Best Cast Iron Skillet for Home – Which Option Should I Choose?

[mavoo]

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to buy a new cast iron skillet and I’m wondering which brand or model is the best choice. Some people recommend Lodge, while others say premium or vintage skillets are worth it.

I have seen a few options, but I wanted to ask you which one would be the best for home use. Which option do you think is the most suitable?

Caraway Cast Iron Skillet - 12”

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F14CK765?tag=tech-radar04-20

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JSUA?tag=tech-radar04-20


Do you think a heavier skillet is better for cooking, or a lighter one that’s easier to handle? do you prefer pre-seasoned skillets or do you season them yourself?

Your suggestions would be really helpful.

 

[Alan]

I think having a lighter skillet that you can slide around is much easier personally. You'll use it more often, and handling it when it's hot is much easier.

 

[Isle of Skye]

My grandma still uses her old Lodge skillet from the 70s and swears by it for cornbread and fried chicken. From what I know, Caraway's got that enamel coating, so you skip the seasoning part, but it won't give you the same crispy edges or deep browning. Are you mostly cooking for yourself or a group, and will you use it more on the stove or in the oven? That could steer things one way or the other.

 

[Milich_Oppenheimer]

If it were me I would just grab the Lodge skillet for home use. It is reliable, affordable, and does not need a lot of fuss. A heavier skillet does hold heat better so your sear comes out nicer, but it can feel like a workout. Pre seasoned is easier for getting started, but over time you will still want to add your own layers of seasoning anyway.

 

[BigBob75]

I really like my cast iron, but have recently started using Lodge Carbon Steel pans as they are lighter and my arthritis is getting worse. After I do my own seasoning, they also work good. I still use cast iron when my hands don't hurt too much!

 

[night game]

Those are great choices. The question is, do you prefer a skillet that needs proper seasoning or one that requires no seasoning? Are you cooking for a big family?

If I were to choose, I would go to Lodge. I know that this requires proper seasoning but it is guaranteed that it will last a lifetime.

 

[BubblyCat]

I'd prefer getting the heavier one, it holds the heat longer. It is also good for searing meat and keeping a steady temperature. I also want to season my pan, because it lets me build up a surface that matches the way I cook and what oils I prefer.

 

[BigBob75]

Purchase both! Why take one over the other? Purchase Lodge cast iron and carbon steel to use. More expensive pans for decoration, mine on the kitchen wall. Season them both and have fun cooking. I would (I did) season my Lodge pans and use all of them. My arthritis dictates which pan, cast iron or carbon steel, I will use that day. I live alone so only cook for my self, but I use larger pans so as not to crowd the cooking food. I have several small pans but they are for decoration only.