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Withstanding the test of time and aging like a fine wine, a good cast iron skillet is a coveted kitchen essential.

For centuries, people have been cooking up meals using cast iron and unlike a lot of kitchen items, cast iron skillets haven’t changed a whole lot. But why fix what’s not broken? A good cast iron pan delivers every time; from excellent cooking to easy cleaning, there’s nothing that quite compares.

Whether you’re looking to complete your iron arsenal or you’ve not yet ventured into the world of cast iron cooking, these are the top cast iron skillets you need.

Simply put, Lodge cast iron is tried and tested. Operating out of the US since the late 1800s, your typical Lodge skillet won’t be the frilliest of cookware, but you’ll use it for decades to come. Measuring in at 26cm, this is an excellent skillet to cook with and it’s deep enough for shallow frying. Although it does come pre seasoned, most who are used to cooking with cast iron know it’s always best to reseason before using. Despite this many still compliment the ready-to-use factor of this Lodge skillet. The main issue flagged by reviewers is knicks or scraps in the iron. However, as we’ve already mentioned, Lodge isn’t built to be the prettiest, so there may be an irregularity or two in the exterior finish of the pan. This won’t affect how diligently it does its job, but if you want the most stylish pan, you might want to keep reading!

Enameled cast iron and Le Creuset are synonymous, and for good reason, too. The French brand established by two Belgians has been producing cast iron since 1925. Though its look has changed a bit over the last century, its iconic ‘Volcanic’ orange colourway has been a Le Creuset mainstay. Of course, looks aren’t everything. This dutch oven style casserole dish produces an excellent environment for roasts, stews and more. It’s enamelled interior means you don’t have to worry with seasoning yet you’re able to build up fantastic flavour profiles when using it. Perhaps its only downsides are its weight and price. Comparable to most any good cast iron dutch ovens, the Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole is difficult to lift, particularly when full and with its lid on. As for its price, many feel the value of a Le Creuset dramatically outshines its price tag.

The Chistera Braiser gets its name from the curved extrusions found on the underside of its lid that resemble the racket used in Chistera, a game popular in the Basque region of France. These nodules help keep what you cook moist, delivering succulent and tender foods. The interior of this Staub cast iron pan is coated with a matte black enamel while its exterior features rich, beautiful tones suitable for any style of kitchen. Although you don’t need to purposefully season this pan, its interior enamel can be penetrated by fats rendered from what you cook. Therefore, the more it's used, the more flavourful the dishes you make will be. A Staub Chistera Braiser is a true investment piece and while it's suitable for any level of cook, if you’re new to cast iron, you might prefer a more inexpensive alternative.

Undeniably fashionable, you don’t typically see cookware that so perfectly encapsulates some of the most up-to-date trends. Launched by American brand Our Place, this cast iron cult favourite only made its way to the UK shores in recent years. But it’s immediately easy to see why people love it: it’s very aesthetically pleasing. A great range of subdued, matte colourways goes against the typical bold cast iron shades we’re used to. Its domed lid and unique handle (which comes complete with a built-in spatula) makes this dish seemingly perfect. However, reviews are mixed on the quality of this cast iron. For the more experienced cook, this pan might not be up to snuff. Some report its enamel chips quickly and that its cook surface isn’t flat leading to uneven cooking. That being said, if you’re someone who doesn’t cook that often (there’s nothing wrong with decking out your kitchen to be a showroom of style) and wants the trendiest looks, this pan is probably perfect for you.

This trio of cast iron pans is a great option if you want to up your cast iron game but don’t want to splurge quite yet on more expensive items. Included is a 15, 20 and 25cm pan that nest for easy storage but offer you a selection of sizes to suit your cooking needs. Pre-seasoned, you technically shouldn’t need to do anything before using the VonShef options, but as always, we recommend self seasoning your cast iron. With a fairly standard design, these pans might not have a century of manufacturing behind them, but they do come with the trusted Vonhaus brand name. Much like Lodge cast iron, these pans aren’t made to perfection and you may notice some inconsistencies on their exterior, but rest assured they still perform well. We recommend them for the beginner home cooks or those building their cookware selection from scratch.

Like it or not, it’s pretty easy to see where Dunelm drew inspiration from when making this cast iron casserole dish. Its ‘Orange’, ‘Natural’ and ‘Grey’ colourways coupled with the exterior design of this dish bear a striking resemblance to Le Crueset’s Signature Casserole Dish. While it lacks the trusted name of Le Creuset, this dupe by Dunelm delivers on affordability at less than a fifth of the cost. When it comes to performance, many note that this cast iron casserole dish does an excellent job and looks great while doing it. The most common issue is that its exterior enamel scratches and chips easier than you would expect.

Prices Updated on 12/11/2021. We are not responsible for any changes on the prices mentioned above.

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