What 30 cooks actually recommend among cast iron skillets

200 quoted claims about cast iron skillets from 30 named people across 41 long-form sources, covering 18 products , 39 of them raising objections. Every claim links to the second it was said.

What cast iron skillets do particular groups recommend?

Cohort pages restrict the same cast iron skillets evidence to one group at a time. Authority is scoped to cast iron skillets, never to how large someone’s audience is.

Why do cooks recommend cast iron skillets?

The attributes cooks cite most often about cast iron skillets, counted from the reasons attached to each claim rather than read out of the prose.

Which cast iron skillets do cooks actually recommend?

The cast iron skillets below are ordered by how many independent voices are on record about each one — a count of evidence, not a rating. Products without their own page have not yet cleared the evidence threshold for one.

Lodge cast iron skillet

11 voices 35 claims 5 objections

1:30 supports Quality Collapse

It is a heavy, crude piece of iron, But, it is indestructible. You can scrape it with steel wool. You can put it directly in a campfire. You can drop it on concrete and it will not crack.

durability relaying someone else The Only 5 Cookware Brands That Still Last (The "Buy It For Life" List)

Cites durability, weight (against)

2:31 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

This means that of these three, the traditional mass produced lodge model is the most durable. It's basically indestructible

durability tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites durability

4:32 supports

It is heavy, it is indestructible, it's versatile.

durability tested it 11 Essential Kitchen Tools Every Home Cook Needs | America's Test Kitchen

Cites durability, seasoning durability

And it becomes more and more naturally non-stick over time.

Field cast iron skillet

6 voices 28 claims 9 objections median ownership 2 months

0:30 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer

a pan that i i love and and cherish and use every single day

recommendation owns and uses it daily Field cast iron skillet vs Stargazer - How do I choose?

1:00 supports Big Lew BBQ & Other Things I Want to Do! Collectors was given the product

and i'm impressed with it really really nice skill skillet only about six pounds guys

handling tested it Field Company No. 10 Skillet Follow Up Review

Big Lew BBQ & Other Things I Want to Do! was given the product. Stated in the source: “i do want to thank the field company for sending it to me for a review” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites base and rim, handle, shape and form, weight

i will say when i dump the potatoes out that first day i'm gonna dump the shrimp creole out um not shrimp creole what they'll make shrimp a two-fade right um and the gravy from the pork chops and stuff i'm gonna dump the leftover out uh that did well because it's real thick

also this is kind of nitpicky but i've got an induction stove and both skillets that i have my other number 12 skillet same size bottom they fit on that burner that over there that i use my number 10 skillet on but with the other one since this sides flare out i've got to kind of duck under and look to see if it's…

i really like the handle the handle doesn't look that cool on youtube every video i saw that and even looking at it on the camera it doesn't look as cool as it is in real life it feels awesome i just love the way this handle feels maybe it's because i got big hands whatever i like the way this handle feels that handle…

0:00 supports Big Lew BBQ & Other Things I Want to Do! Collectors was given the product

folks and your family will fight for this frying pan at your funeral

durability tested it Field Company No. 10 Skillet Follow Up Review

Cites acid resistance, durability, seasoning durability

skillet was easy to clean that night too and just getting some more good seasoning layer on there with that skillet

i was already trusting the seasoning coat to use acidic foods like lemon butter uh they were delicious and all that fond on the bottom of the pot went into my shrimp a2 faders a pound of shrimp a little more than a pound of shrimp in there also a can of rotel tomatoes but you can see the seasoning on the bottom was…

i've used it as much as i can look how black it is came sort of charcoal gray did get a little bronze that first day or two but it blackened up real quick it's as seasoned as i've ever had a skillet i've only had it a week

but look how easy it seasoned in one week it's not that charcoal gray color it's black all right almost like a mirror finish

Finex cast iron skillet

6 voices 15 claims 1 objection median ownership 2 years

4:01 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube was given the product

first i want to talk about the finex it has this beautiful coiled steel handle and the reason for that is this coil design not only does it look great

appearance tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet - Review of Finex, Smithey, FieldCo and Lodge

BBQ and Bottles was given the product. Stated in the source: “the brands who sent these skillets out to us free of charge and we're not being paid for this review video” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites appearance, handle, shape and form

and you can actually see right here on the back of the pan they've got a really nice design that pays homage to that origin

now the next thing i want to compare is just the overall style or aesthetic of these skillets and the standout for me is going to be the finex there this octagonal shape i think looks really great i love the steel coiled handle it's just something really unique that sets that skillet apart from the others

