Top 12 best cast iron pans: rating 2021-2022 and which to choose a good model

Cast-iron frying pans and cauldrons were actively used by our mothers and grandmothers, but even now such dishes are quite in demand and popular.

Cast iron as a material has unique properties. It is porous, so slowly but evenly heated dishes, and then retains heat for a long time. Due to this, food is cooked with the effect of stewing, and when frying food does not stick to the surface.

Cast iron pans are more expensive than their aluminum counterparts, but they have excellent performance characteristics. However, this applies only to quality cookware. The tips from the article and the rating of the best cast iron pans by 2021-2022 will help you choose it.

Top 12 best cast iron pans ranking for 2021-2022

This ranking includes the best cast iron pans for 2021-2022 according to customer and expert reviews.

How to choose a cast iron frying pan?

When choosing a cast-iron frying pan in the first place pay attention to its weight. Cookware made of this material can not be light. If the frying pan weighs little, and the manufacturer claims that it is made of cast iron, most likely this is not true, and such a product is better to bypass.

An important role is also played:

• The handle. It is highly desirable that it was removable. Then the pan can be used not only on the stove, but also in the oven. It is also desirable to have special pads on the handle to prevent the handle from overheating.
• Frying pan size and wall height. The main advantage of large frying pans is their versatility. You can not only fry on them, but also stew dishes.
• Scope of use. For example, universal pans are used mainly for frying. For cooking steaks use special grill pans, for Asian dishes - the WOK model, and for frying pancakes - special thin products with a small diameter.

Top 4 best cast iron pans for 2021-2022 by price/quality

When choosing a cast iron skillet, you should not buy cheap products. Quite often such dishes are not made of pure cast iron, so they do not have the necessary performance characteristics and can even be dangerous to health.

It is better to buy a model in which the democratic cost is combined with high quality. Four models fall into this category in 2021-2022.

Lodge L5SK3.

Stylish, inexpensive and quality American-made frying pan is not only characterized by its original appearancebut also excellent quality. It's made of pure cast iron that heats evenly and retains heat for long periods of time. The material is not afraid of scratches, so you can turn the food even with metal kitchen utensils without fear of damaging the coating.

The only disadvantage of the model can be called an ill-conceived design of the handle. It does not have an overlay of nonheating material, so you have to hold a red-hot frying pan only with a towel or a tack. The handle is not removable, but because it is also cast-iron, the pan can safely be used not only on the stove, but also for baking favorite dishes in the oven.

Specifications:

• weight of 1.5 kg;
• 4.75 cm high walls;
• bottom and walls (thickness) 5 mm;
• Bottom diameter 15 cm;
• non-stick coating: no.

Maysternya T306C3.

Another quality and inexpensive frying pan from a proven domestic brand will be an indispensable assistant in the kitchen.

In the manufacture of the frying pan used modern materials and advanced technology that make cooking your favorite dishes as comfortable as possible. The body is made entirely of cast iron, so you can not only fry in the skillet, but also stew food, on the principle of a wood-burning stove.

Another advantage of the skillet is considered its versatility. The skillet can be used not only on the stove, but also in the oven. The handle is not removable, but it is covered with a special material that does not get hot and prevents the risk of burns.

Technical specifications:

• weight 4.1 kg;
• top has a diameter of 28 cm
• 6 cm high walls;
• Non-stick coating: none.

Lodge L10SK3

This American manufacturer has been on the market for a very long time, and the brand pans are absolutely deservedly popular among consumers.

This particular model has all the necessary features for comfortable cooking. Its body is made of pure cast iron, which provides uniform heating of the cookware.

The pan is versatile: its walls are high enough, so you can not only fry, but also stew food in the cookware. Unfortunately, the kit does not include a lid, so you have to buy it separately.

Cast iron body is characterized by increased durability, so the pan can be washed by hand and in the dishwasher. The handle is not covered with a special nonheating material, so you have to move the heated cookware only with a tack or a towel.

Technical specifications:

• weight 3.5 kg;
• 5 mm thick walls;
• bottom diameter 23 cm;
• 5 mm thick bottom;
• 5,7 cm high walls;
• non-stick coating: no.

