Ranking of the best cast iron pans 2022 - coated and uncoated

Everything new is well forgotten old. This proverb is confirmed by the ever-increasing popularity of models of all kinds of cast-iron utensils and, in particular, frying pans. There are objective reasons for such demand, which will be discussed in this article.

Features of cast iron

Cast iron is characterized by rapid heating and accumulation of heat, which is indispensable for uniform heating of food.This high thermal conductivity is ideal for fast searing, especially for steaks.

The main feature of a cast iron pan is its weight. The heavier it is, the better. Paying attention to this parameter, you can avoid fakes from other materials.

How to choose a cast iron skillet

When buying a frying pan, first of all, you need to decide on the shape and size, as well as decide what kind of dishes you need such a purchase for cooking. Universal ones are suitable for preparing a large number of dishes and are quite suitable even for young housewives who do not have great cooking skills. A wok pan is suitable for lovers of oriental cuisine and healthy dishes. In a saucepan with high sides, it is great to stew vegetables and make various sauces. The grill pan has a raised pattern on the bottom to drain excess oil into the recesses. But most pans have telling names and you can easily understand what dishes they are intended for: crepe maker, fish maker, etc. Although there are completely original frying devices: an escargot for cooking snails, pans for paella or chicken tobacco.

Types of frying pans differ in the shape and height of the sides.

The size of the dishes also matters. If the main selection criteria are the preparation of delicious food for a large family, then you should look at dishes with a large diameter, which can reach 50 cm. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of washing such cutlery in a dishwasher. The most popular models are 23-25 ​​cm in diameter. But there are also very small options for making pancakes or fried eggs.

Equally significant are the types of non-stick coatings. The most common is polytetrafluoroethylene coating, better known as Teflon.Such coatings continue to cause controversy about their safety and should be handled with care. Marble coating is also polytetrafluoroethylene, only marble chips are added to it. The long-known enamel coating is often found, but it is prone to chipping. In the ranking of high-quality, safe and inexpensive coatings, ceramic coatings are not the last. It withstands high temperatures, evenly warms up and does not emit harmful substances. Less often you can find an innovative nanocomposite, which includes a coating of granite, titanium and diamond.

The main purpose of all these types of coatings is to protect the material of the pan and extend its life, although the cast iron itself is more durable than any coating, which is important to consider when choosing which to care for. Some of them are very afraid of damage, washing in the dishwasher or cooking on induction stoves.

The wall thickness of cast iron pans can vary from 3 mm to 20 mm. Different thickness is designed for cooking different dishes.

When choosing a pan, you need to consider not only its practical properties, but also ergonomics. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a fryer with a handle, and possibly more handles. But at the same time, it is necessary to take into account the material from which it is made. A comfortable wooden handle may not be suitable for a gas stove, there is a high probability of burning it, but on an electric or induction stove, such a handle does not heat up, and it will be a great addition to the pan. When used in the oven, a removable handle or one made of a material that is not afraid of high temperatures will be appropriate. They can be made of metal or heat-resistant plastic.

An equally important attribute is the lid.With it, many dishes are richer and tastier. Materials for its preparation can be different: plastic, glass, metal. But the presence of a cover and the choice of material from which it is made depends on individual preferences.

Caring for your cast iron skillet

With proper care, no newfangled frying pan can compare in its durability with cast iron. Its properties contribute to this.

Before the first use, the pan must be well calcined and lubricated with vegetable oil, which, getting into the pores of the material, provides natural lubrication for a long time. To maintain this effect, it is not recommended to use dishwashing detergents with a high content of abrasive substances. After cooking, the pan can be rinsed with a soft cloth using salt. After removing moisture, grease with vegetable oil.

If soot forms during prolonged use, the pan must be calcined in the oven for several hours, and then cleaned with a metal sponge.

Ease of maintenance consists in gentle washing and preventive lubrication with vegetable oil.

The best cast iron pans

Cast iron enameled frying pan, 28 cm, red, Arome series, BEKA

The German brand BEKA distributes its goods all over the world and is very popular.

Numerous reviews indicate that the kitchen appliances of this brand are the best. They are aesthetically pleasing and functional.

The frying pan is made of high quality cast iron and covered with enamel, which protects against rust and gives an attractive look. The external bright red color excites the appetite and beckons something to cook.

The height of the sides - 5.5 cm and the large diameter - 28 cm allow you to cook delicious meals for a large number of people.