10:03 supports Kent Rollins Chef

but something that it did do was it bonded seasoning really well first trip but folks it always takes seasoning back to it it always holds it well and it always performs well

performance tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites seasoning durability

6:02 supports Kent Rollins Chef

it is a great piece of cast iron to me really if you're sitting on the table full of something to eat and you want to make a statement and you set this out there that is a statement piece it is

appearance tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites appearance, handle

you want to make a statement this is the piece I mean a great different unique design that I've never seen on a piece of cast iron and the handle I mean it is the talking point of the kitchen but also the dining table because this thing is fancy enough to serve right out of it is

Stargazer cast iron skillet

5 voices 23 claims 2 objections median ownership 12 months

4:32 supports I Heart RVing was given the product

let's take a look at the harom meter also called The Homer at certain Swanky steakhouses that cook their RI eyes in at least a full stick ofat butter it's showing 4.9 Stars oh that's a great rating

recommendation tested it I♥RVing Gear Review: Stargazer 12” Cast Iron Skillet

I Heart RVing was given the product. Stated in the source: “thanks to Stargazer for sending the 12-in skillet to put through a Year's worth of incredible cooking while building this review” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

13:03 supports Kent Rollins Chef

I think the thing that stands out to me about the Stargazer sure it's it's a great design but also really is their customer relations that they build with people in their customer service

reliability tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites warranty

we get so many emails from people say oh they were so nice to talk to they were so nice to visit with and folks that makes a lot of difference

2:31 supports Kent Rollins Chef

right off the bat when I looked at this the very first time I'm thinking whoa I love the design of this handle because look how far I can stand away from the Heat and this thing is rounded to where it really don't hurt your hands when you grab a hold of it and it's got this v-notch in here which is going to keep it…

handling tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites handle, heat resistance, weight

here look at here a two-handle deal I really like this deal I do

a shorter handle means it's heavier for you to pick up you ain't got the leverage that you might have over here with this Skillet so that longer handle does help you out some on the weight that it's got

Smithey cast iron skillet

5 voices 16 claims no objections yet median ownership 2 years

6:32 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube was given the product

what i want to point out with the smithy is that the lid actually doubles as a skillet or a griddle and that i think is really really cool so it not only is this a lid so if you're baking bread or any other recipe that you're making that actually needs a lid you've got one but if you want to make smash burgers which…

use-case fit tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet - Review of Finex, Smithey, FieldCo and Lodge

Cites versatility

2:30 supports Adam Cookware Reviewer

In the end, it was one of these pans from a smaller producer that took the top spot. This is the Smithey Ironware number 12.

best in class tested it The Best Cast-Iron Skillets

5:32 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

I recently tested six of the highest-rated cast iron skillets on the market, and according to my tests, Smithey is the best overall. It had the best heat retention, the smoothest non-stick surface, the widest pour spouts, and one of the better-designed handles.

best in class tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites base and rim, handle, heat retention, non-stick surface

Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven

1 voice 5 claims no objections yet

0:35 supports Uncle Scott Beginners earns commission on this

I'm going to give this guy a 90% thumbs up on the pro side.

recommendation tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!

Uncle Scott earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “USK currently has affiliate links and/or influencer links with Amazon, Falk, De Buyer, Thermoworks, Breville, Lodge, Smithey and others.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites appearance, country of manufacture

But I am glad I have one of them in my Battery Deuisine now. They crank out a ton of delicious food. I think they have a nice look and design. They're made in America.

Um, I really like mine. I'm giving it a 90% thumbs up.

1:05 supports Uncle Scott Beginners earns commission on this

This lodge is pushing 15 pounds. Holy cow, that is a sturdy piece of cookware.

handling tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!

Cites weight

0:35 supports Uncle Scott Beginners earns commission on this

First is realworld cooking performance. It has turned out a ton of delicious food and that is the most important factor.

performance tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!

Cites heat retention

it is nice to see the Lodge USA made Dutch oven competing nicely with the stove and I think this beef bergen was equally delicious in both.

the oil temperature only dropped down to about 342. So that is not much of a drop in temperature at all. And then of course it rebounded on up.

So there's a lot of heat trapped in that thermal mass of a lodge and I think it did a great job.

It's winter time in Utah at the moment and I've been using these lodges to crank out some shephardd's pies and they've turned out fantastically.

