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The best cast iron skillets, in plain English

A cast iron skillet gets very hot, stays hot and can last a lifetime. We read hands-on tests and boiled them down: is the cheap Lodge really enough, and when is enameled cast iron worth it?

  • Last reviewed October 20, 2026
  • 5 cast iron skillets
  • 4 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (10.25" or 12") $20–$45 The classic, and it costs about $30. See details Best enameled Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet $180–$275 No seasoning, lots of colors. See details Best handle Victoria Cast Iron Skillet $25–$50 A longer, comfier handle for less. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

A cheap pan cooks just as well. Care is what counts.

Seasoned or enameled?

Classic cast iron has "seasoning" (oil baked into the surface) that gets slicker with use. Enameled cast iron has a glassy coating, needs no seasoning, and handles acidic foods like tomato sauce better.

It's heavy

A 12-inch skillet weighs about 8 pounds. If that's a lot, start with a 10-inch pan or look for a helper handle on the opposite side.

Simple care

Wash it, dry it right away on the stove, and rub in a few drops of oil. A little soap is fine. Just don't soak it or put it in the dishwasher.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

SkilletBest forTypical priceTypeSizes
1. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (10.25" or 12") Best overall $20–$45Classic seasoned cast iron10.25 or 12 inches
2. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet Best enameled $180–$275Enameled cast iron (no seasoning)9 to 11.75 inches
3. Victoria Cast Iron Skillet Best handle $25–$50Classic seasoned cast iron10 or 12 inches
4. Cuisinel 12" Cast Iron Skillet with Lid Best with a lid $30–$45Classic seasoned cast iron12 inches
5. Staub Traditional Deep Skillet (11") Best for sauces $150–$200Enameled cast iron (no seasoning)11 inches, deep sides

The 5 best cast iron skillets, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (10.25" or 12")

  • Classic seasoned cast iron
  • 10.25 or 12 inches
  • Made in the USA

$20–$45typical price

The classic, cheap cast iron pan that cooks as well as ones costing five times more. TechGearLab and Tom's Guide both name it the best cast iron skillet overall, and America's Test Kitchen calls it the best buy in both sizes.

What testers liked

  • Heats evenly and builds up a slick seasoning over time.
  • Very low price.
  • Lasts for generations.

Common complaints

  • Heavy (the 12-inch is about 8 pounds).
  • A bumpy surface that's a bit sticky at first, and a short handle.

Skip it if: You don't want to season a pan. An enameled skillet needs no seasoning.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TechGearLab, Tom's Guide, America's Test Kitchen.

#2Best enameled

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

  • Enameled cast iron (no seasoning)
  • 9 to 11.75 inches
  • Many colors; helper handle

$180–$275typical price

A colorful, enameled skillet that never needs seasoning. TechGearLab and Tom's Guide both name it the best enameled skillet, and America's Test Kitchen's winner is the 11¾-inch size.

What testers liked

  • No seasoning needed, and it cleans up easily.
  • Browns food deeply.
  • Great warranty and lots of colors.

Common complaints

  • Expensive.
  • The handle gets hot, and enamel needs gentler care than plain cast iron.

Skip it if: You're on a budget. A Lodge does the cooking for a fraction of the price.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TechGearLab, Tom's Guide, America's Test Kitchen.

#3Best handle

Victoria Cast Iron Skillet

  • Classic seasoned cast iron
  • 10 or 12 inches
  • Long, curved handle

$25–$50typical price

A Colombian-made skillet with a longer, curved handle that's easier to hold. TechGearLab names it the most ergonomic skillet, Tom's Guide picks the Signature version as its best premium pan, and America's Test Kitchen recommends it for its remarkable price.

What testers liked

  • Long, comfortable handle.
  • Lighter than many cast iron pans.
  • Low price.

Common complaints

  • Heats a little less evenly.
  • Lost some seasoning in America's Test Kitchen's tests, so expect to re-season early on.

Skip it if: You want the most even heat. The Lodge did better in tests.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TechGearLab, Tom's Guide, America's Test Kitchen.

#4Best with a lid

Cuisinel 12" Cast Iron Skillet with Lid

  • Classic seasoned cast iron
  • 12 inches
  • Comes with a lid and handle cover

$30–$45typical price

A big skillet that comes with a lid and a silicone handle cover. TechGearLab picks it as the best for baking, and America's Test Kitchen recommends it for excellent heat retention.

What testers liked

  • Great for baking and holds heat very well.
  • Lid and handle cover included.
  • Good price for the extras.

Common complaints

  • Bulky and heavy.
  • The rough surface can snag paper towels at first.

Skip it if: You want a smaller, lighter pan.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from TechGearLab, America's Test Kitchen.

#5Best for sauces

Staub Traditional Deep Skillet (11")

  • Enameled cast iron (no seasoning)
  • 11 inches, deep sides
  • Matte black inside

$150–$200typical price

A deep enameled skillet that handles searing and saucy dishes. Tom's Guide names it the most versatile skillet, and America's Test Kitchen recommends it for deep browning.

What testers liked

  • Deep sides hold sauces and braises.
  • Low-maintenance enamel inside.
  • Browns steak deeply.

Common complaints

  • The heaviest skillet in Tom's Guide's test.
  • Small, slippery helper handle.

Skip it if: Lifting heavy pans is hard for you.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Tom's Guide, America's Test Kitchen.

How we pick

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