Cast iron cookware is a popular kitchen staple in the US. In fact, in 2022, the global market was valued at $1.6 billion, according to one report. But while you can buy various cast iron pots and pans, a skillet is, without a doubt, a kitchen must. They are versatile, durable, and naturally non-toxic. Here’s what you need to know—plus 15 cast iron skillets to check out now (and skillet-based vegan recipes, too!).
What is special about using a cast iron skillet?
One of the biggest assets of cast iron skillets is their heat retention capabilities. They heat up slowly but retain heat well, which helps to ensure even cooking temperatures when searing, frying, or even baking. They also distribute heat evenly, which ensures that all of your recipes cook uniformly.
Desiree Nielsen
When properly seasoned, cast iron is also naturally non-stick, too. This not only reduces the need for lots of cooking oil, but it also means that chemicals, like PFAS (aka “forever” chemicals), are not added to the material to improve its non-stick properties. This means that cast iron skillets are a great non-toxic cooking option (for more on non-toxic cooking equipment, find our roundup here!).
Top tip: many cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, but to season one yourself, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface and then heat. This creates a polymerized layer, protecting the pan from rust.
Should you wash a cast iron skillet?
With proper care, a cast iron skillet can last for generations. But it’s important to wash it carefully—it’s not as simple as popping the pan in the dishwasher or soaking it in the sink with the rest of your dishes.
First, it’s important to wash a cast iron skillet quickly, before the food has a chance to stick. It must also be dried quickly, too, to prevent any rust spots from taking hold (this may happen if the seasoning is damaged).
To avoid damaging the seasoning, opt for scouring pads or metal brushes and choose mild, gentle soaps.
15 cast iron skillets for cooking delicious vegan meals
When cared for properly, a cast iron skillet is a great kitchen tool to have on hand. As demonstrated in the recipes below, they can help you cook anything, from breakfast foods to cookies. Read on for some of our top cast iron skillet picks.
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1 Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set, $34.99
Utopia Kitchen’s ultra-affordable cast iron pan set includes 10-, 8-, and 6-inch pans, each of which is pre-seasoned (that said, the brand still recommends seasoning again with vegetable oil before use). The unique handles make each pan easy to maneuver around the kitchen, too.
Try this skillet recipe: Five-Step Vegan Cherry Skillet Cobbler
find it here
Blacklock
2 Lodge Blacklock Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, $39.95 - $69.99
With an elevated cool-touch handle and a lightweight that’s 25 percent less than traditional cast iron, this popular triple-seasoned skillet from Blacklock is a great comfortable-to-use option. Choose between the 7-, 10.25-, and 12-inch skillets.
Try this skillet recipe: The Ultimate Vegan Breakfast Skillet
find it here
Greater Goods
3 Greater Goods Cast Iron Skillet, $54.99
Greater Goods’ cast iron skillet is durable, versatile, and can be used on everything from the stove to the campfire. Don’t worry about seasoning: this skillet is pre-seasoned with 100-percent organic, Canadian-sourced flaxseed oil.
Try this skillet recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Peperonata Skillet
find it here
4 Cuisinel 15-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $74.99
This set from Cuisinel doesn’t just offer a 15-inch pre-seasoned, cast iron skillet, but it also includes a silicone handle holder, tempered glass lid, and pan scraper for extra convenience.
Try this skillet recipe: Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie à la Mode
find it here
5 Le Creuset Classic Cast Iron Handle Skillet, $188.95
Another great lightweight option, this enameled cast iron skillet from Le Creuset offers excellent heat distribution and retention. It doesn’t require any seasoning, and the durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking.
Try this skillet recipe: Tempeh, Mushroom, and Roasted Potato Breakfast Skillet
find it here
6 Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $135
Pre-seasoned, polished, and easy to clean, Stargazer’s 10.5-inch cast iron skillet, complete with a stay-cool handle and drip-free flared rim, is a great modern, lightweight choice. Plus, it comes complete with a lifetime warranty.
