I was interested to find out what are some of the best cast-iron skillets to use for me to review.
The best cast-iron skillets for cooking meat are:
Using a cast iron pan vs a frying pan for cooking different types of meat is a luxury some people want to have in their home kitchens.
So I went out looking for what are some of the top rated & most recommended brands who make cast iron skillet products that are available to buy online.
The Best Cast Iron Skillets for Meat in 2024
Here is the list of recommended cast iron skillets for steak we reviewed for you to compare.
1. Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Sizes: 12-inch
- Shape: round
- Weight: 7.62 pounds
- Pre-Seasoned: yes
- Colors: black
Cuisinel is either a very new company, or has a very new website. As of this writing, their website is still in progress, with most sections listed as “coming soon”. While their shop is up and running, it is difficult to find any other information. They sell only cast iron skillets in a few different sizes. (ref)
- Smooth finish for even heating
- Includes a heat-resistant handle cover
- Comes with a 1-year money back guarantee
- Good for indoor and outdoor use, as well as oven use
- Can be used for baking, frying, braising, sautéing, broiling and grilling
- The company (or at least the website) is a work-in-progress, with incomplete web pages and very few products
- Only one size available
- A little on the heavier side
2. Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan
- Sizes: 10.5-inch
- Shape: square
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Pre-Seasoned: yes
- Colors: black
Lodge Cast Iron was started by Joseph Lodge in 1896 in South Pittsburg and continues to expand. They are proud of their commitment to technology, quality and employees. Their website is a fountain of information, with use and care instructions and recipes for baking, grilling, camp cooking for all meals of the day. In addition to skillets, they offer a variety of cooking tools, such as griddles, covers, camp ovens and other accessories. (ref)
- Relatively lightweight for ease of use
- Ribbed bottom helps with low-fat cooking preferences
- Can be used on all cooking surfaces, including over a campfire
- The company is committed to producing no hazardous waste
- An industry veteran, the company has been making cookware since 1896—they certainly know what they’re doing
- Proudly made in the USA
- The ribbed bottom seems like it may make it difficult to heat food evenly
- Only one size available
3. Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Set
- Sizes: 10-inch, 8-inch, 6-inch
- Shape: round
- Weight: total of 9.48 pounds
- Pre-Seasoned: yes
- Colors: black
The Simple Chef doesn’t have a website for us to see more about the company who makes these skillets. The company may be a mystery, but they do appear to be selling a legitimate product. They also sell deep fryers, vegetable spiralizers and other cookware.
- Comes as a 3-piece set with a variety of sizes
- Can be used on a stovetop, over a campfire or in the oven
- Can be used for sautéing, grilling, frying and more
- Handle has a hole for hanging storage
- They offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- No website could be found through a Google search.
4. Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Sizes: 12.5-inch, 10-inch
- Shape: round
- Weight: 7.9 pounds
- Pre-Seasoned: yes
- Colors: black
Utopia Deals is a retail company that aims to provide high quality merchandise at affordable prices. They are headquartered in New York and have a presence in China, Canada and Pakistan. In addition to kitchen products and cookware, they also sell bedding, clothing, personal care and other household items. (ref)
- Can be used on a stovetop, over a campfire or in the oven
- Can be used for sautéing, simmering, frying, baking, braising, roasting and searing
- Includes detailed care, seasoning and maintenance instructions
- Two sizes available
- Utopia Deals is committed to affordable prices
- The Utopia Deals brand is not a focused cookware producer, but a retailer for a variety of products
- This skillet is on the heavy side – it may be a bit more difficult to handle
5. Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet
- Sizes: 11.75-inch, 10.25-inch
- Shape: round
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
- Pre-Seasoned: no, requires no seasoning
- Colors: black, hibiscus, Caribbean, cherry, flame, marine, Marseille, oyster, palm, truffle, white
Le Creuset has been around since 1925, producing cast iron cookware that is hand-inspected by French artisans. Their product line has since expanded to other types of cookware, bakeware and other kitchen tools. Their website has a huge database of recipes for cooking with cast iron skillets and other methods. They have an educational section called Le Creuset 101, where users can not only learn about their products and care tips, but can also access customer service, recipes and warranty information. (ref)
- Dishwasher safe
- Pour spouts on each side for easy pouring
- Includes detailed washing and care instructions
- Available in two sizes and a wide variety of colors
- Relatively lightweight for ease of handling
- This company has impressive longevity, having made cast-iron skillets for nearly 100 years
- The fact that their cast iron skillet is dishwasher safe and doesn’t require seasoning is perplexing – is this true cast iron?
6. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
- Sizes: 10.25-inch
- Shape: square
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Pre-Seasoned: no, requires no seasoning
- Colors: black, Caribbean, cherry, flame, indigo, Marseille, palm, soleil
Le Creuset has been around since 1925, producing cast iron cookware that is hand-inspected by French artisans. Their product line has since expanded to other types of cookware, bakeware and other kitchen tools. Their website has a huge database of recipes for cooking with cast iron skillets and other methods. They have an educational section called Le Creuset 101, where users can not only learn about their products and care instructions, but can also access customer service, recipes and warranty information.
- Ribbed bottom helps with low-fat cooking preferences
- Helper handle assists with moving and lifting
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Relatively lightweight for ease of handling
- This company has impressive longevity, having made cast-iron skillets for nearly 100 years
- Includes cooking tips
- The ribbed bottom seems like it may make it difficult to heat food evenly
- Only one size available
7. Victoria Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Size: 12-inch, 10-inch, 8-inch, 6.5-inch
- Shape: round, square
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Pre-Seasoned: yes
- Colors: black
Victoria is another industry veteran, having been around since 1939. It is a three-generation family company based in Colombia. Their website is a little rough, but includes a care section and a database of recipes. They sell a variety of cast iron products, including tortilla presses, Dutch ovens, woks, griddles and other tools. (ref)
- Available in a variety of sizes and shapes
- Lightweight for ease of use
- Long, curved handle for easier handling
- Includes care instructions
- Has pour spouts on both sides and a helper handle
- Pre-seasoned with organic flaxseed oil
- Victoria has been around for a long time, which is a good indicator that they have a good product
- There seems to be a bit of a language barrier on their website – they may not be the easiest to communicate with
Frequently Asked Questions
I know you were looking for what are the best options, but here is some more detail as to why we might need cast iron skillet products to help us cook our meat like a steak chef on an only meat diet.
Why Use a Cast Iron Skillet for Steak?
A cast iron skillet is the best tool for cooking steak, first and foremost, for its taste. A cast iron skillet allows you to achieve an incredibly high temperature, which is how you get that nice seared crust on the outside while leaving the inside juicy and tender. Cast iron skillets retain their heat, which allows for more even cooking, and they are naturally nonstick. (ref, ref)
What Size Skillet is Best for Steak?
For a single steak, a 10- to 12-inch skillet is perfect. For cooking multiple steaks, a larger pan would be needed.
Types of Handles?
Most cast iron skillets have a relatively short handle, which creates little leverage but helps keep the weight of the skillet down. A slightly longer handle may help with transport. In the past, cast iron skillets did not have a helper handle (a tab or grip at the opposite side of the pan), but now many manufacturers are adding this in to help with handling. (ref)
How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
Cleaning technique is very important and very different from most other types of pans. (ref)
Here are some steps to follow:
- Clean immediately, while it is still warm
- Hand wash in hot water
- Scrub off bits of food with a sponge or stiff brush
- For tough stuck-on bits, boil some water in the pan to loosen them up
- Dry thoroughly with a towel or by heating over low heat
- Apply a coat of oil to the inside of the skillet and buff to remove excess
- Store in a dry place
How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet
Seasoning your cast iron skillet will keep it slick and nonstick. Many cast iron skillets now come pre-seasoned, which is very convenient. However, you may find that you have to re-season it after a few years or if it becomes damaged. The best oil to use is flaxseed oil, but other vegetable oils are acceptable. Avoid animal fats. (ref)
Here are some steps for properly seasoning your cast iron skillet:
- Heat over medium-high heat
- Using tongs, dip a paper towel in a small amount of oil and wipe the surface until the oil smokes and there is no residue
- Repeat three to five times, cooling slightly after each application
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