The Best Large Cast Iron Skillet Of 2024: Top-rated And Buying Guide
By, Sara RyanUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Lodge has graced the culinary world with their beautifully designed cast iron skillets for generations. The low-profile handle design makes it easy to maneuver and the non-stick surface is perfect for cooking. The pre-seasoned skillets also make cooking easier, as they are ready to use straight out of the box. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Utopia Kitchen 12.5 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Frying Pan
The Utopia Skillet has a beautiful classic design that is perfect for any kitchen. These 12.5 inches skillet pans are suitable for both stovetop and oven, ensuring you can cook a variety of different meals with the same pan. With its heavy design and classic look, you can be confident that your new skillet will last for years to come, without the oil needed to prevent sticking. Read Review
3. Best Versatile: Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set 3-Piece
Experience the convenience and versatility of Utopia Kitchen frying pans in this set of three. Each pan offers unique handles that make it easier to maneuver and pour, while being pre-seasoned with a non-stick finish and seasoned with oil before use. Our skillets are durable and long lasting, making them perfect for everyday cooking tasks. Read Review
4. Best Quality: Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 15-Inch
This cast iron skillet is seasoned for cooking and won't stick. The pre-seasoned product is suitable for traditional oven cooking (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) and comes with a wide flared side edge for easy handling. Hand wash only and always use hot pads, oven mitts, or potholders when moving or removing cast iron cookware from the stove or oven. Read Review
When purchasing your new cast iron skillet, you may have a lot of questions about what you need to know and what you need to avoid. After all, it’s not something most people think about when purchasing their first skillet. But with so many good reasons to choose cast iron over other types of non-stick cookware, more people are starting to understand why they should do so.
But how can you tell which size and model is the best for you? There are a few things that you should consider before making your final decision. Here we’ll explain some of the most important factors so that you can make the right choice for your needs and your budget.
After nearly 17 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Lodge, Utopia kitchen, Amazon basics, Victoria, Le creuset, Backcountry iron, Mercer culinary, Simple chef, Mozuve. Among them, Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with Utopia Kitchen 12.5 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Frying Pan.
Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.
RELATED: Discover the best non stick skillets for your cooking needs. Save time and energy with our top picks for the most durable skillets that won't stick.
Our Top Picks
- Great for induction cooktops
- Use in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campfire
- Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
- Use to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry, or grill
- Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
- Item Shape: Round
- One Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Included Components: Lodge L8Sk3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
- Allow cast iron skillet to cool completely before washing them in hot soapy water with a sponge using a regular dish washing liquid soap; it is not dishwasher-safe
- These 12.5 inches skillet pan are suitable for both stovetop and oven for evenly cooking variety of different meals; Cast iron cookware is less smoother than the Non-Stick cookware
- Hand wash before first use and dry immediately; rub with a light coating of vegetable oil after every wash
- Iron deficiency is fairly common worldwide especially among women so cooking food in a cast iron skillet can increase iron content by as much as 20%
- Its superior heat retention will keep your mouth watering food warm for a long time
- VERSATILE USAGE – The skillet pans are highly compatible, as they can be used on any heating source. You can also use them for grilling, frying, sautéing, roasting, braising, and broiling meats, vegetables, and more.
- EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION – Our premium quality non-toxic cookware set is coated with an extra layer of protection that ensures the equal distribution of heat for an improved cooking experience.
- SEASONING GUIDE – Our skillets are pre-seasoned but it is recommended to season the cast iron pan set with any vegetable oil before use. After washing, rub some oil over your cookware's surface and place it in an oven at low temperature for the oil to seep in.
- CAST IRON PAN SET - The bundle of three includes 10, 8, and 6 inches pre-seasoned frying pans; ideal sizes for domestic and outdoor use. Our cast iron pan set comes with unique handles for easy maneuvering and pouring.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS – Cool the skillets completely before washing in hot soapy water with a sponge using a regular dishwashing liquid soap.
