The best cast iron frying pans in the UK 2023

In almost every household, the cast iron frying pan should be a must-have in the kitchen because of its efficiency, compatibility and durability. Perfect for high temperature frying, the cast iron frying pan preserves the nature of food for healthy, iron-enriched meals. With so much relevance, quickly find your cast iron frying pan among those we suggest in this buying guide.

Staub 40511-659-0 1
9/10

Best value for your money

Staub 40511-659-0

The best cast iron skillet in 2021

We have chosen for you the Staub 40511-659-0 as the best cast iron frying pan of the year: with a reasonable and generous capacity, it is perfect for all high temperature cooking.

52,50 £ on Amazon

The Staub 40511-659-0 cast iron frying pan is ergonomically designed and easy to use. Its sturdiness and quality of manufacture make this accessory very durable, over several decades. In addition, it is dishwasher safe, saving you time and effort after each use.

Ideally suited for all high-temperature cooking, the Staub 40511-659-0 allows you to sear, simmer, fry or grill food to perfection. The food does not stick, as long as you follow the care instructions. Its many qualities include the absence of a handle, replaced by a double handle, as well as a spout.

BRA A271218 2
7/10

Best value for your money

BRA A271218

The best entry-level cast iron skillet

Made of cast aluminum, the BRA A271218 frying pan offers premium build quality at a very affordable price. Its compatibility with all burners makes it even better.

19,19 £ on Amazon

This 18 cm diameter cast aluminum frying pan ensures that your dishes are cooked in the best conditions. The BRA A271218 is a great ally in terms of versatility. Its diffusing bottom with Save Energy System technology ensures even heat retention on all preparations.

The BRA A271218 has a high quality triple-layer Teflon-platinum plus non-stick coating that is PFOA-free. It is therefore perfectly smooth and easy to clean. Warm water and a non-abrasive sponge will suffice for hand cleaning: the dishwasher is not recommended. With such a utensil, you also gain in ergonomics thanks to the stackable handle.

Le Creuset LS2024B-2620 3
8/10

Best value for your money

Le Creuset LS2024B-2620

The best high-end cast iron skillet

If you're looking for the best quality at a great price, there's also the Le Creuset LS2024B-2620 cast iron skillet, with its impressive cooking capabilities.

84,81 £ on Amazon

The Le Creuset LS2024B-2620 cast iron skillet is best appreciated for its enhanced black enamel interior that requires very little oil and virtually no seasoning. This means you'll enjoy low-fat foods that are perfect for good health. What's more, this interior is also hard wearing and easy to clean.

The Creuset LS2024B-2620 provides you with an extremely easy grip thanks to its handle on one side and its grip on the other. The included pouring spout makes pouring your sauces a breeze. The utensil is dishwasher safe, which is still an essential advantage in your daily routine.

Lodge 19240016000010 4
8/10

Excellent selection

Lodge 19240016000010

The best multi-function cast iron skillet

If you haven't found what you're looking for yet, the Lodge 19240016000010 is the one for you: its multifunctional character will accompany you in all your preparations.

47,92 £ on Amazon

With a generous capacity for cooking your various meals, the Lodge 19240016000010 Cast Iron Frying Pan also features ergonomic handles for easy lifting. This versatile utensil should be part of your kitchen collection at all costs. Especially since it is suitable for all cooking modes, even campfires, thanks to its cast iron and buffalo nickel construction.

With the Lodge 19240016000010, you'll have an accessory that will last for generations. Its quality of manufacture guarantees an unbeatable resistance and robustness. Cook with confidence with this cast iron frying pan that has a thick interior. You'll never risk burning your food.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best cast pan

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The best cast iron skillet in 2021

The best entry-level cast iron skillet

The best high-end cast iron skillet

The best multi-function cast iron skillet

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Comparison table of the best cast iron frying pans

