Freshly baked Dutch pancakes, apple crumble, triple-cooked potatoes and steak – you'll be able to cook these mouth-watering dishes and more with the wonder-cookware that is a cast iron pan. Also known as a skillet, this type of frying pan really brings out the flavours of your food; you can even get pans especially for making pizzas and crêpes or baking a loaf of bread.
With the help of our detailed guide, you'll be able to choose the right cast iron pan and learn how to season it. And of course, don't miss our list of top products, which includes quality brands such as Le Creuset, Staub and Lodge. Grab them quickly from Amazon, Argos and John Lewis so you can enjoy the magic of a cast iron pan as soon as possible!
Quick List - Top Cast Iron Pans
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Whether you're about to buy your very first cast iron pan or you just want another one to add to your collection, we've got you! In this buying guide, we'll be showing you the most crucial points to consider when buying pans, or even iron cookware in general.
Even if there's only a centimetre less than you anticipated in the diameter or a kilo more in the weight of the pan, it will largely influence your desire to cook with your new piece of cookware. That's why we think you should at least consider these two measurements. Take a look!
You probably know that cast iron pans are very popular, but did you know that they come in a large range of sizes too? On our list, for example, we've got products with diameters from 15 cm to 30 cm!
So, think about what you'll use it for most. By checking the dimensions of the pan, you can roughly imagine whether a certain size will be adequate for cooking your favourite meals.
Go for diameters between 25-35 cm if you plan to cook your three meals with the same pan. For the odd apple crumble or a fancy sunny-side-up-egg, you always have the option of a miniature cast iron pan. We've also tried to include the depth of the pan for even better planning before you buy.
Another important piece of information most people tend to overlook is the weight of the pan. Cast iron is much more weighty than stainless steel or other frying pan materials, and you'll be surprised at how achy your wrist and even your arm muscles can get by cooking with a pan that's just 1 kg heavier than what you usually use.
You're not at the gym, you don't need to challenge yourself by using a heavy pan! That's why you should always consider what weight of cooking pan feels the most comfortable, especially if you enjoy spending lots of quality time in the kitchen whipping up your favourite dishes.
By cooking with a pan of a suitable weight, you're doing yourself a favour by preventing muscle strains and avoid any unwanted accidents!
If cooking is your greatest passion, you might want to seriously consider the following before buying a pan as these will help you cook and clean with minimum hassle. Who doesn't love that?
If you're new to cast iron cookware, you might wonder what 'seasoning' a pan actually means. Well, it's not that you season it with salt and pepper, rather, it's a process that forms a carbonised layer of oil on the cast iron which prevents rusting. As the layer of oil gradually builds up, you'll end up with a non-stick pan which will easily outlive you if maintained well.
Most cast iron cookware comes non-seasoned, so you'll have to do it yourself before the first use, but there are also pre-seasoned pans which allow you to use the pan straight away. This is a really convenient option for those who want the job done for them beforehand.
However, if you want your pre-seasoned pan to perform at its best, you should still season it, but it won't be as much of a hassle compared to non-seasoned ones. Check out our tips at the end of the article to find out how!
Traditional cast iron pans can be used on any hob, but they can also be placed in the oven and even on a barbecue or open fire, some of which is down to the fact that they typically have a cast iron handle. Some have an additional 'helper' handle too, which can make carrying a heavy pan full of food much easier.
The only downside to this versatility is that, even if you're just using it on the hob, the handle can get very hot. So, as well as making sure to use an oven glove, you might also like to look for pans that come with a set of pot holders or handle guards. Most brands sell them separately, if not.
You can find non-traditional cast iron pans that use other heat-resistant materials for their handles, like silicone or wood, but be aware these might mean the pan is no longer oven-safe.
Cast iron cookware is not usually recommended to be washed in the dishwasher as the oil layer that forms the non-stick surface will be washed off. However, there's always an exception and we've included dishwasher-safe options on our ranking list in case you'd prefer this.
Even if the product can be used in the dishwasher, always read the instructions carefully to ensure you're using suitable detergent and the correct water temperature for cleaning. But if you want your cast iron pan last for as long as it can, we still recommend hand washing!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Crucible Cookware Cast Iron Skillet Set | ![]() | The Perfect Pan to Serve the Whole Family | |
2 | Hairy Bikers Lightweight Cast Iron Frying Pan | ![]() | Say Goodbye to Food Sticking to Your Pan | |
3 | Lodge Eddingtons Lodge Round Frying Pan | ![]() | A Pan From the Oldest Cast Iron Cookware Maker in the US | |
4 | Staub Cast Iron Round Grill Pan | ![]() | Large Griddle Pan Made for Easy Storage | |
5 | Cuisinel Store Set of 2 Cast Iron Skillets | ![]() | There's No Such Thing as Having Too Many Cast Iron Pans | |
6 | Argos Home Cast Iron Griddle Pan | ![]() | Add Sear Marks to Your Food With This Budget-Friendly Pan | |
7 | Le Creuset Signature Enamelled Cast Iron Skillet | ![]() | Finest Quality Guaranteed by a World-Famous Brand | |
8 | Genware Mini Cast Iron Fry Pan | ![]() | Eggcellent Breakfast for One | |
9 | Crucible Cookware Cast Iron Pizza Pan | ![]() | Freshly Baked Thin-Crust Pizza Straight From the Oven | |
10 | Staub Cast Iron Pancake Frying Pan | ![]() | Having the Best Crêpes at Home Is No Longer a Dream! |
We know this isn't the fanciest-looking pan, but there are several reasons why it's our top choice. Firstly, with a 30 cm diameter and a reasonable depth, you'll be able to roast a chicken or triple-cook the potatoes for your entire family on a Sunday. And of course, all the true flavours of the food will be enhanced by this wonder-pan.
