The Best Cast Iron Skillet for Home Cooks and Pro Chefs

The cast iron skillet is an essential tool for every kitchen. It is also built to last forever as long as you carefully maintain it. Even if something goes wrong, it is usually fixable. The cast iron pan is such a great tool. Unlike most other kitchen equipment, it comes with a vibrant community of other cast iron users that are available for discussion.

There are many different sizes and styles of cast iron skillets, so it can be hard to decide which one to choose for your kitchen collection. To help you find the perfect cast iron skillet for your needs, we have put together this buying guide that contains all the information you will need to make the right decision.

Why Are Cast Iron Skillets So Special? 

If you have never used a cast iron skillet, you might have wondered what all the fuss is about. Well, they are certainly not overrated. They are made of iron so they are strong, sturdy, and immensely durable. They are commonly passed down through generations. Cast iron skillets have incredible heat retention and distribute heat evenly. They are incredibly versatile because they can take the heat and they can be used for several tasks. For a piece of kitchen equipment that has so many advantages, they are generally very affordable. Lastly, and this goes without saying, they are non-stick – they don’t need non-stick coating that can have harmful chemicals.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Cast-iron Skillet?

Now that you are convinced of how great a cast iron skillet is, here are the things to consider before buying one.

What size should the cast iron skillet be?

This depends on how much food you cook at a time and how much space you have for storage. While a bigger cast iron skillet would mean you can cook larger portions, you would need larger storage space. You should consider the number of people in your household before deciding but your cast iron pan generally should not be less than 10 inches wide.

Is the cast iron skillet pre-seasoned?

Most cast iron pans these days are pre-seasoned so you can use them immediately. You should check for the method of seasoning to make sure no harmful chemicals were used.

Cleaning and seasoning helps ensure a long, healthy life for your cast iron pan. Take a look at this video from Epicurious for a tutorial:

 How compatible is the cast iron skillet with your heat source?

This depends on how you want to cook with your cast iron skillet. If you will be using it in the oven, make sure it is oven safe. If you will be using a cast-iron skillet on various heat sources including grills or broilers, you should get a versatile cast iron skillet. Most cast iron pans are compatible with all heat sources so this will not be difficult to find.

How durable is the cast iron skillet? 

Cast iron pans are generally known for their durability. Select a cast iron skillet with a lifetime warranty.

How heavy is the cast iron skillet?

Cast iron skillets are heavier than most other pans but some are made from lightweight but still good quality iron. This can make them easier to carry around the kitchen and maneuver. If you do not like heavy kitchen equipment, go with a lightweight one.

What kind of handle does the cat iron skillet have?

The handle of a cast-iron skillet largely determines how easy it is to use. Skillets that come with silicone covers or holders for the handles offer easy grip. Also, some cast iron skillets have handles that are ergonomically designed so they are easy to hold. Skillets with longer handles are also usually easier to use than those with shorter handles.