The 25 best cast iron skillet brands
Lodge, Wagner Ware and Le Creuset lead our ranking of 25 cast iron skillet brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Cast Iron Skillet brands, ranked
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1
Lodge
Pre-seasoned American-made pans at everyday prices, plus the Blacklock line with a smoother, more polished cooking surface.
Top products: Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet· Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Website: lodgecastiron.com |Brands like Lodge
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Wagner Ware
Collectible American pans from Sidney, Ohio, prized for smooth cooking surfaces and numbered sizes.
Top products: Sidney -O- Cast Iron Skillet
Website: queensofcookware.auctivacommerce.com |Brands like Wagner Ware
Popularity 8.1/10
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3
Le Creuset
Enamelled cast iron in bright colours, with a heavy skillet that suits searing but costs more than bare iron.
Website: lecreuset.com |Brands like Le Creuset
Popularity 5.1/10
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4
Pioneer Woman
Floral-printed bare and enamelled skillets with a farmhouse look, aimed at everyday home cooks rather than professionals.
Website: thepioneerwoman.com |Brands like Pioneer Woman
Popularity 2.0/10
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5
Old Mountain
American-made cast iron with a niche outdoor focus, including grill presses, pipe irons and skillets.
Website: oldmountainllc.com |Brands like Old Mountain
Popularity 1.5/10
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6
Staub
Black matte enamel interior and lids with tiny spikes that drip moisture back onto food during slow cooking.
Website: staub-online.com |Brands like Staub
Popularity 1.5/10
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7
Vollrath
Commercial foodservice maker since 1874, with heavy-duty pans and older cast iron now mostly collectible.
Top products: Vollrath #3 Cast Iron Skillet
Website: vollrathfoodservice.com |Brands like Vollrath
Popularity 1.2/10
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8
Pampered Chef
Mainly stoneware and kitchen tools, so its cast iron is a small add-on sold through home parties.
Website: pamperedchef.com |Brands like Pampered Chef
Popularity 1.2/10
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9
Tramontina
Brazilian maker with affordable bare and enamelled cast iron at the budget end of the range.
Website: tramontina.com |Brands like Tramontina
Popularity 1.2/10
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10
Emeril's
Cast iron pieces from the celebrity chef's range, with heavier skillets suited to searing steak and blackened fish.
Website: emerils.com |Brands like Emeril's
Popularity 1.1/10
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11
Calphalon
Hard-anodised aluminium is the core of this range, with cast iron as a smaller side line.
Website: calphalon.com |Brands like Calphalon
Popularity 1.1/10
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12
Martha Stewart
Muted-colour enamelled Dutch ovens and skillets with a neutral, understated look, sold through Macy's.
Website: marthastewart.com |Brands like Martha Stewart
Popularity 1.0/10
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13
Cuisinart
Mostly appliances, with enamelled cast iron as a smaller cookware line.
Website: cuisinart.com |Brands like Cuisinart
Popularity 1.0/10
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14
Camp Chef
Outdoor-cooking brand with pre-seasoned skillets and Dutch ovens built for camp stoves and grills.
Website: campchef.com |Brands like Camp Chef
Popularity 1.0/10
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15
Nordic Ware
Nordic Ware produces aluminum baking pans, including the Bundt pan, cake pans and rectangle pans. The company develops its pans with input from bakers and chefs. Its pans are meant for home bakers who want even baking and clean release...
Website: nordicware.com |Brands like Nordic Ware
Popularity 0.8/10
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16
GreenPan
GreenPan was founded back in 2007. GreenPan has been in the market for quite a while, if not a lot. They have learned the needs of the consumers and then crafted products accordingly. Healthy Ceramic nonstick has been introduced to...
Website: greenpan.us |Brands like GreenPan
Popularity 0.8/10
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17
Norpro
Norpro makes cooking easier with the collection of kitchen tools and gadgets at their disposal. Cooking can be a fun activity that does not require groundbreaking work if only you get the right tools. The cookware made of stainless steel...
Website: norprowebstore.com |Brands like Norpro
Popularity 0.7/10
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18
Bayou Classic
Bayou Classic was set up in 2003 with the idea of selling Bayou Classic cookware. They sell a variety of cookware to their customers. They include the different brands of cookware to give a little bit of an option to...
Website: bayouclassicdepot.com |Brands like Bayou Classic
Popularity 0.7/10
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19
Paula Deen
Paula Dean is a company that took its roots back in 1989 when Paula took her first step toward starting a catering company and becoming a professional cooker of the traditional southern cuisine. Now the company has flourished into a...
Website: pauladeen.com |Brands like Paula Deen
Popularity 0.7/10
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20
Chantal
Chantal, a 50-year-old firm, is a kitchenware firm that sells carbon-steel cookware from Germany. The cookware area uses high-quality stainless steel that is non-reactive, durable, and inherently stick-resistant. Their craft coffee department provides electric kettles made of high-quality, non-toxic stoneware....
Website: chantal.com |Brands like Chantal
Popularity 0.7/10
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21
Princess House
Princess House makes home goods for the kitchen and table, including serving bowls, pans, mug sets and decorative accents. The brand built its name in the home party tradition. Its catalogs feature cookware, blenders, dinnerware and recipes that pair with...
Website: princesshouse.com |Brands like Princess House
Popularity 0.6/10
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22
Good Cook
Kitchen gadgets and cooking sets from Good Cook are designed to make food preparation faster. The American brand offers utensils, accessories and cooking tools that speed up the process from prep to serving. Its website sorts products into categories, so...
Website: goodcook.com |Brands like Good Cook
Popularity 0.6/10
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23
Mr. Bar-B-Q
In the United States, Mr. Bar-B-Q is the top provider of outdoor barbecues, accessories, and accessories. Their specialization is assisting clients in conquering their patio or backyard with a choice of creative goods that will improve your outdoor experience. They...