It also comes with crystal-clear instructions on seasoning and caring for your new cast iron pan, not to mention that it's one of the very few dishwasher-safe products. With its two silicone handle grips too, it's no wonder both newbies and those experienced with cast iron cookware love this product!
You've probably seen the Hairy Bikers cooking programme on BBC2, but did you know they've launched their own cookware range too? This particular pan is made from lightweight cast iron with a stainless steel handle, so you'll be able to fill it with delicious food and carry it to the table with ease.
This pan might not be pre-seasoned, but it has two layers of non-stick coating, and if that's still not enough for you, the special honeycomb base design stops any food from sticking the pan. So no worries about having to scrape any food off when it comes to cleaning up!
This is another mini pan, but this time, it's more suitable for cooking full meals for one. Made in the USA, this product is highly rated by most customers on Amazon, especially amongst those who are experienced in seasoning and cooking with cast iron. You already know this is the product you've been looking for!
Lodge is based in Tennesse and is the oldest manufacturer of cast iron cookware in the US. Sourced using only the best quality materials, this pan is destined to last a really long time, even though it comes at a fairly reasonable price. Believe us, you'll never want to use any other pan again once you have a go with this one.
We really like the design of this pan's heat-resistant foldable handle as it'll save so much room – which means more space for other kitchenware in your cupboard! You can also easily remove the silicone handle so you can choose whether to make your meals in the oven or on the hob.
With carbon-rich iron alloy as the material, this pan ensures great heat retention and even heat distribution. You can turn the hob down to a minimum once the pan is heated too, which is a great way to reduce energy consumption.
Once you've understood the true beauty of cast iron cookware, you'll know this set is definitely a bargain. With two cast iron pans, you can cook your veggies on the hob while baking the meat in the oven. You don't even have to decide which dish is more worthy to use your cast iron for!
Being already pre-seasoned, you just need to cook your very first meal with oil or butter and the pan is pretty much ready to go. If you want to have matching lids for your pans, the brand also offer a set with glass lids, which will save you time trying to search for the right fit.
Any type of food looks way more delicious with sear marks on it, and thanks to this very budget-friendly griddle pan, you'll be able to do just that. It's got everything you need – the reassurance that it's oven-safe and suitable for any type of hob, as well as oil channels, which allow you to drain off excess fat for a healthier meal.
You'll be glad to know that this affordable product has an enamel coating too, however it's only limited to the exterior of the pan. Customers have also reported that this product is extremely heavy, so watch out if you have weak wrists.
We all know Le Creuset can do no wrong when it comes to cast iron cookware. Both the exterior and interior of this pan are enamelled, meaning the surfaces are well protected and less prone to rusting. Plus, being one of the rare pre-seasoned products by the brand, you can use it the moment it arrives at your door.
While the durable enamel is guaranteed to never wear off and does not render it unsuitable for BBQs or other heat sources, a product of such superb quality always comes at a price. But considering the versatility and the fact that this pan will last forever, it really is a good one-off investment.
The tiniest pan on this list, this miniature cast iron is both adorable and offers actual practical usage. Almost weightless, you can cook quality meals with this mini pan even if you're deep in the woods camping. We also think it is the perfect size to cook eggs in many different ways – shakshuka would be our choice!
As a small cooking pan, this product really is limited to serve one, or at most two, people. You'll also have to stock up on a few of these if you live in a large household. But besides that, we don't see why you shouldn't get this cute little pan.
Making thin-crust pizza at home is a challenge, but it will no longer be an issue thanks to this massive pan with a diameter of 35 cm. You can even grill many different types of food on the pan at the same time – perfect if you're the chef of the day and in charge of catering for a large family or group.
This pan might be great news for pizza lovers, but not so great if you have a small oven at home as it takes up quite a lot of space. It might be best to save it for a BBQ party in your garden when the weather is nice and hot!
Crêpes just taste so much better in Paris, but this special pan for pancake and crêpe-making is extra flat so you'll be able to flip over even the thinnest crêpe without breaking it, just like a pro! The wooden handle will also prevent you from burning your hands while making your favourite sweet or savoury crêpes.
Since this pan does include wood as well as cast iron, it is the only product on this list that cannot be used in the oven. In addition to the pan being extremely shallow, this means the types of cuisine you can cook with it are very limited.
Seasoning a cast iron pan can sound scary, especially for the newbies, but we promise it's easy and all that's required is a bit of patience! Everything you need can be found in your kitchen. If you did go for a traditional pan which hasn't been pre-seasoned and doesn't have a non-stick coating, here's how to do it:
We're just as excited as you to try out your new cast iron, so we thought you might need some cooking ideas to put your pan to good use. Whether Spanish, vegetarian or Indian cuisine, you'll have more than enough recipes to make delicious meals for your family and friends.
No. 1: Crucible Cookware|Cast Iron Skillet Set
No. 2: Hairy Bikers|Lightweight Cast Iron Frying Pan
No. 3: Lodge|Eddingtons Lodge Round Frying Pan
No. 4: Staub|Cast Iron Round Grill Pan
No. 5: Cuisinel Store|Set of 2 Cast Iron Skillets
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