If you are looking for a product that can quickly go from the stovetop to the oven and even to the barbeque, your search ends here. Cast Iron is a must-have product in the kitchen solely because of its durability and versatility.
There is no issue of toxic coating that can harm your health or the layer wearing off too soon.
Also, there's nothing that a cast iron pan cannot do. You can let go of all the pans in your kitchens if you have a cast iron set, as this will go on for a long time. A cast-iron pan is the best thing you can invest in, and if you are interested in a full set, then all the merrier.
But a cast-iron pan requires care and maintenance. So, before buying the best cast iron cookware set, you need to know a couple of things, such as the weight, the types of pans, handles, and capacity.
So, we have prepared a list of the best cast iron cookware sets to explore and enjoy the best experience you have ever had in cooking.
Table of Contents
- Best Overall: Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set
- Best Splurge: Le Creuset 9 Piece Signature Cast Iron Cookware Set
- Best Camping Set: Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Camping Cooking Set
- Most Versatile: Asany 6 Quart Enameled 2 in 1 Cast Iron Cookware Set
- Best Enameled: Generic Enameled 7 Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set
- Best Budget-Friendly: Stansport Cast Iron 6 Piece Cookware Set
- Best Casserole: Bruntmor Enameled Square Cast Iron 2 in 1 Large Baking Pan
- Best Complete Set: Cuisinel Cast Iron Cookware 11 Piece Set
- Best Value Set: Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Cookware Set
- Best Outdoor Set: Bruntmor Pre Seasoned 7 Piece Cast Iron Set
- Best Accessories Set: Lodge Essential Pan Set, 7 Piece
- Things To Consider Before Buying Cast Iron Sets
- How to Care for the Cast Iron?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Best Overall: Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set
Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Set offers cookware with extremely comfortable handles that provide the perfect grip. They’re also quite lightweight, making them easier to use.
Pros: versatile, great handles
Cons: inconsistent products, chipping issues
Lodge has made a place for itself in the market as the best company for cast iron pans. Their griddles, pans, dutch ovens, skillets, cast irons, and more are always the first choice for everyone.
Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Set is lightweight compared to the other cast iron pans. They come in four different types, including two cast iron skillets, one pan, one potholder, and one lid.
The best part of the Lodge cast iron set is its handles. Usually, the handles of cast iron pans are pretty small, and while lifting, the cast iron feels even heavier. However, the looped handles offer a comfortable grip and help divide the heaviness while lifting.
Moreover, you don't have to put the pan in a storage unit or cabinet with these handles. Instead, you can easily hang them in your kitchen so they won't even cover any extra space.
These pans are the most durable, and customers have had them for a long time without any breakage or the coating peeling off. Additionally, these are versatile, and you can put them on a stovetop, induction, grill, oven, or campfire.
Also, they already come pre-seasoned to use straight out of the box, but we recommend you season it again once. It won't harm the cast iron skillet, but it will enhance the performance value.
Unfortunately, some customers have received faulty pans with slight chipping even though they just opened the newly delivered box.
Best Splurge: Le Creuset 9 Piece Signature Cast Iron Cookware Set
Whether you buy the individual cast iron or a cookware set, you will not be disappointed with Le Creuset Cookwares’ quality. We chose this product purely for its longevity and quality.
Pros: highly durable, different colors, heat retention
Cons: seems too heavy for some people to carry
Cast iron pans are usually expensive. But if you want to go on a budget spree and invest in an expensive and beautiful cast iron cookware set, you should go for the Le Creuset Signature collection.
The entire collection is pricey, but it is all worth it because of the excellent finish of the product. This set is available in four colors: Flame, Marseille, Oyster, and Cerise. All of them are pretty and the center of attraction on every dinner table.
Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Cookware Set includes a braiser, saucepan, oval dutch oven, round dutch oven, and a cast iron skillet. You'll also get a lid with each item which is essential if you want to create steam within a foot item or cook on low heat.
Other brands fail to include a lid with their cookware. However, this is what sets Le Creuset apart. Additionally, this also has an enameled coating which helps in even heat distribution.
The handles of the pans are also large to avoid the heat getting to you while tossing or grilling. The best part is the lifetime warranty on this set. Customers don't even find it expensive because they know how durable this is.
They don't have to change the pans every five years since these can last a lifetime. All it needs is enough care and maintenance, and they won't go anywhere. Some customers have had these for 30 years, and this brand does not disappoint.
The lids are specifically designed to keep the flavors in, and there is no spillage or splatter in these pans. This enhanced design also includes a light sand color interior that helps to monitor food and does not let it burn or stick to the sides and bottom.
