Cast Iron Cookware is a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. This type of cookware is known for its durability, versatility, and ability to evenly distribute heat. Cast iron cookware is made by pouring molten iron into a mold, resulting in a thick and heavy material that can handle high temperatures and retain heat for a long time.
When it comes to purchasing cast iron cookware, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, the size and weight of the cookware should match your needs and preferences. Cast iron cookware can be quite heavy, so it’s important to make sure you can comfortably lift and maneuver it. Additionally, the type of coating on the cookware is important to consider. Some cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned, which means it has been coated with oil and baked to create a non-stick surface. Other cookware may require seasoning before use.
At our testing facility, we spent hours researching and testing various cast iron cookware to identify the best options on the market. We looked at factors such as heat distribution, ease of use, and durability to determine which products stood out from the rest. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for cast iron cookware and what makes them stand out.
Overview
Best Cast Iron Cookware
Looking for the best cast iron cookware? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top cast iron cookware products on Amazon, based on customer reviews, durability, and overall quality. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, cast iron cookware is a must-have in any kitchen. Not only does it distribute heat evenly, but it’s also versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods. From skillets to Dutch ovens, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best cast iron cookware.
Lodge Cast Iron Cooking Set
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile cooking set, the Lodge Cast Iron Cooking Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The cast iron construction ensures unparalleled heat retention and even heating, making it perfect for searing, frying, baking, and more.
- The set comes with five different pieces, including a griddle, two skillets, a Dutch oven, and a self-basting cover, giving you plenty of options for cooking different meals.
- The set is pre-seasoned with 100-percent vegetable oil, which minimizes sticking and makes cleaning a breeze.
Cons
- The set is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it after each use.
- The cast iron construction makes the pieces quite heavy, which can be a challenge for some users.
- The set doesn’t come with any accessories, such as handle covers or pan scrapers.
In our experience, the Lodge Cast Iron Cooking Set is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook. The cast iron construction ensures that the pieces will last for years, and the pre-seasoning makes them easy to use right out of the box. Plus, with five different pieces to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options for cooking different meals.
The griddle is perfect for making pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast foods, while the skillets are great for searing meat or frying up some veggies. The Dutch oven is perfect for making stews, soups, and other one-pot meals, while the self-basting cover helps to lock in moisture and flavor.
Overall, we highly recommend the Lodge Cast Iron Cooking Set to anyone who is looking for a reliable and versatile set of cookware. Just be prepared to hand wash the pieces, and make sure you have a sturdy set of pot holders on hand to help you handle the weight of the cast iron.
Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole, Black
If you’re looking for a high-quality cast iron casserole for cooking big dishes for your crowd, the Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole is the perfect choice for you. It’s made in America with iron and oil and is seasoned and ready to use right out of the box. With high sidewalls, this pan keeps everything contained when you cook big dishes for your crowd.
Pros
- The pan provides excellent heat distribution and retention for consistent, even cooking, giving you bakery-quality results at home.
- The cast iron bakeware won’t dent, bend, or warp, so you can keep it in the family for years to come, making it an heirloom quality product.
- The design of the pan is easy to grip, lift, and move about the kitchen, making it easy to use.
Cons
- The pan is not dishwasher safe, so you have to wash it manually in the sink every time you use it.
- The pan is quite heavy, making it difficult to move around the kitchen and handle.
- The pan requires some maintenance, such as making sure you store it very dry (oven dry).
We highly recommend the Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole for anyone looking for a high-quality cast iron casserole that provides excellent heat distribution and retention for consistent, even cooking. The pan is easy to use and is an heirloom quality product that will last for years to come.
The Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole is perfect for making homemade baked goods and casseroles that rival your favorite bakery and restaurants. It’s easy to grip, lift, and move about the kitchen, making it easy to use. The pan is also made in the USA, ensuring its high quality.
If you’re looking for a cast iron casserole that will last for years to come and provide excellent heat distribution and retention for consistent, even cooking, the Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole is the perfect choice for you.
MegaChef Assorted Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Set, 5 Piece, Black
If you’re looking for a versatile set of cast iron cookware that’s built to last, the MegaChef Assorted Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Set is worth considering.
Pros
- This set includes a griddle, skillet, and dutch oven, making it perfect for cooking a variety of meals.
- The cast iron material is durable and long-lasting, ensuring that your cookware will serve you well for years to come.
- The set is oven safe up to 450 degrees, allowing you to easily transfer your dishes from stovetop to oven.
