The Best Large Cast Iron Skillet Of 2024: Top-rated And Buying Guide

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Large Cast Iron Skillet
Best Large Cast Iron Skillet

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

Lodge has graced the culinary world with their beautifully designed cast iron skillets for generations. The low-profile handle design makes it easy to maneuver and the non-stick surface is perfect for cooking. The pre-seasoned skillets also make cooking easier, as they are ready to use straight out of the box. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Utopia Kitchen 12.5 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Frying Pan

The Utopia Skillet has a beautiful classic design that is perfect for any kitchen. These 12.5 inches skillet pans are suitable for both stovetop and oven, ensuring you can cook a variety of different meals with the same pan. With its heavy design and classic look, you can be confident that your new skillet will last for years to come, without the oil needed to prevent sticking. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set 3-Piece

Experience the convenience and versatility of Utopia Kitchen frying pans in this set of three. Each pan offers unique handles that make it easier to maneuver and pour, while being pre-seasoned with a non-stick finish and seasoned with oil before use. Our skillets are durable and long lasting, making them perfect for everyday cooking tasks. Read Review

4. Best Quality: Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 15-Inch

This cast iron skillet is seasoned for cooking and won't stick. The pre-seasoned product is suitable for traditional oven cooking (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) and comes with a wide flared side edge for easy handling. Hand wash only and always use hot pads, oven mitts, or potholders when moving or removing cast iron cookware from the stove or oven. Read Review

When purchasing your new cast iron skillet, you may have a lot of questions about what you need to know and what you need to avoid. After all, it’s not something most people think about when purchasing their first skillet. But with so many good reasons to choose cast iron over other types of non-stick cookware, more people are starting to understand why they should do so.

But how can you tell which size and model is the best for you? There are a few things that you should consider before making your final decision. Here we’ll explain some of the most important factors so that you can make the right choice for your needs and your budget.