- Cast iron for even heat distribution and retention; pre-seasoned products don't have non-stick function; hand wash only
- Pre-seasoned cast iron skillet with flared side edges; oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Always use hot-pads, oven mitts, or potholders while moving or removing cast iron cookware on or from the stove or oven.
- Dimensions: 15-inch diameter
- VERSATILE PAN: Our Cast-Iron Skillet is made with natural materials and can be used almost anywhere, such as on the stove, on induction cooktops, in the oven, over a campfire, or on a grill. Your food will stay warm for longer and be infused with beneficial natural iron.
- EASY TO USE: Give your cooking an upgrade by using cast-iron cookware. Durable, rugged, and made to last, cast-iron pans are easy to use and allow the perfect amount of heat distribution and retention for more evenly cooked food.
- FROM STOVE TO TABLE: Victoria has manufactured quality cast-iron cookware in our own factories in Colombia—never outsourcing—since 1939. Our cast-iron products are made with resource-efficient materials, are economical, will outlast traditional cookware, and will offer reliable cooking for years to come.
- MADE FOR GREAT MEALS: Our Cast-Iron Skillet was designed with the user in mind. It features a thicker edge, a deep vessel for sauces or larger food items, drip-free spouts on each side, and our signature long curved handle for a better grip.
- CAST-IRON COOKING: Our high-quality cast-iron pan comes with a perfectly textured preseasoned skin for an easier release that helps build seasoning with each use. We use only non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil to season it, and it’s PTFE- and PFOA-free for healthier cooking.
- A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons it’s cast iron cookware with 100% vegetable oil, no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use your cast iron cookware, the better the seasoning will get.
- With ample cooking surface and an ergonomic dual-assist handle design, this 12” Lodge cast iron skillet is at home in the oven, on the stove top, on the grill or over the campfire.
- Brutally tough for decades of cooking, Lodge Cast Iron cookware is unparalleled in heat retention and even heating.
- Suitable for use on all heat sources Oven, Gas or Electric stovetop, induction, campfire, BBQ. Not suitable for use in the microwave.
- Lodge Cast Iron skillets are considered an essential kitchen tool by leading chefs and generations of home cooks. It’s the right tool to sear, saute, bake, broil, braise or fry.
- Easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking
- Lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market
- Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F
- Ready to use, requires no seasoning
- Safe for dishwasher and metal utensils
- Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention
- Black satin interior enamel is specially formulated for higher surface temperatures to enhance cooking performance
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility
- 17 INCH CAST IRON SKILLET. This seasoned cast iron skillet is ready to use and extremely versatile with a diameter of 17 inches and a 2-inch depth. With ample cooking surface and an ergonomic 2 handle design, it is perfect for the campfire, the oven, and the tabletop
- MAKE EVERY MEAL A MEMORY. Lodge knows that cooking is about more than just the food; it’s about the memories. This dynamic 2-loop handle skillet can be used for slow weekend mornings with bacon and eggs or summertime BBQ’s with roasted veggies
- SEASONED COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use your iron, the better the seasoning will get
- Our cast iron smooth bottom is also versatile in regards to heating methods! Our smooth cast iron skillet is compatible with stovetops (electric, conduction or gas), the oven, even campfires for the outdoorsman. It will retain heat consistently with any of these!
- Backcountry Iron is back with a new cookware heirloom in the making—a line of smooth cast iron skillets! Taking inspiration from the classic hand me downs of old like the legendary smooth cast iron pans made by Wagner and Griswold, the Wasatch cast iron line seeks to recapture their former glory in the modern day. Smoothed sides and bottoms and a timeless design, all molded from quality, ethically sourced cast iron
- Smooth cast iron skillets are perfect for browning/braising meats, meals and gravies alike, with superior heat distribution. Compare with Le Creuset, Staub, Smithey, Field, Finex, and Stargazer skillets and pans.
- Smooth cast iron provides a more uniform cooking surface, which holds an excellent seasoning, easy release properties keep food from sticking, and creates an better sear and exceptional browning, similar to enameled cast iron. Optimize your steak cooking, whip up some excellent scallops, all while keeping the same capabilities of our previous line!
