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Best cast iron skillets: the top 10

Updated .

The top 3

#1 Le Creuset Signature Skillet

On 6 of 10 lists

Enameled cast iron that needs no seasoning, resists acidic foods, and cleans easily, with a slick surface and easy-to-grip handles. It is the most expensive option, cannot be restored if damaged, and is not safe over an open flame.

The rest of the top 10

  1. #4 Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet

    On 4 of 10 lists

    A light, thin-walled 10-inch skillet with a smooth matte surface that takes seasoning well and is easy to maneuver. It lacks pour spouts, so oil tends to dribble down the side when pouring, and the small helper handle is hard to grip.

  2. #5 Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet

    On 4 of 10 lists

    A lightweight, triple-seasoned cast iron skillet that heats evenly, retains heat well, and sears effectively. The handle is uncomfortable to hold, with sharp edges that dig into hands, and the pour spouts are small.

  3. #6 FINEX Cast Iron Skillet

    On 3 of 10 lists

    An octagonal cast iron skillet with multiple pouring points, a smooth surface, and a spring-wrapped handle that stays cooler. It sears steak and bakes well, but the round handle can rotate in the hand, the coil is hard to clean around, and it isn't pre-seasoned.

  4. #7 Lodge Classic Cast Iron Skillet

    On 3 of 10 lists

    Thick, durable cast iron with excellent heat retention that stays flat and releases food despite a rough surface, and it sears and browns well. It is the heaviest tested, its short handle gets hot, and heating is only mediocre.

  5. #8 Ooni Cast Iron Skillet Pan

    On 3 of 10 lists

    A cast iron skillet with a detachable handle that suits oven and outdoor cooking and gives strong searing. Its shallow sides limit deep frying and sautéing, and it is heavy and can mark induction hobs.

  6. #9 Smithey Cast Iron Skillet

    On 3 of 10 lists

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

  7. #10 Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet

    On 3 of 10 lists

    A smooth, polished vintage-style cast iron skillet with excellent egg release, a long handle, flared pouring rim, and a generous helper handle. It is heavier than some testers preferred, and the handle edges can dig into the hand.

Who recommends what

A number is the pick's rank on that list. means recommended without a rank.

PickEpicuriousBon AppétitPrudent ReviewsYahoo ShoppingThe StrategistConsumer ReportsFood NetworkGood FoodbooniehicksOutdoor LifeLists
1. Le Creuset Signature SkilletNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedNot mentioned6
2. Lodge Cast Iron SkilletNot mentionedRecommendedNot mentionedRecommendedRecommendedNot mentionedRecommendedNot mentionedRecommendedRecommended6
3. Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron SkilletRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedNot mentionedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentioned6
4. Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron SkilletRecommendedRecommendedNot mentionedRecommendedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentioned4
5. Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron SkilletRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentioned4
6. FINEX Cast Iron SkilletRecommendedNot mentionedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentioned3
7. Lodge Classic Cast Iron SkilletRecommendedNot mentionedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentioned3
8. Ooni Cast Iron Skillet PanRecommendedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentioned3
9. Smithey Cast Iron SkilletRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentioned3
10. Stargazer Cast Iron SkilletRecommendedRecommendedRecommendedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentionedNot mentioned3