Best cast iron skillets: the top 10

The rest of the top 10

4. 4
   

   #4 Le Creuset Signature Skillet

   On 4 of 7 lists
   $230Shop Le Creuset Signature Skillet

   An enameled cast iron skillet that sears steak well and browns scallops very well, with a slick satin surface, easy-grip handle, and dishwasher safety. It is expensive, and damage cannot be repaired.

   • Consumer Reports, Listed as "Le Creuset Signature"
   • Yahoo Shopping, Listed as "Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Skillet, 10.25 inches"
   • The Strategist, Listed as "Le Creuset Signature Skillet"
   • booniehicks, Listed as "Le Creuset Signature 11.75-inch cast iron skillet"
5. 5
   

   #5 Lodge Blacklock 96 Cast-Iron Skillet

   On 4 of 7 lists
   $60Shop Lodge Blacklock 96 Cast-Iron Skillet

   A lightweight, triple-seasoned cast-iron skillet that heats evenly, retains heat well, and sears effectively. The handle has sharp edges that dig into hands, and the pour spouts are small and a little messy.

   • Prudent Reviews, Listed as "Lodge Blacklock"
   • Epicurious, Listed as "Lodge Blacklock 96 Cast-Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inches"
   • Bon Appétit, Listed as "Lodge Cast-Iron Blacklock Skillet"
   • Yahoo Shopping, Listed as "Lodge Cast-Iron Blacklock Skillet, 10.25 inches"
6. 6
   

   #6 Finex Cast Iron Skillet

   On 3 of 7 lists
   $200Shop Finex Cast Iron Skillet

   An octagonal cast iron skillet with a smooth surface and multiple pouring points, scoring high for steak searing and baking. The large round handle can rotate in the hand and is cumbersome, and the pan is not pre-seasoned.

   • Prudent Reviews, Listed as "FINEX Cast Iron Skillet"
   • Consumer Reports, Listed as "Finex Cast Iron"
   • Epicurious, Listed as "Finex 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet"
7. 7
   

   #7 Smithey No. 10 Cast-Iron Skillet

   On 3 of 7 lists
   $160Shop Smithey No. 10 Cast-Iron Skillet

   A polished cast-iron skillet with excellent heat retention, a smooth surface, a comfortable flat handle, large pour spouts, and a stabilizing heat ring. It is heavy at 5.8 pounds, and its factory seasoning is light and can look blotchy.

   • Prudent Reviews, Listed as "Smithey Cast Iron Skillet"
   • Epicurious, Listed as "Smithey Ironware No. 10 Skillet"
   • Bon Appétit, Listed as "Smithey No. 10 Cast-Iron Skillet"
8. 8
   

   #8 Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet

   On 3 of 7 lists
   $115Shop Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet

   A smooth, polished cast iron skillet with excellent egg release, a long handle, a generous helper handle, and a flared rim that pours cleanly. It is heavier than some testers prefer, and the handle edges can dig into the hand.

   • Prudent Reviews, Listed as "Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet"
   • Epicurious, Listed as "Stargazer Cast-Iron Skillet"
   • Bon Appétit, Listed as "Stargazer Cast-Iron Skillet"
9. 9
   

   #9 Utopia Kitchen Cast-Iron Skillet

   On 3 of 7 lists
   $25Shop Utopia Kitchen Cast-Iron Skillet

   A low-cost cast-iron skillet with a large cooking surface, the lightest tested at 4 pounds. Its factory seasoning is inferior, leaving it stickier out of the box, and the 10-inch handle is unusually small with no helper handle.

   • Epicurious, Listed as "Utopia Kitchen 12.5-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet Pan"
   • Yahoo Shopping, Listed as "Utopia Cast-Iron Skillet Set"
   • booniehicks, Listed as "Utopia 12.5-inch cast iron skillet"
10. 10
    

    #10 Butter Pat Joan Cast Iron Skillet

    On 2 of 7 lists
    Shop Butter Pat Joan Cast Iron Skillet

    A smooth, vintage-style cast iron skillet that aces cornbread baking and steak searing and is the only pan with very good heating evenness. It is the most expensive pick, and its handle gets much hotter than others.

    • Consumer Reports, Listed as "Butter Pat Joan Cast Iron"
    • booniehicks, Listed as "Butter Pat Industries 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (the Joan)"