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Staub 40511-659-0 5
9/10
BRA A271218 6
7/10
Le Creuset LS2024B-2620 7
8/10
Lodge 19240016000010 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Staub 40511-659-0
BRA A271218
Le Creuset LS2024B-2620
Lodge 19240016000010
We have chosen for you the Staub 40511-659-0 as the best cast iron frying pan of the year: with a reasonable and generous capacity, it is perfect for all high temperature cooking.
Made of cast aluminum, the BRA A271218 frying pan offers premium build quality at a very affordable price. Its compatibility with all burners makes it even better.
If you're looking for the best quality at a great price, there's also the Le Creuset LS2024B-2620 cast iron skillet, with its impressive cooking capabilities.
If you haven't found what you're looking for yet, the Lodge 19240016000010 is the one for you: its multifunctional character will accompany you in all your preparations.
Available diameter
20 cm
18 cm
26 cm
26 cm
Capacity
2 liters
2 liters
2.5 liters
2.5 liters
Pouring spout
No
No
Yes
Yes
Particularity
Dishwasher safe
Premium nonstick coating
Constant and even heat
Generous multifunctional pan
Fireplace compatibility
All types of burners, including induction and oven
All types of burners, including induction
All types of fires
All types of fires

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - cast pan

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How to choose your cast pan

With a few exceptions, cast iron frying pans are suitable for basic cooking, especially for steak, fish and vegetables. But there are a few criteria that vary the comfort of use.

#1 - Factory-seasoned or do-it-yourself?

Most cast iron frying pans are factory-seasoned, which means they are coated with one or more layers of polymerized oil. This product gives them a non-stick, rust-resistant finish. Note that some pans need to be seasoned or culled by the user before the first use. A seasoned frying pan can be identified by its full black or brown color. The unseasoned skillet has a silver-gray cast iron finish. You should also know thata good homemade coating will be as effective as a factory non-stick coating. In both cases, food will not stick.

#2 - The weight

It is well known thatcast iron cookware is heavy. Top-of-the-line models with an inner diameter of 30 cm rarely weigh less than 4 kg. Besides the handles, manufacturers sometimes equip the pan with handles on the sides. They offer more safety, especially for emptying the still-hot fat.

#3 - The price

In general, cast-iron frying pans are expensive. Prices can easily go up to over 100 euros for the best models. But in use, there is no real difference between a 20 euro utensil and one sold for 200 euros. The main distinguishing features are weight, texture and durability.

#4 - Additional options

Prefer

enameled cast iron frying pans so you don't have to season your cookware before the first use. Thepouring spout

also serves a purpose given the heavy weight of the tip. Aiming at the opening of a jar to pour out the oil becomes easier. The spout also serves as a spoon rest. Finally, choose a heat-insulating handle, especially one made of wood, silicone or even plastic. A cast iron handle will heat up as the frying pan heats up. And it will stay hot as long as everything else! If possible, go for silicone, which is stronger than plastic and less messy than wood.

#5 - Compatibility with an induction plate

Generally, this compatibility is already indicated on the packaging, in the data sheet or in the user's manual of the cast iron frying pan. However, you need to make sure of this feature before you proceed to purchase the model. It may depend on the magnetism of the frying pan, whether it is enameled or natural cast iron.

Maintenance of a cast iron frying pan

As mentioned above, the most effective way to maintain a cast iron skillet is to use it regularly. Plus, it won't hurt to cook greasy food from time to time.

Repeated use promotes the formation of several thin layers of polymer. However, avoid cooking liquid-based dishes in the pan until it has acquired a thick enough non-stick surface.

Cultivation

If you have a new cast iron frying pan, it is likely to be factory seasoned. For high-end cast iron skillets, the seasoning is so good that you can use them right away. But for other models, you may well add layers of fat before the first use or later.

First, make sure the frying pan is perfectly dry by putting it on the fire if necessary. With a paper towel, rub a small amount of canola, coconut, flax, olive or other oil on the inside and outside of the pan. Then, you will only have to wipe off the excess oil.

Cleaning

Clean the cast iron frying pan immediately after use. It is easier to remove food debris from a hot pan than from a cooled one. But beware of overly attentive children, spouses and guests who decide to lend a hand with this task. The seasoning in the pan may suffer from their overzealousness!

