Best Cast Iron Skillet Reviews 2021

Cast iron skillets are generally pricier than ordinary frying pans or cookware. We all appreciate the fact that there are a lot of factors that affect the price of a commodity. These factors include: the quality of the material used to manufacture it, the size, number in a set, design and features, as well as the brand that manufactured it. A skillet made by a well-known and established brand will most definitely be costlier than those made by no-name brands. Those that have been featured on celebrity TV shows or endorsed by celebrity chefs are also at the higher end of the price range.

That said, a good cast iron skillet can be bought for as low as $29 and as high as $250, depending on whether it’s a single piece or a set, and the number of items in the set. However, there are cheap cast iron skillets in the market and also costlier ones, so this price range is not absolute. We assure you that the products in the price range we have stated will give you good value for your money. As always, we advise you against making any choice based solely on the cost of a product; remember that you get what you pay for.

Cast iron skillets are some of the most durable cookware of all time. They can be used for a large variety of cooking tasks. A good cast iron skillet gives you a whole new and exciting experience in your cooking, but you need to have one with the right features to enjoy this experience.

There are many features that a good cast iron skillet must have, and we have listed some of them below so that you can look out for them as you shop. Here they are…

• Design/Style – Most cast iron pans are basically round, but some may have other features in their design, like a pouring spout.
• Capacity – This refers to the quantity of food it can be used to prepare.
• Material – The material the skillet is made of determines the durability, lack of chemical substances and its ability to be nonstick.
• Size – Cast iron skillets come in graduated sizes so you would do well to select the right size for your culinary needs, especially if you are buying just one pan.
• Carry and Storage Option – Some skillets come with carry bags or containers, which makes it easy to store or move about.
• Heat Retention and Distribution – It is essential that you get a skillet that not only distributes heat well, but also retains it for long.
• Types of Handles and Knobs – This would affect the maneuverability of the pan.
• Versatility and Multifunction – You should be able to use it to cook different types of food.
• Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance – Consider how easy it will be for you to clean and maintain your skillet.

We will now go on to explore in greater detail the benefits of these features; please read on…

Cast iron skillets, as the name clearly shows, are made of cast iron, which is a material that can last a lifetime; this makes it an all-time favorite with both home cooks and veteran chefs. When shopping for a cast iron skillet, ensure that your product of choice is actually made of cast iron and not a mix of materials. When you get a cast iron skillet that’s made of top-quality materials, you are assured of a chemical-free utensil that won’t rust (given the proper care and maintenance) and also can last even to the next generation.

Some cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned from the factory. This means that you can use them straight from the box, while others may require that you season them. This process is not rocket science, neither does it require salt and pepper (lol). All you need to do is apply cooking oil to the pan, wipe it thoroughly, and allow it to heat for one hour in the oven, then leave to cool. You do this for a skillet that’s not pre-seasoned, but you can also do it when you notice that your skillet has started to stick.

A good skillet should have a handle or handles that makes it easy to maneuver; you don’t want a handle that will burn your fingers or cause you to drop your pan. Look out for a handle that’s heat resistant or, better still, double handles which make it easier for you to carry the pan without placing your hands on hot metal.

Brand new cast iron skillets will often come in a set of graduated sizes, but we know that most home cooks will want to just pick one or two from the set. We noted that the most convenient sizes for home use are the 8’’, 10’’ and 12’’ – anything outside this might either be too small or too big. But, if you are starting out as a professional chef, of course we advise that you get a whole set! You never can say when a particular size will come in handy.

How to Properly Clean & Re-season Cast Iron After Cooking

How to Clean and Season Cast Iron Pan Using Cast Iron Conditioner. | Courtesy of Cooking With Cast Iron

A good cast iron skillet should be able to distribute heat evenly and retain it for a long time. You may be wondering how on earth you would be able to know whether the product you are thinking of buying will do this effectively; don’t sweat. One way of ascertaining this is by reading reviews by verified buyers who have used the product you are thinking of purchasing.

Another feature that you should look out for is a skillet that’s versatile and can be used for multiple functions, both indoors and outdoors. This means that you can throw it into your camping gear and use it to boil water over an open fire, cook the fish you caught in the stream, and also bake some flat bread! To facilitate this feature, some skillets come with carry bags or boxes that make it easy for transportation. And, even if you don’t plan to go camping with yours, the carry bag or box makes for ease of storage.

Although cast iron skillets are not dishwasher compliant, they are not difficult to wash, all that’s required is a little dishwashing soap and a scouring sponge. Again, look to reviews to confirm this, but we promise that our featured products are easy to clean and maintain.