Best Cast Iron Skillets – 2020 Top Models Reviewed!

The sixth century BCE marked the origin of cast-iron creation in China and the manufacturing process remains unchanged since then. Cast iron has undergone a renaissance in its making for centuries. Molten-metal is poured into the sand mold, and after cooling the pan is allowed to appear in a single piece inclusive of handles.

The new era started and we got the unique modern-day cast-iron skillets. My mom gifted me one and honestly, I didn’t like it in the first instance until I used and experienced its benefits. They are non-stick and require minimal or no oil at all and this is a health bonus! Versatile enough to bake fluffy frittatas, sear steaks, seafood, and cakes.

These are affordable, chemical-free, add iron to your food, and absolutely easy to clean. Practically indestructible the cast-iron skillets are worth every penny you spend. The skillet transitions from grill to stovetop to oven with absolute convenience.

All are not created equal and on the basis of reviews of real customers and my personal experience, the list of best skillets is here. I am sure once you use them you won’t stop raving about them:

Our 3 Favorite Cast Iron Skillets | Featured Recommendations

★ Best Overall ★

Lodge Cast Iron 5-piece

Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron

  • Best Brand

  • Most Durable

  • Easy Grip Handles

★ Top Choice ★

Le Creuset of America

Cast Iron cookwear

  • High Quality

  • Lightest Weight

  • Dishwasher Safe

★ Best Value ★

Lodge L17SK3 17"

best cast iron skillet brand

  • Easy To Store

  • Classic Design

  • Perfect For Grill

Best Cast Iron Skillet: Reviewed in Detail

Stansport Cast Iron Set Pre Seasoned

Stansport Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 6-Piece pots and pans set gives cooking during outdoor trips or camping. This set possesses a powerful cast-iron construction that spreads heat evenly for a thorough cooking effect. Its heavy cast-iron lids retain the moisture content of food while cooking and keep it free from dust and insects, keeping your favorite food warm and fresh for a comparatively longer duration.

  • High quality cast iron evenly distributes heat even when used over an open fire, heavy cast iron lid keeps food moist while cooking

  • Includes: 10 inch Fry Pan, 6quart Chicken Fryer w/ Lid, 10 inch Dutch Oven, Dutch Oven Lid Lifter and Cast Iron Hot Handle Holder

  • A significant part of any outdoor kitchen can be used for cooking anything from roasts to cakes, biscuits, and bread

  • Retains the warmth of food than ordinary pots and pans

  • Effortless to clean surface

best pre seasoned cast iron skillet

I am a complete fan of cast iron products. On this thirty- third birthday of mine, I happened to pamper myself with this cast iron set for my kitchen decor. Though, I thought it was a costly deal, but I invested it without any second thought. I loved the easy clean and the way it aides cooking by dissipating the heat evenly.

This set comes pre-seasoned but still, did I pamper my cast iron with its true method of seasoning. I make it a point that I make use of them regularly, clean them and season them. They are a great purchase and I must say I am highly satiated with my birthday purchase.

This cast iron cookware is a great addition to my kitchen. These pans have and will continue to hold up and last forever! Well worth the price. This is just what I wanted. I would definitely recommend this cast iron pot to anybody.

Buy On Amazon

Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan with Press

The Tramontina enameled cast-iron grill pan with the press is engineered of heavy-gauge cast-iron that distributes and retains heat so your foods are evenly grilled, pan-fried, seared, and browned for incredible taste. The entire durable enameled finish is PFOA- and PTFE-free, long-lasting, and easy to clean by hand.