After nearly 17 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Lodge, Utopia kitchen, Amazon basics, Victoria, Le creuset, Simple chef, Mozuve, Backcountry iron, Mercer culinary. Among them, Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with Utopia Kitchen 12.5 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Frying Pan.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Our Score:
9.7
Lodge
  • Great for induction cooktops
  • Use in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campfire
  • Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
  • Use to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry, or grill
  • Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
  • Item Shape: Round
  • One Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • Included Components: Lodge L8Sk3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
  • Allow cast iron skillet to cool completely before washing them in hot soapy water with a sponge using a regular dish washing liquid soap; it is not dishwasher-safe
  • These 12.5 inches skillet pan are suitable for both stovetop and oven for evenly cooking variety of different meals; Cast iron cookware is less smoother than the Non-Stick cookware
  • Hand wash before first use and dry immediately; rub with a light coating of vegetable oil after every wash
  • Iron deficiency is fairly common worldwide especially among women so cooking food in a cast iron skillet can increase iron content by as much as 20%
  • Its superior heat retention will keep your mouth watering food warm for a long time
TOP Choice #3 Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set 3-Piece
Our Score:
9.3
Utopia Kitchen
  • VERSATILE USAGE – The skillet pans are highly compatible, as they can be used on any heating source. You can also use them for grilling, frying, sautéing, roasting, braising, and broiling meats, vegetables, and more.
  • EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION – Our premium quality non-toxic cookware set is coated with an extra layer of protection that ensures the equal distribution of heat for an improved cooking experience.
  • SEASONING GUIDE – Our skillets are pre-seasoned but it is recommended to season the cast iron pan set with any vegetable oil before use. After washing, rub some oil over your cookware's surface and place it in an oven at low temperature for the oil to seep in.
  • CAST IRON PAN SET - The bundle of three includes 10, 8, and 6 inches pre-seasoned frying pans; ideal sizes for domestic and outdoor use. Our cast iron pan set comes with unique handles for easy maneuvering and pouring.
  • CARE INSTRUCTIONS – Cool the skillets completely before washing in hot soapy water with a sponge using a regular dishwashing liquid soap.
  • Cast iron for even heat distribution and retention; pre-seasoned products don't have non-stick function; hand wash only
  • Pre-seasoned cast iron skillet with flared side edges; oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Always use hot-pads, oven mitts, or potholders while moving or removing cast iron cookware on or from the stove or oven.
  • Dimensions: 15-inch diameter
  • VERSATILE PAN: Our Cast-Iron Skillet is made with natural materials and can be used almost anywhere, such as on the stove, on induction cooktops, in the oven, over a campfire, or on a grill. Your food will stay warm for longer and be infused with beneficial natural iron.
  • EASY TO USE: Give your cooking an upgrade by using cast-iron cookware. Durable, rugged, and made to last, cast-iron pans are easy to use and allow the perfect amount of heat distribution and retention for more evenly cooked food.
  • FROM STOVE TO TABLE: Victoria has manufactured quality cast-iron cookware in our own factories in Colombia—never outsourcing—since 1939. Our cast-iron products are made with resource-efficient materials, are economical, will outlast traditional cookware, and will offer reliable cooking for years to come.
  • MADE FOR GREAT MEALS: Our Cast-Iron Skillet was designed with the user in mind. It features a thicker edge, a deep vessel for sauces or larger food items, drip-free spouts on each side, and our signature long curved handle for a better grip.
  • CAST-IRON COOKING: Our high-quality cast-iron pan comes with a perfectly textured preseasoned skin for an easier release that helps build seasoning with each use. We use only non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil to season it, and it’s PTFE- and PFOA-free for healthier cooking.
  • A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons it’s cast iron cookware with 100% vegetable oil, no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use your cast iron cookware, the better the seasoning will get.
  • With ample cooking surface and an ergonomic dual-assist handle design, this 12” Lodge cast iron skillet is at home in the oven, on the stove top, on the grill or over the campfire.
  • Brutally tough for decades of cooking, Lodge Cast Iron cookware is unparalleled in heat retention and even heating.
  • Suitable for use on all heat sources Oven, Gas or Electric stovetop, induction, campfire, BBQ. Not suitable for use in the microwave.
  • Lodge Cast Iron skillets are considered an essential kitchen tool by leading chefs and generations of home cooks. It’s the right tool to sear, saute, bake, broil, braise or fry.
  • Easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking
  • Lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market
  • Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F
  • Ready to use, requires no seasoning
  • Safe for dishwasher and metal utensils
  • Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention
  • Black satin interior enamel is specially formulated for higher surface temperatures to enhance cooking performance
  • FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America
  • MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility
  • 17 INCH CAST IRON SKILLET. This seasoned cast iron skillet is ready to use and extremely versatile with a diameter of 17 inches and a 2-inch depth. With ample cooking surface and an ergonomic 2 handle design, it is perfect for the campfire, the oven, and the tabletop
  • MAKE EVERY MEAL A MEMORY. Lodge knows that cooking is about more than just the food; it’s about the memories. This dynamic 2-loop handle skillet can be used for slow weekend mornings with bacon and eggs or summertime BBQ’s with roasted veggies
  • SEASONED COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use your iron, the better the seasoning will get
  • HEAVY DUTY – Cast iron skillets are a timeless must-have for every kitchen. The Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Set is virtually indestructible and will last years, decades. Better than any Lodge cast iron set!
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL – Our cast iron cookware is multi-functional, and suitable for many different cooking methods. Use our skillets on the stove top, in oven, over a campfire, and even when slow-cooking! Our set is great for frying, sautéing, cooking, grilling, and more.
  • HEAT RETENTION – Our design provides superior heat retention for cooking. And they conduct heat evenly, so that your meals will turn out perfectly cooked every time. Plus the sturdy handle aids in lifting, and provides a hole for hanging when not in use.
  • READY TO USE – The skillet set is ready to use, straight out of the box. They are factory pre-seasoned, which is much more effective than at home pre-seasoning. Factory pre-seasoning makes our cast iron skillets virtually non-stick, easy to clean, protected against scratches, and will also make your food rich in flavor!
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – We are so confident in the quality of our product that we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee! If you are unsatisfied, simply contact us to return the product for a full refund.
  • Easy To Clean: After using cast iron cookware, use a Natural Fiber Cleaning Brush to remove loose food and residue. Rinse the pan and gently scuff the surface and sidewalls with a Chain Mail Scrubber. Heat the pan on the stovetop until dry. Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a dab Seasoning Oil and rub on all surfaces, inside and out. Wipe away excess oil to leave a dry, matte finish. Repeat every time you cook.
  • Healthy for You: Mini skillet is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, no synthetic coatings or chemicals for a natural, Trace amounts of iron are naturally released when cooking with seasoned cast iron skillet, boosting the mineral in your diet.
  • Suitable for All Stoves: The stone skillet suit for induction, gas, ceramic, electric, halogen and solid fuel cookers. And it is suitable for ovens.
  • Lifetime Warranty: If you have any questions, please contact us in time, We will do our best to resolve any issues you have within 24 hours. we really need insights customer like yours to help us grow and improve our products.
  • Precision Heat Distribution: The cast iron pan has greater retention and distribution of heat. Even heat distribution for improved cooking and frying, even on grills, stoves or induction cook tops.

