The Best Cast Iron Skillets For All Your Needs
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Legend Multi-Cooker Cast Iron Skillet Set -
Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet -
Komin Yamada Cast Iron Skillet -
Wolfgang Puck Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet -
Cook Pro Inc Excelsteel Cast Iron Skillet -
Tramontina 10" Style Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet -
Buyer's Guide
The cast iron skillet is by far one of the best cooking tools anyone can have. They have been around for decades and known to produce a great sear on meats and vegetables as well as excellent when used for deep frying. These skillets can come with a variety of exterior coatings, colors and designs. The best cast iron skillets in 2022 on this list were chosen based on moderate cost, if they are already seasoned and light weight. These selections is a solid basis for choosing the perfect cast iron skillet for your needs.
Best Cast Iron Skillet of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Legend Multi-Cooker Cast Iron Skillet Set - Best Multi-purpose
When it comes to cookware, durability is one of the most important things to look for. Legend’s cast iron skillet set is a workhorse in the kitchen durable enough to last for years and even decades. Forged with premium-grade iron and steel, this cast iron skillet set has a smooth finish and a heavy bottom that disperses heat evenly for an unmatched cooking experience. The combo set has one deep and one shallow skillet, which converts into a dutch oven for versatility. Each skillet features two types of handles for greater control when cooking. When not in use, the large keyhole comes in handy for neatly hanging the pans for efficient storage. First-time cast iron skillet owners will find the care book included in the set useful for looking after their cookware so that it lasts for years on end.
Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet - Best Design
Take cast iron cooking to the next level with this stunning Cuisinal skillet. This unique skillet is a one-of-a-kind creation—lightweight cast iron with all the heat retention and durability of traditional cast iron. It retains heat better and warms more evenly to get the best results possible. Despite its small size, this skillet operates just as well as a heavy-duty cast iron pan. Cast iron from Cuisinel is well-known for its ability to sear food to a flawless, juicy finish while retaining all of the heat applied to the pan. It may be used to cook, bake, grill, broil, braises, and sauté meats and vegetables, amongst other things. To control cooking times, you don't have to worry about heat loss or uneven distribution while using superior cookware in your home or over a camping bonfire with fluctuating heat.
Komin Yamada Cast Iron Skillet - Best Cast Iron Skillet Overall
This innovative skillet is in a class all by itself. This beautiful cast iron Komin Fry Pan takes cast iron cooking a step further. It has all of the heat retention and durability of a classic cast iron in a light weight design. The matte silicone exterior conducts even heating and can be used on all cook tops. It is also looks good enough to go from oven to table for serving. You can use it for shallow frying or for making grilled sandwiches or even baking biscuits. It's oven safe and easy to clean by hand washing. The versatility of this skillet makes it a must have.
Wolfgang Puck Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet - Runner Up
I am a fan of most of Wolfgang Pucks products and this skillet is no exception. The Wolfgang Puck Lightweight Cast Iron 11 inch Open Skillet is definitely a fine piece of cookware. This skillet is great for all of your cast iron skillet needs. Frying, searing, smothering, you name it. It has superior heat retention and heats evenly for maximum results. Its light weight yet performs as well as a standard heavy duty cast iron skillet. It has a smooth enamel exterior coating and comfortable stainless steel handles. It is oven safe for up to 450 degrees F and is usable on any cook top.
Cook Pro Inc Excelsteel Cast Iron Skillet - Honorable Mention
This high performance skillet makes cast iron cooking a joy. The Cook Pro Inc Excelsteel 12-inch Frypan is a great choice for a newbie to cast iron cooking. The light weight design takes the strain and stress out of cooking with a heavy pan. If you're a pro, flip pancakes or eggs in this cast iron skillet all while enjoying the lightness and the nonstick interior. It performs just as well as any other quality cast iron skillet. Your seared foods will get the crust and texture you are looking for. This 10-inch pan is dishwasher and oven safe.
Tramontina 10" Style Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet - Consider
The Tramontina 10-inch Style Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet is not only a bargain, it is also a fine starter skillet. It's affordable price tag, sleek design and excellent performance makes it a good choice. It heats evenly and has a smooth porcelain exterior. The light weight skillet is easy to maneuver and yet, still durable and long lasting. It also comes preseasoned. You can feel confident cooking all of your favorite foods whether fried, baked or sauteed. Its smooth interior allows for easy release of foods and is oven safe for up to 400 degrees F. It is compatible with gas, electric, ceramic and induction cook tops.