This product has almost no limitations as everyone loves it. Moreover, people love to invest in this since it stays with them and does not wear off.
Additionally, it is also dishwasher safe. Finally, since it has an enamel coating, you don't need to season it.
Best Camping Set: Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Camping Cooking Set
Bruntmore makes for the perfect camping cooking set as it contains tools, like a bracket, that make cooking while camping easy!
Pros: bracket addition
Cons: low-quality box
If you love adventures and go on a hike every once in a while, then you need this set. Bruntmor Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Camp Cooking Set is specifically made for people who spend a couple of days camping and making their food.
It contains a frying pan, a dutch oven pot, heavy-duty reversible cast iron griddle, saucepan, two lids, a lid lifter, and a bracket. The bracket is one of the unique elements of the box because no other company sells this in a cookware set. A bracket is a holder kept on the fire, and the pot is placed over it.
Additionally, it comes with a wooden box to store all this and carry it for your trek, hike, or camping. Although the box distinguishes it and customers buy it because they think it adds some value to the entire set, it is no good. The quality of the box is low, and it breaks easily. It would be better to buy your box than depend on this.
However, it retains the heat and carries the concept of straight from fire to table. Although it comes pre-seasoned, we recommend you season it again for better quality and maintenance.
Moreover, if you cook it for the first few times on a camping fire, the cast iron is bound to have a slightly smoky flavor. This will be a great addition to your dishes when you cook them at home.
Most Versatile: Asany 6 Quart Enameled 2 in 1 Cast Iron Cookware Set
Versatility is the one thing that people adore in cast iron cookware. Asany takes it to a new level by giving you a pan with a lid that you can also use as a skillet.
Pros: inexpensive, accessories, heat retention
Cons: slight chipping
If you want a cast iron that can double up and be a dutch oven and a cast iron skillet, then the Asany 6 Quart Enameled 2-in-1 Cast Iron Cookware Set is perfect for you. The dutch oven comes with a lid that you can convert into a skillet — hence, the 2-in-1 cast iron set.
Additionally, it contains an anti-scalding pan ear clip, a silicone anti-scalding pad, and an iron pot rack. It makes it easy for both indoor and outdoor cooking. The addition of accessories is an excellent touch to the inexpensive set.
Since it has an enamel coating, making it the cheapest enameled cast iron pan. Usually, enameled pans are pretty expensive, but not this one. It won't rust and won't require seasoning too.
The cast iron color may make you think that you can't use it in a high-temperature zone such as a griller or campfire, but you definitely can. This cast iron set is versatile as it can double into a skillet and as you can use it on different surfaces.
It can handle temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and retain heat. So, if you put something cold in it, it will also maintain that temperature.
As far as the reviews are concerned, customers love this, and you can trust this company. However, only a couple of people have complained about slight chipping. Otherwise, people have been using this product for years without any issue.
Best Enameled: Generic Enameled 7 Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set
Enameled cookware sets have their own appeal as compared to the general cast iron sets. These are beautiful, come in different colors, and require no additional seasoning.
Pros: does not rust, no seasoning required,
Cons: expensive, not dishwasher friendly
If you are looking for a cast iron with minimum maintenance and no seasoning required, you should invest in an enameled cast iron set. The Generic Enameled 7-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set comes with a large pot, a dutch oven, a saucepan, and a skillet.
The enameled cast irons always come in pretty colors, and this manufacturer provides you with a red and gray color option. Your guests will surely be impressed by your choice with such beautiful pieces on the table. In addition, the appearance sets it apart from the regular black-colored cast iron pans.
This set is versatile as you can cook anything in it, from a cookie to sauces, gravies, stews, soups, roast veggies, and pasta.
Moreover, the enameled coating has a lot of benefits, like it does not rust. So any complaint regarding the rusting of the lid or the pan is out of the question. Additionally, you don't need to season it time and again.
Any enameled cookware is always expensive. So, this is also a costly set compared to the original cast iron pans.
Also, no cast iron is dishwasher safe, but the enameled cast iron is. However, bear in mind that you don't give the pan a thermal shock as it can start chipping. Give it some time to cool down before you clean it.
Additionally, the enameled cast iron pans are known to retain the maximum heat so that you can slow cook the food too. You don't have to worry about the cleaning, too, as they provide an instruction card on how to clean the enameled cast iron set.
Best Budget-Friendly: Stansport Cast Iron 6 Piece Cookware Set
Stansport offers admirable cookware set at an affordable price but what makes it stand out is its great heat retention property, along with sturdiness.