In most cases, avoid stubborn abrasives. This includes metal scouring sponges and a number of cleaners. The scrubbing side of a soft sponge and water should be sufficient for cleaning.

Drying

Drying is quite tricky. If you don't do it properly and carefully, the residual moisture will promote oxidation of the frying pan. To do this, place your pan back on the stove and heat it until it just starts to smoke. Then rub the entire inside surface with a towel lightly dipped in oil.

Once this is done, let the cast iron skillet cool to room temperature. In addition to restoring the pan's cleanliness, this drying technique forms a protective barrier that will keep it free of moisture until the next use.

What not to do

If you want your cast iron skillet to last for years, here are some things you should never do. For starters, never soak a cast iron skillet, enameled or natural, for too long. For example, it will probably rust if you leave it overnight in a tub of water.

When in doubt, also avoid putting cast iron skillets in the dishwasher. Don't run cold or icy water over a hot cast iron skillet. It's true that cast iron is a tough material. But it is not resistant to extreme temperature changes.

Reconditioning

Your cast iron cookware may need to be "repaired" or "reconditioned" at some point. Reconditioning may be necessary if the pan gets too hot and the food pulls away from the seasoning layer, making it thinner.

You will know that you need to recondition or repot the frying pan if the food starts to stick or if light gray spots and rust appear. To recondition cookware, follow the step-by-step basting instructions.

To wash with soap or not?

Most recommendations state that you should never soak a cast iron frying pan in water or put it in the dishwasher. This would remove the seasoning and promote rusting of the pan. However, some experts say you can wash your pan with mild dish soap and hot water. Mary Theisen, founder of The Pan Handler, said, "The soap thing drives me crazy. You can use soap on a cast iron pan. As long as it's well-seasoned, you're not likely to destroy it with a little soap." Whether or not to use soap will be up to each individual. If in doubt, it's best not to!

The different types of cast iron frying pans

Enamelled cast iron frying pan

There are a lot of enameled cast iron skillets on the market. They can be identified by the paint that covers the cast iron. Some exterior colors are very bright, but the interior is usually painted black.

You won't need to season or culotte an enameled cast iron skillet. The other advantage is that the metal will not rust. Moreover, the coating is perfectly non-stick. And there's no risk of food seeping into the metal.

Benefits:

  • The strongest and most durable type of cast iron pan
  • Perfectly non-stick coating and easy to clean
  • Often nice colors

Disadvantages:

  • The most expensive type of cast iron pan
  • The enamel could flake off if dropped or if maintenance is really sloppy

Who is it for?

Buy an enameled cast iron frying pan if you don't want to waste time seasoning your cookware. The bright color will brighten up your kitchen and you won't have to worry too much about maintenance.

Natural cast iron frying pan

The

term "natural" means that the utensil has not been treated in any way. There is no trace of chemicals or toxins to speak of, which is of major importance since it is accepted that scratched Teflon frying pans are potentially hazardous to your health.

The natural cast iron frying pan will not scratch, even if you use metal forks, spatulas or knives to turn what you are cooking. Natural cast iron also has the same qualities as copper. It therefore provides excellent heat conductivity.

Advantages:

  • Does not scratch despite the use of metal utensils
  • Conducts heat very well and distributes it efficiently
  • No trace of toxic or chemical products

Disadvantages:

  • High weight
  • The absence of an enamel coating means that you will have to pay special attention to cleaning and maintenance

Who is it for?

Many amateur and professional cooks use the natural cast iron frying pan. It is particularly appreciated for its durability and cooking quality. The ability to put it through the dishwasher is also worth it.

Cast aluminium frying pan

Don't confuse cast iron with cast aluminum. The latter is actually cast aluminum. A surefire trick to differentiate between them is to undercut the pan. If it's light, it's cast aluminum.

This type of cast iron frying pan is the easiest to maintain, but also the least sturdy of the three. And unlike the cast iron skillet, which is slightly porous and can absorb oil to create a protective non-stick film, the cast aluminum skillet does not absorb and must be primed with a Teflon-like coating.

