The right cast iron skillets can change up your cooking game altogether. The ultimate workhorses in the kitchen, they are a staple in busy restaurants. Whether you are a professional chef or just someone who likes to dabble in the kitchen, the incredible heat retention and searing ability of these pans will be appreciated by all.
That perfect sear on steaks, chicken, or veggies, is only achievable with a cast iron skillet. Plus, they can be transferred from the stovetop to the oven, making them extremely versatile. Our comprehensive guide will help you choose the best heavy skillet for kitchen use.
Why Cast-Iron Skillets Rule Professional Kitchens
There are good reasons why top professional chefs always prefer cast iron. For one, these pans distribute heat evenly over their surface. This even heating saves food from getting burned on some areas while remaining uncooked on others.
Cast iron also retains heat like nobody’s business. Once it’s hot, your pan will remain hot when you add the cold food. That’s key to restaurant-quality sears at home.
The value of durability should not be discounted as well. A well cared for cast-iron skillet will last generations. Seasoned pans are often treated as heirlooms and passed down through the generations in many families.
Heat Retention Magic
The trick is cast iron’s thermal mass — heavy skillets that take in a lot of heat energy. Because when you put a cold steak on it, the pan holds its heat more effectively than multiple thin ones.
This continuing stability of warmth generates the Maillard reaction well. The result is that glorious golden-brown crust with amazing flavor development.
Important Details to Consider in a Good Cast Iron Skillet
When it comes to finding the best cast iron skillet, there are a few things that distinguish a great pan from a mediocre one. Knowing these features will help you to make a more informed choice.
Surface Quality and Seasoning
High-quality cast iron skillets feature smooth and well-seasoned surfaces. It’s seasoned to be a natural, easy-release finish that actually improves with use. Hunt down pans with a smooth, even and dark seasoning and no rust spots or rough patches.
Some producers pre-season their pans numerous times. This little extra work gives you a leg up on creating that desirable non-stick surface.
Handle Design and Comfort
A good handle just makes all the difference in the world when you’re cooking. Find handles that fit securely in your hands even when you’re wearing oven mitts. Larger versions of some skillets also have a “helper” handle to help you carry the pan with two hands.
Don’t forget, cast-iron handles can get oven-hot during cooking. Be sure to use proper protection when dealing with these oven-safe pans.
Best Cast Iron Skillet Size for Your Cooking Task
The best size will depend on your usual cooking needs. Various sizes are better for different applications and different headcounts.
| Skillet Size | Best Uses | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 inches | One person portions, eggs, small steaks | 1-2 people |
| 10-12 inches | Most versatile, family meals, searing | 2-4 people |
| 14+ inches | Large batches, entertaining, whole chickens | 4+ people |
Small Skillets (6-8 inches)
These small pans are great for single servings of something. They heat fast, and they’re great for frying eggs, small steaks, or side dishes. They’re lightweight and easily managed for fast-cooking jobs.
Medium Skillets (10-12 inches)
This size bracket represents the best compromise for most home cooks. A 10-inch cast iron skillet is heavy-duty enough to cook most meals, but still light enough to maneuver around most stovetops. These pans sit in that perfect middle ground between cooking capacity and handle-ability.
Large Skillets (14+ inches)
Big families, or anyone who loves to entertain, will benefit from some of the larger cast iron skillets. These large skillets can handle whole chickens, big bunches of vegetables or multiple steaks at once.
Best Brands of Cast Iron Skillet to Buy
A few quality manufacturers are known for making the best durable cookware available today. Each brand has their pros and cons.
Lodge Manufacturing
Lodge has been making cast iron in America since 1896. Their skillets are already pre-seasoned and you can start cooking from the minute you take it out of the box. The fact that it is reliable for performance and being at this price it is value for money.
Their manufacturing process is more or less the same, except it’s a little bit rougher, and it smooths out over time. This traditional method of cast iron making is something people like.
