Which cast-iron skillet is best?
Many cooks like to have a cast-iron skillet as part of their kitchen arsenal, but how do you choose which one will cook food the best and last for years to come? It’s important to pick a quality cast-iron skillet you’ll enjoy cooking on.
If you’re looking to kit your kitchen out from scratch with new cookware, this Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle is an excellent choice, containing three skillets of different sizes.
What to know before you buy a cast-iron skillet
Diameter
The diameter of your skillet is important because it should be large enough to fit what you want to cook in it, but not unnecessarily huge. Although cast iron retains heat well, it doesn’t transfer heat as effectively as more lightweight metals, so a skillet that’s too large for the burner can end up with cool spots near the edges, not to mention that bigger cast-iron skillets weigh more and cost more. When checking out the diameter of any skillets you’re considering, bear in mind that the listed diameter is often the diameter of the rim, not the cooking area. Since most skillets taper out from the base to the rim, the cooking area usually is slightly smaller.
Depth
Most cast-iron skillets have a standard depth of approximately 2 to 2.5 inches. This is deep enough for average cooking methods such as searing and sauteing. There are some extra-deep skillets with a depth of roughly 3 to 4 inches. These are better suited for simmering larger volumes of food that wouldn’t fit in a shallower skillet, deep frying in a couple of inches of oil or baking deep-dish pies.
Seasoning
Seasoning on a cast-iron skillet is an accumulation of layers of oils on the inside of the pan that makes up a nonstick coating. The majority of cast-iron skillets sold today come pre-seasoned and ready to cook with, but if you want to do the seasoning process yourself, you can find a handful of unseasoned cast iron pans.
What to look for in a quality cast-iron skillet
Pouring spouts
The pouring spouts in the side of a cast iron pan help you more easily pour out liquid food or used cooking oil without making a mess. You also can use them as spoon rests.
Removable silicone grips
Cast-iron skillets’ handles can get hot, so those with silicone grips are easier to handle. Ideally, these grips should be removable so the pans are oven-safe at higher temperatures.
Lid
Most cast-iron skillets don’t come with lids, but there are some that do if having a lid is non-negotiable for you. You should also be able to buy lids separately that will fit your skillet.
How much you can expect to spend on a cast-iron skillet
Depending on factors such as size, seasoning and overall quality, cast-iron skillets can cost between $15-$100 apiece.
Cast-iron skillet FAQ
Is cooking on cast iron bad for you?
A. No, cooking with cast iron isn’t bad for you. When you cook food in a cast iron pan, iron from the pan leaches into your food, increasing your dietary iron intake, which is great for anyone who’s deficient in iron.
What are the benefits of cast-iron skillets?
A. Aside from adding extra iron to your food, cast-iron skillets have a range of benefits. They’re very durable, so a decent cast-iron skillet that’s well cared for could outlive you. Their excellent heat retention properties help them char and brown food. When well-seasoned, cast-iron skillets are nonstick but without any of the controversial chemicals that go into pans with nonstick coatings. Cast-iron pans are oven-safe with no maximum temperature limits, so it’s easy to cook dishes that go from the stove to the oven.
What’s the best cast-iron skillet to buy?
Top cast-iron skillet
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle
What you need to know: This set of three skillets is a great choice for anyone stocking their kitchen from scratch.
What you’ll love: This set contains three skillet sizes: 8, 10 and 12 inches. Each is pre-seasoned, features pouring spouts and has one long handle and one loop handle. Lodge has been making cast-iron skillets since 1896, so you can be sure of the quality.
What you should consider: Not every buyer needs a full set of three skillets.
Top cast-iron skillet for the money
Amazon Basics Preseasoned Cast Iron Skillet
What you need to know: This is a simple, affordable cast-iron skillet available in various sizes.
What you’ll love: Each skillet comes preseasoned, so it should have a reasonably nonstick coating, which will improve with use. The flared edges and pouring spouts make cooking convenient. The largest size measures more than 16 inches across.
What you should consider: The skillet’s cooking surface could have a smoother texture.
Worth checking out
Victoria Cast-iron Paella Frying Pan
What you need to know: Although listed as a paella pan, this loop-handled piece of cookware can also be used as a skillet.
What you’ll love: You can choose between five sizes from 6.5 to 13 inches. It comes seasoned with flaxseed oil, which provides a beautiful, hard finish. The double-loop handles make it easy to pick up and less awkward to put in an oven.
What you should consider: Some buyers report the cooking surface isn’t completely flat, and the oil pools to one side.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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