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Review: Staub Cast Iron 11-Inch Traditional Skillet

Published on 12/06/2023 · 3 min readCurated Expert, Melissa Brunetti, has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
Melissa Brunetti, Kitchen Expert
By Kitchen Expert Melissa Brunetti
8 photos
Photo by Melissa Brunetti

The Curated Take

4.5/5

The Staub Cast Iron is a heavyweight, high-quality pan designed for cooking proteins with precision. It excels in even heat distribution, ensuring no hot spots and offering excellent heat retention. This skillet is ideal for outdoor cooking on a grill or campfire due to its durability. While it requires some maintenance to maintain the seasoning, its benefits, including searing and cooking, make it a must-have for experienced cooks who appreciate craftsmanship and quality. The pan's thoughtful design, including pour spouts and a well-crafted handle, adds to its appeal, making it a great gift for cooking enthusiasts.

Ideal for
  • Best used for cooking proteins
  • Best for cooking outdoors on a grill or campfire
  • Even heat distribution
Not ideal for
  • Requires some maintenance for seasoning and cleaning
Weight
Melissa Brunetti, Curated Expert
This cast iron is great for outdoor experiences on the grill or campfire, and that is due to its weight and durability. This pan reminds me of the smell of...Read more
Heat Distribution
Melissa Brunetti, Curated Expert
I don't have to worry about heat retention or distribution with this pan. It can get hot and stay hot long after being removed from the fire. This equates to...Read more
Size
Melissa Brunetti, Curated Expert
Although this pan is offered in a variety of sizes, I prefer the 10-11" category. I can fit in more items as whole pieces, which is great for braising and...Read more
Quality
Melissa Brunetti, Curated Expert
It is made from high-quality materials, under the best supervision, from the highest-crafted artisans. I love all of the little details it has to offer that other cast irons lack....Read more
Maintenance
Melissa Brunetti, Curated Expert
Staub pre-seasons all their cast iron pans to make them easier to use from day one. Consistent seasoning in the first six months will be crucial to build up and...Read more
Handle Quality
Melissa Brunetti, Curated Expert
I love the handle's craftsmanship. It has a finesse about the shape of it and a smoothness that feels great in my hand. While it is on the smaller side,...Read more

Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
About the kitchen products
  • Model: Staub Cast Iron Traditional Skillet · 11 Inch
Test conditions
  • When I bought this: 2017
  • Where I’ve used it: I use this pan mainly at home for searing steaks, but I have also brought it with me on camping trips.
  • How many times I've used it: 50

Expert Reviews of the Staub Cast Iron Traditional Skillet

Melissa Brunetti Nothing compares to the quality and durability of Staub. This is the heaviest bottomed pan someone can ask for. It has excellent heat distribution with no hot spots and retains heat for a long time. I like to use it best for cooking proteins. It gives them a beautiful sear. It is also the optimal pan to use when cooking outdoors, either on a grill or over a campfire. This pan is not for the faint of heart; it does require some maintenance. It comes pre-seasoned, and that will need to be maintained. It would be a great gift for anyone who really enjoys cooking and has some experience. This pan can get ripping hot and will stand the test of time.

Product Specs

FeaturesDishwasher safe, Induction safe, Oven safe, PTFE-free
MaterialCast Iron
Diameter (in)11.02"
Product height (in)2.17"
Product length (in)17.32"
Product width (in)12.6"

Review Ratings

Weight

5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. This cast iron is great for outdoor experiences on the grill or campfire, and that is due to its weight and durability. This pan reminds me of the smell of bacon and eggs cooking over a campfire in the morning. It reminds me of the smokey fried potatoes over the grill to go with my ribeye steak. All of that is only possible with the heavy weight of this pan.

Heat Distribution

5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. I don't have to worry about heat retention or distribution with this pan. It can get hot and stay hot long after being removed from the fire. This equates to even searing on steaks and an even reduction on my sauces. It is also great for baking and cooking cakes and cornbreads in an excellent, consistent environment.

Size

5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. Although this pan is offered in a variety of sizes, I prefer the 10-11" category. I can fit in more items as whole pieces, which is great for braising and moisture retention. It is also an optimal size to bake a batch of cornbread or upside-down cake.

Quality

5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. It is made from high-quality materials, under the best supervision, from the highest-crafted artisans. I love all of the little details it has to offer that other cast irons lack. These include the pour spouts on the sides, the intricately crafted handle, and the stamped emblem as a seal of quality.

Maintenance

3/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 3 of 5 stars. Staub pre-seasons all their cast iron pans to make them easier to use from day one. Consistent seasoning in the first six months will be crucial to build up and maintain that coating. Additionally, owning a cast iron is a learning curve in terms of cleaning. Never use soap; it will strip the seasoned coating on the outside and mess with its delicate balance.

Handle Quality

4/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 4 of 5 stars. I love the handle's craftsmanship. It has a finesse about the shape of it and a smoothness that feels great in my hand. While it is on the smaller side, it is sturdy enough to hold up the rest of the pan. It will heat up at the same time as the interior, so use a pot holder or towel when handling it.

FAQs

What do you love about this product?

Melissa Brunetti I really love the pour spouts on both sides of the pan. They help drain out extra fat and pour sauces neatly into a serving container.

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

Melissa Brunetti My favorite moment with this pan was making a big batch of cornbread on the 4th of July to go along with the rest of the barbecue. The flavor from the cast iron was fantastic.

Why did you choose this product?

Melissa Brunetti I chose this specific pan because of the unparalleled quality and reputation of Staub.

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