- Wasatch pans are quadruple seasoned with vegetable and grape seed oil, giving it that signature bronze coloring.
- MERCER CULINARY: Our take on a classic kitchen essential; great for professional use or the home cooking enthusiast alike, this cast iron skillet is the perfect all-in-1 tool for baking, frying, searing, and much more!
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty cast iron pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil for superior heat retention and even cooking every time
- SUPERIOR DESIGN: Designed with an assist handle for easy handling and carrying, and sturdy handle includes a hanging hole for easy storage when not in use
- EASY CARE: Wash by hand with mild soap or none at all. Dry thoroughly with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. Rub with a light layer of vegetable oil while cookware is still warm. Store in a dry place.
- BEST USE: With a 10.25-inch cooking surface diameter, this skillet is perfect for using in the oven, stove, campfire, induction cooking, or even on the grill
What to Look For in a best large cast iron skillet?
You may know that best large cast iron skillet is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.
Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:
Cleaning
Size
Materials
You should use enameled and bare cast-iron pans for high-heat cooking. They can heat up quickly and resist higher temperatures. Stainless steel can be used to create sauces or braise meats. You can clean nonstick pans easily, but it's important to note that they have a lower heat threshold than some other materials.
Heat Distribution
Ease Of Use
FAQs
Can You Put A Skillet In The Oven?
In general, the answer is yes. You should check that the pan you purchased is safe for the oven. Also, make sure to note the heat limit. Carbon steel and cast iron are able to tolerate very high heat (600 degrees or more), while stainless steel (450 to 600 degrees) can usually withstand slightly lower temperatures. Nonstick, however, is typically in the lower temperature range (335 to 450 degrees depending on which nonstick coating) Refer to your manufacturer's instruction manual as a guide.
What's The Difference Between A Skillet, Frying Pan, And Sauté Pan?
It all depends on where you live and whom you ask. Although some people interchange the terms, they are almost identical. They have high-quality, straight sides (or slightly angled), and an enclosed lid that helps keep moisture and heat in the pan.
In everyday language, a frying pan is sometimes called a skillet. However, the lidless pans have flared, lower sides to allow you to access your food with a spatula. They also feature curved sides that make it easy for you to slide foods onto a plate, such as pancakes and omelets.
Do Stainless Steel Skillets Warp?
An oven is less likely to be warp if its cladding is good. The thickness of 5-ply (or 7-ply) makes it less likely that a skillet will warp than 3-ply. America's Test Kitchen's stainless steel skillets induction wrought some warping, as we mentioned elsewhere, but this was not an issue for us with our top choices.
What Can You Cook In A Stainless-steel Skillet?
You can't go wrong! These skillets, which are both heat-responsive and a good conductor of heat, are perfect for two types of stovetop cooking: sauteeing (or searing). The skillets' solid construction makes them great for roasting in an oven. It is best not to use them for cooking that involves a lot more liquids, such as braising.
How Do You Clean A Cast Iron Or Carbon Steel Skillet?
Cast iron is very similar in materials and maintenance to carbon steel, so it's best to clean them both the same. Here's the quick summary: After letting your pan cool off, clean it with a brush or scrubber. After drying the skillet, apply a bit of oil to it and then heat the skillet on the stove. Use a cloth or towel to apply the oil to the inside of the skillet to retain the seasoning. Here are more instructions.
What Is A Fully Clad Skillet?
If the pan's internal core, the part that heats, is fully clad, it covers both the bottom as well as the sides. They are usually more expensive than fully-clad ones, but the savings can be well-worth it. If the stainless steel skillets you have are prone to scorching around their edges, then they may not be fully clad.
Our website is constantly updated so that the information you read becomes the latest one. Please visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter list more than normal to catch up with the new best large cast iron skillet of 2024.
Please feel free to contact us whenever you need support. You’re welcome to get in touch with us!
READ NEXT: Top Best Coffee Makers With Grinder For You In 2024 & Buying Tips
About Sara Ryan
