We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy We Tested and Found the Best Cast Iron Cookware Pieces to Add to Your Kitchen Invest in cookware that’s not only versatile but will last a lifetime. By Jacqueline Weiss Jacqueline Weiss Jacqueline is a writer and creator, passionate about making healthy eating and cooking accessible to all. She specializes in curating product roundups to give readers the best recommendations, from veggie spiralizers to kitchen towels. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 21, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Our Favorite Cast Iron Cookware How We Tested Cast Iron Cookware Pieces Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise Photo: Food & Wine/Nick Simpson What do cast iron cookware and wine have in common? They both get better with age. The more you use your cast iron cookware, the better results. It might be tempting to keep buying new nonstick pans, but cast iron pieces will last you a lifetime. In addition to its practically indestructible design, the dense metal offers superior heat retention, even cooking, and versatility, allowing you to use it on the stovetop, the outdoor grill, and in the oven. With so many cast iron brands on the market, it can be hard to know which are the best — the brands that make pieces that truly stand the test of time. Enameled or non-enameled? Pre-seasoned or unseasoned? Just one skillet or an entire set? Below, we answer these questions with our favorite cast iron cookware pieces loved by our test kitchen and editors. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Lodge Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $41 $29 Jump to Review Best Value: Lodge 4-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set at Amazon $91 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Le Creuset 5-Piece Signature Set at Amazon $575 Jump to Review Best Small: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Dutch Oven: Staub 5.5-qt Round Cocotte at Amazon $400 Jump to Review Best Griddle: Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best Overall Lodge Cast Iron Skillet PHOTO: Amazon $41 $29 at Amazon $25 at Target $15 at Williams Sonoma Pros It offers superior heat distribution when cooking and gives foods even browning. Cons It has a small pour spout that can cause drippage. Lodge manufactures high-quality cast iron cookware pieces at affordable prices, and this skillet is one of our favorites from the brand, earning perfect scores during every iteration of our tests. The Lodge skillet outperformed more expensive skillets by giving a thick cut of pork a beautiful crust without sticking to the pan. In our most recent test, this skillet was comparable to the best ceramic cookware, producing even sears on steaks and crispy, easy-to-lift edges on eggs. We also found that it consistently produced high, even heat throughout the tests and that it was easier to clean than others. What’s more? During testing, we found this pan to be as tough as they come with no scratching (bar a spot or two in the seasoning). The skillet comes pre-seasoned, is compatible with induction cooktops, and has an attractive price tag everyone can appreciate. You even get a comfortable silicone handle cover for safe and smooth transitions between the stove, oven, grill, and table. Comes Pre-Seasoned: Yes | Induction Compatible: Yes | Warranty: None PHOTO: Food & Wine / Nick Simpson PHOTO: Food & Wine / Nick Simpson PHOTO: Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Food & Wine / Nick Simpson Best Value Lodge 4-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set PHOTO: Amazon $91 at Amazon Pros This set is a budget-friendly way to start using more cast iron cookware pieces. Cons A hot handle cover is not included with this set. On a budget but eager to outfit your kitchen with a few essential cast iron cookware pieces? Lodge’s 4-piece set includes our test kitchen-approved 10.25-inch skillet, a 10.5-inch round griddle, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and an accompanying lid (which also fits on the skillet) to serve just about every purpose in the kitchen. Plus, they’re suitable for campfire cooking, enabling you to enjoy delicious meals on your adventures. Lodge seasons their cookware with 100% vegetable oil, so you can get straight to cooking after taking this set out of the box. Prepare pancakes for breakfast on the griddle, soup for lunch in the Dutch oven, and steaks for dinner in the classic skillet, all without breaking the bank. Comes Pre-Seasoned: Yes | Induction Compatible: Yes | Warranty: None Best Splurge Le Creuset 5-Piece Signature Set PHOTO: Amazon $575 at Amazon $575 at Williams Sonoma View on Le Creuset Pros This is a heritage set of pieces that comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Cons The set doesn’t offer as much variety for the cost. After comparing this set to all the other cast iron cookware collections on the market, we named it our favorite because of the craftsmanship with which the brand has become synonymous. The enameled cast iron requires no seasoning and is easy to rinse clean — yes, you can technically place it in the dishwasher, but we prefer handwashing for longevity. Every piece, including