Marquette cast iron skillet

1 voice 4 claims no objections yet

6:02 supports Kent Rollins Chef

My overall pick for just best in design is I'm gonna have to go with the Marquette just because of the way it feels in my hand and the way that I know it performs and the two poor spouts

best in class tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites ergonomics, handle, seasoning durability, shape and form, surface finish

if we had to pick a winner on a handle that was most comfortable to your hand it would be the Marquette

next we're going to go to Marquette this review not long ago to me this was the smoothest Skillet coming to me of anyone that I got out of the bunch

so my overall winner for seasoning is eeny meeny miny mo is going to be the Marquette because to me it had the smoothest glossiest finish when I got it and accepted seasoning the easiest

5:01 supports Kent Rollins Chef

this handle too notice the v in here too but this one's going to stay a little bit cooler and I love the way that they've got this rounded off on both sides here it fits your hand really well it does

handling tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites handle, heat resistance, weight

we have arranged these from lightest to heaviest first Marquette field Lodge Stargazer and finance

4:31 supports Kent Rollins Chef

when I first picked this up right out of the box I'm thinking feels like a Wagner or a Griswold into me just the way it sort of felt it's got a light weight to it and look here right off the bat two poor spouts now I really do like that I do

appearance tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites appearance, shape and form, surface finish, weight

we get down to the Marquette to me the thing that really just stood out most of all to me what is the closest resemblance to the old cast iron I'm talking Griswolds and Wagner's to me it was the closest design to it and had this finish that was just like they used to have on them

AGA cast iron pan

1 voice 3 claims no objections yet median ownership 15 years

14:04 supports Adam Byatt Buy It For Life Enthusiasts was given the product

I now own a hundred of them and we've had them for over 15 20 years which they look like we've had them 15 20 years but yeah they're they're a brilliant pan

durability uses it professionally, daily 35 Years of cooking equipment - What I use everyday

Adam Byatt was given the product. Stated in the source: “they gave me these pans to cook on and I really loved cooking in them” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Owned 15 years

Cites durability

13:34 supports Adam Byatt Buy It For Life Enthusiasts was given the product

I just felt they were like the perfect size to make a one pot dish and they the the heat retention was brilliant in them.

use-case fit uses it professionally, daily 35 Years of cooking equipment - What I use everyday

Cites heat retention, size and capacity, versatility

we tried making a tat tatan in them and um there on in we only made tat tatan in these pans

we use them for all sorts for cooking pieces of meat cooking fish cooking tatans cooking all sorts of stuff but I'm a real fan of these Arga cast iron pans

13:34 supports Adam Byatt Buy It For Life Enthusiasts was given the product

I guess actually one of the most important pans in our armory are these these little um cast iron solid heavyweight Arga pans. These are actually Arga pans.

recommendation uses it professionally, daily 35 Years of cooking equipment - What I use everyday

Calphalon cast iron skillet

1 voice 3 claims 3 objections

1:30 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

This is my least favorite of the six handles.

handling tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites handle (against)

10:03 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

Calphalon is a decent skillet, but it's more expensive than Lodge and doesn’t provide any additional benefits.

value tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites price (against)

6:32 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

The Calphalon skillet performed the worst. The egg stuck a little bit, and even after I loosened it up, I had to push it with the spatula to get it to move.

performance tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites heating speed (against), non-stick surface (against)

Lancaster cast iron skillet

1 voice 3 claims 1 objection

10:02 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

It started flat and stayed flat after heating with no wobble or noticeable change.

durability tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites warp resistance

10:02 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

The smooth surface performed perfect in the egg test, and the pour spouts worked great.

performance tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, non-stick surface

The smooth surface performed perfect in the egg test, and the pour spouts worked great.

14:04 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

Field, Stargazer, and Lancaster are all good skillets, but they're expensive and have enough drawbacks that I wouldn't recommend them over Smithey or Made In.

recommendation tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price (against)