Pros: heat retention, universal lid, versatile
Cons: same depth pans, splatter is possible
The Stansport Cast Iron Cookware Set is the budget-friendly set that you all need. This set will be your best friend if you are into outdoor cooking. It contains a frying pan, skillet, dutch oven with a lid, and a lid lifter.
Many pans don't work well outdoors because the food turns cold after a few minutes, but you won't face this problem with this cookware set.
Additionally, it comes with a hot handle holder that can fit on any handle to save yourself from the burn. The lid lifter will make your life easy while cooking on the fire. You can quickly check up on food with it.
The lid that comes with the set is known as the universal lid since you can fit it on any of the Stansport cast iron pans, and it will retain the heat. It comes pre-seasoned, too and for the additional seasoning, follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. It will make your cast iron durable and protect it from peeling.
Unfortunately, all the pans have almost the same depth, so if you wish to cook a soup outside, then it might splatter. Moreover, it does not come with a grill stand, so you'll have to invest in one if you are going camping.
Customers love it since they are getting six pieces at an inexpensive rate which they can use both indoors and outdoors. Also, it can withstand temperatures over 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can use it on the induction cooktop.
It is sturdy, and this makes it a great gifting option.
Best Casserole: Bruntmor Enameled Square Cast Iron 2 in 1 Large Baking Pan
Bruntmore has some of the best cast iron pans and cookware sets and they are a real game-changer in the kitchen. With good quality and versatility, this is a good product to try.
Pros: versatile, griddle lid
Cons: food sticks to frying pan, chipping issues
Another versatile product of Bruntmor, but this one will fascinate you. At first glance, it will seem like a single product: a casserole with a lid. But you can convert the lid into a griddle or grill pan. It has the perfect depth of a griddle and can double up as a lid.
The Bruntmor Enameled Square Cast Iron Baking Pan works with all the stovetops such as induction, like an oven, but no cast iron pan can go to a microwave. It will damage the product. Therefore, if you want to reheat some leftover food items, then do so in a separate pan or container.
If you worry that the griddle won't work well as a lid and will slip off, then here's something to know. The extended handle has a flat handle top to accommodate the other pan's handle. In addition, it locks the casserole and the griddle to prevent the heat from escaping.
From the simple black-colored cast iron pans, this is an upgrade in appearance as it comes in beautiful different colors. Bruntmor also has a dutch oven with a similar 2 in 1 style that you can check out.
This durable product is versatile, inexpensive, and cooks the food evenly. Unfortunately, some customers are facing an issue with the griddle. The food sticks on it, and it takes a while to clean it. Moreover, some customers have also complained regarding slight chipping.
Best Complete Set: Cuisinel Cast Iron Cookware 11 Piece Set
This product provides you with a complete set and eliminates the usage of all other pans in the kitchen!
Pros: accessories, versatile, no Teflon
Cons: pans are sticky, silicone can turn sticky
If you wish to fill your entire kitchen cabinets with a whole collection of cast iron products, then look no further than Cuisinel Cast Iron Cookware 11 Piece Set. This set comes with one skillet, two skillets with glass lids, a grill pan, griddle, dutch oven, a pizza pan, and a pan rack. In addition, this set includes accessories like a pan scraper and five silicone hot handle holders.
The one thing that distinguishes this set from the others is the pan rack. Although these pans have looped handles and you can hang them on the wall, what better way to organize them than put them on the pan rack. They'll remain there, and you can keep them in an organized manner again after using them.
Additionally, this set is sturdy and durable, with a heat retention capacity. There are rarely any pizza pans available in the iron cat cookware sets, so if you want a crispy thin crust pizza, then go for it. You can make dosa, tortilla, pizza, crepe, and many more on only one pan.
Moreover, this is a relatively affordable option for a complete set of 11 pieces with accessories. From frying, cooking, grilling, roasting, braising, boiling, the opportunities are endless for you with this set. Also, this does not contain the Teflon coating, which is toxic for our health.
This is a popular product among Americans and South Asians since they can cook the perfect dosa and make Indian bread, curries, soups, and roast veggies in it.
Even though the manufacturer asked the customers to season the pans, they remained sticky, especially for the first few times. So it's better to season it a few times before you officially use it.
However, we love that almost every product has two handles for easy handling. The pan's weight also shifts this way and does not seem heavy. Remember that you don't put the silicone handles in the oven because sometimes they become sticky with excessive heat.
Best Value Set: Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Cookware Set
One excellent feature, apart from affordability, that stood out for this cast iron cookware set is its easy maintenance and cleaning.
Pros: has great packaging, affordable, easy to clean
Cons: it doesn't look like pre-seasoned, has rusted lids
Recently with the new Amazon products, the Basics range has escalated in its value in the market. The Basics range deal with everything from kitchen and dining to luggage, pet products, home furnishings, etc.