Cons
- The cookware is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
- The factory “preseason” is only meant to get the cookware through shipping, so you will need to season the cookware before using it.
- The larger skillet handle may be prone to breaking during shipping.
Overall, we recommend the MegaChef Assorted Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Set for its versatile range of cookware and long-lasting durability. However, be prepared for the weight of the cookware and the need to season it before use.
Paula Deen Cast Iron Cookware Set
If you’re in the market for a new cookware set, we highly recommend the Paula Deen Cast Iron Cookware Set.
Pros
- The cast iron material is incredibly durable and can withstand high heat cooking.
- The set includes a 10 inch frypan, 1.5 qt saucepan with lid, and 3 qt Dutch oven with lid, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
- The ceramic non-stick coating is PFOA, lead, and cadmium free, providing superior food release and quick cleanup.
Cons
- The cookware is on the heavier side, which may be a downside for some users.
- The non-stick coating may start to chip after repeated use and cleaning.
- The set is only available in one color option.
We were impressed with the heat distribution and retention of the cast iron material, which made cooking a breeze. The ceramic non-stick coating also made cleaning up after meals a quick and easy process.
The set is dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus for those who don’t enjoy hand-washing dishes. It’s also compatible with a variety of stovetops, including induction, ceramic, electric radiant coil, and gas, making it a versatile option for any kitchen.
One unique feature of this set is the cast iron lids for the saucepan and Dutch oven. The spiked little pumps on the lids help lock in moisture while cooking, keeping your food moist and flavorful.
Overall, we highly recommend the Paula Deen Cast Iron Cookware Set for anyone in need of a durable and versatile cookware set.
Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan
If you’re looking for affordable cast iron cookware that is versatile and easy to use, the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan set is a great option.
Pros
- The bundle of three includes 10, 8, and 6 inches pre-seasoned frying pans, which are ideal sizes for domestic and outdoor use.
- Our cast iron pan set comes with unique handles for easy maneuvering and pouring.
- The skillet pans are highly compatible, as they can be used on any heating source. You can also use them for grilling, frying, sautéing, roasting, braising, and broiling meats, vegetables, and more.
Cons
- The smaller pans may be too small for some cooking needs.
- The pans are heavy, which may make them difficult to handle for some users.
- The pans are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing.
In our experience, the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan set is a great choice for those looking for affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use cast iron cookware. The set comes pre-seasoned, but we recommend seasoning the pans with any vegetable oil before use. The even heat distribution ensures an improved cooking experience, and the unique handles make it easy to maneuver and pour.
While the smaller pans may be too small for some cooking needs, the set is highly compatible, and the pans can be used on any heating source. The pans are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing, but with proper care, they will last for years. Overall, we highly recommend the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan set for anyone looking for affordable and versatile cast iron cookware.
Victoria Cast Iron Saucepan, Cast Iron Melting Pot, Made in Colombia, 2QT Medium
We highly recommend the Victoria Cast Iron Saucepan for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cooking pot.
Pros
- The cast iron material allows for better heat retention and durability, making it a long-lasting investment.
- The balanced design and longer ergonomic handle provide extra leverage and safety, making it easier and safer to handle.
- The side pour spout allows for drip-free serving and reduced mess, making it convenient to use.
Cons
- The cast iron material makes it heavier than other saucepans, which may be a concern for some users.
- The textured engineered skin may be difficult to clean, requiring more effort than smooth surfaces.
- The smaller size may not be suitable for larger families or cooking larger quantities of food.
The Victoria Cast Iron Saucepan is a great investment for anyone looking for a durable and versatile cooking pot. The cast iron material allows for better heat retention and durability, making it a long-lasting investment. The balanced design and longer ergonomic handle provide extra leverage and safety, making it easier and safer to handle. The side pour spout allows for drip-free serving and reduced mess, making it convenient to use.
One downside of the Victoria Cast Iron Saucepan is its weight. The cast iron material makes it heavier than other saucepans, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the textured engineered skin may be difficult to clean, requiring more effort than smooth surfaces. Lastly, the smaller size may not be suitable for larger families or cooking larger quantities of food.
Overall, the Victoria Cast Iron Saucepan is a great addition to any kitchen. Its durability and versatility make it a worthwhile investment, and its convenient features make it easy and safe to use.
Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
If you’re in the market for a versatile and durable cast iron skillet, the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a great option.
Pros
- This skillet is incredibly versatile and can be used on any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill, or open flame.
- The naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy-release finish and improves with use.