The weight is small, only 1.5 kg, due to not thick walls and bottom, the thickness of which is 2.5 mm.

The frying pan is used on any type of heating surfaces, and it can also be placed in the oven.

The stainless steel handle makes it comfortable to use. It is securely fastened to the pan with rivets.

The package contains detailed instructions for the care of cast iron cookware.

It is not advisable to wash the BEKA frying pan in the dishwasher.

Options	Characteristics
Material	02.01.1900
Coating	enamel
The weight	1.5 kg
Board height	5.5 cm
Diameter	28 cm
bottom thickness	2.5 mm
Pens	stainless steel, fixed

• attractive appearance;
• large diameter and high sides;
• light and comfortable.

• small wall and bottom thickness.

Average price: 850 rubles.

Pancake pan Seaton Ch2220d 22 cm

A pancake pan from the Ukrainian manufacturer Seaton will help you bake perfect thin pancakes.

The lack of coating and the high environmental friendliness of the cast iron material, which can withstand high temperatures, allow you not to worry about the safety of cooked dishes.

The diameter of the bottom of the pan is 18 cm, with a total of 22 cm with a side height of 2 cm. Such parameters and a classic shape are perfect for baking small pancakes, which are prevented from burning by a thick bottom, 4.5 mm wide.

There are two handles in this model. One is wooden, attached to the pan with screws, the second has a special eyelet for convenient use.

The light weight of 1.38 kg does not strain the hand and does not allow it to get tired.

The pan is suitable for all types of cooking surfaces, but is not applicable in the oven.

Do not wash in the dishwasher, although it is easy to clean without it.

Options	Characteristics
Material	02.01.1900
Coating	No
The weight	1.38 kg
Board height	2 cm
Diameter	22 cm
bottom thickness	4.5mm
Pens	1 wooden, 1 cast iron, non-removable

• thick bottom;
• easy to care for;
• 2 pens.

• cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

Average price: 800 rubles.

Grill pan SHENGRI SR005 21*35 cm

The Russian company SHENGRI manufactures dishes according to international standards, so its products have every opportunity to be included in the ratings of high-quality kitchen utensils.

The characteristics of this model and the working surface of 31 * 16 cm allow you to cook delicious dishes and perfect steaks.

The main feature of the pan is a wooden handle, which can be folded or removed if necessary. With this function, it is suitable for all types of stoves and can be used in the oven.

Thick walls and a ribbed bottom heat food evenly and prevent it from burning.

The pan itself is uncoated, but during use, a wear-resistant, non-stick film is created.

The weight of this cookware is 2.6 kg. Even with this weight, it is ergonomic and very comfortable to use. In addition, it can be washed in the dishwasher.

Options	Characteristics
Material	02.01.1900
Coating	No
The weight	2.6 kg
Board height	2 cm
Diameter	31*16 cm
bottom thickness	4 mm
Pens	wooden, removable/folding

• convenient folding/removable handle;
• wall and bottom thickness;
• production of this brand corresponds to the European quality and requirements of GOST.

• not found.

Average price: 1020 rubles.

Cast iron grill pan BIOL (26 cm) with press 21*21 cm with removable handle

According to buyers, cast-iron cookware from the Ukrainian manufacturer BIOL is one of the best on the market. Budget and inexpensive models of this brand are priced much lower than their European counterparts, and in terms of quality they are in no way inferior to them.

The pan itself is sold in a bright package, which contains not only the characteristics of the product, but also a detailed description of how to use, how to prepare and how to care for it.

The body is made of cast hardened cast iron, resistant to mechanical damage and high temperatures. The pan can be used on any cooking surface, including halogen, ceramic and induction.

The absence of any coating ensures that no harmful substances are released during the cooking process.

In addition to the pan, the package includes a press lid, also made of cast iron, a wooden handle with a metal base on both sides, meat tongs and a dish brush.

The inner part of the pan and the press have a ribbed surface, making dishes appetizing with a golden crust.

The handle is easy and simple to attach and remove, so that the pan can be used in the oven. On one side of the handle there is a hole through which the pan can be easily hung.

Weight more than 4 kg is an indicator of quality and reliability.

The height of the sides is 4 cm. The thickness of the walls and bottom - 3.5 and 4 mm provide good filtration from sudden heating and prevent the products from burning.

