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Best cast iron skillets and pans for whipping up culinary masterpieces

For searing meats, stir-frying veg and cooking one-pot meals, a cast iron skillet is a valuable addition to your kitchen cupboard. Here are our top picks, as recommended by Mumsnet users.

By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Dec 20, 2023

Selection of best cast iron skillets

With the right equipment, cooking for family and friends can be a joy. Juicy steaks need searing, then resting in the oven, and Sunday morning eggs need frying. That’s where quality cookware comes in. The best cast iron skillet for your cooking needs might be compact and perfect for cooking an omelette for one or a glossy enamelled roasting pan that retains heat and adds colour to your dining table. 

Like the best saucepans and chopping boards, cast iron skillets are a kitchen staple. They add flavour to food, will develop a reliable non-stick coating and can look raw and rustic or stylish and sleek. They should also be easy to clean, not too heavy, and produce mouth-watering meals. 

To help you choose a suitable cast iron skillet for your kitchen, we’ve extensively researched recommendations from the Mumsnet forums, home to the largest online network of parents in the UK, to see the skillets our discerning users have tried, tested and loved. We also analysed the opinions of food industry experts and authentic consumer reviewers to ensure we're only bringing you the very best in our shortlist.

We thought carefully about each pan, its durability and ergonomics, the variety of heat sources it will work on, and any extra features worth noting. The best skillet should become a go-to cooking tool you use daily, and we're confident you'll be impressed by our choices. 

Plus, for more kitchen must-haves, we’ve also rounded up the best can opener and kitchen scales according to Mumsnetters.

Best cast iron skillets 2024: at a glance

  • Best overall: Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Round Skillet, £53

  • Best budget: VonShef Cast Iron Skillet Set, £25

  • Best for beginners: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Skillet, £107

  • Best pre-seasoned: Kichly Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Pan, £25

  • Best for portability: Ooni Cast Iron Skillet, £40

  • Best mini skillet: Habitat Cast Iron Frying Pan, £21

  • Best large skillet: Petromax Cast Iron Fire Pan, £82

  • Best unseasoned: Staub Cast Iron Frying Pan, £88

  • Best for style: Barbary & Oak Bordeaux Cast Iron Skillet, £26

  • Best everyday: Prestige Nadyia Loves 25cm Cast Iron Frying Pan, £30

1. Best overall cast iron skillet: Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Round Skillet

Price on writing: £53 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 26cm | Weight: Not specified | Pre-seasoned?: Yes | Enamelled?: No | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Includes a heat protection glove

  • Helper handle

  • Robust 

What we don’t like 

  • Some found it heavy 

  • Pricey

What Mumsnet users say 

“I have a Lodge frying pan and a flat skillet. I love both.” (Tried and tested by bobsyer)

Our verdict 

The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a heavy-duty pan that will last for decades of regular use. It’s tough, so it won’t scratch or warp, and it's the perfect size for a small family. 

Cast iron heats up quickly, and while the short handle makes the pan easy to move, it can scald, so the heat protection glove is a handy feature. 

Reviewers reported that optimum seasoning requires time and effort. However, once complete, the Lodge Skillet will have impressive non-stick properties and only need a tiny bit of oil to cook everything perfectly, even eggs. 

It’s a little pricey compared to some other options, but if you want the crème de la crème of cookware, this definitely deserves a spot in the cupboard alongside your best wok.

2. Best budget cast iron skillet: VonShef Cast Iron Skillet Set

Price on writing: £25 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 15cm, 25cm, 30cm | Weight: Not specified | Pre-seasoned?: Yes | Enamelled?: No | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Excellent value 

  • Pouring lip

  • Durable

What we don’t like 

  • The small handles get hot

Our verdict 

Our best affordable cast iron skillet is this Vonshef set of three. It includes a size for all cooking needs, from a single fried egg to a pan full of oven-roasted veggies. For such a low price, the quality of these durable pans is fantastic, too. 