Le Creuset
This French company makes luxury out of cast iron cooking. Their enameled cast iron skillets are also maintenance free in terms of seasoning. But there are trade-offs with a much higher cost.
The enamel finish provides great non-stick properties, and a variety of colors will make for a very attractive looking pot. Not to mention, they’re perfect for cooking and serving as well.
Finex
Finex is solidly linked to a modern product aesthetic and style within the world of traditional cast iron cookware. Their pans are octagonal and have a special coil spring handle. The business specializes in high precision, quality components and finishes.
Some of these high-end pans are costly but provide outstanding quality of performance and style.
How to Season Your New Pan for Long-Term Use
Seasoning is what creates the protective layer that makes cast iron naturally non-stick. This is the process of applying a thin coat of oil, which can be heated to a temperature at which it polymerizes into a hard protective layer.
Initial Seasoning Process
Begin with a clean, dry pan! Rub a film of high-smoke-point oil — vegetable, flaxseed — over the surface. Rub off any excess oil until the pan looks almost dry.
Place the oiled skillet in a 450 degree oven for an hour. Let it air cool completely and repeat 2-3 more times.
Maintaining Your Seasoning
In fact, cooking enhances the seasoning of your skillet over time. Cooking adds to this natural protective layer with fats and oils. Don’t cook very acidic foods in a newly seasoned pan.
Clean your skillet while it’s still warm with hot water and a stiff brush. Remove, dry well and coat the pan lightly with oil while still warm.
The Best Way to Sear Perfectly in a Cast Iron Skillet
When you know the right technique, restaurant-quality sears come easily at home. There’s no better pan than a cast iron skillet for this as they retain heat much more effectively.
Preheating is Critical
Do not ever put food in a heavy skillet without preheating it first. This should take about 5-10 minutes over medium-high temperature. You’ll know when it is ready when a drop of water skitters and evaporates immediately upon contact.
The correct oiling and preheating is crucial for both the even cooking and for preventing the food from sticking to the surface.
Oil Application Method
Pour oil into pan when it is very hot and ready to add protein. This is helpful as it ensures that the oil doesn’t get hot enough to break down and produce lots of smoke. Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado or grapeseed oil.
Swirl and tilt the oil so it covers the cooking surface all over.
The Searing Process
Drop your protein into the hot, oiled skillet and don’t touch it immediately. Let it sear in peace for a couple of minutes, until it leaves the pan of its own accord.
This patience is what produces that gorgeous, golden crust that makes searing food so appealing.
Versatility Beyond the Stovetop
One of the best things about cast iron skillets is that they can go from the stove to the oven. These all-purpose pans are oven safe up to 500°F or higher, depending on the handle type.
Oven-to-Table Cooking
Get your dish going on the stovetop to sear, and then pop the whole pan in the oven to finish. This method is great for thick steaks, bone-in chicken or vegetables you want to roast.
The heat is evenly circulated to cook your food thoroughly. For more versatile cooking options and quality kitchenware, you can explore the extensive collection at DTDF Home and Kitchen.
Baking Applications
Cast-iron frying pans are good baking pans. Cornbread, frittatas and also desserts — like skillet cookies — come out great in these pans.
And the heat that’s retained sears and crisps the edges, while leaving the middles tender and moist.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Care for your cast iron skillets and they can last for decades. When cared for properly, these sturdy pots and pans get better with time.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Clean your skillet right after you cook, while it’s still warm. For removing food particles use hot water and a stiff brush, or scraper. Despite what you may have heard: Mild soap isn’t going to damage your well-seasoned cast iron.
Pat dry with a towel and put the skillet on the stove over low heat to drive out any moisture that’s left.
Long-term Storage
Store your clean, dry skillets in a dry place, with good air circulation. If stacking more than one pan, keep a paper towel in between to avoid scratches.
And some of you out there like to rub a little bit of oil before storing it to preserve the seasoning layer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Which is not to say that seasoned cooks don’t sometimes commit mistakes that can harm cast iron skillets or decrease their performance. Avoid these mistakes to keep your cookware in top quality.