  • Enameled solid cast-iron renders better-quality and even heat retention while the vibrant gradated porcelain-enamel exterior provides up to date styling

  • PFOA- and PTFE-free porcelain enamel ribbed cooking surface is non-reactive and easy-to-clean, lifting foods from grease for healthier cooking

  • Matte black porcelain-enameled cooking surfaces are long-lasting and easy to clean

  • For added versatility, the press also fits 10 and 12-inch Tramontina cast-iron skillets and features a solid cast stainless steel knob

  • Sturdy handle and helper handle makes for secure lifting

  • Well-suited with all cooktops; oven-safe to 450 Degree F (232 ); hand-wash only

  • Measures 18-3/8 by 11-1/2 by 2-15/16 inches; lifetime warranty

best brand of cast iron skillet

I saw this Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan with Press at my friend’s place. From that day onwards, I was so eager to purchase it at the earliest. I thought it to be an excellent enameled cast ironware pan. Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan with Press has very attractive color brilliance. These are purely heavy in weight. Moreover, the handles do get hot, but you have to use protection when working with them.

The cast iron grill is extremely easy to clean without much strenuous effort. The finish of the vessel is so strong – I don’t think it will ever show sign of wearing away so soon. This is an awesome way to frill my favorite chicken breasts and fish fillets. It browns the food texture without any sticking and cooks with no time.

I am really overwhelmed with the quality and the finish this pan owns. The press is heavier than I thought it would be, but on the whole, it is a good sign. I make use of this press in other pans as well.

Keeping in mind the maintenance angle, I have washed it numerous times without issue and now I have turned out to be an utter fan of Tramontina cookware.

Buy On Amazon

 Lodge L17SK3 17-inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Since 1986, Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet has the capacity to hit the box chart with all outstanding reviews and resultsThe Lodge 17″ skillet has sturdy, integral loop handles that endow with long-term toughness which makes it the best-cast iron skillet.

It uses firmly controlled metal chemistry that is unsurpassed for even-heating and advanced cooking performance. The cooking device provides even heating distribution for well-cooked food all around. This skillet is perfect to be used as a serving plate – the durable cast iron effortlessly goes from oven-to-table for fast, proficient service.

Use it to saute, fry, stir-fry, sear, or bake. It’s right at home on gas, electric in your oven, on the grill, or even over the campfire. Unlike other types of cookware, Lodge makes the top Cast Iron skillets which only gets better with use. Make sure to re-season this skillet before using it. Though, all of Lodge’s pre-seasoned cookware is seasoned with soy-based vegetable oil.

  • Loop side handles for easy storage, handling

  • Great for large gatherings

  • Seasoned ready to use

enamel cast iron cookware reviews

It’s a big, black, cast-iron skillet by Lodge. If you possess a huge family size and wanna cook dainty meals for them, you should you’re probably put this skillet in your top wish list. No other skillet can be a better choice than buying this Lodge cast iron skillet.

This skillet just demands proper care and is best suited for camping and outdoor cooking freaks. I purchased this Lodge skillet, especially to cook pizza for my daughter. She is a pure glutton for pizzas and wants that to be super hot till the last bite.

This cast iron Lodge skillet retained heat for quite a while, once out of the oven, so that the delectable homemade pizza made for my daughter stayed warm until the last slice had been cherished by her. On top of it, cleaning this skillet was not at all a mess. Just wipe it out with a paper towel and give it a spray of cooking oil.

I believe after having this outstanding review, nobody can withstand oneself from buying the skillet. What the hell are you waiting for! This Lodge cast iron cookware can really beat any other product in the culinary market. It is worth the ticket price. Just invest once and it will go a long history for your grandkids.

I and my daughter really consider this Lodge skillet to be a strong investment. Overall, this skillet is a fabulous product. I use it almost daily. Though pizza’s on my daughter’s first choice; but be it chicken or anything else is cooked to its best.

Buy On Amazon

Outdoor Gourmet 5 Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set

The set features a 9″ griddle, 12″ skillet, lid lifter, and a grill pan, 5-qt. Dutch oven with lid, corn cooker, and Dutch oven rack for the right cookware to prepare yummy food at camp. The set features durable cast-iron construction and includes 3 carrying bags for trouble-free transportation.

  • 2 cast-iron skillets

  • Cast-iron Dutch broiler

  • Cast-iron frying pan

  • Cast-iron top

  • Cast-iron development gives strength

cast iron skillet reviews

A complete set of one of the best-cast iron cookware set for cooking at home as well as outdoor enjoyment and mouthwatering munching. It is worth buying keeping in mind the investment in hand. I really loved this set and am keen to gift the same to my sister on her coming marriage anniversary.

