The best cast iron skillets for every occasion

Have you or a loved one ever struggled to get a consistent sear on a ribeye steak? Do you often find yourself sweating over the sink in a battle with crusted-on food, or replacing cookware every couple of years? Would your life be drastically improved if you owned a single pan that's versatile enough to be used for fried eggs in the morning, chicken for lunch, beef stew for dinner, and an apple crumble for dessert?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you should consider a cast-iron skillet. 

Cast iron cookware: An extremely condensed history

While the oldest-known cast-iron artifacts (tools, specifically) date all the way back to ancient China, the concept of cooking with cast iron emerged in 18th century Europe, when pieces of the iron alloy were melted down and poured into sand moulds for cauldrons and pots. By the late 19th and 20th centuries, you could find cast iron cookware in most kitchens thanks to its durability and low cost of production. Read more...

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BEST FOR EVERYDAY USE

Lodge Classic Cast Iron Skillet

Lodge's simple and sturdy cast iron skillets are true workhorses, and this one is no different.

• Preseasoned: Yes (with 100% natural vegetable oil)
• Warranty: Lifetime

£38.29 from Amazon

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BEST FOR STYLE

Le Creuset Signature Skillet

Le Creuset's rainbow of enameled skillets lets you reap most of the benefits of cast iron while cooking with acidic ingredients.

• Preseasoned: N/A
• Warranty: Lifetime

£115 from Amazon

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BEST FOR CASSEROLES

Lodge Deep Cast Iron Skillet

The best option if casseroles, long-simmered stews, and deep-fried foods are often on the menu at home.

• Preseasoned: Yes (with 100% natural vegetable oil)
• Warranty: Lifetime

£103.95 from Amazon

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BEST FOR WEIGHT

Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Frying Pan

A carbon steel skillet is the closest thing you'll get to a lightweight cast iron pan.

• Preseasoned: No
• Warranty: Lifetime

£39.24 from Amazon

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BEST FOR GREASE

Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan

This grill pan's ridges will prop it above any drippings, avoiding all that unpleasant grease.

• Preseasoned: Yes (with 100% natural vegetable oil)
• Warranty: Lifetime

£42.99 from Amazon

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BEST FOR CAMPING

Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker

If there is a cast iron pan worth lugging into the great outdoors, it's this all-in-one skillet.

• Preseasoned: Yes (with 100% natural vegetable oil)
• Warranty: Lifetime

£98.95 from Amazon

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