Advantages:

  • Less heavy and more manageable than the cast iron pan
  • Much more affordable
  • Easier to clean and does not rust

Disadvantages:

  • Less robust than the cast iron pan
  • Uses a primer, usually Teflon, to become non-stick

Who is it for?

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to cast iron stoves, but more durable than conventional stoves, try cast aluminum. Its weight and ease of cleaning will make your life easier.

Oxidation

This is a process during which rust forms on the pan. Cast iron models are the most affected by this problem. A pan that oxidizes will leave orange marks. Systematic cleaning and drying after use followed by the application of fat will keep oxidation to a minimum. Olive oil will do very well for the fat.

Cast iron or stainless steel frying pan?

Cast iron frying pan

In reality, there are only 2 main types of cast iron, namely enamelled cast iron and natural cast iron. Although the cast iron frying pan has the same properties as the steel one, the heat diffusion is not as fast. This puts the material on par with copper. However, cast iron is relatively heavy and can effectively withstand vigorous cooking methods.

Enameled, it ensures even heat flow across the entire cooking surface, which prevents your ingredients from sticking to the bottom. On the other hand, the non-stick enamel can quickly become scratched, affecting the quality of your meals. Natural cast iron is much more resistant. However, a culotte is necessary if you want better non-stick properties.

Stainless steel frying pan

You will be surprised by the practicality and hygiene of the stainless steel frying pan. It is quite easy to maintain thanks to its biological neutrality. Water and cleaning agents are sufficient. This material is not harmful to your health and preserves the nutritional value of your food. It is also unbreakable and durable.

Stainless steel is available in various qualities, including 18/0, 18/8 and 18/10. The latter is used in the design of kitchen utensils, including surgical instruments. As a rule, stainless steel frying pans do not have a non-stick coating.

Verdict

The stainless steel frying pan has the particularity of spreading heat easily and quickly. It is an excellent alternative for those who wish to fry, cook and simmer food. The cast iron pan, on the other hand, is better suited to slow cooking. It should be noted that the two types of pans can be complementary. The choice will depend on the type of food you want to cook and the style of cooking you prefer.

Why buy a cast iron skillet?

There are copper, ceramic, stainless steel, cast iron and aluminium frying pans on the market, just to name the most popular. Of this list, only the cast iron pan has been used for over a thousand years. There are several reasons for this.

It is durable

Cast iron is incredibly strong. That's why it's been used to make molds and railroads for over 200 years. It is not uncommon for a cast iron frying pan to last for decades despite frequent use. Some people even pass on their utensils as a legacy!

Food doesn't stick

The other advantage of a cast iron frying pan is that it is non-stick. To maintain this non-stick property, simply use the pan regularly. Of course, some models will require seasoning before the first use.

It stays hot for a very long time

Cast iron heats up rather slowly and does not conduct heat well. However, it stays very hot for longer than other cookware materials. This makes cast iron perfect for searing, grilling or creating a crust on your food.

You can use it in the oven and on an induction cooker

If you like to cook stovetop to oven recipes, you'll appreciate the fact that the cast iron frying pan works just as well inside the oven as it does over a gas fire. Apart from that, you can use it perfectly well on a campfire or an induction hob. Many stainless steel, copper and aluminium frying pans do not have this advantage.

It gives iron and more taste

Finally, cast iron has a health benefit. Unglazed cast iron tends to release small amounts of iron into the food during cooking. This is a big plus for those who suffer from iron deficiency anemia and those who need more flavor in their food.

The best brands of cast iron frying pans

In our opinion, the best brands of cast iron frying pans in 2022 are :

Lodge
Staub
Beka
Utopia Kitchen
Skeppshult

This family brand was founded in Pittsburgh in 1896. From its inception, it specialized in the production of cookware. The seasoning on Lodge cast iron skillets is so good that you can start using them immediately after receiving the package.

As mentioned earlier in the comparison, this Alsatian brand is the Rolls of the Pots and Pans. Its cast iron pans usually benefit from a matte black enamel interior, ideal for searing, roasting and caramelizing food. A must have if you can afford it.

