-on food without damaging your pans. Made from durable stainless steel, this scrubber won’t rust or scratch your cookware, ensuring long-lasting use and protection for your cast iron surfaces. Measuring 8 by 6 inches, it’s compact enough to fit in your kitchen drawer or hang conveniently near your sink, so it’s always within reach when you need it. This tool helps maintain the seasoning on your cast iron, keeping your pans in great shape for cooking.
Utopia Kitchen 12" Cast Iron Skillet
The Utopia Kitchen 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is perfect for both indoor and outdoor cooking, and provides even heat distribution and retention. Its iron content can increase by 20%, which is particularly beneficial for those with low iron levels. It is important to hand wash this skillet and apply a light coating of vegetable oil after every wash. Additionally, it is not dishwasher-safe.
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set
This Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set is a great value for the money. The set includes three skillets of different sizes, 10, 8, and 6 inches, which are pre-seasoned and coated with an extra layer of protection for even heat distribution. It is highly compatible and can be used on any heating source. To maintain the skillets, it is recommended to season them with any vegetable oil before use and wash them with hot soapy water and a sponge.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12"
The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used on various heat sources like the oven, stove top, grill, and campfire. Made with tough cast iron, it retains heat and distributes it evenly. The skillet comes pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, making it ready to use right out of the box. Suitable for searing, sauteing, baking, broiling, braising, or frying, this skillet is a must-have for both professional chefs and home cooks.
NeoForge 8 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
The NeoForge Cast Iron Skillet offers excellent heat retention, allowing you to cook your food evenly without hot spots. This means your steaks, veggies, or eggs will cook perfectly every time. It’s also designed with your health in mind, being free from harmful chemicals and naturally adding iron to your meals. The teardrop-shaped handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to move the skillet from stove to oven. Plus, its versatile sizes let you pick the perfect skillet whether you’re making a family meal or a quick side dish. This skillet combines quality and convenience for everyday cooking.
Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
The Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is a 15-inch skillet made of cast iron, which evenly distributes and retains heat. It has flared side edges and is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The skillet is pre-seasoned, but does not have a non-stick function, and should be hand washed. Always use hot-pads or oven mitts when handling the skillet.
EWFEN Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Set
The EWFEN Cast Iron Skillet Set offers you a ready-to-use cooking experience with pans pre-seasoned using natural vegetable oil, creating a non-stick surface that improves with every use. You can cook safely knowing this set is free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE, made with pure iron and oil for traditional seasoning. The pans distribute heat evenly up to 500°F, ensuring your food cooks thoroughly whether you're using a stove, grill, or induction cooktop. This versatile set is perfect for various cooking styles, from frying and sautéing to baking and grilling, making it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor meals.
Lodge Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle - 10.5" Griddle, 8" & 10.25" Skillets, 10.25" Dutch Oven, and Lid
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set includes a 10.5" Griddle, 8" & 10.25" Skillets, 10.25" Dutch Oven, and Lid. The cast iron cover features self-basting tips and the set has easy-grip handles for secure control. The set provides unparalleled heat retention and even heating, which allows you to cook your food evenly. However, it's not dishwasher safe.
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Induction 12" Frying Pan Skillet
The Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Induction 12" Frying Pan Skillet is a lightweight and quick-heating skillet that delivers cast iron performance without the weight. The pre-seasoned carbon steel develops a nonstick patina with use, making it more nonstick the more you cook. It's oven safe up to 600°F and metal utensil safe, and the triple-riveted steel handle provides a sturdy grip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which brand cast iron is best?
The Best Cast Iron Pans Guaranteed to Last a Lifetime. Best Overall: Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet.Best Enameled: Staub 10-Inch Frying Pan.Best High-End: Le Creuset Signature Skillet.Best Value: Utopia Kitchen 3-Piece Cast Iron Skillet Set.Best Design: Smithey Ironware No.
2. How can you tell if a cast iron skillet is good?
A real cast iron skillet should be all one piece - no seams and no screwed on handles. Check the pan's surface. It should look the same as the rest of the pan with no other materials. A raw cast iron pan will have a dull black/dark grey color and be slightly rough to the touch.
3. Why do people not wash their cast iron skillets?
"You can't clean cast-iron the same way you clean stainless steel," kitchen expert and author of "Kitchen Matters," Pamela Salzman says. "It's very porous," Rach adds. "That flavor will stay in there and literally bake into the pan."
During our cast iron skillet research, we found 24 cast iron skillet products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,034,882 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cast iron skillets list. We found that most customers choose cast iron skillets with an average price of $39.31.
The cast iron skillets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cast iron skillets, including Lodge, PIBC, Utopia Kitchen, NeoForge, EWFEN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.