Finex cast iron pan

1 voice 2 claims no objections yet

8:07 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube

so for serving mistake if we want to dry these steaks into the cast-iron pan just like that drop in the rosemary the garlic so you can see presentation-wise lay your dinner out in the cast-iron pan serve it on the table like this that's gonna be absolutely beautiful your guests will love it so just look at that who…

use-case fit tested it Steak Experiments - Lodge vs Finex Cast Iron Pan

Cites appearance

7:07 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube

now it's a beautiful steak you've got the rosemary and the garlic flavor and that rich buttery Ness from the clarified butter even though you clarify it you still get that rich beautiful flavor that was really textbook I'm really really pleased with the outcome here and no complaints at all

performance tested it Steak Experiments - Lodge vs Finex Cast Iron Pan

Cites ease of cleaning, searing and crust

now we just ate our steaks we're doing cleanup here look at how much cleaner the fine axe is after just wiping it down with a quick paper towel so that's one benefit that we didn't realize until this stage so that's pretty big plus if you ask me

Le Creuset enameled cast iron skillet

1 voice 2 claims 1 objection

3:31 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

Now let's talk about our winning enamel cast iron option from Le Creuset, another gorgeous pan.

best in class tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites appearance

6:02 objects Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

Enamel pans also tend to be more expensive. Our winner from Le Creuset is about $250.

value tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites price (against)

Tramontina cast iron skillet

1 voice 2 claims 1 objection

0:30 supports Approved By Elle earns commission on this

and this one is very high quality. So, if you need a cast iron skillet, this one is a great choice.

recommendation owns one Enameled Cast Iron Skillet Review | Tramontina Bestow 12-Inch Pan #amazonfinds #castironcooking

Approved By Elle earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites build quality

0:00 objects Approved By Elle earns commission on this

It's also super heavy because it is real cast iron. I can barely lift it with one hand. And even two hands, I'm still putting in a good bit of effort.

handling owns one Enameled Cast Iron Skillet Review | Tramontina Bestow 12-Inch Pan #amazonfinds #castironcooking

Cites weight (against)

Griswold cast iron skillet

1 voice 1 claim no objections yet

1:00 supports Kent Rollins Chef

still my favorite pieces are Wagners and Griswolds

best in class tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

1 voice 1 claim no objections yet

0:30 supports Liz Cookware Reviewer

the lodge 6q enameled cast iron Dutch oven is a versatile and durable piece of cookware known for its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly

performance tested it Amazon Basics vs Lodge vs Staub vs Le Creuset Dutch Ovens

Cites even heating, non-stick surface, ease of cleaning, even heating, heat retention

all four ovens scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for heat retention and evenness of cooking

the L cruset Lodge and stove have a non-stick enamel finish over the interior and exterior of the pots Amazon does not have enamel but instead is pre-seasoned lay cruset and Lodge each scored Perfect 10 out of 10 however we did notice some veggies sticking to the bottom of both the stove and Amazon dutch ovens while…

while the lodge was a pretty quick cleanup there was some Browning we noticed from the oven that didn't come out when cleaning taking it down to a 7 out of 10

Smithey Ironware cast iron cookware

1 voice 1 claim no objections yet

0:01 supports Isaac Morton Collectors works for this brand

We're making cast iron today that you'll hand down to your grandkids.

durability Smithey Ironware: Casting memories through iron and steel

Isaac Morton works for this brand. Stated in the source: “Isaac Morton, the founder of Smithey Ironware, says” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites durability

Victoria Signature Series

1 voice 1 claim 1 objection

6:01 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

In my warp test, the bottom was already concave, and after heating, that gap became larger.

durability tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites warp resistance (against)

Viking enameled cast iron skillet

1 voice 1 claim no objections yet

6:32 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

We also tested a bunch more and found a best buy from Viking, which was around $110.

value tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites price

What do cooks say about cast iron skillets in general?

Claims about cast iron skillets that name no single product — technique, materials, what to look for. Still evidence, and often the claims that decide a purchase.

0:00 supports

These pans are virtually indestructible.

durability tested it Equipment Review: The Best Traditional & Enameled Cast-Iron Skillets / Pans & Our Testing Winners

Cites acid resistance, durability, rust resistance

In fact, a well seasoned cast iron skillet can rival and certainly outlast any non-stick pan.

This is a glass-like coating, and it prevents the metal from rusting and keeps it from reacting with acidic foods, which can happen with traditional cast iron.

8:02 supports Fallow Chef

This is 24 cm. Really versatile. Definite definite recommend.

recommendation uses it professionally, daily Inside a Real Restaurant Kitchen: What’s Actually Worth Buying (And What Isn’t)

Cites versatility

1:00 supports David Chang Chef

I do feel that every kitchen needs a cast iron skillet they're all cheap and they're all indestructible

recommendation uses it professionally, daily Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

Cites durability, price

2:30 supports Quality Collapse

We have seen cast iron skillets from 1920 that are still being used daily.

durability relaying someone else The Only 5 Cookware Brands That Still Last (The "Buy It For Life" List)

Cites durability

We have seen carbon steel pans from the 1950s that are still in professional kitchens today.