Soaking in Water
Don’t ever soak cast iron skillets in water. Long term exposure to moisture can result in rust buildup and deterioration of the seasoning as well as the base metal.
Choose to clean and dry your pans right away instead.
Using Metal Utensils Aggressively
Cast iron can stand up to metal utensils to a certain extent, but harsh scraping can mar the seasoning. When you can help it, use wood utensils or silicone ones, especially on a newly seasoned surface.
Cooking Acidic Foods Too Often
Cast iron: Tomatoes, wine and citrus will remove seasoning from a cast iron surface. Avoid acidic foods for the first six months. Use your pan regularly to develop your seasoning, preferring recipes with a minimum cooking time.
Budget Considerations and Value Analysis
Cast Iron Skillets appear to be the Best Value In the Long Run. Premium cast iron skillets aren’t necessarily the cheapest. When it comes to price ranges, knowing the prices helps you make the right decision for you.
Entry-Level Options ($20-50)
Cast iron skillets from affordable brands, like Lodge, are super affordable and perform well. These pans require a bit of a process to get them seasoned but once seasoned are fine.
Mid-Range Choices ($50-150)
In this price range, you can find fine American-made choices as well as specialty selections. Many of these skillets have better pre-seasoning and smoother finish than most of the competition.
Premium Investment ($150+)
Premium cast iron skillets are worth the price of admission for superior craftsmanship, original designs, and top-tier performance. Finex and Le Creuset fall into this group of brands.
FAQs
Q: How long does a cast iron skillet last?
A: Cast iron skillets, with proper care, can last for generations. Some families pass down pans that are 30 years old, still in use because they became the family’s favorite soon after purchase.
Q: Can I wash my cast iron pan with soap?
A: Yes, current dish soap is safe for use with a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. The secret is to get it bone dry, and lightly oiled when you clean them, to keep the seasoning intact.
Q: What is the best oil to season cast iron?
A: Vegetable oil, canola oil and flaxseed oil are all good choices for seasoning. Go with oils that have high smoke points and polymerize well when heated up.
Q: Why does food stick to my cast iron pan?
A: Sticking can come from not preheating enough, not seasoning enough, or having the wrong type of oil. Preheat well and keep up seasoning regularly.
Q: Are cast iron skillets induction safe?
A: Yes, cast iron is great for induction cooktops because it’s magnetic. Its even heat makes it suitable for induction cooking.
Q: What’s the best way to restore a rusty cast iron skillet?
A: Combat rust with steel wool or scrubbing with coarse salt. Clean well, allow to dry completely and re-season the entire surface as per proper seasoning instructions.
Q: Can I wash my cast iron skillet in the dishwasher?
A: No, seasonings can be stripped off by dishwashers and they can promote rust. Always wash your cast iron skillets by hand with hot water and be sure to thoroughly dry.
Your Road to Perfect Cast Iron Cooking
If there’s anything that any home cook should invest in, it’s a cast iron skillet. These multipurpose pans offer even heat distribution unsurpassed in any line of cookware. Whether it’s achieving perfect sears or baking great cornbread, the right heavy skillet can be a game-changer in the kitchen.
The secret to success with these pans is getting good, quality cookware that will suit your individual needs and taking care of it properly. Whether you choose an inexpensive Lodge skillet or spring for the best of the best, taking care of it is going to help you get delicious results for years and years to come.
Just keep in mind, the more you practice your cast iron cooking, the better you get. It is best to begin with simple recipes and work your way up as you get comfortable with them. You’ll probably also soon find out why gourmet chefs who are used to the best won’t settle for anything less than cast iron, and why even the most timid or novice cook seems to perform inexplicably better with cast iron.
For additional tips on cast iron care and cooking techniques, you can refer to resources like Serious Eats’ comprehensive cast iron guide, which provides expert insights on maintaining and cooking with these versatile pans.
Get ready to sear to perfection with the cast iron skillet that is by your side.
