🔥 48 pans seasoned, seared & scored
Cast iron that earns its place.
An independent test kitchen for cast iron. We cook real meals in every skillet, Dutch oven and griddle — then rank them on heat, finish, handling and value.
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See all 48 Editor's Top Picks
#1 Best OverallDutch Ovens & Braisers
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
$262★ 4.8
#2 Best ValueSkillets & Fry Pans
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
$62★ 4.7
#3 Editor's ChoiceSkillets & Fry Pans
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12 Inch
$89★ 4.7
#4 Top RatedDutch Ovens & Braisers
Le Creuset Cast Iron Braiser
$248★ 4.7
#5 Great All-RounderDutch Ovens & Braisers
Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte
$389★ 4.7
#6 Splurge PickSkillets & Fry Pans
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
$127★ 4.7
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Browse by Category
Pick what you want to cook and we'll point you to the iron that nails it.
01
23 pieces tested
Skillets & Fry Pans
The everyday workhorses — searing, frying, baking cornbread on any heat source.
Browse Skillets02
15 pieces tested
Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Low-and-slow braises, no-knead bread and big-batch stews that get better with time.
Browse Dutch Ovens03
6 pieces tested
Griddles & Grill Pans
Pancakes, smash burgers and indoor grill marks across two burners.
Browse Griddles04
4 pieces tested
Woks, Bakeware & Specialty
Stir-fries, tatin dishes and the one-of-a-kind pieces worth the shelf space.
Browse WoksNot sure where to start
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Three quick questions. We'll match you to the highest-rated piece we've actually tested.
1 What do you cook most?
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Head to head
The Cast-Iron Rankings
Our ten highest-scoring pieces, ranked on rating, price and size. Tap any row for the full review.
Browse all 481
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
Le Creuset · Dutch Ovens & Braisers
2
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
Lodge · Skillets & Fry Pans
3
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12 Inch
Lodge · Skillets & Fry Pans
4
Le Creuset Cast Iron Braiser
Le Creuset · Dutch Ovens & Braisers
5
Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte
Staub · Dutch Ovens & Braisers
6
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
Le Creuset · Skillets & Fry Pans
7
Le Creuset Signature Oval Dutch Oven
Le Creuset · Dutch Ovens & Braisers
8
Smithey Ironware Co. No. 7 Dutch Oven
Smithey Ironware · Dutch Ovens & Braisers
9
Staub Cast Iron Oval Cocotte
Staub · Dutch Ovens & Braisers
10
Staub Cast Iron Braiser
Staub · Dutch Ovens & Braisers
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Skillet Size Selector
Buying one pan? Tell us how many you usually cook for and we'll match you to the diameter the pros reach for most.
10.25"Diameter
2 qtCapacity
The full rack
Not sure what size? All Cast Iron Reviews
Filter 48 tested pieces — or tap the scales to compare up to three side by side.
7"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Bayou Classic Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Pre-seasoned cast iron constructionTight-fitting domed lidDual loop side handles
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Bayou Classic Cast Iron Skillet
Pre-seasoned cast iron cooking sur…Dual pour spoutsLong handle
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Butter Pat Industries Skillet
100% made in USA cast iron constru…Hand-poured in small batches by ar…Smooth
12"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Camp Chef Cast Iron Dutch Oven 12 Inch
12-inch deep camp Dutch ovenPre-seasoned cast iron constructionFlanged lid doubles as griddle/ski…
10"Griddles & Grill Pans
Camp Chef Cast Iron Griddle
Pre-seasoned cast iron cooking sur…Fits standard two-burner Camp Chef…Reversible design
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Camp Chef Cast Iron Skillet
Pre-seasoned cast iron surfaceDual loop side handlesCompatible
5"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Heavy-gauge cast iron constructionVibrant porcelain enamel exterior…Tight-fitting lid locks in moisture
8"Skillets & Fry Pans
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Cast Iron Skillet
Pre-seasoned cast iron surfaceDual-handle designOven-safe up to 500°F
8"Skillets & Fry Pans
Field Company No.10 Cast Iron Skillet
Lightweight pre-seasoned cast iron…10.25-inch cooking surfaceSmooth interior finish
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet
Lightweight smooth cast iron const…Pre-seasoned10.25-inch cooking surface
7"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Finex Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Octagonal designSpring-loaded stainless steel bail…Three-layer seasoning process
10"Skillets & Fry Pans
Finex Cast Iron Skillet 10 Inch
Octagonal designSpring-coil stainless steel handle…Hand-poured cast iron construction
12"Skillets & Fry Pans
John Boos Cast Iron Skillet
Pre-seasonedMade from heavy-gauge cast ironContoured helper handle
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet No. 8
Pre-seasonedVintage-style thin-wall castingSmooth cooking surface reminiscent…
12"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Le Creuset Cast Iron Braiser
Enameled cast iron constructionWide, shallow design ideal for bra…Tight-fitting lid locks in moisture