1:30 supports David Chang Chef

this is something for sure that if you take care of will last Generations upon Generations

durability uses it professionally, daily Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

Cites durability

8:33 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

First, a broad cooking surface. We preferred pans that offered at least 10 inches of flat cooking surface.

recommendation tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites handle, shape and form, size and capacity

That extra height is really necessary for containing hot oil and food, such as when frying donuts and shallow frying chicken.

but we preferred those with wide broad loops that we could really hang onto, especially when wearing oven mitts

Generally though, we recommend buying a 12 inch skillet if you can. It's always good to have the option of a bigger pan for recipes of different sizes

6:32 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

If you wanna bang it around with no fear of damage and use it at any temperature under the broiler or on the grill, even over live fire or with metal utensils.

durability tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites durability, heat resistance

5:32 objects Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

The enamel isn't toxic, but you certainly don't want that in your food and it does make the surface more sticky.

performance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites non-stick surface (against)

Another downside, don't expect enamel cast iron skillets to be or become non-stick.

5:32 objects Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

The enamel coating can sometimes heat and expand and retract at different rates, which can lead to cracking, an issue called crazing.

reliability tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites crazing (against), non-stick surface (against)

While some manufacturers claim their pans will do this and become more non-stick with use, in our hands-on testing experience, we found that not to be the case.

5:02 objects Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

Be warned however that this enamel coating makes these skillets less durable than their uncoated brethren.

durability tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites coating (against), durability (against), scratch resistance (against)

You also wanna avoid using metal utensils and scraping or banging the pan, you know it's glass, so you gotta be a little bit careful with it.

3:01 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

Artisan makers often cast their to have thinner sides, but a thicker bottom which cuts down on the total weight of the pan, but keeps that heat retention capability.

performance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites heat retention, non-stick surface, surface finish, weight

Most artisan makers will also take the time to hand polish their pan surface, which makes it naturally non-stick much faster than a mass produced pan.

2:01 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

Generally being a single piece of metal also makes these skillets very sturdy.

durability tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites build quality, coating, durability, ease of cleaning, maintenance, rust resistance

These cast iron pans start out like traditional cast iron, but then they're coated in a glass like vitreous glaze that seals the pan from air and moisture that could cause rust

their enamel coating makes enamel cast iron pans virtually maintenance free. You never have to season them and you can soak, use soap and scrub as much as you'd like.

Okay, that is my buying guide for these wonderful lifetime pans.

0:30 supports Valerie Li Stack Cookware Reviewer

And with plenty of views in the right care, their surface becomes naturally non-stick.

performance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites non-stick surface, seasoning durability

As Hannah said, an important feature of cast iron skillets is its natural non-stick ability.

Repeated exposure to smoking hot oil continues to build on this coating, making it more slippery and durable. That's why even though most skillets these days come with a factory seasoning, the surface will become even more non-stick with repeated use.

0:30 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

In terms of cooking, there's very little these pans can't do.

performance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites even heating, heat conduction, heat retention, searing and crust, versatility

Its superpower is that it can retain and conduct plenty of heat for deep browning of food.

like regular cast iron, these pans have excellent heat retention, so they'll sear, fry and braise well maintaining the heat you want without undesirable temperature dips as food is added or flipped

Though all of these are gonna sear a great steak.

A thick heavy pan has the mass and density to hold more heat than a thinner pan does, and once preheated will cook more evenly than a thinner and lighter pan

0:00 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

Cast iron skillets are one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can buy since they work on the stove top in the oven, even on the grill.

use-case fit tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites acid resistance, induction compatible, maintenance, oven safe, stovetop compatibility, versatility

Best of all, you can cook almost anything, even acidic foods that need to be simmered for a long time like a tomato sauce because the enamel seals the cast iron making the pan rust proof and non-reactive.

While both regular and enameled cast iron pans are induction compatible, the smoother enameled bottoms can be a little gentler on glass cooktops

Enameled is for the person that never wants to think about seasoning their pan. Enamel doesn't need it.

