TL;DR: When buying cast iron cookware, consider whether or not it’s enameled, if it’s safe up to high temperatures, and what you plan to use it for. While cast iron has become a specialty item, there are still many different choices in terms of cookware.

I grew up helping my mom cook and bake, meaning that cooking has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I love cooking, and I spent my twenties getting better at it and researching different cooking techniques, equipment, and materials.

Cast iron is my favorite material for both cookware and bakeware. I’ve been collecting cast iron pots and pans for the last decade, learning the best ways to use them and care for them. I cook regularly, using cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and bakeware. In terms of durability, even heat distribution, and consistency, I find it impossible to beat.

What Is Cast Iron Cookware?

Cast iron is one of the oldest materials for cookware, harking back to when the majority of cooking was done over a hearth. Cast iron is safe up to extremely high temperatures, doesn't bend or warp, and can last a lifetime.

Cast iron isn’t purely iron but is instead an alloy, being more than 2% carbon, a higher amount than steel. That means that cast iron is harder but more brittle than steel. It doesn't have the same protection against rust as stainless steel, either, being more comparable to carbon steel.

Cast iron is usually seasoned with a thin layer of oil that is then baked at a high temperature. That’s what gives it the distinctive black coating – the vegetable oil is baked into a nonstick layer that protects the cast iron from rust.

What to Consider When Buying Cast Iron Cookware

1. Is the cookware preseasoned?

The vast majority of cast iron cookware is now preseasoned. If the cast iron is preseasoned, it should have a smooth, black layer on it. Most companies, like Lodge, will proudly proclaim that their pans are already seasoned.

If the pan you get isn’t preseasoned or it’s a used pan, you need to season it before use. In the case of a used pan that has a partial seasoning, you’ll need to remove it first. Oven cleaner is excellent for this, though vinegar can work too – particularly if it’s rusted as well.

2. Is it safe for high heat?

All cast iron should be safe to extremely high temperatures – at least 500° Fahrenheit. If it isn’t, or the label doesn’t say that it’s safe for high temperatures, then it’s likely poorly made.

3. Is it enameled?

Enameled cast iron is easier to clean and care for than seasoned cast iron. The enamel prevents rust, meaning you don’t need to be so careful about drying it immediately. It also doesn’t need seasoning, as the enamel serves to protect the iron from rust.

4. Do you want to buy new or used?

Vintage cast iron cookware is in high demand, with some believing it to be superior to new. Others, however, prefer a pan that hasn’t been used by someone else. Cast iron can last for generations, so a well-cared-for used pan or pot is going to be just as effective as a new one – sometimes, you can even luck out at thrift stores.

When buying vintage, it’s important to look out for warping, cracking, or bending. This can happen if a hot pot is doused in cold water or if it is dropped too many times. While you can repair poor seasoning or rust, cracks or warping aren’t something you can fix at home.

5. How much should it cost?

The price of cast iron can vary depending on what brand you buy, what type of cookware it is, and whether it’s new or used. But here’s a ballpark for the most common types of cookware.

• Cast iron skillets: cast iron skillets can range from $10 to $100 depending on size and brand. Smaller skillets will cost less, with brands like Lodge and KitchenAid having affordable cast iron. Viking also makes cast iron skillets, though they’re a bit pricier.
• Dutch ovens: Dutch ovens are usually enameled, and due to their size, they aren’t cheap. Unless you get an especially small one, they’re going to set you back around $100. If you get a premium brand like Staub or Le Creuset, then it’ll be a couple hundred dollars.
• Enameled cast iron skillets: Enameled cast iron is more expensive than seasoned cast iron, meaning that an enameled skillet will cost more. That means that one will likely cost you more than $100, possibly even $200 – though it’ll depend on the size.
• Griddles – Cast iron griddles can be used on the stovetop or over a campfire, depending on their design. Most griddles will be in the $40 to $60 range, though it’ll depend on the brand and design.

What Are the Different Types of Cast Iron Cookware?

Cast iron cookware covers a wide range. Most types of cookware can be made out of cast iron, though there are some that are more common than others.

• Skillets: Also called frying pans, skillets are the cast iron cookware you’re most likely to see. They can range in size from 8” to 14” in diameter, meaning that you can decide how much you want to make at once. A cast iron skillet isn’t only for the stove, as it can also be used in the oven to make cornbread or cobblers, with some recipes calling for it directly.

• Dutch ovens: A Dutch oven is a large pot with a tight-fitting lid that is used for roasts or making soups, stews, and chilis. Most of the time, they’re enameled cast iron, though some will be seasoned cast iron.

• Griddles: Griddles have a flat, smooth cooking surface that can be used on a stovetop, a grill, or even over a campfire, depending on the design. Some will have grill lines to sear steaks or chicken, while others will be flat, making them ideal for pancakes.

• Grill pans: This is a special type of skillet that has grill lines on it. Usually, they’re square in shape, though they can be round, and are made for searing.

Features to Look for in Cast Iron Cookware

1. Handles: Check on the cookware’s handles. If it’s a large skillet, you’re going to want a large helper handle on the front because that makes it easier to take out of the oven. For Dutch ovens, you want handles and knobs that are easy to grasp, even with oven mitts, because cast iron holds heat extremely well. For knobs on lids, make sure that they’re secured properly and are made of a material that’s oven-safe.
2. Thickness and weight: In general, with cast iron, the thicker and heavier it is, the better. A lighter pan has certain advantages, but with cast iron, the fact that it’s heavy and thick is part of the deal.
3. Quality of enamel coating: If you’re buying a cast iron pan that’s enameled, make sure that the enamel is high quality. It should be smooth with no bumps, bubbles, or cracks – especially in the interior.
4. Induction safe: Cast iron works with induction cooktops, and it’s best to make sure that there isn’t anything on the base or something in the enamel coating that prevents induction. It’s less of an issue if your stove isn’t induction, but it’s still part of the functionality of cast iron.
5. Handle covers: Some cast iron pans will come with handle covers to make it easier to transport your pan. This is by no means a necessity, but having fabric or plastic handle covers that fit your pan can be convenient.
6. Care tools: Some cast iron pans come with care tools, such as a chainmail scrubbing pad, a corner brush, or a seasoning spray. It should be noted that while a well-seasoned pan or enameled pan can survive the dishwasher, it’s not recommended. It's hard on the seasoning or enamel and can lead to rust, and the manufacturer should tell you not to do it. It’s best to wash them by hand, either just with water or a small amount of dish soap.
7. Warranty: As cast iron pans should last a lifetime, it’s important that they have a warranty. Of course, this won’t include improper care of your cookware, but for Lodge pans, there’s a limited lifetime warranty, and other high-quality cookware should have a warranty as well.

How to Choose the Best Cast Iron Cookware

Picking out the right cookware for your needs isn’t easy, and the number of options can be overwhelming. To help give an idea of what people of different skill levels and in different situations might want, here are three personas and what I think would be the best cast iron cookware for them.

Jamie: Space-Conscious Beginner Looking for Good, Durable Cookware

Jamie just moved into a new apartment and doesn’t have a lot of space, but wants to build up her cookware collection. She’s interested in cooking and wants good cookware with multiple uses that will last her a long time.

Features to look for: Jamie should look for basic cast iron cookware, like skillets. Skillets are useful for making all sorts of dishes and can also be used in the oven, meaning that she can limit her bakeware. Lodge or KitchenAid cast iron skillets are excellent choices as they’re budget-friendly, have multiple uses, and are durable.

Ronnie: Family Cook Who Loves to Host

Ronnie has a large family and enjoys hosting on a regular basis. He wants cookware that’s durable, sizable, and can be used for a variety of dishes. He’s a good cook but doesn’t want anything that’s too finicky to care for.

Features to look for: Enameled cast iron is easier to care for, though once in the habit of caring for cast iron, it’s not too difficult. For a more affordable option, the KitchenAid Dutch Oven should serve him well, as well as a Lodge Dutch oven. Dutch ovens can be used for roasting and deep frying, as well as for soups and sauces. If Ronnie wants to splurge, then a Le Creuset round Dutch oven is the way to go.

Ava: Intermediate Cook Looking to Get the Best

Ava is an excellent cook and baker who wants the best equipment to take her to the next level. However, she primarily cooks for herself and her partner, so she doesn’t want oversized cookware. She’s willing to spend money and care for her equipment as needed.

Features to look for: Ava should consider looking at premium brands like the Staub cast iron essential French oven. French and Dutch ovens are also excellent for baking bread, creating a wonderful crispy crust. For the best cast iron skillet, she should consider a Staub 10-inch fry pan. It’s a high-quality enameled cast iron pan with pour spouts. Both options are smaller in size, perfect for one or two people, and are of the highest quality.

Let Us Help You Find the Right Cast Iron Cookware for You

It can be overwhelming to try to find the right choice for your needs, particularly if you don’t have experience with cast iron cookware. Some of it also boils down to personal preferences in terms of handle shape, size, and whether or not it’s enameled. As cast iron cookware can last you a lifetime, don’t be afraid to take your time. If you feel you need more information or advice, reach out to one of our Kitchen Experts! Any of our Kitchen Experts would be more than happy to help you find the cast iron cookware that’s just right for you.