Best Cast Iron Skillets 2025
We tested 15+ cast iron skillets with 500+ meals to find the best at every price point
Quick Picks
Detailed Reviews
Lodge 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet
Our Verdict:
After testing 15 cast iron skillets, Lodge remains unbeatable for value. Yes, it's heavy. Yes, the surface is rougher than premium options. But for $30, you get American-made cookware that will outlive you. We've cooked 500+ meals in our test Lodge, and it just keeps getting better.
Specifications:
✓ Pros
- ✓Unbeatable price-to-performance
- ✓Made in USA since 1896
- ✓Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- ✓Lifetime durability
- ✓Available everywhere
✗ Cons
- −Heavy (5 lbs)
- −Rough surface texture
- −Requires seasoning maintenance
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
Our Verdict:
Le Creuset is the gold standard for enameled cast iron. The enamel is chip-resistant (though not chip-proof), the colors are gorgeous, and build quality is impeccable. Worth it if you want cookware that doubles as presentation pieces and will be passed down to your grandchildren.
Specifications:
✓ Pros
- ✓Lifetime warranty
- ✓Gorgeous enamel colors
- ✓No seasoning needed
- ✓Won't rust
- ✓French craftsmanship since 1925
✗ Cons
- −Very expensive
- −Enamel can chip if dropped
- −Heavy (4.5 lbs)
- −Not dishwasher safe despite claims
Stargazer 12" Cast Iron Skillet
Our Verdict:
Stargazer revives old-school casting methods to create glass-smooth surfaces like vintage cast iron. Eggs slide around effortlessly. If you can afford it and want the best bare cast iron experience, this is it.
Specifications:
✓ Pros
- ✓Glass-smooth cooking surface
- ✓Lighter than Lodge
- ✓American handcrafted
- ✓Pre-seasoned perfectly
- ✓Helper handle for easy lifting
✗ Cons
- −4x price of Lodge
- −Limited availability
- −Still requires seasoning care
Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet
Our Verdict:
Carbon steel offers 90% of cast iron benefits at half the weight. It's the secret weapon of professional chefs. Lighter means easier flipping and less wrist fatigue. Great alternative if cast iron feels too heavy.
Specifications:
✓ Pros
- ✓Half the weight of cast iron
- ✓Heats faster
- ✓Naturally non-stick when seasoned
- ✓Professional kitchen favorite
- ✓Oven-safe to 600°F
✗ Cons
- −Thinner = less heat retention
- −Can warp if heated unevenly
- −Rusts faster than cast iron
Victoria Cast Iron Skillet
Our Verdict:
If $30 is still too much, Victoria performs nearly as well as Lodge for $5 less. The trade-off is less heritage and rougher surface, but it cooks great.
Specifications:
✓ Pros
- ✓Even cheaper than Lodge
- ✓Good build quality
- ✓Pre-seasoned
- ✓Multiple sizes available
✗ Cons
- −Made in Colombia (not USA)
- −Rougher surface than Lodge
- −Less brand heritage
Quick Comparison
| Product |  Lodge 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet |  Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet |  Stargazer 12" Cast Iron Skillet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $199 | $120 |
| Rating | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ |
| Best For | Budget-conscious buyers who want professional performance | Serious cooks investing in heirloom cookware | Enthusiasts who want the smoothest non-stick performance |
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| Action | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Cast Iron Buying Guide
What to Look For
Weight
10-12" skillets weigh 4-8 lbs. Heavier = better heat retention but harder to maneuver. Consider your wrist strength.
Surface Texture
Smooth surfaces are more non-stick but cost more. Rough surfaces work fine once seasoned and are budget-friendly.
Lodge vs Premium Brands
Is Le Creuset worth 6x the price of Lodge? It depends. For cooking performance, they're nearly identical once seasoned. Le Creuset offers:
- No seasoning requirement (enameled surface)
- Lifetime warranty
- Beautiful colors for presentation
- Won't rust
- Heirloom quality
Lodge offers unbeatable value. If you're on a budget or new to cast iron, start with Lodge. Upgrade to Le Creuset later if you want heirloom pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cast iron skillet for beginners?
Lodge 10.25" cast iron skillet ($30) is perfect for beginners. It comes pre-seasoned, is affordable enough that you won't worry about mistakes, and performs like skillets costing 10x more. The size is versatile for most recipes, and Lodge's customer service is excellent.
Is Lodge as good as Le Creuset?
For cooking performance, Lodge is 95% as good as Le Creuset at 15% of the price. Le Creuset offers lifetime warranty, gorgeous enamel colors, and no seasoning requirement. But Lodge cooks just as well once seasoned. Choose Lodge for value, Le Creuset for heirloom quality and aesthetics.
What size cast iron skillet should I buy first?
10-12 inches is the sweet spot for your first cast iron skillet. 10" works for 1-2 people, 12" for families. We recommend starting with a 10.25" Lodge ($30), then adding a 12" later if needed. Avoid smaller sizes - they're too limited for everyday cooking.
Do I really need to season cast iron?
Pre-seasoned skillets like Lodge are ready to use out of the box, but seasoning improves over time. Simply cook with oil regularly and avoid soap (or use gentle dish soap). The more you cook, the better the non-stick surface becomes. It's easier than people think!
Can I put cast iron in the dishwasher?
Never put cast iron in the dishwasher - it will strip the seasoning and cause rust. Hand wash with hot water, use a brush or scraper for stuck food, dry immediately, and wipe with oil. Takes 30 seconds. Enameled cast iron (Le Creuset) is technically dishwasher-safe but hand washing extends its life.
Why is cast iron better than non-stick?
Cast iron lasts 100+ years vs 1-2 years for non-stick, contains zero toxic chemicals, gets better with age, handles high heat (500°F+), and adds beneficial iron to food. Non-stick offers convenience, but cast iron offers lifetime value and superior cooking performance once seasoned.
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