12:03 supports Kent Rollins Chef

always told you that cast iron is an investment it's going to outlast everything else you got each one of these Skillets if you take care of it will last you a lifetime and you can pass down from generation to generation to generation

durability tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites durability

3:31 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

more importantly cast iron it conducts the heat so you can have the gas on absolute minimal or the oven down to its absolute lowest setting and the thing will just cook naturally

performance uses it professionally, daily Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites heat conduction, heat retention

0:00 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

Most cast iron skillets today come pre-seasoned so you can start cooking right away

performance You've Been Lied To About Cast Iron Cookware

Cites acid resistance, ease of cleaning, even heating, heat retention, maintenance, non-stick surface, rust resistance, seasoning durability

When you do need to season it, all you have to do is clean it, dry it, rub it with a thin layer of oil, and bake it in the oven. Although the baking portion takes an hour or so, the actual work you need to do takes less than 5 minutes. It’s not a big deal and it’s not difficult

But the reality is that seasoning isn't just oil; it's polymerized oil that's been bonded to the cast iron. It's hard and tough and as long as the dish soap doesn't contain lye or sodium hydroxide, a few drops won't hurt

I always recommend using a chainmail to clean cast iron, but if you cooked an especially messy meal and chainmail is not doing the trick, mild dish soap is okay

As you can see, the soap didn’t impact the seasoning at all

Cast iron develops non-stick properties over time with proper seasoning, but it's not totally non-stick like a Teflon-coated pan

But flavoring food with a small amount of acidic ingredients, such as a splash of wine, vinegar, or lemon juice, won't cause any issues

If you're not cooking highly acidic foods for a long time, like over 30 minutes, the seasoning should be fine

To prove this point, I squeezed a whole lemon into this cast iron pan and let it simmer for about 4 minutes. After removing the lemon juice and wiping the skillet, you can see that the seasoning wasn't affected at all

One of the reasons I love cast iron is that it retains heat exceptionally well

Once it's fully preheated, it retains heat well, so your food will cook evenly

That may be true, but in my experience, this step is completely unnecessary. If the skillet is well-seasoned and you dry it thoroughly, it shouldn’t rust, and you don't need to oil it after each use

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And because they retain heat so incredibly well, they're even better than traditional stainless steel skillets when it comes to browning and searing food or shallow frying.

performance tested it Equipment Review: The Best Traditional & Enameled Cast-Iron Skillets / Pans & Our Testing Winners

Cites even heating, heat retention, non-stick surface

They also gradually get a slick surface patina that releases food easily.

In fact, a well seasoned cast iron skillet can rival and certainly outlast any non-stick pan.

Now, as for the enameled pans, we saw that in recipes that required plenty of fat, like steaks or fried chicken cutlets, enameled pans all released foods well and delivered good browning.

When we made cornbread and flipped over the pans, all the traditional skillets instantly turned out perfectly brown, crisprusted cornbread, but four of the six enamelled models stuck to the cornbread and tore out a chunk of the bottom crust.

Both are going to give you great heat retention and browning.

7:02 mixed Papa Mau Cooking YouTube

Heat management is key to me from my experience so far.

performance owns and uses it daily The Uncomfortable Truth Behind Lodge Cast Iron Pans

Cites heat control

1:00 objects Adam Cookware Reviewer

But you know, in our test, testers found that actually it didn't sear or brown food quite as evenly. It ran a little bit hot because it was a little bit lighter, and simple formula, less mass, less heat retention, less even browning.

performance tested it The Best Cast-Iron Skillets

Cites even heating (against), heat retention (against), weight

11:03 mixed Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

And the ones that cost eight times more don't perform eight times better.

value tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites price (against)

0:30 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are protected by a coating of fused glass particles that are melted down and sprayed onto the cast iron. This coating is hard and non-reactive, which means you can cook any ingredient for any amount of time without issues. You never have to worry about rust, and you don't have to season…

durability 10 Dutch Oven Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Cites coating durability, maintenance, rust resistance

9:34 objects Zoe Carter Home Cooks

the most difficult thing to cook on l cruset or any cast iron for that matter is over easy eggs or over medium eggs anytime you need to cook an egg and then flip it over to the other side it is extremely difficult

performance owns and uses it daily Le Creuset One Year Review! | How to clean, learning curves, is it worth it?

