10 Best cast iron pan sets 2025 in the United States

The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set is an excellent choice for beginners, home cooks, and professional chefs alike. The set includes three skillets in varying sizes: 8 inches, 10.25 inches, and 12 inches, offering versatility for different cooking needs. All pans come pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, which means they are ready to use right out of the box and will only improve with use. This natural seasoning provides a non-stick surface and helps to prevent rust.

Be aware that occasional spots may appear as what looks like rust, but these can be easily remedied with proper care. The skillets are a bit heavy, with a total weight of 17.35 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users to handle frequently. The cast iron material ensures excellent heat retention and even cooking, although it does take a bit longer to heat up initially. These pans are compatible with gas stoves and can be used for frying, sautéing, baking, and even oven cooking.

Maintenance requires hand washing and occasional re-seasoning to keep the non-stick surface intact. The Lodge family has been producing high-quality cast iron cookware in the USA since 1896, ensuring a reliable and durable product. Though not dishwasher safe, the robust construction and multi-use capabilities make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Just remember, with great cookware comes the need for good care.

The Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile, durable pan that suits many cooking styles. It comes pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, offering a non-stick surface without synthetic chemicals, which improves with regular use. The size is practical for most everyday cooking tasks, from frying to baking, and it holds heat well for even cooking on stovetops, ovens, grills, and campfires.

Despite its reputation for heaviness, this skillet feels manageable thanks to the ergonomic assist handle and a red silicone hot handle holder, which improves grip and safety when handling hot pans. Made in the USA by a trusted family-owned brand, it assures quality and longevity. However, the pan is quite heavy compared to other cookware, which might be challenging for some users, and it requires careful hand washing as it is not dishwasher safe.

Also, since it's a single pan, those looking for multiple sizes or a full set will need to buy additional pieces separately. While it works with induction and smooth surfaces, the weight and maintenance demands mean it’s best suited for users comfortable with traditional cast iron care. This skillet combines classic cast iron durability and performance with thoughtful features that make it approachable for everyday cooking.

The Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet 3 Piece Set offers a good variety of pan sizes (6, 8, and 10 inches), covering many common cooking needs from frying small items to preparing larger meals. These pans come pre-seasoned, meaning you can start cooking right away without spending extra time seasoning them yourself. This also helps with non-stick performance, although it won't match modern non-stick coatings. Weighing about 9 pounds total, the set is on the heavier side, which is typical for cast iron, giving excellent heat retention and even cooking but requiring some effort to handle.

The pans feature cast iron handles designed for a secure grip, even when wearing oven mitts, which is helpful for safety. Their bright red color adds a touch of style compared to plain black cast iron. They are compatible with a wide range of heat sources including gas, electric, induction stovetops, ovens, grills, and even campfires, making them very versatile for indoor and outdoor cooking.

Maintenance requires some care: these pans should be hand washed (not dishwasher safe) and lightly oiled after each wash to maintain the seasoning and prevent rusting. This routine might be a little inconvenient for those who prefer low-maintenance cookware. This set is a solid choice for anyone wanting reliable, versatile cast iron skillets with sizes suitable for everyday cooking. It’s especially good for users who appreciate the durability and heat performance of cast iron and don’t mind the extra care needed to keep them in good condition.