12"Griddles & Grill Pans
Le Creuset Cast Iron Grill Pan
Enameled cast iron constructionRaised ridges sear food while chan…Signature colored enamel exterior…
7"Woks, Bakeware & Specialty
Le Creuset Cast Iron Saucepan
Enameled cast iron constructionTight-fitting lid to retain moistureCompatible
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
Enameled cast iron constructionNaturally slickSignature colorful exterior enamel…
6"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Le Creuset Signature Oval Dutch Oven
Enameled cast iron constructionOval shape idealSignature stainless steel knob
7"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
Enameled cast iron constructionSignature wideIron-handled
9"Woks, Bakeware & Specialty
Le Creuset Tatin Dish
Enameled cast iron constructionWide, shallow design ideal for tar…Stovetop-to-oven versatility
9"Woks, Bakeware & Specialty
Lodge Cast Iron Cornbread Pan
Pre-seasoned8-wedge cornbread mold designDurable cast iron construction
5"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven 6 Quart
Pre-seasonedTight-fitting cast iron lid locks…Dual loop handles
9"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7 Quart
Pre-seasonedDurable cast iron constructionTight-fitting lid locks in moisture
10"Griddles & Grill Pans
Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Griddle
Reversible designPre-seasonedFits over two burners
12"Griddles & Grill Pans
Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
Pre-seasonedRaised ridgesSquare 10.5-inch cooking surface
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
Pre-seasonedMade from durable cast ironAssist handle
12"Skillets & Fry Pans
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12 Inch
Pre-seasonedMade from durable cast ironCompatible
8"Skillets & Fry Pans
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 8 Inch
Pre-seasonedMade from durable cast ironCompatible
14"Woks, Bakeware & Specialty
Lodge Cast Iron Wok
14-inch pre-seasoned cast iron con…Flat bottom designDual loop handles
10"Skillets & Fry Pans
Lodge Chef Collection Cast Iron Skillet, 10 Inch
Pre-seasonedSmoother cooking surface than trad…Helper handle
12"Skillets & Fry Pans
Rachael Ray Cast Iron Skillet
Pre-seasoned cast iron cooking sur…Enamel-coated exterior in signatur…Dual-riveted helper handle
6"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Smithey Ironware Co. No. 7 Dutch Oven
Made from premium cast ironVintage-inspired designTight-fitting domed lid
12"Skillets & Fry Pans
Smithey Ironware Farmhouse Skillet
Hand-poured cast iron constructionSmooth interior cooking surfaceFactory pre-seasoned
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Smithey Ironware No. 12 Skillet
Traditional cast iron constructionPolished cooking surfaceSmooth finish reduces sticking wit…
10.5"Skillets & Fry Pans
Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet 10.5 Inch
SmoothLightweight design compared to tra…Ergonomic helper handle
12"Skillets & Fry Pans
Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet, 12 Inch
Hand-poured cast iron constructionSmoothSignature dual helper handles
12"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Staub Cast Iron Braiser
Enameled cast iron constructionSelf-basting spikes on lid interio…Heavy fitted lid locks in flavor
8"Skillets & Fry Pans
Staub Cast Iron Fry Pan
Enameled black matte interiorSelf-basting spiral pattern on lid…Compatible
12"Griddles & Grill Pans
Staub Cast Iron Grill Pan
Enameled cast iron constructionTall raised ridgesSelf-basting spikes on lid interio…
6"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Staub Cast Iron Oval Cocotte
Enamel-coated cast iron constructionSelf-basting spikes on lidOval shape ideal
6"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte
Enameled cast iron constructionSelf-basting spikes on lid interio…Heavy fitted lid creates tight seal
5"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
6.5-quart heavy-gauge cast iron co…Vibrant porcelain enamel interiorSelf-basting lid
10.25"Skillets & Fry Pans
Tramontina Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Pre-seasonedMade from durable single-cast iron…Wide, easy-grip handle with hangin…
12"Skillets & Fry Pans
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Pre-seasonedSuperior heat retentionCompatible
9"Dutch Ovens & Braisers
Victoria Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Pre-seasonedSolid cast iron constructionTight-fitting self-basting lid
10"Griddles & Grill Pans
Victoria Cast Iron Griddle
Pre-seasonedDouble-sided cooking surface (smoothWide dual handles
12"Skillets & Fry Pans
Victoria Cast Iron Skillet 12 Inch
Pre-seasonedMade from single-cast ironLong, sturdy handle with hanging h…
Treat it right
The Cast-Iron Care Ritual
Looked after, cast iron outlives every non-stick. Four habits keep it slick for decades.
Season after every cook
Rub a thin film of neutral oil into a warm, dry pan. Each layer builds the slick, near-nonstick patina.
Wash warm, skip the soak
Hot water and a brush right after cooking. Stuck-on bits lift with coarse salt — never leave iron soaking.
Dry on the heat
Set the clean pan on a low burner for a minute. Bone-dry iron never rusts — moisture is its only enemy.
Cook fat freely
Bacon, steak, cornbread — fatty, high-heat cooking keeps seasoning alive. The more you use it, the better it gets.
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