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Best Cast Iron Skillets for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: June 12th, 2024

🍳Cast iron skillets are like the Swiss Army knives of the kitchen. They're crazy versatile, built to last, and can handle super high heat—perfect for searing that steak or baking cornbread.

We did a deep dive into the best cast iron skillets for 2024, picking out the best options for different cooking styles and budgets. Whether you've been cooking for years or just getting into it, these skillets are worth a look.

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Overall Best: Field 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet

Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10 ¼ inches—Smoother, Lighter, Made in USA, Vintage Style, Preseasoned

The Field 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet earns our top pick for 2024 due to its exceptional heat retention and even cooking surface. What sets this skillet apart is its excellent balance between weight and usability, making it equally effective for searing, baking, and frying. It requires minimal seasoning, quickly developing a naturally nonstick surface. We recommend this skillet for both home cooks and professional chefs who seek reliable and consistent performance in the kitchen.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$165.00 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet

Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Dual Assist Handles - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire - Black

The Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet is our runner-up for its remarkable versatility and robust construction. Pre-seasoned and ready to use right out of the box, this skillet excels in a wide variety of cooking applications, from stovetop to oven baking. Its affordability combined with its resilience makes it a standout choice for families and frequent cooks. According to our research, users appreciate its durability and consistent heating performance.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$24.97 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How do you season the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet?

Hey! So, if you're looking to season your Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet, it's pretty straightforward. Even though these skillets come pre-seasoned, keeping up with the seasoning will help maintain that non-stick surface and ward off rust. ### Here’s a quick guide on how to season it: 1. **Clean It Up First:** Start by washing your skillet with warm water and a touch of mild soap—just this one time to get rid of any packaging residue. Make sure it's thoroughly dry before you move on. 2. **Oil It Up:** Take some vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or really any oil that works well with high heat. Use a cloth or paper towel to spread a thin, even layer over the whole thing, inside and out, handle included. 3. **Bake Time:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet upside down on the middle rack. You might want to pop a sheet of aluminum foil on the lower rack to catch any drips. Let it bake for about an hour to let the oil create that protective layer. 4. **Let It Cool:** After baking, just turn off the oven and leave the skillet in there to cool down slowly. This helps the seasoning stick better. 5. **Repeat If Needed:** If your skillet feels sticky or it's brand new, you might want to repeat this whole process a couple of times to get that nice, smooth, non-stick finish. ### A Few Maintenance Tips: - **Use It Often:** Cooking with oils and fats will naturally keep the seasoning going strong. - **Skip the Soap:** Once it's seasoned, avoid soap when cleaning. Just use hot water and a brush or cloth. If there's stubborn food, a bit of coarse salt can help. - **Keep It Dry:** Always dry your skillet thoroughly since moisture can lead to rust. - **Oil It Up Again:** After drying, rub a tiny bit of oil on it before you store it away. From what we’ve found, keeping up with these steps helps keep the skillet in great shape. And hey, you can use it on all kinds of cooking surfaces, which is pretty cool. Enjoy cooking with it!

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How do you clean and maintain the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet?

Keeping your Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet in tip-top shape is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Although the manufacturer's description might say it's dishwasher safe, it's really better to wash it by hand. Dishwashers can be a bit too harsh and might mess up that important seasoning that makes the iron naturally non-stick. Here's an easy routine: Try to clean the skillet while it's still a bit warm—makes getting rid of food bits much easier. A stiff brush or a cloth works well for scrubbing leftovers. You can use a bit of soap, but don't go overboard with it; avoid harsh detergents because they can damage the skillet's seasoning. After cleaning, make sure to dry it completely. Leaving it wet is a quick route to rust, and we definitely don't want that. You can dry it with a towel or just put it on a warm stove for a few minutes. Once it's dry, rub a thin layer of oil over it. Most cooking oils will do the trick, but some folks swear by [flaxseed oil](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dflaxseed%2Boil%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for its durability. This keeps the seasoning strong and adds some extra rust protection too. From our research, maintaining that seasoning is key. It not only keeps the skillet naturally non-stick, but it also helps it last longer and cook better over time. We've found that many people prefer hand washing for these reasons. Plus, a well-seasoned skillet is great at holding heat, which folks rave about. And don't forget, regular care ensures your Lodge skillet stays awesome for a long time. If it ever seems a bit dull or less shiny, you can bring it back to life by re-seasoning it. Just clean it well, dry it, coat it with a layer of oil, and bake it upside down in the oven. Sticking to these habits will keep your trusty cast iron a kitchen favorite for years.

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Budget Pick: Amazon Basics 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet

Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, Heavy-Duty & Large, 15-Inch, Black 15"

For those on a budget, the Amazon Basics 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet offers excellent value without compromising on essential features. Though it may lack some of the premium touches of higher-end models, it still performs admirably in basic cooking tasks. Pre-seasoned and ready for immediate use, it provides a reliable and cost-effective option for everyday cooking needs. Users consistently note its solid build quality and dependable performance.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best Enameled: Le Creuset 10" Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet, 10.25" (1-3/4 qt.), Marseille 10.25" Marseille

If you prefer enameled cookware, the Le Creuset 10" Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet is the way to go. Renowned for its vibrant colors and non-stick surface, this skillet excels in both aesthetics and functionality. It's particularly effective for searing meats and simplifies maintenance compared to traditional cast iron, although it comes with a higher price tag reflecting its premium quality. According to many satisfied users, it's well worth the investment for its durability and ease of use.

Lowest at Amazon

$219.95 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$219.95 at Abt Electronics & Appliances

Best Lightweight: GSI 10" Guidecast Fry Pan

GSI Outdoors GUIDECAST Frying PAN 10" 10 Inch

For those who find traditional cast iron skillets too heavy, the GSI 10" Guidecast Fry Pan offers a lightweight alternative without sacrificing performance. Weighing less than four pounds, this skillet is easier to handle but retains heat exceptionally well. It's ideal for campers or anyone who prefers a more manageable skillet without losing the benefits of cast iron cooking. Users praise its portability and efficient cooking capabilities.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$29.95 at Amazon

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