the knobs, is oven-safe, stain-, and chip-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your investment. Though Le Creuset’s products are on the expensive side, the quality speaks for itself. Including a limited lifetime warranty, this set features a 9-inch signature skillet, a 5.5-quart Dutch oven with a lid, and a 1.75-quart saucepan with a lid. Comes Pre-Seasoned: No, not required | Induction Compatible: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited PHOTO: Food & Wine / Joy Kim PHOTO: Food & Wine / Frances Crouter PHOTO: Food & Wine / Frances Crouter PHOTO: Food & Wine / Frances Crouter PHOTO: Food & Wine / Frances Crouter The Best Induction Cookware of 2024, According to Our Tests Best Small Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $15 at Williams Sonoma Pros This is an ideal size for small spaces or those cooking for one to two people. Cons This will not fit large cuts of meat or meals for a family. For around $10, you can experience the quality of Lodge cast iron cookware. This 6.5-inch skillet offers all the benefits of the larger version, our best overall pick, including being pre-seasoned, induction compatible, and able to withstand temperatures up to 500° F. Even though it’s on the small side, Food & Wine Writer Elisabeth Sherman testifies to its endless versatility and ability to cook various dishes with ease, including two fried eggs or a low-maintenance dinner for two “without any overcrowding.” Plus, the hole in the handle allows this mini skillet to be a piece of decor on your wall or counter when not in use. Comes Pre-Seasoned: Yes | Induction Compatible: Yes | Warranty: None Best Dutch Oven Staub 5.5-qt Round Cocotte PHOTO: Amazon $400 at Amazon $600 $400 at Target $130 at Williams Sonoma Pros It’s our favorite Dutch oven because of its thoughtful design and delicious results during our in-house tests. Cons Foods might stick to the surface, but it’s nothing a little oil can’t fix. Chili, roast chicken, and sourdough bread are just a few delicious recipes you can make using this editor-loved Staub Dutch oven. We put it to the test against other popular Dutch ovens, including ones from brands like Le Creuset and Emile Henry, and it came out on top, producing evenly browned chicken and perfectly cooked rice. We can’t forget about the lid: Its tight-fitting design retains moisture, so your food comes out full of flavor, and the bumps on the inside return juices to your food for optimal tenderness. Offered in an array of elegant enamel finishes, this heirloom kitchen piece makes a beautiful accent on your stovetop. Comes Pre-Seasoned: No, not required | Induction Compatible: Yes | Warranty: Limited Lifetime Food & Wine / Will Dickey Best Griddle Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle PHOTO: Amazon $50 at Amazon $50 at Wayfair $66 $48 at Walmart Pros This two-in-one product offers versatility, saves space, and is a great price. Cons Depending on your stovetop, it can be challenging to get even heat across the griddle. Yet another Lodge cast iron piece we can’t get enough of is this reversible griddle we named our favorite cast iron pick because of its thanks to its outstanding functionality. One side is a smooth surface, and the other features raised ridges to give food a beautiful sear. We love using the griddle for breakfast favorites, like pancakes and eggs, and the grill for meats and vegetables. Since it fits across two stovetop burners, there might be some hot and cold spots. Keep this in mind when placing your food in different areas. Like other Lodge products, this comes pre-seasoned and requires gentle handwashing. Comes Pre-Seasoned: Yes | Induction Compatible: Yes | Warranty: None PHOTO: Food & Wine / Will Dickey PHOTO: Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore PHOTO: Food & Wine / Will Dickey PHOTO: Food & Wine / Will Dickey 23 Solid Cast-Iron Skillet Recipes Our Favorite Cast Iron Cookware Piece If we could only recommend one piece of cast iron, it would be the Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet. During our tests, it earned perfect scores across the board for its performance, design, comfort, and ease of cleaning. For a true one-pot wonder, go for the beautiful enameled Staub 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven. How We Tested Cast Iron Cookware Pieces Cast iron cookware is some of the most durable, but not all are created equally. To find the best pieces, we have tested various pieces, such as skillets, Dutch ovens, cookware sets, and griddles. Each test was different, but we prioritized the following aspects of each product: Even heat distribution: Cast iron skillets were tested for even heating, searing ability, and baking performance. We seared pork and baked cornbread to evaluate heat distribution and browning. In later testing, certain skillets were further tested for their performance with searing steaks and frying eggs.User-friendliness: Considering the weight of cast iron equipment, we assessed how easy it was to maneuver and clean the skillets.Durability: We tested Dutch ovens and cookware sets with various dishes and simulated everyday wear. We cooked soups, stews, and jambalaya, evaluating browning, crowding, sticking, and overall quality. We