The set is really worth buying. Moreover, all five items in the set can be used in a versatile way. Spending on this would never be wastage of money. Rather once it is used by you, you will further recommend it to your fellow friends. I would like you to spend on it with blindfolded eyes.

Buy On Amazon

Lodge Elements SC90SET 8-Piece Cookware Set

The outstanding quality of this cookware set is that it is made of cast iron, which is known to be one of the best materials for cookware. The set includes a pre-seasoned skillet and a hot handle holder that is made from silicone. The lids are made out of tempered glass and the lid for the deep skillet can be used for the stockpot as well. The cookware set can be used with any cooktop from a gas cooktop to an induction cooktop.

  • Multi-layer clad bottom stainless steel

  • Seasoned ready to use a cast-iron skillet

  • Tempered glass lids

  • Includes 1.9-quart saucepan, 2.4-Quart saucepan, 8-Quart stockpot, 3.3-Quart deep skillet, and 10-1/4-inch cast iron skillet and silicone handle mitt

  • Cast iron skillet made in the USA

tramontina cast iron skillet reviews

This 9-Piece Lodge cookware set consists of two saucepans, a stockpot, two skillets, three lids and a “silicone hot handle holder.” This induction-ready cookware is easy to clean – rub with a little baking soda to keep them gleaming and stainless and gives it an exclusive look.

I am very delighted with how it performs so far because of which it may be called as the top rated cast iron skillet in its category. This iron skillet is superior than I imagined. The de facto that it is pre-seasoned is incredible and the top-rated stainless cookware is heavier. The pans and lids all snug well, and unlike many other sets, all of the pans are convenient.

The cookware is very long-lasting, and I like that the lid fits my other cast iron cookware. They heat up quickly and evenly. They cook and clean up impeccably. Great addition to my Loge cast Iron. The sizes are what I need. The look is superbly stylish and the design is very cooking-friendly.

I am very happy with the purchase. This cookware set has all the right things and tools to ensure that you get the best. I would highly propose this set and any Lodge cookware to anyone. It is a complete win.

Buy On Amazon

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round Braiser

The Le Creuset Signature collection combines traditional superior craftsmanship with ergonomic and functional innovations. Le Creuset enameled cast-iron cookware ensures all ingredients cook at an even temperature. With the high-quality porcelain-enamel coating, this braiser is impermeable to odors and stains for lifetime use.

Le Creuset is consistently chosen by leading chefs, restaurateurs and home connoisseurs for its cooking advantages, performance and style. Bright color choices are the legendary style at Le Creuset to enliven your world of serving and entertaining.

  • 45% larger handles that provide a sure grip, even with oven mitts

  • The superior heat distribution and retention of Le Creuset enameled cast iron

  • Advanced sand-colored interior enamel with even more resistance to wear

  • A larger composite knob that withstands temperatures up to 500F

  • Colorful, long-lasting exterior enamel that resists chipping and cracking

top rated cast iron skillet

My friend has been talking a lot about this cookware. I was tired of listening to many good things about it. Finally, I made up my mind of purchasing it. Though, I bought it for the sole reason of its brand name but felt it was a great treat for my own self. The size is perfect for me.

It serves as a skillet, sautés pan, brasier, or wok and goes from stovetop to oven. Moreover, a little baking soda does the job of cleaning. I use it very often! It’s the perfect everyday pan in my kitchen corner! Cooking is so much easier and better-tasting in Le Creuset cast iron. I cherish cooking in this pan.

It is suitable for many of the items that I cook. It is a completely awesome piece of kitchen equipment. It cleans very easily, even with hard stuck on food, and with a few minutes soaking it comes off easily. I am very satisfied and impressed with this cookware. I never knew this cookware can be so resourceful and could last a lifetime. This pot is an eternal buy and worth every single penny. The product is beyond my expectations and imagination.