Cites non-stick surface (against)

9:33 supports Jed

i love to suggest cast iron to people on stovetop you know versus something like proline because the reality is you can go down to the hardware store and buy a piece of lodge cookware for 40 bucks compared to a you know 270 dollar or more stainless steel pan and the results are amazing

recommendation tested it Why I believe that Demeyere makes the best cookware in the world

6:32 supports Jed

but the heat retention and the distribution like when you've heated up a nice big piece of cast and you've got that constant heat under it it just distributes so incredibly well and it allows for the flexibility of cooking

performance tested it Why I believe that Demeyere makes the best cookware in the world

Cites even heating, heat retention, versatility

8:03 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

The artisanal pans are a little less maintenance than the traditional pans and they just look beautiful.

durability tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites appearance, maintenance

8:03 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

traditional pans while they're a few pounds heavier, they have better heat retention

performance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites heat retention

6:32 objects Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

You want to wash and dry these pan thoroughly and lightly oil them each time after use to prevent rust and build up that non-stick surface.

durability tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites maintenance (against), rust resistance (against)

You also never wanna leave these pans soaking in the sink, so if you're that type of cook, maybe cast iron isn't for you.

5:02 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

Finally, their colorful appearance is pretty enough to bring to the table for serving.

appearance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites appearance

4:32 objects Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts

Acidic foods like tomatoes can strip the seasoning from traditional cast iron if simmered for too long in the pan.

use-case fit tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites acid resistance (against)

10:33 supports Kent Rollins Chef

cast iron has notoriously been blamed for it's too heavy you know but folks cast iron was built so many years ago for one reason uh to cook with but also heaviness is heat retention

performance tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites heat retention, weight

1:00 supports Kent Rollins Chef

now these are all companies that are made in America and that's the number one thing that we stand for

recommendation tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites country of manufacture

1:00 supports STAUB USA

one of the reasons I love enameled cast iron is because it has a very even heat distribution and it is perfect for searing proteins

performance owns and uses it daily Which STAUB Dutch Oven Should You Buy? Size Guide & Expert Tips

Cites even heating

3:07 supports Daniel

The cast iron made this easy. I cranked it up to about 500 to 535° without a second thought. Dropped the steak and the temp held steady even when the meat hit the pan. The center even spiked to around 570°, which is why you get that deep, perfect sear outside. That's what high stable heat does.

performance tested it HexClad Pan Reviews After 1 Year – Is a $150 Hybrid Pan Worth It?

Cites heat control, heat resistance, heat retention, searing and crust

Cast iron, for example, does take the high heat without complaint, holds it steady, builds a non-stick layer over time, and can last for generations.

13:06 supports Big Lew BBQ & Other Things I Want to Do! Collectors

um i do have an eight that dates to the roosevelt administration that i use a lot one that dates to the other roosevelt administration that i use a lot actually predates that one and uh it's got a gate mark on the bottom

durability owns and uses it daily Field Company No. 10 Skillet Follow Up Review

Cites durability

2:07 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

especially since cast iron can last for generations

durability Stargazer Cast Iron Review: Is This $145 Skillet Better Than a $30 Lodge?

Cites durability

Cast iron lasts forever

7:02 supports Chef Matt Chef

it only requires a feris magnetic material something like cast iron which is well it could be centuries old can work on an induction burner

use-case fit Why I Won't Buy An Induction Range: Should You?

Cites induction compatible

3:38 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

In my experience, cast iron works perfectly fine on electric glass cooktops. I know this because I've cooked hundreds of meals in cast iron on my electric cooktop without any issues

use-case fit owns and uses it daily You've Been Lied To About Cast Iron Cookware

Cites heat retention, seasoning durability, stovetop compatibility

Also, I've never experienced problems with the cookware radiating excessive heat back onto the cooktop, nor have I heard of this being a common issue from others

Bacon cooks really well in cast iron skillets, and cooking fatty meats like bacon can contribute to the seasoning process

2:08 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

Cast iron develops non-stick properties over time with proper seasoning, but it's not totally non-stick like a Teflon-coated pan

performance You've Been Lied To About Cast Iron Cookware

Cites acid resistance (against), even heating (against), heat conduction (against), heating speed (against), non-stick surface (against)

But a well-seasoned cast iron pan still needs to be greased. And even when it is greased, eggs can sometimes stick if the temperature of the pan isn’t right

For example, simmering tomato sauce or braising short ribs in red wine for extended periods will damage the seasoning and make your food taste like metal

But when people say it heats evenly, they're wrong. The truth is that iron is a terrible heat conductor. Because it has a much lower thermal conductivity than other cookware materials like aluminum and copper, it doesn't heat as fast or evenly