Try this skillet recipe: Vegan Skillet Breakfast Eggs and Potatoes
find it here
Made In Cookware
7 Made In Cookware Enameled Cast Iron Skillet, $149
Optimized for intense heat, Made In Cookware’s enameled cast iron skillet “guarantees heirloom-quality durability,” according to the brand. All of its cookware is made in France, a country with a long-standing tradition of cast iron craftsmanship.
Try this skillet recipe: Easy Vegan Skillet Chickpea Chilaquiles
find it here
8 Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, $47.99
This pre-seasoned cast iron skillet from the Amazon Basics range comes highly recommended. Reviewers praise its size, which is perfect for cooking large meals for the family, as well as its seasoning and durability. “If you are looking for a large durable skillet this will not disappoint,” reads one Amazon review.
Try this skillet recipe: Easy Vegan Outdoor Skillet Bread
Find it here
9 Edging Casting Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot with Skillet Lid, $37.79
This unique set includes a pre-seasoned cast iron Dutch oven pot, which is perfect for soups, stews, casseroles, and much more, but the best part is the lid: it’s a multi-purpose skillet, which can be used to top the Dutch oven or on its own to fry everything from pancakes to frittatas. The design is a real space saver when it comes to storage.
Try this skillet recipe: Fluffy Vegan Oat Milk Pancakes
Find it here
10 Zakarian by Dash 11-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $49.99
Available in multiple colors, including blue, black, and cranberry, this sleek cast iron skillet from Dash features a smooth non-stick coating, so you won’t need to pre-season it before use. One Amazon reviewer says the pan “is easy to clean and attractive.” Another added that it is the “perfect size and weight.”
Try this skillet recipe: Chickpea Breakfast Frittata With Hash Brown Crust
Find it here
Mercer Culinary
11 Mercer Culinary Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, $14.20
This good-quality, sturdy skillet from Mercer will make a durable, reliable addition to your kitchen. Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, the pan is easy to wash, easy to hold, and can be hung up when not in use, thanks to the hole in the handle.
Try this skillet recipe: The Crispiest Vegan Potato Latkes
Find it here
12 NutriChef 3pc Cast Iron Skillet Set, $54.99
Complete with silicone handles, this three-piece set from NutriChef will cover all of your skillet needs. Each pan is designed with a drip spout, making it super easy to discard unneeded oil during cooking. The set is pre-seasoned, but it also comes with a handy guide on how to keep up the seasoning process after each use to give you the best quality results every time you use it.
Try this skillet recipe: Vegan Grilled Cheese With Pumpkin, Pear, and Candied Pecans
Find it here
Mueller
13 Mueller Pre-Seasoned Heavy-Duty Healthy Cast Iron Skillet, $16.99
Mueller’s heavy-duty, non-toxic cast iron skillet comes with two handles, so it’s easy to maneuver around while you’re busy in the kitchen. It’s durable, versatile, and long-lasting, as long as you take care of it and season regularly.
Try this skillet recipe: Fluffy Vegan Tiramisu Pancakes
Find it here
14 Rachael Ray Nitro Cast Iron Frying Pan/Skillet, $59
Available in multiple colors, like red, white, and agave blue, Rachael Ray’s Nitro cast iron skillet is designed with two handles and two pour spouts for easy cooking. According to the brand, this skillet is not like your standard cast iron. “It combines the performance of a pre-seasoned cast iron fry pan with easier cleaning and maintenance,” it notes. The Nitro pan doesn’t require regular seasoning and it can be hand-washed with soap.
Try this skillet recipe: Vegan Chili Jackfruit Tostadas
Find it here
Bayou
15 Bayou Classic Cast Iron Double-Handled Skillet, $66.99
Perfect for casseroles and stews, as well as sautéing and baking, this Bayou skillet doesn’t have a long handle like the others on this list. Instead, it has two smaller helper handles on the sides. Despite this, it’s easy to use and maneuver, and it’s great quality, too. “I can’t say enough good things about this pan,” reads one review on Amazon. Another adds: “This is my favorite pan! I cook just about everything in this.”
Try this skillet recipe: Chickpea Pancakes With Balsamic Mushrooms
Find it here
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