Website: mrbarbq.com |Brands like Mr. Bar-B-Q
Popularity 0.6/10
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24
Rachael Ray
Rachael Ray's program is about more than simply food. Its website has interesting and engaging parts based on cuisine, crafts, travel ideas, and more. They have delectable meals that can be readily prepared at home using simple supplies and directions....
Website: rachaelrayshow.com |Brands like Rachael Ray
Popularity 0.6/10
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25
Food Network
Anyone setting a table with food-themed linens or mugs can find tablecloths, place mats, cloth napkins and stoneware mugs from Food Network. The brand is tied to the culinary television network.
Website: foodnetwork.com |Brands like Food Network
Popularity 0.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge | lodgecastiron.com | /LodgeCastIron | lodgecastiron | @LodgeCastIron | LodgeCastIron |
| Wagner Ware | queensofcookware.auctivacommerce.com | – | – | – | – |
| Le Creuset | lecreuset.com | – | – | – | – |
| Pioneer Woman | thepioneerwoman.com | /thepioneerwoman | thepioneerwomanmag | @thepioneerwoman | – |
| Old Mountain | oldmountainllc.com | – | – | – | – |
| Staub | staub-online.com | /DemeyereBenelux | demeyerebenelux | – | – |
| Vollrath | vollrathfoodservice.com | /TheVollrathCompany | vollrathco | @VollrathCo | UCaaXhUm5R_9Dxu4dY6rADw |
| Pampered Chef | pamperedchef.com | /ThePamperedChef | pamperedchef | @pamperedchef | – |
| Tramontina | tramontina.com | /tramontinausainc | tramontinausa | – | Tramontina USA, Inc. |
| Emeril's | emerils.com | /Emeril | emeril | @emeril | emeril |
Cast Iron Skillet Buying Guide
Cast iron skillets have been a kitchen staple for generations, and for good reason. They’re reliable, durable, and versatile, making them an excellent addition to any kitchen. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which cast iron skillet is right for you. In this buying guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when purchasing a cast iron skillet.
Size
The size of your cast iron skillet will play a significant role in how you use it. Consider your cooking needs and the size of your stove burners when choosing a skillet size. If you’re using a gas stove, you may be able to use a larger skillet without experiencing any issues with heat distribution. However, electric and induction stovetops require more precise sizing to ensure even cooking.
Most commonly, cast iron skillets come in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 15 inches in diameter. A 10-12 inch skillet is a good all-purpose choice for most households, but larger or smaller sizes may be better suited to your cooking needs.
Weight
Cast iron skillets are notorious for being heavy, but not all skillets are created equal. The weight of your skillet will impact its handling, cooking capabilities, and cleaning. A heavier skillet will retain heat better, making it ideal for searing meats. However, if you plan to do a lot of flipping, a lighter skillet will be easier to maneuver.
The weight of a cast iron skillet largely depends on its size. A 6-inch skillet may weigh only a few pounds, while a 15-inch skillet can weigh up to 15 pounds. Consider your physical abilities and cooking preferences when choosing a skillet weight.
Shape
Cast iron skillets come in a variety of shapes, including round, square, and rectangular. The shape you choose will impact how you use the skillet and its versatility. A round skillet is the most traditional shape and is ideal for searing meats and sautéing vegetables. A square or rectangular skillet is better suited for dishes that require more space, such as frittatas or grilled sandwiches.
Handle
The handle of a cast iron skillet will impact how you handle it and its usability. Most cast iron skillets come with one long handle, while others may have a second handle on the opposite side for added support. Consider your physical abilities and cooking technique when choosing a skillet handle.
The handle material is also important to consider. While traditional cast iron skillet handles are made of the same material as the skillet, newer models may have stainless steel or silicone handles. Stainless steel handles stay cool to the touch, making them a safer option for stovetop cooking. Silicone handles offer added grip and comfort, but may not hold up as well over time as metal handles.
Seasoning
Seasoning refers to the process of coating the cast iron skillet with oil to create a non-stick surface. Some cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, while others require seasoning before use. Pre-seasoned skillets can be used right out of the box, but may require additional seasoning over time to maintain their non-stick properties. Unseasoned skillets will require a few rounds of seasoning before they’re ready to use.
When choosing a seasoned cast iron skillet, look for a skillet that has been seasoned with vegetable oil, as it’s a natural and safe choice.
Maintenance
Cast iron skillets require proper maintenance to keep them in top condition. While they’re durable and long-lasting, neglecting your skillet can cause rusting and damage. Look for skillets that are easy to clean and maintain, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
When cleaning your cast iron skillet, avoid using soap and abrasive tools that can damage the seasoning. Instead, use a soft cloth and warm water to wipe the skillet down. If necessary, use a brush or scraper to remove any stuck-on food particles. After cleaning, dry the skillet thoroughly with a towel and store it in a dry area.
Price
Cast iron skillets can range in price from under $20 to over $200, depending on the size, brand, and features. While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper option, investing in a high-quality skillet will pay off in the long run. Consider your budget and cooking needs when choosing a skillet, and look for models that offer the best value for your money.
Warranty
Finally, consider the warranty when purchasing a cast iron skillet. While they’re designed to last for generations, things can still go wrong. Look for a skillet with a warranty that covers defects or damage, and check the terms and conditions to ensure you’re getting the best possible coverage.
Conclusion
Cast iron skillets are a timeless classic that every home cook should have in their kitchen. When choosing a skillet, consider the factors that are most important to you, such as size, weight, and handle material. Look for skillets that are easy to maintain and offer the best value for your money. With a little research and consideration, you’ll be able to find the perfect cast iron skillet that will last for generations.
