10 Best Cast Iron Cookware Sets Reviews and Buying Guide

Cast iron is one of the oldest metals in the world and even in modern times, this metal is popular as the ancient days. A cookware set made of cast iron has a different appeal to cooking lovers. Nowadays, there is a broad range of cast iron cookware sets (pots, pans, skillets, Dutch ovens, etc.) in the market from different manufacturers.

So choosing the best cast iron cookware set can be tricky for you. To make your buying experience smoother, here I am going to share the buying instructions with the top products from the best cast iron cookware brands. Stay tuned with me.

Top 10 Cast Iron Cookware Reviews

1. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle

If you want to save money on your next deal for the best cast iron cookware set, you should order this Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron cookware set. This is a complete set that includes 10.5″ Cast Iron Griddle, 8″ Skillet, 10.25″ Skillet, 10.25″ Dutch Oven, and 10.25″ Lid. With a single set, you can complete all your tasks like a professional chef.

All items come with pre-seasoned to avoid the hassle. There is no chemical material being used in the seasoning to avoid health issues. All these products are the USA made to ensure the top quality. So if you are looking for the American made cast iron skillet, then this could be the best-budget one. The utensils are suitable for sautéing, frying, stir-frying, searing and baking, and more.

2. Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Chef Set

Looking for the top rated cast iron skillet set but at an affordable price? If yes, this set of 3 skillets would be a good choice for you. You will get an 8″, a 10″, and a 12″ cast iron skillet in the set. These skillets are pre-seasoned and allow you to cook in a wide range of cooking methods. This is a smooth bottom cast iron skillet set and the smooth finishing allows doing frying and cooking in stoves or induction cooktops.

They are crafted from top-grade cast iron to ensure sturdiness. From light cooking to heavy meals, everything is possible in these cast iron frying pans. They don’t become messy quickly and easy to clean as well as maintain.

3. Victoria 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

This is a 12″ High Quality Cast Iron Skillet that allows you to cook in various methods at home. The Victoria Cast Iron Skillet comes with pre-seasoning to save your time. You can start cooking on it promptly just after getting it. The surface of the skillet comes with good finishing and it prevents attaching food. For slow and even cooking, this is the best inexpensive cast iron skillet.

It releases iron during the cooking to mix iron in your food items. If you need natural iron, this large cast iron skillet will fulfill your requirement in a healthy way. Comfortable touch larger handle allow to use it conveniently.

4. Lodge 10.25″ Cast Iron Skillet

This is the USA made cast iron skillet which comes in the 10.25″ size and allows to cook evenly without burning. The surface of the skillet comes with pre-seasoning to avoid sticking foods. So, there will less mess and easy to clean. You will never get a burned flavor in your favorite food. With a single item, you can sear, bake, broil, sauté, braise, and fry conveniently.

Handling the skillet during cooking is easier with a wide handle. The skillet can hold enough food to cook for a small family. The heat retention feature allows to cook and keep the food warm for a long time.

This Lodge classic cast iron skillet also available in almost 15 different sizes. From 3.5 inches to 15 inches, you can choose the right size skillet that you can use for everyday cooking. So you can also get multiple sizes for making different recipes. People who are looking for American made cast iron pans also can choose this one for its awesome features and reasonable price.

5. AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven

Do you have a good budget for the best enameled cast iron cookware? If your answer is positive, you should check this item from AmazonBasics which comes with enamel on the surface. It is constructed from heavy-duty cast iron that ensures durability and longevity. The Dutch oven is suitable for a wide range of cooking methods including marinate and storing food to keep it warm

There are loop handles on the side to move and handle it easily. You can prepare tasty soup and other food items without any burning taste. Moreover, the surface doesn’t allow food particles to stick.

6. Utopia Kitchen 12.5 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Are you struggling to find the best cast iron skillet just because of a tight budget? Then don’t worry! Utopia Kitchen has designed a 12.5 inch cast iron skillet which comes at a reasonable price. The skillet comes with factory seasoning that allows cooking immediately in it. The seasoning releases slowly and last longer that you don’t have to season it regularly.

This is versatile that is suitable for braising, sautéing, simmering, searing, baking, roasting, or frying, etc. Food particles never stick to the surface and it is easy to clean. If you use some olive oil each time before cooking, there is no need for further seasoning for a long time. Utopia is also one of the best cast iron skillet brands in the market, so you can consider having the skillet.

7. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round French (Dutch) Oven

If you buy a skillet, you can fry, bake, roast, and some other things in it. But when you want to prepare some healthy soup at home, this best enameled cast iron dutch oven will help you. The capacity of the item is 7-1/4-Quart which is enough for a small family to prepare their favorite dishes. To avoid any unwanted issues, the surface is enameled.

It has built-in lid stabilizers that provide a secure, no-slide fit. So, your food item will be ready within a short time. Unlike some cheap Dutch ovens, there are larger handles to move it comfortably during cooking. Better heat retention to keep your food warm for a long time.

8. Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker

If you want to cook different foods in diverse methods then this is a perfect combo with the Best Cast Iron Pots. You will get a 3 Quart High End Cast Iron Pot and a convertible lid that can be also used as a skillet. However, you can also use the skillet for deep fryings, like a Dutch oven and the lid doubles as a shallow skillet. With the versatile design, you can use it for both indoor and outdoor cooking. You can use it for simmer, braise, bake, sear, sauté, roast and fry with the skillet.

The set is pre-seasoned and it comes with an easy-release finish for your convenience. It ensures even heating for well-cooked food items. The skillet is suitable to use with an oven, stove, grill or over the campfire.

9. Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Set

It is always better to use the exact size of cast iron skillet to make the cooking easier. Thanks to Simple Chef for their 3-piece set of cast iron skillet where you will get a 6″, an 8″, and a 10″ pans. This wide range of sizing allows completing your cooking with more comfort. Each item is made of top-grade cast iron for durability.

You can start using them just after receiving them. They are factory seasoned and it lasts longer than ordinary seasoning. They are multifunctional that you can apply for a wide range of cooking methods.

10. Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Are you looking for a top-quality Dutch oven and you have a good budget? The Lodge 6 Quart Dutch oven would be a good option for you. It comes with a 6-quart capacity that you can use for a wide range of cooking. Also, it is suitable to serve your favorite dishes where the food item will warm for a long time.

It is an enameled Dutch oven which ensures the food items don’t get the metal flavor. You can use the item directly in an oven or on a stovetop. It allows to Broil, braise, bake or roast, Sauté, and fry.

Why You Should Use Cast Iron Skillets?

If you are confused about why people are recommending to use a cast iron skillet, you should know the benefits of this item. There are several advantages of using cast iron cookware and here I am going to share in a short brief.

Different Types of Cast Iron Skillets and Cookware

Cast iron skillet or cookware can be categorized into several types according to their construction, shape and applications. But primarily cast iron skillet can be categorized into two types; Enameled Cast Iron Skillet and Non-Enameled Cast Iron Skillet.

Therefore, the cast iron skillet can be categorized into two more types according to their seasoning properties. They are pre-seasoned cast iron skillet and unseasoned cast iron skillet.

And lastly, cast iron skillets and cookware can be categorized into more than 15 different types according to their shapes and applications. And they are

Pots or Dutch Oven?

People always ask what best, Dutch oven or cooking pots? Well, in general, both item serves the same purpose. Both are for cooking conveniently. But when it is about additional advantages, a Dutch oven will be the best. Dutch ovens made of cast iron and have tight-fitting lids while conventional pots may come with aluminum, stainless steel, or copper construction and with a lid. Though Dutch ovens are used to be heavy, the benefit is they retain heat properly.

If you are a slow-cooking method lover, you will find Dutch ovens are working better. It retains the heat and provides well-cooked food items. For baking and campfire cooking, this helps a lot. Almost all of them come with an enamel outer layer while pots have an aluminum layer. They also conduct heat well but make some chemical reactions with acidic foods which are not good for your health. So, if you are ok with the heavyweight, it is better to have a Dutch oven instead of pots.

Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Cast Cookware Set or Skillet

You may have seen a TV program where the chef is making some delicious items in a cast iron skillet and it makes you hungry. Now, you are looking for the best cast iron skillet set and thinking you are ready to spend enough for a good product. But before you place an order, remember that expensive products are not always the best. Rather, you need to check some essential features in a cast iron skillet or cookware set. Here are the top features that you must look for.

However, there is no issue if you are ordering an item from the above list. I have included only those products in this cast iron cookware review article that giving the best features at an affordable price.

Seasoned vs Unseasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Nowadays, most of the cast iron skillet comes with pre-seasoned features. But what is a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet? That means they are seasoned by the manufacturer in the factory during the production process. Although most of the manufacturers like Lodge claimed that, their pre-seasoned cast iron skillet doesn’t need seasoning. You can use them directly first time without seasoning. But still, they need little seasoning to make the nonstick surface better and smoother.

On the other hand, you must Season an Unseasoned Cast Iron Skillet before first use. Because the inner/cooking surface of an unseasoned cast iron skillet is not nonstick. So food will get stacked or burned while cooking. Even most of the unseasoned skillet comes with such a harsh surface that you can’t cook food first time without seasoning.

So if you don’t have ideas on how to season cast iron skillet, then you must go for the seasoned one. They need only little and very basic seasoning before first use that anyone can do. And if you are an expert on seasoning, then an unseasoned skillet will be the best option as you can season them using your preferred method, oil and make them nonstick as much as you need.

How to Take Care Cast Iron Pots and Skillet

You may have already purchased the best cast iron skillet but without the proper take care, it won’t give you the best performance. Moreover, the life of the skillet will decrease. To avoid such issues, follow the following tips.