The Amazon Basics Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Set is one of their prized products that are economical and versatile. It includes a griddle, a dutch oven, an 8-inch skillet, a 10.25-inch skillet, and a lid.
It comes pre-seasoned, but you must season it before using it. Otherwise, the food will stick to it. This is a common mistake that people make with pre-seasoned cast iron pans. So, although the companies claim that you can use them straight out of the box, you honestly can't.
This set saves a lot of your time as you can cook on all of them together and everything will be perfect. Since, with time, the cast iron enhances the flavor of the dishes, you'll experience the same with the Amazon basics one. Additionally, it is effortless to clean if you follow their guide to clean and care for your product.
Many people seem to have a problem with packaging since some products chip off, or there's a dent due to improper packaging. But you won't face such issues with Amazon since their packaging is the best.
Moreover, this set can withstand heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can put it over a stovetop or in an oven, and nothing will happen to it. So, people tend to prefer cast iron pans since they are versatile.
Unfortunately, some people have complained about receiving rusted lids, but you can get them replaced by contacting customer service.
Best Outdoor Set: Bruntmor Pre Seasoned 7 Piece Cast Iron Set
We love this set due to its versatility and the accessories that come with it. Moreover, the varying sizes are a huge plus if you know what you want to cook.
Pros: versatile, durable, varying sizes
Cons: heavy, does not work well on an electric stove
Apart from Lodge, Bruntmor is another company that sells the same quality products. They have a whole range of cast iron pans that are fit for indoor and outdoor cooking.
The {aawp link="B081DB5WK2" title="Bruntmor Pre Seasoned 7 Piece Cast Iron Set"/] is a fantastic product for outdoor cooking. You can keep it on a grill or a campfire, and it will work just fine. It is regarded for its even heat distribution and heat retention.
It includes a rectangular grill pan, pizza pan, wok, multi-cooker, a square grill pan, and a chainmail scrubber. The wok is a great addition to the set, which sets it apart from the others. You can easily prepare stir-fry veggies, noodles, and rice on it. Plus, if you are into wood-fired pizzas, the pizza pan will also work nicely.
Most customers worry about how to clean the gunk out of their dutch ovens. But fear not, since Bruntmore offers you a chainmail scrubber that helps you get out the stubborn oil and gunk stuck on the pans. Also, it helps the seasoning stick to the pan.
You can easily take it from the stovetop to the griller to the campfire. Moreover, you can use it on any stovetop, but it works moderately on an electric stove because the heat distribution is slightly off.
They are a bit heavy, which is a little problematic for outdoor cooking. But overall, they are versatile, durable, and have excellent quality. Moreover, there won't be any splatter as they have a good depth.
Additionally, they have good customer service, so they'll solve it within hours if you have any problem with the products.
Best Accessories Set: Lodge Essential Pan Set, 7 Piece
We chose this set because of its focus on safety as it comes with several silicone accessories that are completely heat resistant.
Pros: heat resistance, griddle addition
Cons: melts, gets sticky
Another Lodge product on our list is versatile. With the Lodge Essential Pan Set, the company offers you a full set consisting of the Lodge skillet, griddle, grill pan, and various accessories. The add-ons include a silicone handle mitt, silicone pot holder, pan scraper, and a grill pan scraper.
A grill pan scraper is an excellent addition to the accessories since it gets tough to wash a grill pan. Things get stuck on their bottom at times, and you can't remove them with a regular scraper. This is when the grill scraper comes to your rescue.
Additionally, the silicone accessories are all dishwasher safe and are heat resistant. If you want to be safe and protect yourself from the heat, you can put the silicone covers on the handles. You can then lift them quickly and put them on the silicone pot holder matt, perfect for absorbing heat.
Plus, the silicone hand mitts can resist heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, the silicone pot holder can withstand heat till 250 degrees Fahrenheit only, so refrain from putting this in the oven.
Apart from the soups and sauces, you can make anything on these pans. Plus, adding a griddle is a great advantage, since now you can grill a piece of steak and get sear marks all over it. The sear marks are a cherry on the top since it gives you the feel of an authentic barbeque.
Although no one has complained about this product, the issues with silicone remain as they start to melt over time and it gets sticky.
Things To Consider Before Buying Cast Iron Sets
If you're planning to buy a cast iron set, let's take a look at some of the things to consider:
1. Weight
A good cast iron skillet will always be heavy. It may seem like an inconvenience, especially for outdoor cooking or camping, but a heavy cast iron pan ensures durability. It retains more heat, too, when compared to the lightweight ones.
