10 Best Cast Iron Skillets 2025 in the United States

The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set is an excellent choice for anyone from beginners to experienced cooks looking to enhance their kitchen experience. This set comes with three skillets of varying sizes (8-inch, 10.25-inch, and 12-inch), making it versatile for a variety of dishes, whether sautéing, frying, or baking. One of its standout features is the pre-seasoning with 100% natural vegetable oil, which promotes a natural non-stick surface and helps protect against rust. Many users appreciate that the seasoning improves with use, making the skillets better over time.

The cast iron construction provides exceptional heat retention, allowing for even cooking across the cooking surface. However, it does take a while to heat up initially, requiring users to be patient. The skillets are also heavy, with a total weight of 17.35 pounds. While this contributes to their durability, it might be cumbersome for some people to handle, especially when shifting or cleaning them.

One thing to note is that the skillets are not dishwasher safe; they require hand washing, which may be a drawback for those who prefer low-maintenance cookware. Additionally, the handle design may not be ideal for everyone as it can get hot during cooking, so using mitts is essential. Despite some minor drawbacks, the Lodge skillet set is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to explore cooking with cast iron. The family-owned company's long-standing reputation also adds a reassuring touch for buyers looking for quality cookware.

The Cuisinel Cast Iron 23-Pc Cookware Set is a comprehensive collection that covers almost all cooking needs with various skillets, pans, lids, and accessories. It includes an 8" skillet, 10" braiser, 12" skillet, grill pan, griddle, Dutch oven, and more. Sizes range from smaller skillets ideal for single servings to larger pans suited for family meals. While the set is quite heavy at about 84 pounds total, this is expected for cast iron and ensures excellent heat retention and even cooking.

Each piece comes pre-seasoned, which means a natural non-stick surface is ready for use, though proper care like hand washing and occasional oiling is needed to maintain it. Silicone handle covers improve grip and safety, but they can still get hot, so oven mitts are recommended. The cookware features smooth, precision surfaces that distribute heat evenly, making it good for frying, searing, grilling, or sautéing.

A nice touch is the inclusion of glass lids for some pieces, adding convenience for simmering and checking food without lifting the lid. However, the set does not have pour spouts, which could be a slight inconvenience when transferring liquids. Also, the pieces are not dishwasher safe, so cleaning requires some effort and care to prevent rust. This set is well suited for home cooks looking for an all-in-one cast iron solution that can handle a wide variety of cooking styles. Its weight and size variety make it versatile, but it may feel bulky for those who prefer lighter or smaller cookware. It provides good durability, heat performance, and a broad range of tools for anyone wanting to enjoy traditional cast iron cooking.

The Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a versatile and durable cooking tool. Its size is perfect for everyday use, whether you're frying eggs or roasting vegetables. Weighing in at a little over 5 pounds, it strikes a good balance between heft and manageability, giving you stability while cooking. One of its main strengths is the pre-seasoning, which means it’s ready to use right out of the box, offering a natural non-stick surface that improves with each use.

This skillet can be used on various heat sources, including the oven, stovetop, grill, or even over a campfire, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and home cooks alike. The unique teardrop handle design allows for a comfortable grip, while the pour spouts on either side make draining liquids easy.

However, a few considerations come with owning a cast iron skillet. For one, it requires hand washing and proper seasoning maintenance to keep it in good condition. Some users may also find that it takes longer to heat up compared to non-stick pans, though it excels in heat retention once warmed. Additionally, a few initial users have noted that some spots that appear rust-like are merely oil that hasn’t fully carbonized, which can be concerning for first-time users but is easily resolved with regular care.