But it takes a while to get there, and as it heats up, the middle of the pan closest to the heat source will be significantly hotter than the sides

0:00 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

Although cast iron without seasoning will rust, the seasoning process is easy and you don't need to do it often

durability You've Been Lied To About Cast Iron Cookware

Cites durability (against), rust resistance (against)

However, cast iron is actually brittle. It contains about 98% iron and 2% carbon. The carbon adds hardness but also makes the material more brittle

Unlike other metals like aluminum and steel, cast iron isn't ductile, which means it will break before it bends

If you drop a cast iron skillet or subject it to extreme pressure, especially against a hard or pointed surface, it can crack and break

4:02 supports

If you can have only one skillet, let it be cast iron.

recommendation tested it 11 Essential Kitchen Tools Every Home Cook Needs | America's Test Kitchen

We love carbon steel,

3:01 supports

Another thing to consider, while traditional cast iron has no upper temperature limits, this is not true of enamel because high temperatures can cause the coating to develop a million small cracks, which is called crazing.

durability tested it Equipment Review: The Best Traditional & Enameled Cast-Iron Skillets / Pans & Our Testing Winners

Cites heat resistance

3:01 supports

Traditional pans all became slicker every time we used them, but the enamelled pans stayed the same and a few even release slightly less well by the end of testing.

performance tested it Equipment Review: The Best Traditional & Enameled Cast-Iron Skillets / Pans & Our Testing Winners

Cites even heating, heat retention, non-stick surface

Both are going to give you great heat retention and browning.

But you keep in mind that an enamel pan isn't ever going to match a well seasoned traditional cast iron pan for releasing food.

4:31 objects Papa Mau Cooking YouTube

This is one of the trickiest dish to attempt on any iron cookware.

use-case fit owns and uses it daily The Uncomfortable Truth Behind Lodge Cast Iron Pans

Cites maintenance (against), non-stick surface (against)

are you willing to dedicate time to the craft of cooking?

It may not be for everyone

1:30 supports Adam Cookware Reviewer

Testers love these smooth finishes because they were super easy to clean.

performance tested it The Best Cast-Iron Skillets

Cites ease of cleaning, non-stick surface, seasoning durability

These were easy to clean, easy to season, they had great stick resistance, so that was a real benefit.

0:00 supports Julia Chef

If taken care of correctly, cast iron skillets will last a lifetime.

durability tested it The Best Cast-Iron Skillets

Cites durability, maintenance (against)

14:34 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

They can still cook extremely well, but I wouldn't spend hundreds of dollars expecting them to outperform a good modern skillet.

value tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price (against)

5:31 mixed Lisa Cookware Reviewer

Cast iron, that is a very heat-retaining material. Once we preheated the pan, we dropped that burger, it stayed pretty steady and it got quite hot. We got a deep brown crust almost to the verge of being almost burned, which is, I kinda like it that way, but not everybody does. By the time we were really ready to take…

performance tested it Are Carbon Steel Pans Really The Best? | Gear Heads

Cites flavour impact, heat control (against), heat retention, non-stick surface (against)

The stainless steel pan, as is their want, left some fond. It stuck a little bit. There was a brown spot where the burger had cooked, and that's great if you're gonna make a pan sauce or whatever. It's not a non-stick pan. It has none of the traits of non-stick the way cast iron or very well-seasoned carbon steel have.

11:03 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

Since these skillets last forever, it's worth spending more to get one you'll love long-term.

durability tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites durability

2:00 objects Quality Collapse

Critics will say it is heavy. They will say it requires maintenance. They are right.

handling relaying someone else The Only 5 Cookware Brands That Still Last (The "Buy It For Life" List)

Cites maintenance (against), weight (against)

1:00 supports David Chang Chef

I love cooking meat in this cast iron skillet

use-case fit uses it professionally, daily Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

1:00 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer

Unless you plan to use your Dutch oven over a campfire, get one that's enameled.

recommendation 10 Dutch Oven Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Cites browning visibility

Although I appreciate that a dark interior makes discoloration less noticeable, it's more important to be able to monitor your food's progress. So, if all else is equal, I prefer Dutch ovens with a light interior.

0:00 supports Approved By Elle

I believe that everybody should have at least one cast iron skillet in their kitchen

recommendation Enameled Cast Iron Skillet Review | Tramontina Bestow 12-Inch Pan #amazonfinds #castironcooking

What kinds of cast iron skillets are there?

Enameled Cast Iron