Each skillet has a pouring lip so you won’t make a mess, an excellent feature if you like to serve your meals at the dinner table. The small handles make these weighty pans gentle on the wrist, though they will get hot, so use of an oven glove is neccessary. 

Reviewers found these pans quick to season; using vegetable oil, they should have an effective non-stick coating after four or five layers of fat, which is very impressive. They can be used on all hobs, including induction, though check the bottom of the pans for rough edges first. 

Related: Discover the best knife sharpeners, as recommended by Mumsnetters

3. Best cast iron skillet for beginners: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Skillet

Price on writing: £107 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 23cm | Weight: 1.9kg | Pre-seasoned?: No | Enamelled?: Yes | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Stylish 

  • Lifetime guarantee against faults 

  • Easy to handle

What we don’t like 

  • Needs seasoning to build up the non-stick 

  • Pricey

What Mumsnet users say 

“I'd go for Le Creuset.” (Recommended by Shelley54)

Our verdict 

The Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet will add a cheerful pop of colour to your kitchen. It comes in seven different shades, but we love the apple green the most. If you like the idea of cast iron but the rough look puts you off, this enamel-coated skillet will add polish and practicality to your stove. 

The price is high for such a small pan. However, the superior quality of Le Creuset products and the lifetime guarantee make it worth the investment. If you look after it and build the layers of seasoning, this quirky pan will become a family heirloom that cooks the best bacon in the world. Mumsnetters can’t get enough of Le Creuset either; from their casserole dishes to their baking trays, it’s considered a top-notch brand if you can afford to splash out.

Cast iron can be prohibitively heavy; this 23cm skillet is relatively light, and the small yet sturdy main handle and large helper handle make it easy to move, even when full. In addition, the enamel surface is easy to clean. 

4.Best pre-seasoned cast iron skillet: Kichly Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Pan

Price on writing: £25 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 31cm | Weight: Not specified | Pre-seasoned?: Yes | Enamelled?: No | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Affordable 

  • Impressive heat retention

  • Easy to clean 

What we don’t like 

  • Reviewers found it heavy

Our verdict 

Available for just £25, the Kichly Pre-Seasoned Skillet comes at an excellent price point for such a large pan. Effective pre-seasoning means it can be used immediately if you use a moderate amount of oil. Once it has developed a more robust non-stick patina, the required oil will be tiny. 

Reviewers were happy with this fantastic skillet’s durability; it’s not easy to scratch, and as long as it is dried thoroughly, it won’t rust. However, some found it too heavy for them to hold. 

We agree that this is a heavy-duty pan, but the small handle, wide helper handle and pouring spout make it easy to use, despite the weight. We’re also impressed with the sleek, modern look of this attractive glossy black skillet. 

5. Best cast iron skillet for portability: Ooni Cast Iron Skillet

Price on writing: £40 | Buy now from Amazon 

Key specs

Size: 45cm | Weight: 3kg | Pre-seasoned?: No | Enamelled?: No | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Includes a wooden serving board 

  • Removable handle 

  • Oven safe

  • Large capacity

What we don’t like 

  • Heavy

  • The skillet needs to cool before you put it on the wooden board

Our verdict 

While they're more famous for pizza ovens than pans, Ooni also excels at cookware. While their Cast Iron Skillet was designed specifically for pizza ovens, it works well on all stove tops and standard ranges. At 45cm, this is a huge pan, and we can imagine it being used to warm cookie dough and marshmallows over a campfire. 

This versatile skillet would also be perfect as a serving dish at a party, as the wooden board will protect your table and look smart. In addition, the handle can be removed for easy transport and storage. 

The Ooni Skillet has impressive heat retention and is reliably non-stick once seasoned. What’s more, reviewers thought it was great value for money. Just pair with the best cutlery set for dinner party perfection.