- The skillet has unparalleled heat retention, giving you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use it.
Cons
- The skillet is slow to heat up, but once it’s hot, it retains heat longer than other materials.
- The skillet is heavy and may be difficult to handle for some people.
- The skillet requires a bit of maintenance to keep it in good condition.
We’ve been using the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet for a while now and have been impressed with its performance. The skillet is perfect for cooking up breakfast, frying eggs, pancakes, and bacon to perfection. It’s also great for cooking up steaks, chicken, and hamburgers, and can even be used to bake desserts and casseroles.
One thing to keep in mind is that the skillet is slow to heat up, but once it’s hot, it retains heat longer than other materials. This makes it ideal for pan-frying and roasting. The skillet is also quite heavy, which may be difficult for some people to handle.
Overall, we think the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a great investment for any home cook. It’s versatile, durable, and built to last a lifetime. Plus, it’s made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Northriver Casting Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cast iron Dutch oven, the Northriver Casting Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot is a great choice for you.
Pros
- Cook anything, anywhere: This Dutch oven can be used for a variety of cooking methods, making it suitable for most kitchen cooktops, ovens, electric stoves, blackstone, and even outdoor grills or campfires.
- Safe use: The pre-seasoned cast iron Dutch oven is coated only with 100% vegetable oil, establishing a naturally non-stick surface. It can withstand any cooking temperature without fear of shattering or cracking.
- Compact design: The dual handles are easy to grip and designed for small spaces. If you love DIY, you can even use wire to make hanging handles like a camp pot.
Cons
- Small size: The 3QT size is perfect for 1-3 people, but it may not be enough for larger families or bigger dishes.
- No dishwasher safe: This Dutch oven can’t be put in the dishwasher and requires hand washing after every use.
- Heavy: At 9.61 pounds, this Dutch oven is quite heavy, which may not be suitable for some users.
Overall, we highly recommend the Northriver Casting Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot for its versatility, durability, and safe use. Its compact design is perfect for small spaces, and it’s a great addition to any kitchen or outdoor cooking setup.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying cast iron cookware, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this section, we will cover the most important features to look for when choosing cast iron cookware.
Material
The first thing to consider is the material of the cookware. Cast iron is a popular choice due to its durability and heat retention, but there are also variations such as enameled cast iron and seasoned cast iron. Enameled cast iron is coated with a layer of enamel, which makes it easier to clean and maintain, while seasoned cast iron is pre-treated with oil to prevent rusting.
Size and Shape
Cast iron cookware comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it’s important to choose one that suits your cooking needs. A larger skillet or Dutch oven may be ideal for cooking stews or roasts, while a smaller skillet may be better for frying eggs or searing meats. Additionally, consider the shape of the cookware – a wider, shallow skillet may be better for sautéing, while a deeper pot may be better for soups.
Weight
Cast iron cookware is notoriously heavy, so it’s important to consider the weight of the product before purchasing. While a heavier pot or skillet may provide better heat retention, it may also be more difficult to handle and maneuver. Consider your own strength and comfort level when choosing the weight of your cookware.
Price
Cast iron cookware can range significantly in price, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a purchase. While more expensive options may provide higher quality and durability, there are also affordable options available that still offer great performance.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing cast iron cookware that will meet your cooking needs and last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we season our cast iron cookware properly?
Seasoning your cast iron cookware is important to maintain its non-stick surface and prevent rusting. To season your cast iron, first, wash it with warm water and mild soap. Then, dry it completely with a towel. Next, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted shortening to the entire surface of the cookware, including the handle. Place the cookware upside down on the middle rack of a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for one hour. After an hour, turn off the heat and let the cookware cool in the oven. Repeat this process as needed to maintain the seasoning.
What is the best way to clean and maintain cast iron cookware?
To clean your cast iron cookware, avoid using soap or harsh detergents as they can strip the seasoning. Instead, use hot water and a stiff brush to remove any food particles. If there are stubborn bits of food, you can use kosher salt as a scrubbing agent. After cleaning, dry the cookware thoroughly with a towel and apply a thin layer of oil to the surface. Store your cast iron cookware in a dry place to prevent rusting.
Are there any foods that should be avoided when cooking with cast iron?
While cast iron is versatile and can be used to cook a variety of foods, there are some foods that should be avoided. Acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus can react with the iron, causing a metallic taste and damaging the seasoning. It’s also best to avoid cooking highly sticky foods like eggs as they can be difficult to remove from the surface.