Buyer's Guide
A cast iron skillet is one of the best kitchen tools ever made. It is the one thing in your kitchen that gets better as it ages, and it’s the one thing in your kitchen that is built to last. Forget all the fancy gadgets that will eventually break after a couple of years—A cast iron skillet is forever.
Why are cast iron skillets the best? Well, to name a few things that make it stand out in the kitchen, it is not the most expensive cookware, and it can last forever. Professional chefs even say that cast iron skillets get better as they age, and the more you use them, the longer they last. In fact, we are not exaggerating when we say that they can last for a lifetime. They can really last for a lifetime and even longer.
What is a Cast Iron Skillet?
A cast iron skillet is a basic kitchen cookware that you can use for cooking a variety of dishes such as steaks, pan pizza, and more. It is made out of long-lasting materials, and some chefs don’t even wash them because they say it adds to the flavor and character, but you can still wash them to keep things sanitary. It could possibly be true if you are cooking the same type of recipe on it.
If you were lucky enough to grow up in a household with an antique cast iron skillet that is probably older than you, you can inherit it and use it when you start your own family. With proper care and regular cleaning and use—who knows how long it can last?
Why Do You Need a Cast Iron Skillet?
There are more reasons to own a cast iron skillet rather than not owning one. If you are a foodie who enjoys cooking or cooks professionally, an iron skillet is a versatile kitchen tool that you can use for cooking many types of gourmet dishes.
Cast iron skillets come in different shapes and sizes. You will learn everything you need to know about them throughout these sections of the article. If you are looking to buy one for yourself, we will also show you the essential factors you need to consider to end up with the best possible cast iron skillet for you.
It is versatile
A cast iron skillet is versatile. You can cook steaks, stews, deep-dish pizza, and you can even use one for baking bread and a whole lot more!
It is durable
We can stress enough that cast iron skillets are durable and made to last a lifetime! If you want to invest in a piece of kitchenware that you can use for a long time—a cast iron skillet might be the best option.
Types of Iron Skillets
There are different types of cast iron skillets. In this article, we will only talk about antiques and modern styles. Beware of buying modern cast iron skillets because some options are not as good as the old ones. However, not all modern cast iron skillets dropped in quality. Some manufacturers are still making the best options that can last for a long time.
Antiques
They really don’t make cast iron skillets like they used to. Antique cast iron skillets are much more durable than modern ones, and the proof is the cast iron skillets themselves. They are living proof that they are durable because there are still options you can buy at flea markets, swap meets, and thrift stores—probably older than you but still works perfectly.
How to Choose the Best Antique Cast Iron Skillet
As long as the antique skillet is not warped or wobbly, it should be good. Also, when buying an antique cast iron skillet, make sure that there aren’t any signs of mold, rust, or cracking. Some iron skillets look really old and non-functional, but you can still find some in pristine condition.
Modern Cast Iron Skillets
Just because we said that antique cast iron skillets are better than modern cast iron skillets does not mean you should rule them out completely. They are just thinner because they used different molds, but they can still last. Plus, it is tough to come across an excellent antique cast iron skillet these days.
Seasoning a Cast Iron Skillet
Seasoning an iron skillet is not about giving it flavor. It is just used to smooth the surface and fill in the cracks. You can use vegetable and canola oil to make your iron skillet smoother to make your dishes cook and taste better.
How to Maintain a Cast Iron Skillet
Clean it after use
You should always clean your cast iron skillet after using it. Do not let it sit for days because it will be harder to clean if you let it last. You can use soap and water without damaging the established seasoning.
Dry before storage
Always dry the skillet thoroughly before storing it. You can also add a thin layer of oil to protect the pain from moisture.
Don’t expose to heat for too long
Do not leave the pan on a lit flame if you are not actually cooking with it.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Cast Iron Skillet
Size
Make sure the size and depth are good enough for what you plan to do with it. It doesn’t really matter what size you choose, as long as the surface is smooth.
Quality
Make sure you choose an option that is made with high-quality iron. It should be thick, and the surface should be very smooth.
Cast Iron Skillet Price Ranges
The best iron skillets are priced at $100 to $200. However, you can still find cheaper options that have the same quality and detail.
FAQ
Where can you buy antique iron skillets?
You can buy antique cast iron skillets at garage sales, flea markets, swap meets, Goodwill stores, Salvation Army stores, or thrift stores. You can also check online selling websites, such as Craigslist or eBay.
What can you cook on a Cast Iron Skillet?
You can cook a variety of different dishes on a cast iron skillet. You can basically cook anything that you would normally cook in a pan, but the outcome would be way better on a cast iron skillet.