Options	Characteristics
Material	02.01.1900
Coating	No
The weight	4.1 kg
Board height	4 cm
Diameter	26 cm
bottom thickness	4 mm
Pens	wooden, removable

• cast iron quality
• reliable and convenient fastening of the handle;
• press cover.

• not identified.

Average price: 3100 rubles.

Frying pan-wok Biol 0528С 28 cm with glass lid

Another instance of kitchen utensils from BIOL.

Cast hardened cast iron body of the wok pan, resistant to various damages and not afraid of high temperatures. A cone-shaped shape with a diameter of 28 cm and a thick flat bottom - 17 cm heat the food evenly and the dish is ready almost instantly.

The thickness of the walls and bottom - 3.5 and 4 mm contribute to the uniform heating of products, creating the effect of a "Russian stove".

The large height of the sides - 9.3 cm will help to cook food for a large family.

The case is equipped with strong monolithic small cast-iron handles that can withstand high temperatures. Thanks to this, the pan can be used on any cooking surfaces and in the oven.

The packing box gives tips on how to use and care for the pan.

The set is complemented by a glass lid, which expands the range of culinary dishes, making them more fragrant and rich. It is made of heat-resistant glass, and the presence of small holes on it allows steam to escape during cooking.

A wok pan will delight you with the natural taste of products and quick cooking.

Options	Characteristics
Material	02.01.1900
Coating	No
The weight	3.9 kg
Board height	9.3 cm
Diameter	28 cm
bottom thickness	4 mm
Pens	cast iron, fixed

• monolithic cast iron handles;
• large volume;
• cast iron quality.

• not identified.

Average price: 1600 rubles.

Grill pan Lodge ECSGP43 25*25 cm

The American company Lodge produces cast-iron cookware without using wooden and plastic handles in its products.

The 25*25 square grill pan is made of high quality cast iron. It is perfect for frying foods, especially meat, giving it a golden brown crust. The embossed pattern on the bottom also contributes to the appetizing look.

The porous structure of cast iron evenly distributes heat and retains it for a long time. The outer surface is covered with environmentally friendly enamel. Its main task is to facilitate the care of dishes, but it also creates a very attractive look.

Manufacturers have endowed their pan with two cast-iron non-removable handles. The main one is large, and the additional one is compact designed for ease of use of dishes.

The pan can be used on all types of cooking surfaces, and thanks to the cast-iron handles, it easily tolerates high temperatures in the oven.

She does not cry out for difficulties in care, but she can not be washed in the dishwasher.

Options	Characteristics
Material	02.01.1900
Coating	enamel
The weight	4.54 kg
Board height	3.8 cm
Diameter	25*25cm
bottom thickness	4 mm
Pens	cast iron, fixed

• cast iron handles;
• attractive appearance;
• quality material.

• cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

Average price: 9500 rubles.

Frying pan Lodge LCC3 26 cm with pan lid

The American cast iron cookware manufacturer Lodge uses the latest casting and oil processing technologies to manufacture its products. Such dishes will last for many years and become more durable with each use.

The LCC3 cast iron set includes a large 2.8L multi-purpose pan and a low pan that doubles as a lid. Such a kit can be compared to some extent with a pressure cooker. Frying pans evenly and comprehensively heat food, contributing to quick cooking.

Both pans have two handles: main and additional. They are cast iron and are not afraid of overheating.

The diameter of both a large frying pan and pan lids is 26 cm. The height of the sides of the main one is 8 cm. Such a power and volume of a kitchen appliance can feed a large number of people.

The thickness of the walls and bottom protects products from sudden temperature changes and prevents them from burning.

Both pans can be used on all types of stovetops, including the oven.

The pores of cast iron, absorbing fats and oils, acquire a natural non-stick coating after some use.

Pans are easy to clean by hand. Cleaning in the dishwasher is excluded.

Options	Characteristics
Material	02.01.1900
Coating	No
Board height	8 cm
Diameter	26 cm
bottom thickness	4 mm
Pens	cast iron, fixed

• practical combination of two frying pans;
• cast iron handles;
• versatility and large volume.

• cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

Average price: 7000 rubles.

Outcome

The best manufacturers represent a wide variety of cast iron cookware in domestic markets.Many questions arise before buyers: What good and high-quality frying appliance is better to buy, which company and how much, in general, should it cost? This article provides answers to some questions, but personal preferences and individual desires should always take precedence over any recommendations.