The 8 Best Cast Iron Skillets for Searing, Sautéing and More

In addition to being a great value, Lodge cast iron pans are made to last. The company was founded in 1896 and continues to make high quality cookware and accessories in the United States. Their 10.25-inch cast iron skillet arrives pre-seasoned so you can start cooking right away. The pan heats very evenly, making it one of our favorites for cooking larger batches of food without fear of the center overheating or the edges being too cool. We also like the short handle, which makes moving it on and off the burner easy, in addition to its relatively light weight (4.29 pounds). This pick comes with a red silicone handle protector, to help keep the handle cool, but you can pick from a couple of colors and materials on Amazon.  

With a helper handle, two pouring spouts, and a 12.5-inch diameter, Utopia's pre-seasoned cast iron pan is hard to beat when it comes to price and function. Although reviewers say they still needed to season it before using for the first time, it's a solid choice for newbies who don't want to spend a ton on a more stylish or smoother finished pan. You will need some arm-strength though; this pan weighs a hefty 8 pounds.

If the care of a traditional cast iron pan puts you off, Le Creuset makes timeless enameled cast iron skillets in an array of colors. The enamel helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to clean. (The pans are also dishwasher-safe, but we still recommend hand-washing to help maintain its longevity.) Another pro of enamel is you don't have to worry about cooking acidic foods that some say react negatively with cast iron. One con is the nonstick properties will diminish over time and the coating can crack or chip, so you shouldn't be too rough with it.

We love when style and performance go hand in hand. The Finex cast iron pans come in three sizes, each with their signature, angled octagonal sides that are both functional and unique. The angling not only allows for eight pouring sides, but also makes it easier to slide a spatula underneath and fit more than one in an oven at a time. The pans also have an untraditional but attractive spring handle, which stays cool longer and cools off quicker. All sizes can be bought with lids for an additional cost. 

When size is everything, rest your eyes on AmazonBasics 15-inch cast iron skillet. Reviewers claim it's even bigger than they thought it would be, but that sounds like a good thing if you're searching for something larger than your traditional 10-inch. The pan doesn't come with the same smooth finish that a higher-end pan does but at under $40, it's an excellent value for the size and will comfortably cook a couple of rib-eyes or a whole chicken. 

Butterpat's American-made cast iron skillets are true collector's items. Each pan is handcast and designed to have a smooth polished surface that's nonstick right out of the box. It also has thin walls, which help make the pan lighter than competitors. At 4.8 pounds, the 10-inch pan was one of the lightest pans we tested. It's also the most expensive pan we tested, but with a 100-year warranty, it's destined to become a family heirloom. In our tests, we liked the short handle that allowed us to get a firm grip on the pan without hurting our wrists — just don't forget to use oven mitts.

The Field cast iron skillet, at 4.3 pounds was the lightest 10-inch skillet we reviewed. It has a simple yet elegant design, and its ergonomic handle was one of the most comfortable. It doesn't have pouring spouts but it does have a helper handle, and its lighter weight makes it easier to pour from. These American-made pans come with a smooth surface, pre-seasoned with two coats of grapeseed oil to make them immediately nonstick. Field Company's website helps guide you to the right pan size using helpful illustrations and contains a collection of recipes that will keep you coming back.

The thin walls and smooth cooking surface on the Stargazer 10.5-inch compare to vintage cast iron skillets of the past. It also has a beautiful stamped logo on the underside, which adds to its charm. The high sloping walls make it easier to toss than most, and the flared rim helps make pouring easier from any angle. In our tests, the forked handle, designed to stay cool, was a little hard to grip, but the helper handle helped. The pans are made in the USA and pair quality with affordability.