If you're generally big on camping or outdoor cooking, your first preference should always be the weight. The temperature from the fire gets exceedingly hot, which can cause damage to a thin cast iron pan.
2. Type of Pans
Before you buy a cast iron pan, make sure you research well about the different types of pans and their usage. A raw cast iron pan does not contain any additional coating. The traditional cast iron is raw and bare compared to the enameled cookware coated in a layer of enamel to make them non-stick.
These fascinate customers not only because of their colors but also due to their fantastic heat retention. They do not require any seasoning as well. So you'll have to choose what kind of pan you would like.
Additionally, you need to see if the pans are pre-seasoned or unseasoned. Although, it does not matter to you if the pan is pre-seasoned or not because once it reaches your home, you will have to season it again. But it does help since the manufacturer perfectly does the first proper seasoning.
Moreover, it fastens the pace of the seasoning process too.
3. Handles
Most cast iron pans have small handles, making it difficult to carry and transfer them to the oven. So, check before buying a cast iron pan if its handle is long or not. Moreover, also check if the manufacturer provides silicone handle holders.
These are a great addition to the pans, making them easy to carry. Plus, you don't even burn your fingers in the process because a pan will be hot.
Additionally, look for those pans whose handles have a loop in them. This makes it easy to organize. You can hang it in the kitchen, and it won't cover up the additional space. Many cast irons have a U-shaped handle at the front, which makes things even easier. This way, the weight of the pan gets balanced.
4. Variety
When choosing a full-fledged cast iron cookware set, you should have one with more varieties. A set must include an iron skillet, griddle, dutch oven, saucepan, and a pan. These are the basic products that should be a part of your set.
An addition of pizza pan, wok, accessories is always a delight. Therefore, you should know your needs and always select the one which has more varieties.
5. Brand
The brand is probably the most crucial thing to consider. Many brands make cheap cast iron pans, but not all are durable. It is always good to trust the ones that have been in the business for a long time and that people trust.
They have expertise in the field as they know their products and what the consumer wants. Moreover, a good brand will always have an outstanding customer service response. If there is any issue regarding the product, they will solve it earliest.
6. Price
Cast iron pans are always expensive, and if you buy an enameled one, its cost will be more. We would advise you to never go for an inexpensive one since they don't last long. In addition, the manufacturers usually don't use good quality cast iron, which may affect your cooking.
Cast iron pans are an investment. They are durable and versatile and won't damage even after years of use. That's why you can invest in the higher range as well. It may require you to have a budget and save first, but it will be worth it.
How to Care for the Cast Iron?
Step 1: Wash It
When you receive a new cast iron pan, the first step is to clean it with warm water. Many people skip this step if it's pre-seasoned, but this helps protect your cast iron in the long run.
Use a regular soft cloth, give it a good wash, and then dry it out with another clean cloth. Don't let it air dry because it will rust.
Step 2: Season
Seasoning is the one thing that will keep your cast iron going on for a long time. You should do it in a specific manner to get the best results. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and rub it all over with a cloth. Make sure to get to all the nooks and corners.
Then, bake it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 3: After Use Care
After you have cooked a meal in the cast iron pan, make sure to not pour water over it immediately, it will get a thermal shock which can crack the pan.
Additionally, don't use a harsh scrubber on it since that will chip the pan. Instead, let the cast iron cool down, then pour warm water on it and if you have a chainmail scrubber, use it to clean the pan. It will take all the gunk off and make it look like new.
Step 4: Re-Season
Re-Season the pan again by following the steps in step 2. This will also bring a shine to the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cast iron skillet and the dutch oven are the most versatile and used cast iron products. You can make anything in these two products, from gravies to brownies, cakes, cornbread, and stews. If you only want one or two cast iron products, you should invest in these.
You can use a mild soap once or twice a year on the cast iron pan. Frequent use can deteriorate the quality of the pan, so we would not recommend it.
In the initial use, the food may stick to it because it hasn't broken up yet, meaning it still has to acquire the additional levels of oil.
If it keeps happening even after a good amount of use, then check the care and maintenance section and see if you are following the steps or not. Otherwise, there is no reason for your food to stick.
No, citrus or acidic food reacts badly to a cast iron pan. Don't do this unless your pan is heavily seasoned. It will ruin the coating, and it will not be easy to clean. Plan ahead if you want to cook with tomatoes and season it heavily.
Final Thoughts
Cast iron cookware sets are all you need to prepare the perfect meal for yourself. They're versatile, long-lasting, and provide many other excellent features. So, if you're confused about which cast iron cookware set to buy, we hope that this guide will help you make the right decision!
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