Since 1899, Beka has been offering utensils that can guarantee fast, quality cooking. The brand also offers collections of various ranges, including Maestro, Evolution, Energy or Select. Its cast aluminum pans are among the best in the entry-level range.

Utopia Kitchen offers various kitchen utensils: wok, frying pan, casserole dish, stewpot... The common point of all the products of this brand is their always affordable price. Its 26 cm cast iron frying pan is probably the best for less than 20 euros.

The Swedish brand is the last one in Scandinavia to manufacture cast iron cookware. Founded in 1906, it offers frying pans, sauté pans, grills, casseroles and various accessories. The quality of the products is such that the high prices are secondary!

What is the price for a cast pan

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
15 £ to 40 £
Mid-range
40 £ to 80 £
High-end
more than 80 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Use citric acid to clean your burnt stove

A few minutes of inattention and your frying pan is burned, leaving it in a bad state. Don't worry, it is possible to restore your pan to its original state. To do so, pour boiling water and two tablespoons of citric acid on it. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing, and finish by cleaning your pan as usual.

Recover the non-stick properties of your old pan

When you've been using your pan for a long time, its nonstick finish isn't as effective and food starts to stick to it. To remedy this, boil a glass or two of apple vinegar in it for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure the liquid has completely evaporated before you start using your pan.

Avoid metal or plastic utensils

It's best not to use metal or plastic utensils to flip your food. Metal could scratch the coating on your pan, while plastic could melt from the heat. Instead, use wooden utensils.

Get rid of persistent odours effectively

Often, when you fry a strong-smelling food like fish, the smell doesn't go away even after you clean the pan. To get rid of it, take a lemon half and rub the lining of your pan with it. If the smell is stubborn, pour lemon juice into your pan and leave it on for at least 1 hour.

Drain food well before frying

When drops of water fall into hot oil, it creates small explosions with splashes of oil that can burn you. That's why it's important to drain food well before you pan fry, by shaking it in a colander.

FAQ

Can I wash my cast iron frying pan in the dishwasher?

No, we do not recommend washing cast iron frying pans in the dishwasher. This will quickly give the cast iron a rusty appearance. Hand washing should be preferred.

My new cast iron frying pan is rough in some places. Is this normal?

Yes, this is the result of the sand molding process. As you use and replenish the seasoning, the pan will become smoother. If it takes too long, it's perfectly fine to use fine sandpaper to smooth out the rough areas.

Are there any foods I should not cook with a cast iron skillet?

Highly acidic foods such as beans, tomatoes and citrus juices should not be cooked in a seasoned cast iron frying pan until the cookware is highly seasoned. The high acidity of these foods will remove the seasoning and cause discoloration and a metallic taste to the food. Wait until the cast iron is better seasoned to cook these types of foods.

How to store a cast iron frying pan properly?

Where you store your cast iron skillet is far less important than how you store it. Your cast iron should always be dry before stacking or hanging. Rust is the enemy of your well-deserved seasoning.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , lardoisedujour.com
  3. , sobeys.com
  4. , noovomoi.ca
  5. , gqmagazine.fr
  6. , cuisineaddict.com
  7. , nytimes.com
  8. , canr.msu.edu
  9. , lilynicholsrdn.com
  10. , firstwefeast.com
  11. , scandi-vie.com
  12. , gigastore.fr
  13. , skeppshult-boutique.fr
  14. , skeppshult-boutique.fr
  15. , amazon.co.uk
  16. , metroresto.fr
  17. , sobeys.com
  18. , quechoisir.org
  19. , greenweez.com
  20. , swift-old.ca
  21. , cook-food.com
  22. , my-best.fr
  23. , mathon.fr
  24. , ikea.com
  25. , poele-ecologique.fr
  26. , kuhnrikon.com
  27. , lecreuset.ca
  28. , canadiantire.ca
  29. , walmart.ca
  30. , troovez.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Staub 40511-659-0 9
Staub 40511-659-0
BRA A271218 10
BRA A271218
Le Creuset LS2024B-2620 11
Le Creuset LS2024B-2620
Lodge 19240016000010 12
Lodge 19240016000010

Lecteurs

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