Siton Ch2640d

A stylish and high-quality frying pan from a well-known domestic manufacturer has all the necessary properties and characteristics for cooking a variety of dishes.

The frying pan itself is made of pure cast iron. This material is of very high quality, so it does not need additional non-stick coating: food will not stick to the frying pan, even if there is no oil in it. In addition, such a coating is completely safe for health and is highly resistant to mechanical damage.

The product is very easy to clean from the remains of food, and you can wash the pan not only by hand, but also in the dishwasher. Additionally, the product is equipped with a wooden handle. Due to this, the owner will be able to enjoy the full comfort of cooking, and the dishes can be cooked not only on the stove, but also in the oven.

Technical characteristics:

• weight 2.1 kg;
• bottom diameter of 20 cm;
• the walls are 4 cm high;
• Diameter at the top 26 cm;
• bottom 5 mm thick;
• non-stick coating: no.

Top 4 best inexpensive cast-iron frying pans

Many users refuse to buy cast iron pans, considering them too expensive. Such dishes are indeed more expensive than products made of aluminum, but to find a quality frying pan made of pure cast iron is not difficult, if you familiarize yourself with the range of domestic manufacturers.

Biol 0128

One of the most stylish and high-quality frying pans on the modern market, which successfully combines advanced Technology and excellent workmanship.

The body is made of cast iron, and a special metal plate is built into the bottom, which provides even heating and allows the pan to be used on induction stoves. The inner coating is also cast iron. This prevents food from burning on the pan, and food can even be turned with metal spatulas or forks.

The ergonomically shaped handle is made of wood. It is detachable by design, so the pan can be safely used not only on the stove, but also in the oven - to prepare delicious baked dishes. The outside of the frying pan is also covered with a layer of special material, which provides easy and simple cleaning of cookware from grease and other dirt.

Technical characteristics:

• weight 2.4 kg;
• bottom of the pan with a diameter of 24 cm;
• 4.5 mm high walls;
• bottom thickness 4 mm
• wall thickness 3.5 mm
• top diameter 28 cm
• non-stick coating: none.

Biol 0126

This frying pan from a trusted domestic brand is made of cast iron, but it has a very democratic cost. This material is resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage, so it will not deform even with frequent and intensive use.

Also, the pan is distinguished by its optimal size and universal design. Thanks to this, it can be used not only for frying, but also for stewing or cooking large portions of food.

The handle is detachable, so it can even be used for grilling and roasting. It is also very easy to take care of the pan, because it can be washed not only by hand, but also in a dishwasher.

Technical Specifications:

• weight 2.2 kg;
• bottom diameter of 22 cm;
• the walls height of 4.5 cm;
• top diameter 26 cm; 4.5 cm high walls; diameter of the top of the walls 26 cm
• bottom thickness 4 mm
• wall thickness: 3.5 mm
• non-stick coating: none.

Brizoll H1825-D.

This frying pan made of pure cast iron is distinguished not only by its universal design and thoughtful form, but also by the excellent quality of manufacture.

Since the frying pan is made of thick metal, it is not afraid of high temperatures and does not deform during long-term use. Inside the frying pan is also cast-iron, so you can cook food in it without oil, without fear that your favorite dishes will stick.

Another feature of the model is its unusual shape. There is no traditional handle in the frying pan. Instead, two flat handles are used. They are also cast-iron, so you can safely use the dish not only for cooking in the oven, but also for serving treats on the table. A wooden serving rack is provided with the pan.

Specifications:

• weight 1.47 kg;
• top diameter 18 cm;
• sides height 2,5 cm;
• bottom thickness 4,5 mm
• wall thickness: 3.5 mm;
• non-stick coating: no.

Brizoll Optima 02035-P2

Universal in size, made of pure cast iron, the frying pan will be an indispensable helper in the preparation of favorite dishes.

Bottom and walls do not have non-stick coating, but due to the unique properties of cast iron, the frying pan heats quickly, and the food does not stick to the surface. In addition, this material is resistant to high temperatures, it is not scratched or damaged, even if the food will be turned with a fork or metal spatula.

The outer walls of the dishes can be washed by hand and in the dishwasher. The ergonomically shaped handle increases comfort of use and the special nonheating material (wood) prevents burns. In addition, the handle is quick and easy to remove, so the pan can even be used for cooking in the oven.