6. Best mini cast iron skillet: Habitat Cast Iron Frying Pan

Price on writing: £21 | Buy now from Argos

Key specs

Size: 19.5cm | Weight: 3kg | Pre-seasoned?: No | Enamelled?: Yes | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Stylish 

  • Compact

  • Affordable

What we don’t like 

  • Needs initial seasoning

  • Not ideal for large families

What Mumsnet users say 

“I bought a Habitat one which I'd recommend.” (Recommended by husbandcallsmepickle)

Our verdict 

The Habitat Cast Iron Frying Pan is compact, so it is perfect for couples, small families and homes where storage is limited. The smaller size also means it is lighter, so this skillet is excellent for people who want to cook with cast iron but struggle with the weight. 

We love the classic cream colour and glossy interior. If you’re looking for a new home gift or a practical pan that doubles as a stylish serving dish, this skillet is a fantastic option. The sturdy hanging hook means it can become a rustic feature in a country kitchen, too. 

Seasoning is required; however, once achieved, it will add flavour to your food, make the skillet easy to clean, and cook a steak to restaurant standards. 

Related: The best salt and pepper grinders to add to your kitchen

7. Best large cast iron skillet: Petromax Cast Iron Fire Pan

Price on writing: £82 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 40cm | Weight: 5.4kg | Pre-seasoned?: Yes | Enamelled?: No | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Can be used on an open fire - great for family camping

  • Durable

  • Pouring spout 

What we don’t like 

  • Very heavy

  • Only includes one - Amazon listing looks like it's a set

What Mumsnet users say 

“I've some Petromax ones and I love using them.” (Tried and tested by Doggydarling)

Our verdict 

If you want to batch cook, have a large family or enjoy preparing campfire food for lots of friends, the Petromax Fire Pan is the one for you. It’s massive, meaning this is a heavy pan, but it's virtually bombproof and will last for generations. 

We like this pan's rustic and raw look, though if you’re placing it on a glass hob, be wary as they may scratch the surface. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold, though when the pan is full, holding it further down towards the base will make it feel more steady. 

Skillets of this size are hard to store, so we're delighted it includes a hanging loop. It would be great on display in a cottage kitchen ready for the next cookout. 

8. Best unseasoned cast iron skillet: Staub Cast Iron Frying Pan

Price on writing: £88 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 25cm | Weight: 2.8kg | Pre-seasoned?: No | Enamelled?: Yes | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Non-stick natural patina builds up quickly

  • Easy to clean 

  • Attractive design 

What we don’t like 

  • Heavy

  • Expensive

What Mumsnet users say 

“I have Staub cookware and I love it.” (Brand vetted by Chottie

Our verdict 

The Staub Unseasoned Cast Iron Skillet has a simple, glossy black design, which will look great in a modern kitchen or as a serving dish on a monochrome dinner table. It’s certainly a pricey option, but reviewers were thrilled with the quality of the pan and felt it was well worth the investment. 

Pan seasoning is a process that takes time, but the Staub skillet will build up a reliable non-stick patina in a remarkably short time. When they followed the instructions, reviewers were delighted with the results. The enamel coating also makes it easy to clean. 

This is a heavy pan, but the short, sturdy handle and helper ledge make moving it easier. In addition, the double spout makes serving less messy.

9. Best cast iron skillet for style: Barbary & Oak Bordeaux Cast Iron Skillet

Price on writing: £26 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 26cm | Weight: 2kg | Pre-seasoned?: No | Enamelled?: Yes | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Non-stick enamel coating 

  • Attractive design

  • Ergonomic handle

  • Cheap

What we don’t like 

  • Heavy

Our verdict 

If an elegant kitchen design is high on your list of priorities, and everything from your egg poacher to your cake tins has to be aesthetically pleasing, then may we suggest the Barbary & Oak Cast Iron Skillet? An attractive pan that will add a beautiful pop of colour to your kitchen, this is an excellent budget-friendly buy, but it’s not all style over substance.