What to Look For in a best large cast iron skillet?

You may know that best large cast iron skillet is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

Cleaning

There is no one who wants cleanup after the meal to take up more of their time than cooking. Hand cleaning ceramic and nonstick saucepans is the easiest. However, stainless steel or cast iron may need some more vigorous cleaning to loosen stuck food. Many stainless steel saucepans are dishwasher-safe. You should always read and follow the manufacturers cleaning recommendations to preserve your cookware.

Size

Are you a cook who entertains friends and family often or does your cooking tend to be for large families? There are many sizes of skillets, from ones that fry one egg to those that cook enough to feed a large crowd. You will need the right size skillet for your needs. A 3-quart saucepan should suffice for one or two people. For larger families, and those who prefer to cook in batches, it's advisable to go for at least 4 quarts. Although it will take up more space and be heavier, you can still cook several servings.

Materials

There is a wide range of skillet options available. A variety of skillets can be made out of different materials. These will depend on the amount of cooking you do and the type of food they are used for. There will likely be several skillets that you use if your cooking is frequent.

You should use enameled and bare cast-iron pans for high-heat cooking. They can heat up quickly and resist higher temperatures. Stainless steel can be used to create sauces or braise meats. You can clean nonstick pans easily, but it's important to note that they have a lower heat threshold than some other materials.

Heat Distribution

Lacking heat distribution in a pan can result in hot and cold spots that may cause uneven cooking. This could also lead to browning of your perfectly cooked French omelet. Copper is the most efficient conductor of heat and it is perfect for food that requires rapid cooling and even distribution. However, copper is costly and cast iron and aluminum do an even better job at distributing and conserving heat. We recommend that you choose a pan with a thick bottom in the best material.

Ease Of Use

Consider how much work you're willing to put in cooking. Some skillets will be ready for use right away, but others may require additional seasoning. Carbon steel and cast iron pans are the most common. Some pans can be used without any special tools like stainless steel and cast iron. Others, such as nonstick, need to have silicone or plastic tools in order not to get scratched. Consider the style of skillet you have and whether or not hot pads will be required.

FAQs

Can You Put A Skillet In The Oven?

In general, the answer is yes. You should check that the pan you purchased is safe for the oven. Also, make sure to note the heat limit. Carbon steel and cast iron are able to tolerate very high heat (600 degrees or more), while stainless steel (450 to 600 degrees) can usually withstand slightly lower temperatures. Nonstick, however, is typically in the lower temperature range (335 to 450 degrees depending on which nonstick coating) Refer to your manufacturer's instruction manual as a guide.

What's The Difference Between A Skillet, Frying Pan, And Sauté Pan?

It all depends on where you live and whom you ask. Although some people interchange the terms, they are almost identical. They have high-quality, straight sides (or slightly angled), and an enclosed lid that helps keep moisture and heat in the pan.

In everyday language, a frying pan is sometimes called a skillet. However, the lidless pans have flared, lower sides to allow you to access your food with a spatula. They also feature curved sides that make it easy for you to slide foods onto a plate, such as pancakes and omelets.

Do Stainless Steel Skillets Warp?

An oven is less likely to be warp if its cladding is good. The thickness of 5-ply (or 7-ply) makes it less likely that a skillet will warp than 3-ply. America's Test Kitchen's stainless steel skillets induction wrought some warping, as we mentioned elsewhere, but this was not an issue for us with our top choices.

What Can You Cook In A Stainless-steel Skillet?

You can't go wrong! These skillets, which are both heat-responsive and a good conductor of heat, are perfect for two types of stovetop cooking: sauteeing (or searing). The skillets' solid construction makes them great for roasting in an oven. It is best not to use them for cooking that involves a lot more liquids, such as braising.

How Do You Clean A Cast Iron Or Carbon Steel Skillet?

Cast iron is very similar in materials and maintenance to carbon steel, so it's best to clean them both the same. Here's the quick summary: After letting your pan cool off, clean it with a brush or scrubber. After drying the skillet, apply a bit of oil to it and then heat the skillet on the stove. Use a cloth or towel to apply the oil to the inside of the skillet to retain the seasoning. Here are more instructions.

What Is A Fully Clad Skillet?

If the pan's internal core, the part that heats, is fully clad, it covers both the bottom as well as the sides. They are usually more expensive than fully-clad ones, but the savings can be well-worth it. If the stainless steel skillets you have are prone to scorching around their edges, then they may not be fully clad.

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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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