also tested scratch resistance and maneuverability with a metal spoon during cooking tasks. We also tested scratch resistance and heat distribution with griddles, although that test included other materials.Ease of care: We evaluated how easy it was to clean each piece, observing any stuck-on food residue that may have needed extra elbow grease or intense scrubbing. We also examined the construction of each cast iron cookware piece, monitoring for any hard-to-reach areas that might affect cleaning or re-seasoning. Factors to Consider Usage In addition to a classic cast iron skillet, consider adding a few other cast iron cookware pieces to your kitchen repertoire. A reversible griddle/grill allows you to flip pancakes on one side and grill meat and vegetables on the other. An enameled cast iron pot (aka a Dutch oven) is ideal for simmering and slow cooking because of its consistent heat circulation that cooks food evenly, so you don’t have to constantly check on it. Even if your pan is well-seasoned, there are a few foods to avoid cooking in cast iron skillets. For example, tomatoes and other acidic foods: As tomatoes break down and get soft, tiny metal particles can be pulled from the pan into your food if it’s been cooking for too long. While these aren’t hard and fast rules (exceptions exist), you can prolong the life of your cast iron by being careful about what you cook. Cooktop Compatibility Cast iron cookware pieces can be used on almost any cooktop without causing damage to the pan or the stove, including gas, electric ranges, glass, and induction cooktops—Lodge, in fact, makes a great induction cookware set. An induction cooktop may look similar to a glass cooktop, but they operate a little differently. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to directly heat cookware, while glass cooktops use electricity. If your pots and pans are not magnetic, they will not work on an induction cooktop. To prevent damage or scratching on your glass stovetop, lift your cast iron when placing it down or picking it up instead of dropping it down. Do not drag it on the surface or shake it while cooking, and remove your cast iron from the stove after cooking. Price The price of cast iron cookware pieces can vary greatly, with our favorites costing between $10 and $575. Keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a better quality product. If you’re sticking to a budget and can’t afford a legacy brand like Le Creuset or Staub, cast iron cookware by Lodge is a favorite across the board and is more affordable. Frequently Asked Questions How do you clean cast iron cookware? Don’t be intimidated when it comes time to clean your cast iron cookware. Here are some easy steps to keep your cast iron cookware looking and performing its best:Use a pan scraper to remove leftover bits and pieces of food particles. A bit of dish soap is fine here, just rinse it off after. If you’re still dealing with stuck-on food, simmer water in the pan for a few minutes, allow it to cool, and go back in with the scraper.Too much water will cause your cast iron to rust, so dry your skillet immediately with a dish towel or a paper towel.Add a bit of neutral oil to the pan for a light coating. Use a spray if you have it or splash it into the pan and rub it in with a paper towel. How do you season a cast iron skillet? Although cast iron skillets and cookware pieces are durable, they need proper care to maintain their quality over time. While some come pre-seasoned, you’ll still need to season them if you notice dry, gray, or patchy spots after continued use. Here are the steps to season a cast iron skillet:Heat the oven to 350° F. Pour the oil of your choosing onto a paper towel and use it to coat the pan. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of your oven, and put a baking tray underneath to catch any oil.Bake your pan for one hour.Allow the pan to cool completely before removing it from the oven.A good way to confirm if your pan is well-seasoned is to allow water to hit the pan when it is heated thoroughly. If the water droplet beads up, the pan is hot and seasoned enough for cooking. If this doesn’t happen, repeat the seasoning steps as needed, or cook fatty foods to help coat the pan. What’s the best fat for seasoning a cast iron pan? The oil used to season a cast iron pan should have a high smoke point and be neutral in flavor. While just about any cooking oil can be used, one that won’t make a smoky mess in the kitchen is ideal. Try using vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable shortening, or lard. What are the best cast iron cookware brands? As seen on our list, Lodge, Staub, and Le Creuset are three favorite cast iron cookware brands proven to stand the test of time. Other brands we love are Smithey Ironware, Stargazer Cast Iron, and Butter Pat. Our Expertise Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over five years of experience and a lifelong passion for working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, AllRecipes, Simply Recipes, and more. For this article, she used insights from our editor-led tests to determine which cast iron cookware pieces are worth the investment. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit