What Is The UK’s Best Cast Iron Skillet?
Cast iron skillets are a well-loved kitchen tool – with their heat-retaining properties and durable strength, they allow you to sear, sauté, fry and roast food with ease. Plus, given that cast iron pans only gets better with age and use, there’s no time like the present to invest in a hardwearing skillet. In this article, we’ll look at the best cast iron skillets currently on the market, providing you with another way to cook some truly delicious meals.
Cast Iron Skillet Reviews
This 25 cm pre-seasoned cast iron skillet from Nuovva is a truly versatile piece of cookware, ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Made using high-grade cast, this skillet is extremely versatile and can withstand the intense heat of both stovetop and grill cooking.
This black pan is oven-safe, meaning it can be used for a range of cooking techniques including baking and roasting.
It has a sturdy handle and two drainage spouts, both of which are features that make this pan easy to manoeuvre and manage.
Overall, this skillet is great for a wide range of recipes and food preparation and it is naturally non-stick when seasoned properly after washing.
This 25 cm pre-seasoned cast iron skillet from Nuovva is a truly versatile piece of cookware, ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Made using high-grade cast, this skillet is extremely versatile and can withstand the intense heat of both stovetop and grill cooking.
This black pan is oven-safe, meaning it can be used for a range of cooking techniques including baking and roasting.
It has a sturdy handle and two drainage spouts, both of which are features that make this pan easy to manoeuvre and manage.
Overall, this skillet is great for a wide range of recipes and food preparation and it is naturally non-stick when seasoned properly after washing.
This Nuovva Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet three piece set contains skillets of three different sizes: 15 cm, 20 cm and 25 cm.
It’s ideal for busy cooks who like to make a range of dishes; plus, the set would also make a great gift for someone looking to expand their cookware collection.
The cast iron cookware is oven safe, and can even be used for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s highly versatile and suitable for use with both the grill and stovetop.
This set of pre-seasoned skillets will help provide quality results no matter what foods are being cooked. Overall, the skillets offer long-lasting durability and great value for money.
This Nuovva Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet three piece set contains skillets of three different sizes: 15 cm, 20 cm and 25 cm.
It’s ideal for busy cooks who like to make a range of dishes; plus, the set would also make a great gift for someone looking to expand their cookware collection.
The cast iron cookware is oven safe, and can even be used for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s highly versatile and suitable for use with both the grill and stovetop.
This set of pre-seasoned skillets will help provide quality results no matter what foods are being cooked. Overall, the skillets offer long-lasting durability and great value for money.
This set of two KICHLY cast iron pans delivers versatility and functionality, allowing for diverse cooking options.
The multipurpose cookware set includes a deep 3-litre cast iron Dutch oven pan as well as a 26 cm skillet. The skillet fits onto the top of the larger pan and can be used as a lid if necessary.
The skillet and Dutch oven pan are both pre-seasoned, meaning they are ready to use and food won’t stick to them. Furthermore, this cast iron is designed not only for stovetop use but can also withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking or camping.
What makes this set of cast iron cookware particularly enjoyable to use is its wide range of uses. It can assist in making meals for many different occasions.
This set of two KICHLY cast iron pans delivers versatility and functionality, allowing for diverse cooking options.
The multipurpose cookware set includes a deep 3-litre cast iron Dutch oven pan as well as a 26 cm skillet. The skillet fits onto the top of the larger pan and can be used as a lid if necessary.
The skillet and Dutch oven pan are both pre-seasoned, meaning they are ready to use and food won’t stick to them. Furthermore, this cast iron is designed not only for stovetop use but can also withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking or camping.
What makes this set of cast iron cookware particularly enjoyable to use is its wide range of uses. It can assist in making meals for many different occasions.
This cast iron skillet set from KICHLY is highly versatile and is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor cooking.
The set includes three pre-seasoned pans in different sizes, measuring 25 cm, 20 cm, and 15 cm; this range of sizes makes the set suitable for a range of different recipes.
As the pans arrived pre-seasoned, there’s no need to carry out a lengthy seasoning processes at home before use – each pan will arrive with an initial layer of non-stick coating.
These cast iron skillets also offer excellent heat retention and heat dishes evenly, ensuring that meals are properly cooked without over or undercooking them.
Whether it’s an afternoon BBQ gathering or simply a weeknight dinner, this cast iron skillet set is an excellent option to have to hand.
This cast iron skillet set from KICHLY is highly versatile and is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor cooking.
The set includes three pre-seasoned pans in different sizes, measuring 25 cm, 20 cm, and 15 cm; this range of sizes makes the set suitable for a range of different recipes.
As the pans arrived pre-seasoned, there’s no need to carry out a lengthy seasoning processes at home before use – each pan will arrive with an initial layer of non-stick coating.
These cast iron skillets also offer excellent heat retention and heat dishes evenly, ensuring that meals are properly cooked without over or undercooking them.
Whether it’s an afternoon BBQ gathering or simply a weeknight dinner, this cast iron skillet set is an excellent option to have to hand.
The Lodge L8SK3 26.04 cm Cast Iron Round Skillet is a highly versatile kitchen tool that can be used in a vast range of contexts and scenarios.
Not only is this cast iron skillet compatible with induction, ceramic, electric, and gas cooktops; it can also be used in the oven, on the stove or grill, or even over a campfire.
It’s an ideal size for frying meat and sautéing vegetables, while the two subtle side spouts make it easy to pour sauces and juices without making a mess.
This pan offers convenience when cooking and also provides excellent heat distribution and retention – perfect for serving up a range of dishes.
The Lodge L8SK3 26.04 cm Cast Iron Round Skillet is a highly versatile kitchen tool that can be used in a vast range of contexts and scenarios.
Not only is this cast iron skillet compatible with induction, ceramic, electric, and gas cooktops; it can also be used in the oven, on the stove or grill, or even over a campfire.
It’s an ideal size for frying meat and sautéing vegetables, while the two subtle side spouts make it easy to pour sauces and juices without making a mess.
This pan offers convenience when cooking and also provides excellent heat distribution and retention – perfect for serving up a range of dishes.
Perfect for cooking large dishes, the Lodge L10SK3CN 30.48 cm Cast Iron Skillet is ideal for cooking a variety of meals and offers the perfect surface for frying meats to sautéing vegetables.
It has been pre-seasoned at Lodge’s foundry to create a clean non-stick finish that will become even better with use over time.
One of the advantages of this cast iron skillet is that it offers excellent heat retention and also distributes the heat evenly so you can cook to perfection every time.
Its maximum cooking temperature is an impressive 260°C, so whether you’re a master chef or a novice in the kitchen, this skillet is sure to help you cook up a storm.
Perfect for cooking large dishes, the Lodge L10SK3CN 30.48 cm Cast Iron Skillet is ideal for cooking a variety of meals and offers the perfect surface for frying meats to sautéing vegetables.
It has been pre-seasoned at Lodge’s foundry to create a clean non-stick finish that will become even better with use over time.
One of the advantages of this cast iron skillet is that it offers excellent heat retention and also distributes the heat evenly so you can cook to perfection every time.
Its maximum cooking temperature is an impressive 260°C, so whether you’re a master chef or a novice in the kitchen, this skillet is sure to help you cook up a storm.
Known for their hardwearing cast-iron pans, it’s no surprise that Le Creuset feature on this list. Their Signature Enamelled Cast Iron Skillet Frying Pan is a must-have for any kitchen.
Ideal for use on ovens, grills, BBQs and across all hob types including induction, this skillet ensures that you can cook your favourite meals wherever you are.
Its two pouring lips and helper handle make it an incredibly versatile tool, while its 23 cm size is perfect for a variety of tasks. The ‘volcanic’ colour is a classic, adding style and sophistication to any kitchen – but it’s also available in a range of other shades.
Finally, thanks to the dishwasher-safe design, it is incredibly easy to maintain and you can always ensure that your skillet remains ready to use.
Known for their hardwearing cast-iron pans, it’s no surprise that Le Creuset feature on this list. Their Signature Enamelled Cast Iron Skillet Frying Pan is a must-have for any kitchen.
Ideal for use on ovens, grills, BBQs and across all hob types including induction, this skillet ensures that you can cook your favourite meals wherever you are.
Its two pouring lips and helper handle make it an incredibly versatile tool, while its 23 cm size is perfect for a variety of tasks. The ‘volcanic’ colour is a classic, adding style and sophistication to any kitchen – but it’s also available in a range of other shades.
Finally, thanks to the dishwasher-safe design, it is incredibly easy to maintain and you can always ensure that your skillet remains ready to use.
Cast Iron Skillet Buyer’s Guide
Cast iron skillets are a fantastic tool for meal preparation, both at home, and in the great outdoors. But, with so many skillets on the market, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are some points to consider before you by that classic piece of kitchen craft.
Size
Cast iron skillets can vary greatly in size, from a mini 3″inch cookie baking model, through to 30+cm wide for family style cooking. So, think about what you’ll be using the skillet for; daily meals, camping trips, BBQ and special dishes? Then, how many people are you cooking for? Yourself, partner, dependants, or maybe you want to feed an entire army? Where possible, get slightly bigger than needed, in case your circumstances change, or you discover how much you love leftovers.
Handle grip
This is important, because cast iron will get exceptionally hot! So, in order to avoid nasty accidents, and injuries, look for handles that will not just fit into the palm of your hand, but also keep your hand a short distance from the pan itself. Ideally, a longer handle is best, however, having a protective cover or heat protection cloth is also beneficial.
Ease of cleaning
Cast iron is an easy to clean cookware, however, there are a few rules; pre-season before use, do not soak in water, always dry thoroughly, store it somewhere at room temperature and that’s dry. To help with this, look for skillets that are pre-seasoned, and that come with cleaning aides.
FAQs
How to season a cast iron skillet?
- Preheat your oven to 375˚F/190˚C
- Thoroughly clean in hot soapy water.
- Dry completely
- Wipe oil over the skillet
- Place it on the middle oven rack
- Bake for an hour
- Turn off the oven and allow it to cool in the oven
How to clean a cast iron skillet?
There is an art to cleaning cast iron, and you may find it counter-intuitive. For the best results, you need to ‘season’ your cast iron skillet, this process is described below. This process will give your pan a pseudo nonstick finish, making cooking and cleaning easier. However, this protective nonstick coating is removed when washed in soapy water.
So, how do you clean cast iron? With hot running water. Where possible, wipe out any food stains or leftovers with paper towel, then under hot water, give your skillet a light scouring with a rubber or plastic scourers, followed by a thorough rinse, and dried off first with paper towel – in case of any remnants of food – and then with a soft cloth. The trick then is to wipe over the entire surface with oil – to prevent oxidisation and rusting.
Never, ever, wash your cast iron cookware in a dishwasher; the harsh detergents will remove the seasoned surface, and, will encourage rust to develop due to the humid environment during ‘drying’. Cast iron that has rust must be cleaned and treated again before it is safe to cook with.