Technical characteristics:

• weight 1.4 kg;
• top diameter 20 cm;
• sides height 3,5 mm;
• bottom thickness 4.5 mm
• wall thickness: 3.5 mm;
• non-stick coating: no.

Top 4 best cast iron grill pans

Grill pans stand out in a separate category. Their main feature is the grooved working surface. Steaks, tasty fish and grilled vegetables are cooked in this cookware.

Cast iron is the best material for this kind of cookware, because it provides long-term maintenance of the temperature needed to fry these dishes.

Lodge L8SGP3

One of the highest quality grill pans on the market today. Its body is made entirely of cast iron. This spongy This material heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time, which is necessary for cooking steaks or fish with a crispy crust.

Another feature of this model is that it can be used on induction stoves. For this purpose, a special metal plate is embedded in the bottom of the body.

The bottom and the inner walls of the frying pan have a non-stick coating. This makes the frying pan suitable for cooking flavorful dishes with a crispy crust without the use of oil. Handle the frying pan with care, because its handle is cast iron and does not have a nonheating coating. But thanks to this, you can safely use the pan for cooking baked dishes in the oven.

Technical characteristics:

• bottom diameter of 26 cm;
• bottom thickness of 5 mm;
• 6 cm high walls;
• top diameter 26 cm;
• 5 mm thick walls.

Biol 1026

This domestic manufacturer of cookware is well known to consumers, because all products of the brand are of excellent quality and very reasonable price.

Despite the low price, the body of the pan is made entirely of pure cast iron. The bottom of the body has a special metal plate, which allows you to use the cookware not only on conventional, but also on induction stoves.

The pan handle is ergonomically shaped. The handle itself is wooden and easy to remove. This allows you to cook on the frying pan not only on the stove, but also in the oven. The clever shape of the skillet allows you to serve delicious dishes on the table directly in the cast-iron cookware itself.

Technical specifications:

• weight 2.4 kg;
• bottom with a diameter of 20.5 cm
• walls of height 4,5 cm;
• top diameter 26 cm
• bottom 4,2 mm thick
• 3.6 mm thick walls;
• non-stick coating: none.

Lodge Fish L8SGPWLFI

This grill pan is manufactured by a proven American manufacturer, so the future owner can be completely confident in its quality.

The large ribs on the bottom will allow you to cook juicy steaks or delicious grilled vegetables. In terms of application, the frying pan is universal, as it is suitable for all heating surfaces, including induction stoves.

The product handle is made of cast iron. A special overlay to prevent burns in the dishes is not provided, so you should be careful when using it. But thanks to this feature, the skillet can safely put in the oven for cooking delicious baked dishes.

Technical characteristics:

• weight 3.5 kg;
• top diameter of 26 cm;
• 6 cm high walls;
• non-stick coating: no.

Siton CHG2640

Inexpensive grill pan from a popular domestic manufacturer is not only of high quality, but also original design.

Shape of the product is traditional round, but the classic handle of the product is not provided. Instead, rounded cast-iron handles are installed. Due to this dish is easy to hold with two hands, and ready meals can be served directly in the frying pan.

The body is made of cast iron. This is an almost eternal material that is resistant to mechanical damage and will not deform under constant exposure to high temperatures. A lid is provided with the product, which fits tightly to the walls of the cookware and allows you to cook juicy stews.

Technical characteristics:

• weight 4.7 kg;
• Bottom 21 cm in diameter;
• the walls are 4 cm high;
• 26 cm diameter top;
• Non-stick coating: none.

Popular Manufacturing Companies

There are quite a few reliable cast-iron cookware companies, but the best 2021-2022 manufacturers have been named Lodge, Maysternya, Seaton and Biol.

We have analyzed the range of each brand, and selected the most successful models with different types of non-stick coating.

Which is better - a cast-iron or aluminum skillet?

Cast iron and aluminum frying pans differ not only in weight, but also in other characteristics.

In particular, the aluminum frying pan is much faster to heat up, but is not able to retain heat for a long time. Most aluminum products are usually equipped with a nonstick coating, which prevents food from sticking and allows cooking without oil.

Useful video

How to choose a good frying pan: