Even today, it is quite difficult to meet a hostess who would not have at her disposal such a classic kitchen utensil as a cast-iron frying pan. Such products are characterized by an acceptable price, long service life, unpretentiousness of use, that is, they can be cooked on stoves of any type, as well as even on an open fire. This dish has been known to people since ancient times, however, even today a fairly large assortment of it is produced.
In hardware stores, the choice of cast-iron pans is very large, so choosing the best cookware for yourself is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. We decided to help you solve this problem and ranked the best cast iron pans in 2022. In this article, we will talk in great detail about the most popular models among Russian housewives, and also give some useful tips on the selection of these products.
How to choose the right cast iron skillet?
There are many varieties of this product. In particular, you can find a frying pan for induction cookers on sale — it has a thickened bottom, where a special magnetic insert is placed. Such products are covered with enamel or a special non-stick coating. These pans are not very common, they are more expensive than the others, but they are characterized by very high quality.
The cheapest and most practical are ordinary cast-iron pans that do not have any coating, moreover, they have natural non-stick qualities that have no restrictions in terms of the period of operation. The material from which the pan is made does not emit harmful substances into food products and does not affect the taste of the dish. According to experts, food cooked in a cast-iron pan is considered more healthy, since it is saturated with iron during the frying process, which is so necessary for the human body.
If you properly care for a cast iron pan, then its service life will be practically unlimited. During operation, it does not deform at all, it is perfect for any type of plates. It is worth mentioning right away that cast iron weighs quite a lot, so the pan will be quite heavy. The shape and size of the pans are very different. Be sure to pay attention to the thickness of the metal — at least it should be 3 mm. In most cases, housewives prefer universal dishes: these pans are round in shape, the diameter of which is up to 25 cm, the height of the sides is about 5 cm.
When we chose products to be included in today’s rating, we first of all paid attention to all the points considered. However, a number of other factors were also taken into account — value for money, as well as user reviews. We have tried to include only the most popular mid-range models in our review of the best cast iron pans so that most of our readers can find the best product for themselves.
Top 10 cast iron pans
10Fissman 4060
It is characterized by a decent capacity — up to 5 liters, so you can cook food for the whole large family at once. It is made of fairly thick cast iron, so it will be very convenient to use such products on induction cookers. Some housewives cook in such a pan even in the oven. The products heat up slowly, so that all the contents will be evenly baked, whether it be meat, vegetables, flour products. The pan has a non-stick coating that will not allow the dish to spoil.
The diameter of the container is 36 cm. The set also includes a lid made of carefully tempered glass of increased strength. It is equipped with a metal handle. Even when cooking in the oven, you will always be able to determine the degree of readiness of the dish through the lid. However, it must be remembered that such products are strictly prohibited for use in microwave ovens.
Advantages:
- Excellent workmanship;
- Suitable for absolutely any stoves, for ovens running on electricity and gas;
- Well thought out functionality;
- Universal products suitable for any products;
- Excellent capacity.
Flaws:
- Significant mass;
- High price.
Fissman 4060
9. BergHOFF Ron 3900043
This model can be used to prepare a wide variety of dishes. The stewpan is characterized by a cylindrical shape, so it is easy to mix any ingredients in it. The bottom diameter is 28 cm, the walls are very high. The pan is suitable not only for frying, but also for steaming and stewing the contents. The product has an enamel coating, so the products will be reliably protected from the effects of negative factors. In addition, this approach allows you to store cooked food in the pan, and not transfer it immediately to another container. Enamel reacts neutrally to any chemical compounds, including acids and alkalis.
The pan does not absorb foreign odors, does not impair the taste of food, it can be easily washed with standard detergents. The set also includes a reliable cast-iron lid, with the help of which an original microclimate is created inside for thorough heat treatment of products. If necessary, in such a pan you can cook in the oven.
Advantages:
- Significant volume;
- Thick cast iron;
- Enamelled finish;
- Cast iron cover included;
- Does not absorb odors and does not change the taste of food.
Flaws:
- Very heavy product.
BergHOFF Ron 3900043
8 Lodge
The products of this American manufacturer have been known to consumers for many years. These frying pans appeared on Russian shelves about 30 years ago. Fans of homemade pizza and pancakes will be able to appreciate this model at its true worth — the diameter of the product is 35.5 cm, the height of the sides is about 2 cm. The shape of the pan is classic — the correct circle, it has a black color.
No non-stick coating is provided here. During the manufacturing process, the model is carefully hardened and goes through several stages of additional processing, so even during the first operation it will not need special preparation. Experienced housewives recommend cooking with vegetable oil, as over time it forms a natural non-stick layer to which the dough will not stick. The handles of the pan are also made of cast iron, which is quite convenient when cooking in the oven.
Advantages:
- Large diameter and low sides make the pan optimal for pizza;
- Comfortable handles;
- Not too heavy model.
Flaws:
- There is no non-stick coating;
- It is unacceptable to wash the pan in the dishwasher;
- To pull out of the oven, you will need to use gloves.
Lodge
7. MAYER & BOCH MB-26803
This pan is perfect for small families. Its diameter is only 16.5 cm, which makes it one of the most compact in our entire review. At the same time, the frying pan is characterized by a significant capacity and is suitable for cooking many dishes — pilaf, stew, meat dishes, fish, poultry, and so on. Unfortunately, not all housewives are happy that the pan is not equipped with a lid — you will have to purchase it separately, since without this accessory you will not be able to additionally stew food.
The frying pan differs in well thought over ergonomics, even at strong heating it does not begin to be deformed. The product is able to keep warm for a long time. Handles are monolithic, rather short. So that corrosion centers do not begin to appear on the surface of the pan, after washing (it is worth noting that it is forbidden to use powders and other abrasive agents), it is thoroughly dried — wiped with a towel or calcined on the stove. The model can be used on any stoves, including induction.
Advantages:
- Pretty compact overall dimensions — easy to use and store;
- Good for any dishes;
- The best option for a family of three.
Flaws:
- The kit does not include a lid.
MAYER&BOCH MB-26803
6.LE CREUSET
The pan is produced by the world famous French brand, which has been manufacturing kitchen utensils for many years. The diameter of the saucepan is 28 cm with a height of 10 cm — in terms of its overall dimensions, it meets the requirements of most housewives for an ideal frying pan. The outer side is covered with a layer of high-quality heat-resistant enamel, which withstands significant temperature loads well, does not crack, does not break off even with strong impacts — it retains its original appearance throughout the entire service life.
Enamel comes in four colors — from pastel to scarlet, so you can choose a pan that best fits into the interior of the kitchen. Inside the pan has a classic black color, which greatly facilitates the care of this product. The handle here is fixed, but it is made of wood, so it is not possible to use such a pan in the oven.
Advantages:
- Almost ideal for the kitchen;
- Produced in several colors;
- Easy to enjoy;
- Suitable for cooking absolutely any dishes.
Flaws:
- The handle prevents the pan from being placed in the oven.
LE CREUSET
5. Regent Ferro 93FE-7-37
This option is most suitable for people who prefer not only classic fried or stewed dishes, but also like to treat themselves to Asian cuisine, which is prepared using both stewing and languishing technology. The pan is made on the basis of the highest quality cast iron, so it can be used on any type of stove, including halogen ones. The kit comes with a convex cover, which is made on the basis of special aluminum. This approach allows you to fully preserve the nutrients and natural flavor of the products.
The height of the walls is 9 cm, so the food will cool very slowly. The handles here are cast, made of cast iron, with their help the pan is easy and comfortable to hold. As a result, the manufacturer managed to launch a fairly functional model on the market, which is absolutely safe for human health. The set also includes a semi-circular grille of a removable type.
Advantages:
- Excellent workmanship;
- Long service life;
- High walls do not allow food to cool quickly.
Flaws:
- Wooden lid handle — can not be used in the oven.
Regent Ferro 93FE-7-37
4 Mallony Padella
In fourth place is a fairly popular model from a Chinese manufacturer, which often receives very high marks from buyers due to the highest quality of the material and ease of use. The pan has a square shape with dimensions of 28×28 cm, it is well suited for absolutely any stove, even induction, as the walls and bottom are thicker than most pans, so the product can be used intensively. The working surface is distinguished by the presence of a durable non-stick coating, moreover, it is almost impossible to damage it.
On one of the walls there is a spout that can be used to drain excess fat. The handle is made of wood, equipped with a folding mechanism for ease of use and storage.
Advantages:
- Increased thickness of the walls and bottom of the pan;
- Very durable non-stick coating of the work surface;
- Suitable for all boards.
Flaws:
- The kit does not include a cover;
- The handle is non-removable, although it has a folding mechanism.
Mallony Padella
3. Staub New Classic
In the production process of this model, both the secrets of the old cast-iron masters and the latest technologies are involved. Such products are one of the varieties of the grill, it has an enamel coating of increased strength. With its help, the metal is reliably protected from the occurrence of corrosion processes and various kinds of mechanical damage. Caring for this product is very simple, especially considering that the surface is completely unreceptive to various types of cleaning agents, including abrasive products. The pan can be easily placed in the dishwasher, unlike the products of most other companies.
The pan is square, the corners are rounded, which makes it absolutely safe to use. The sides are very high, and two of them are equipped with spouts for draining fat. The handle is medium length, made of reliable metal.
Advantages:
- Ribbed bottom;
- Can be washed in the dishwasher;
- Convenient form;
- There are spouts for draining fat;
- Suitable for any product.
Flaws:
- High price.
Staub New Classic
2. Dobrynya DO-3317
One of the leaders in our review of the best cast iron pans was a very budget domestic model. This is a cast type product, so it is in active demand — there are no joints and seams, so there will be no centers of corrosion. The pan is round, its diameter is 26 cm, the height of the sides here is 6 cm, which allows you to effectively fry foods of any nature. The dishes do not have a metallic taste, they are fried as evenly as possible.
The handles are small, cast iron, so the pan can even be placed on an open fire, and it will not deform when heated or emit harmful substances.
Advantages:
- Quite acceptable cost;
- Does not emit harmful substances into the environment or food;
- Long service life;
- Universal model — you can cook on any stoves and even on an open fire.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Dobrynya DO-3317
1. Oberhof Gusseisen GP-02
This is not just one cast iron skillet, but a set of 2 pieces. It includes a deep frying pan with a volume of 2.8 liters and a frying pan with low sides, which can also act as a lid for a deep frying pan. Each pan has 2 cast handles — long and short.
The pans are made of hardened cast iron with a natural non-stick coating. Nothing sticks to the bottom and walls of the dishes and does not burn, and each time the non-stick properties only improve. You can fry and stew foods without adding oil. The thick three-layer bottom provides uniform heating of products and long preservation of heat. Frying pans are suitable for use on any stoves: gas, electric, induction. They can be used even when you are cooking on a wood-burning stove or a grill with an open fire. Frying pans can also be used as baking dishes in the oven. Cast iron retains its properties when heated to a temperature of 250 degrees.
Buy a two-piece frying pan set from a distributor Oberhof Gusseisen GP-02 available here!
Advantages:
- Immediately 2 multifunctional frying pans in the set;
- Hardened cast iron tolerates heat up to 250 degrees;
- Non-stick coating;
- Frying pans are suitable for all types of stoves, as well as for cooking in the oven and on an open fire;
- The multi-layered bottom provides uniform heating and long-term preservation of temperature;
- 2 molded handles.
Flaws:
Oberhof Gusseisen GP-02
In conclusion, a useful video
That concludes our review of the best cast iron pans. As you can see, for each model we have tried to give as much information as possible so that readers can form an idea about the product. If some questions still remain, then you can always ask them to us in the comments to this article.