10 Best Cast Iron Frying Pans 2026 in the United States

The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set includes three skillets sized 8, 10.25, and 12 inches, making it versatile for many cooking tasks from small meals to larger family dishes. These pans are quite heavy — the whole set weighs around 17 pounds — which is typical for cast iron and helps with excellent heat retention and even cooking. The handles are sturdy but can get hot during use, so using a mitt is necessary. Each skillet comes pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, providing a reliable non-stick surface right out of the box that improves with continued use, avoiding synthetic chemicals. The cooking surface is durable and perfect for searing, frying, baking, and more.

These pans are compatible with all heat sources, including gas, electric, induction stovetops, ovens, grills, and even campfires, adding great flexibility. Cast iron requires maintenance to prevent rust—if rust appears, it can be cleaned and re-seasoned easily. Made in the USA by a long-established family business, these skillets offer solid craftsmanship and longevity.

This set is ideal for anyone looking for dependable, chemical-free cast iron cookware that can handle a broad range of cooking styles and heat sources, though beginners should be prepared for the weight and seasoning upkeep.

The Lodge 15 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile, durable pan. Its large 15-inch size provides plenty of cooking space, suitable for family meals or batch cooking. Weighing over 12 pounds, it’s heavy, which means excellent heat retention and even cooking, though it may feel bulky or tiring to handle for some. The cast iron handle is sturdy and designed in a teardrop shape, offering a secure grip, but it gets hot during cooking, so using a mitt is necessary.

This skillet comes pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, giving it an initial non-stick surface that improves with regular use, making food release easier over time without synthetic coatings. It is compatible with all heat sources including gas, electric, induction stovetops, ovens, grills, and even campfires, making it very versatile. Note that it is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing and occasional re-seasoning to maintain its surface and prevent rust. Some users might find the initial seasoning a bit uneven, but this generally smooths out quickly with use.

The skillet is free from harmful chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, which is great for health-conscious cooks. Made in the USA by a long-standing family business, this pan is built to last and can become a kitchen staple for years. If you’re looking for a reliable, traditional cast iron pan that works well across many cooking methods and improves with time, this Lodge skillet is worth considering—just be ready to handle its weight and maintenance needs.

The Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a sturdy and reliable option for anyone looking for versatile cookware. Weighing about 7.5 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, which is typical for cast iron but might feel bulky for some users. Its 12-inch size offers plenty of cooking space, great for family meals or multiple servings. The handle design is thoughtful, featuring an ergonomic assist handle plus a red silicone hot handle holder for a safer, more comfortable grip while cooking or moving the pan.

This skillet comes pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, providing a non-stick surface right out of the box without any synthetic coatings, and the seasoning improves with use, making cooking and cleanup easier over time. It works well on various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, grills, and even campfires, thanks to cast iron’s excellent heat retention and distribution. However, it’s not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing, which is important to keep in mind for care.

The skillet is made in the USA by a family-owned company with a long heritage, ensuring solid quality and durability. For those wanting a pan that can handle searing, sautéing, baking, frying, and more with lasting performance, this Lodge skillet is a strong choice, especially if you appreciate cookware made without harmful chemicals.