Buy On Amazon

Lodge Cast Iron 5-piece Set

The Lodge Cast Iron 5-piece set comprises the most desired cast iron cookware pieces for your kitchen. Cast iron is a multi-functional cookware that works wonder with slow-cooking recipes and all of your much loved foods. This cookware uniformly distributes heat from the bottom through the sidewalls.

This entire 5-Piece Cookware Set is foundry-seasoned for a natural, easy release surface that actually perks up with each use. Perfectly cared for these pieces will last an era. They are all protected and safe for use on all cooking surfaces such as electric, gas and induction stovetops, oven, fire and the grill.

  • Set includes: 10.5-inch round griddle, 8-inch skillet, 10.25-inch skillet, 5-Qt. Dutch oven and 10.25-inch iron cover

  • Pre-Seasoned and ready-to-use

  • Superior heat retention and even cooking

  • Use on all cooking surfaces, grills, campfires, and oven safe

  • Made in the USA

enameled cast iron skillet reviews

This cast iron cook set is utterly awesome. This really is fabulously easy to maintain. I just mop with a towel after every use and smears slightly with crisco to restore the polish and they appear as if just bought from the market brand new!

I didn’t even have to wash or retreat, as they were non stick right out of the box. The set is highly functional and looks beautiful. Being a high quality cookware for a reasonable price, this set will last forever with a little maintenance.

It is the best-designed piece of cookware you will ever use. And I am of the conviction that this is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I do maximum cooking in my cast iron pots as often as I can! Great quality from Lodge, and hope they should last forever. Absolutely fantastic pans!

Buy On Amazon

Lodge L5HS3 5-Piece Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Cookware Set

The Lodge Logic 5-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set is five of our most admired pieces in one box! This multipurpose Lodge Logic 5-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set includes a 10.5-inch round griddle, an eight-inch skillet, a 10.25-inch skillet; a five-quart Dutch oven, and a 10.25-inch iron cover which conveniently fit both the skillet and the Dutch oven.

This entire 5-Piece Cookware Set is foundry-seasoned for a natural, easy let go surface that actually gets better with each use. Properly cared for these pieces will last a lifetime. They are all safe and sound for use on all cooking surfaces such as electric, gas, and induction stovetops, oven, fire, and the grill. This set is pre-seasoned and ready to use straight from the box. These pots must be washed by hand.

who makes the best cast iron skillet

  • 5-Piece Cookware Set Includes: 10.5″ round griddle, 8″ skillet, 10.25″ skillet, 5-quart Dutch oven, and 10.25″ cover

  • Foundry-seasoned and ready to use

  • Helper handle for stability

  • Sturdy integral ovenproof handles

  • Safe for cooking on all surfaces: electric, gas, and induction stovetops, oven, fire and grill

This set is very functional. This is the type of set; I was on the hunt for a long time. I bought this for camping but have used it for regular cooking and it works fantastically well. It just demands proper care and seasoning after each use. The set puts forward a variety of utility in my kitchen.

I have never thought that this product will really work a wonderful way. I have adhered to every direction very intently and wipe them with vegetable oil right after I wash and dry. Lodge recommends you not even use soap.  I can guarantee that it will last longer than you.

Buy On Amazon

Le Creuset of America Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Wide Dutch Oven

Plan a connoisseur meal with this le Creuset 3.5 Quart oval wide French oven that mixes colorful design with perfect functionality and flexibility. Made from enameled cast iron, it is formed in two sand models that are used when polished, enameled, and fired twice.

The lightest weight cast iron per quart, this oval wide French oven is crafted to enhance the cooking process by evenly distributing heat and locking in the most favorable amount of moisture. Le Creuset’s Dutch ovens blend the best of the past with the latest innovations in comfort and functionality.

A non-reactive, sand-colored core stands stiff the wear and tear of your busy space and creates a level cooking surface for virtually any recipe and on top of it comes with a lifetime assurance.

  • Enameled cast iron exterior resists chipping and cracking

  • Exceptional heat retention with no hot spots

  • Nonreactive enamel coating requires no seasoning

  • Included lids trap in heat and moisture for more thorough cooking and full-flavored meals

  • Dishwasher safe cookware; lifetime limited warranty

Cast Iron cookwear

I chose this product especially because of the color scheme. I was so much carried away by it that I thought spending on it would be the best deal. It is a superb, high-quality product, very well-crafted, and simple to use.

It comes in a reasonable price range that I guess anybody can think of pooling his money on it. The cast iron uniformly distributes the heat so that the food turns out perfectly.

This was the greatest purchase ever done by me from my own pocket expenses. It’s become one of the only brands that I would like to use in my kitchen. So durable and makes clean up so easy. I am of the belief that one should stop pondering over it and grab his product at the earliest.

Buy On Amazon

Outdoor Gourmet 7 Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set

The pre-seasoned all-cast-iron set is resilient and includes skillets, a Dutch oven, a lid and a griddle to have you cooking a range of scrumptious foods whether you’re at the campfire or at your own abode.

  • Cast-iron construction for durability

  • 3 carrying bags provide easy transportation

  • Lid lifter

  • Dutch oven rack

  • Corn cooker

cast iron cookware brands

A great set for home cooking as well as outdoors. If you are a glutton and fond of eating delectable cuisines, then Camfire grill is the best option in hand. I am highly satiated with this purchase. It possesses a superb quality and cooks yummy food with mouthwatering effect.

Earlier I was a bit perplexed whether I should go for it or not, but now I think it a perfect buy. Even all my party mates and colleagues are so impressed by it that they all have kept Camfire grill on the top list of their next purchase. Overall, I would recommend this to be a great product without any second thought in mind.

Buy On Amazon

Latest Related Products

Hard Anodized Cookware

Todd English Green Pan

High Quality Copper Cookware

Chantal Cookware

What To Consider When Shopping For The Cast Iron Skillet For Home?

Cast iron skillets come in varied sizes. The buyer has the option to purchase the skillet which is both new and used. Here the weight of the cast-iron skillet plays a significant role in the purchase of a satisfactory piece of cast iron skillet.

The good quality cast iron skillet should have handles that are usable and don’t burn the chef while handling the product, and for this, the cook is advised to put covers on his hands while working on a cast-iron skillet.

While purchasing the best-cast iron skillet, the customer is suggested to hunt for a skillet that has handles on both the sides. The double handles allow the cook to balance the pot easily on being heated. Moreover, the handles balance the skillet and it becomes comfortable for the cook in maneuvering it.

What is The Best-Rated Cast Iron Skillet?

Cast iron skillets contain a great variation in the price. The culinary industry is flooded with a range from much cheaper than a new set of more modern skillets to much more expensive costs per piece. Frankly speaking, a good and a fine piece of cast iron skillet does not require a huge investment, but before stepping into the market for its purchase; a customer should really do thorough market research on its price depending on their use of it.

Cast iron skillets are available in twofold preferences- bare and enamel-coated cast iron skillets. Bare cast iron skillets come without any covering to make them inherently non-stick, but they have to be “seasoned” and then used to develop a patina in order to become truly non-stick.

On top of it, bare cast iron items come with much a lower price tag than enameled products. On the other hand, enamel-coated cast iron skillets are non-stick and “non-reactive”.

Though these items don’t need to be seasoned but do require regular maintenance and care to keep the finish intact. Otherwise, the enamel coating wears off, and the skillets can become unusable over the passage of time.

Cast iron pans bar to last for a high expectation of lasting for a lifetime. Make sure the coating of the good cast iron wok should be thick enough to withstand heat transferred through the iron. Every single thing pertaining to the skillet should be even, and no part of it should bear a different thickness level, as it leads to unreliable heating and makes cooking in them really burdensome.

outdoor gourmet cast iron

Additionally, the cook needs to pay heed as to what kind of tools should be incorporated on enamel coated cast iron skillet. Sharp metals could take off some of the finish and leave a chef with a pot or pan that is blessed with so many spots that will be a restriction in the aid of heating.

Thus, choosing the best-cast iron skillet brand from the market of the food industry is not at all cumbersome. One can even spend on an enameled cast-iron skillet or on a non-enameled cast iron skillet. However, the only pondering point is the post usage or in other words, the cleaning process involved in the cast iron skillet.

  1. Cleaning the skillet immediately after its use, while it is still hot or warm is the best way to sustain for its longevity. The best advice is not to soak the skillet or place it in the sink for rusting.
  2. The skillet needs to be washed by hand using hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool, as these may act harshly on it by stripping off the pan’s seasoning.
  3. Stubborn foodstuff can be removed by scrubbing off the skillet with a paste of coarse kosher salt and water. Even the most obstinate food residue may also be loosened by boiling water in it.
  1. The skillet needs to be thoroughly towel-dried or one should experiment with one’s hands in drying the skillet over low heat on a stovetop.
  2. Apply a light coat of vegetable oil by using a cloth or a paper towel to the inside of the skillet. Some people even prefer to oil it from the outside.
  3. The last and the most significant tip to restore the skillet for its sustenance is to store it in a dry place.

Benefits of Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware is conferred with the title of the “king” of cooking products. Cast iron cookware is the longest-lived item in any kitchen. Cast iron skillets and other similar products can last for more than a century with appropriate care and storage techniques.

The best part is that many cast pots and pans can be put directly on the table as a serving dish. There are innumerable cookware products to spend your money upon, but cast iron cookware tops them all with its many ecological features and food preparation benefits.

Bestselling Cast iron skillet is considered to be the original non-stick pan sans any chemical hazards. It possesses the benefit of cleaning it with less human efforts, no soap, and just applying stiff brush and hot water. Cast iron skillet is a great alternative to non-stick cooking surfaces.

Cast iron skillet can be pre-heated to temperatures that will brown meat and will withstand oven temperatures well above what is considered safe for non-stick pans. You can cook almost any food in a good quality cast iron skillet to accomplish your pangs of hunger as well as your glutton cravings.

what is the best cast iron skillet

In a nutshell, you just need to pay heed to a few important things in mind while working with a cast-iron skillet, so as to maintain a healthy relationship without any single cribbing.

  • Never use cast iron in the microwave.

  • Season your cast iron skillet properly and still if your food sticks, you need to re-season it for better results.

  • Never use damaged, cracked, or rusted cast iron.

  • It’s important to heat your pans slowly before adding your food as cast iron conducts heat very well, thus needing less energy to cook thoroughly.

  • Never put cold liquids or large amounts of very cold food in the skillet as this could lead to the cracking of the cast iron.

  • Cast iron skillets get hot very easily. It is strongly advisable to keep hot pans handy while working on it.

Final Thoughts

Cast iron is long-lasting and exceptionally resilient. So if you ever happen to find an old piece of cast iron skillet free of cracks or chips at a garage sale or secondhand store, don’t give a second thought, but grab it immediately! Poorly taken care of cast iron can still be refurbished and will last you a lifetime. Moreover, it is just a single time investment.

The sole purchase of the cast iron skillet can do versatile tasks. It can take up the place of a casserole pan, searing pan, cornbread pan, and griddle, and one Dutch oven takes the place of a large bread pan, soup and stockpot, and deep fryer, and thus, you can ponder to appreciate after realizing its actual worth.

This single-time purchase of cast iron skillet done at your end can bear the mark of historical significance for the coming generation of yours if kept with proper and desired care.

Every time you extend your hands in making use of cast iron skillet, you are actually seasoning it again by filling in the microscopic pores and valleys that are part of the cast-iron surface. The more you cook, the smoother the surface becomes!

The benefits of cast iron skillets are terrific as witnessed above. It’s time that multitude should realize the culinary wonder that a cast iron pan can impart! Even if the pan is rusty or encrusted with grease, buy it anyways. Don’t worry!

16 inch cast iron skillet

The ways to get that new or old one into shape with appropriate seasoning is already discussed, so enjoy it for a lifetime of fat-free cooking. You’ll surely be able to pass the skillet on to your own children and grandchildren, as an indelible mark of any other important piece of family possession and tradition.

In the present scenario, an outsized selection of cookware can be procured from kitchen suppliers, of which cast iron vessels encompass only a minimal fraction of it. However, keeping in hand the advantages, the durability and dependability of cast iron as a cooking tool have ensured its survival.

Thus, the culinary market still witnesses’ cast iron cookware. Looking into its advantages, it is highly recommended by most cooks and chefs as an indispensable component of any kitchen decor.

Best Cast iron cookware has a higher tendency to withstand and maintain very high cooking temperatures and acts as a common choice to fry food items. It’s one of the most commonly used kitchen tools. It’s the perfect vessel to cook up a great pork chop, crisp up some chicken chunks, or even bake lip-smacking chocolate brownies.

Cast iron cookware is as tough as nails and doesn’t ruin easily. Moreover, if it is seasoned then you can even store them directly placing in each other. In a properly seasoned cast iron pan, one that has been rubbed with oil and heated repeatedly, the oil has already broken down into a plastic-like substance that has bonded to the surface of the metal.

This is what gives well-seasoned cast iron its non-stick cookware properties, and as the material is no longer actually an oil, the surfactants in dish soap do not affect it. One should go ahead, soap it up and scrub it out at your convenience. Seasoning is a process by which a layer of animal fat or vegetable oil is applied and cooked onto cast iron or carbon steel cookware.

New cookware should be vigorously washed in hot water with a strong detergent to remove any casting oils from the cookware’s surface. The seasoning layer protects the cookware from rusting, provides a non-stick surface for cooking, and prevents food from interacting with the iron of the pan. However, recurrent use of acidic foods like tomato sauce will remove the seasoning and the cookware requires frequent re-seasoning.

The cleaning strategy for the best-cast iron cookware is a bit unique. Some die-hard fans of cast iron utensils never clean them at all. They simply wipe them out after use, or at the maximum wash them with lukewarm water and a stiff brush.

top rated cast iron skillet

A few others, advice washing with mild soap and water, and then re-apply a thin layer of fat or oil. Finally, the easiest way of cleaning is to scrub with kosher salt and a paper towel or clean rag. A seasoned cast-iron skillet is utterly smooth, shiny, and non-stick. One would easily come to know that the time has come to re-season if food sticks to the surface or if the skillet appears dull or rusted.

On top of it, cooking with cast iron helps in-takers to get more iron in their diet in order to build red blood cells in more numbers. Even it is the wise recommendation of a doctor that patients suffering from anemia should cook their food with cast iron.

Nothing sustains forever in this world. But if one takes excessive and consistent care then as per the thumb rule the product can last longer. There are certain rules, one needs to be cognizant of a successful lifelong relationship with your cast iron.

  • To season your pan, heat it up on the stovetop until it’s smoking hot, rub a little oil into it and let it cool. Repeat this process, a couple of times and you’re all set to go.

  • Cleaning up of the good cast iron skillet thoroughly after each use by washing it with soap and water and scrubbing out any debris from the bottom is highly recommended. I use the scrubby side of a sponge for this.

  • Rinsing out of excess soap with water, then place the skillet over a burner set to high heat. When most of the water inside the skillet has dried out, add a half teaspoon of vegetable, canola, or flaxseed oil. Rub it around with a paper towel. Continue heating the pan until it starts smoking. Let the cast iron skillet cool down and thus, ready for use.

  • Just utilize your skillet to the maximum! The more you fry, sear, or bake in a cast-iron skillet; the better would be the seasoning of it.

  • Water, the source of life, is the natural enemy of iron.  Even a single drop of water resting in the cast iron skillet would lead to rust. It is strongly advised to dry out the skillet with a paper towel and coat it with a tiny amount of oil before it is replaced for storage.