The high quality of the enamel coating means that it is robust and practical. Reviewers loved the weighty feel of this skillet; they were also delighted that the pre-seasoning was so good, even from the start. 

Cast iron heats up fast and retains heat, so this skillet is perfect for searing meat. It can then be placed in the oven to rest and moved to the dinner table as a serving dish. We're impressed with the ergonomic handle too, though it will get hot, so you do need oven gloves. 

10. Best everyday cast iron skillet: Prestige Nadyia Loves 25cm Cast Iron Frying Pan

Price on writing: £30 | Buy now from John Lewis

Key specs

Size: 25cm | Weight: Not specified | Pre-seasoned?: No | Enamelled?: Yes | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No

What we like 

  • Easy to handle

  • Affordable 

  • Attractive design

What we don’t like 

  • The handle gets hot

Our verdict 

Last but not least, the Prestige Cast Iron Skillet is a fantastic pan to cook for family and friends. It will work beautifully on various heat sources, from induction hobs to BBQs. We think it would look fab as a serving dish, too. 

This heavy-duty, high-quality cast iron skillet heats quickly and retains heat, so it’s great for searing meat. It can also be placed in the oven in lieu of a roasting tin to cook vegetables perfectly. The enamel coating gives this skillet a polished look and makes it easy to clean. 

Pre-seasoning is helpful for cooks who want to use their skillet immediately. Reviewers report they were delighted with the initial non-stick capability but felt the Prestige Skillet worked at its best after a few layers of oil, such as rapeseed or vegetable. 

What is a cast iron skillet?

A skillet is a heavy frying pan that can withstand high cooking temperatures. A cast-iron skillet is made by melting iron into a single cast or mould. 

These pans are highly durable as there are no gaps or joins to act as weak points; this also means they are more hygienic as food cannot get trapped. 

Cast iron is an excellent material for cooking. It heats quickly and then retains that heat. 

Some skillets will have an enamel coating that smoothes the rough edges of raw cast iron. These are a good option if you have a glass hob prone to scratches. In addition, enamelled skillets are easier to clean, but you won’t achieve the same level of natural non-stick as the oil layers will slide off the glossy surface. 

Non-stick coatings are not a feature of cast iron skillets. Instead, you need to season the surface with thin layers of cooking oil after each use. This will build up a natural non-stick patina. 

What can you use a cast iron skillet for?

The durability of cast iron skillets means they can be used on all standard kitchen hobs. They are also ideal for cooking on an open fire when camping or on a BBQ in the garden. 

A skillet is more than just a frying pan; they can be oven safe, so it can be used to roast vegetables or as a pie dish, too. 

If you’re hosting a rustic dinner party, a stylish enamel-coated skillet would be fantastic as a serving dish as it will look striking, and the food will retain the heat as you pour wine and settle your guests. 

What foods can’t be cooked in a cast iron skillet?

If you buy an unseasoned pan, for the first few uses, your food will likely stick. So, be prepared to have a few disasters with omelettes. Even pre-seasoned pans won’t work at their best until the natural non-stick layer has been created. 

A well-seasoned skillet will be reliably non-stick. However, this seasoning can be compromised by cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes. It shouldn't be an issue if you’re warming through a jar of pasta sauce. However, if you’re reducing a pan of fresh tomatoes for a homemade ragu, you could damage the non-stick coating. 

Cast iron gets very hot, so avoid cooking foods that need less heat, such as fish in your skillet. 

Do cast iron skillets need pre-seasoning?

If you buy a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet, it will have some non-stick capability straight out of the box, though it won’t perform at its best until you have added the seasoning. 

Unless you want to burn everything, a new unseasoned skillet should be treated with several layers of oil before you start cooking with it. 

How do I season my cast iron skillet?

“Season it properly at the start and it will last a very long time. Mine's over 30 years old now.” - Mumsnet user LangClegsInSpace

When you buy a new cast iron skillet, you must read the instructions on seasoning it. Making an effort to get this process right at the beginning will add flavour to your food, make cooking much easier and add years to your pan's useful life. 

