For centuries, cast iron has been a staple in kitchens worldwide. This versatile material is highly durable and can sear, bake, or fry with unmatched results.
The best cast iron skillets are designed to handle the rigorous demands of home cooking. They're made from a heavy metal that's naturally nonstick, but you need to regularly season them (many come preseasoned) and care for them properly to keep them in top shape.
Cast iron skillets are an essential part of every cook's collection, and they're the perfect size for most recipes. They're also easy to carry around and move from stovetop to oven, thanks to a sturdy handle with ample space between it and the pan.
A good skillet should have a smooth cooking surface and a handle that's sturdy, comfortable to hold, and heatproof. It should also have a few features to make life easier, such as pouring spouts and a design that makes it more comfortable to use both left and right-handed.
Some skillets are manufactured from thinner material, which can be a good option for people who struggle to handle heavy cookware. It doesn't have the same heat retention and distribution as thicker pans, but it's much lighter to move around and is more affordable.
A well-seasoned and polished cast iron skillet is one of the most useful tools a cook can own, but they're not for everyone. If you don't want to pay the price for a more expensive piece of cookware, there are plenty of nonstick alternatives that will deliver great results, but with less maintenance.