Many of the best cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, so your first friend egg shouldn’t be a complete disaster. However, extra seasoning to create a sturdy patina of oil is vital. Before you start cooking with your new skillet, coat it in your favourite oil with a pastry brush and then pop it in a hot oven for an hour. 

The joy of using cast iron cooking pots is that the non-stick capabilities don’t rely on chemicals. Although modern Teflon is safe, you must be wary of dangerously degrading the non-stick coating with too high temperatures and scratches from metal cooking utensils like spatulas. 

What's the best oil for seasoning a cast iron pan?

Grapeseed, vegetable and light olive oil are excellent oils to season a cast iron skillet. They are affordable, flavour neutral, and have relatively low smoke points, so the seasoning process is quick. 

Flaxseed oil is our top tip if you want your pan seasoned as soon as possible, as it has a very low smoke point of 225 degrees. However, it is expensive, difficult to source and has a strong flavour. 

Seasoning with coconut oil and butter is possible, though as they are both high in fat, the non-stick patina they create won’t be as hard-wearing. 

Is cast iron non-stick?

If you expect the same non-stick level as Teflon-coated frying pans, you will be disappointed. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet will need a smidge of oil, but once added, it will perfectly cook all kinds of foods. 

How to choose the best cast iron skillet

The best cast iron skillet for your family will be the right size, not too heavy and easy to cook with. Here are the features to consider before investing. 

  • Helper handles: Cast iron is a heavy-duty material, so a small handle on the side of the pan opposite the main handle will help you move it around the kitchen. 

  • Handles: The size of a skillet handle will vary quite dramatically. A small handle makes a large skillet easier to move (it’s gentler on the wrist) and will often be paired with a helper handle. It will also make the skillet easier to store. Large, ergonomic handles feel more comfortable but suit a lighter skillet. 

  • Diameter: A big family will require a skillet of at least 30cm, whereas a 20cm one will suit couples and cooking small portions of food. Storage and the size of your hob are also essential to consider when choosing the size of your new skillet. 

  • Enamelled: Some skillets have a smooth enamel coating. This adds a stylish, often colourful look and makes cleaning the pan easier. Enamel won’t build up the same level of non-stick, however. 

  • Weight: Some large skillets weigh around 4kg, which is very heavy for a cooking implement. A helper handle, a short, stubby main handle, and an effective oven glove will make a weighty skillet easier to move across the kitchen. 

  • Pouring spouts: A couple of pouring spouts in a skillet's thick rim will help you serve food without making a mess. 

  • Extra features: Wooden serving boards, removable handles and protective handle covers are additional, useful features of some high-quality skillets. 

How we chose the best cast iron skillets

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users 

Mumsnet users love cooking for their families and friends and have lots of opinions on the best tools for the job. So, our forums were the first stop on our journey to find the best cast iron skillets. We sought out Mumsnetters' trusted opinions, noting the products and brands they rated and had used in their own kitchens.

Expert opinions

Next, we scrutinised the opinions of trusted food technology industry experts. We wanted to be entirely sure that the products we recommended were fit for purpose, so we focused on award-winning cast iron skillets and those that were well thought of by home economists, chefs and food writers.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, in our definitive list of the best value cast iron skillets available in the UK, we investigated comprehensive customer reviews on retailer websites such as Amazon, Very and Argos.

About the author

Gemma Lumley writes consumer content for Mumsnet with a focus on home and lifestyle product round-ups.

With many years of experience as a content and copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance. 

Finding the products that will make parents' lives easier is important to Gemma, and she loves the research and detective work that goes into our best buy lists. 

Alongside her writing, she spent many years as a home and travel expert and breastfeeding counsellor at a leading nursery retailer. 

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust, and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us, and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones our users recommend to their friends and family.

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