Ironcast Pan Pricing: What's A Fair Cost?

A decent ironcast pan can cost anywhere from $20 to $220, depending on the brand and features. For example, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a great budget option at $20, while the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet is a pricier option at $200. The Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet is another popular choice and falls in the middle at $125.

The best cast iron pans for the money

Cast iron pans are constructed from an alloy of steel and carbon, making them ultra-durable and giving them the ability to heat and cook evenly. They are also resistant to the nicks, dents, and scratches that other types of pans are susceptible to.

Best Overall: Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet

This cast iron pan is lighter in weight than most, allowing it to heat up twice as fast as its competitors. It has a looped handle with a higher arch, making it more ergonomic and easier to hang. It is available in 7-inch, 10.25-inch, 12-inch, and 14.5-inch versions, with prices ranging from $59 to $74.

Best Budget: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

This 10.25-inch, 5-pound skillet is a user-friendly size and an affordable price. It is slower to heat up but will retain its temperature with ease, making it perfect for searing steaks. It also comes with a silicone handle cover, making it easy to move from the oven to the burner. It is available for $40.

Best Enameled: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

This high-quality, beautiful cast iron skillet is known for its ability to resist staining and dulling. It is dishwasher-safe and never requires seasoning. It is available in 9-inch, 10.25-inch, and 12-inch versions, with prices ranging from $136 to $200.

Best Splurge: Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet

The Stargazer is an excellent, reliable cast iron pan made in the USA. It is attractive, lightweight, and built to last. It has excellent heat retention and is incredibly nonstick and easy to clean. It is available in 10.5-inch and 12-inch versions, with prices ranging from $115 to $125.

Best Set: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set

This set includes a 10.5-inch griddle, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and two skillets (an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch). It is incredibly versatile and comes pre-seasoned, so you can start cooking right away. It is available for $99 to $100.

Lightweight cast iron pans

A decent ironcast pan can range from $20 to $200 depending on the brand and features. For example, a Lodge cast iron skillet costs $40, while a Stargazer cast iron skillet costs $125.

If you're looking for a lightweight cast iron pan, there are a few options to consider. Here are some detailed descriptions of some lightweight cast iron pans:

Lancaster No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet

The Lancaster No. 8 cast iron skillet is a lightweight and easy-to-maneuver option, weighing just over four pounds. It heats up quickly and sears steak superbly. The slick surface is nonstick and turns out perfect, golden-brown cornbread. The only drawback is that it wobbles a little when heated on a glass-top stove due to its thin design. However, its lightweight design makes it easy to handle, and it's a gorgeous piece of metal that will impress both seasoned and new-to-pan cooks.

Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet

The Field Company No. 8 cast iron skillet is another lightweight option, weighing in at four pounds and five ounces. It has a smooth, silky surface that releases food neatly, including steak, eggs, and cornbread. The flared sides make it easy to pour out liquids, even without pour spouts. Like the Lancaster skillet, it wobbles a little when heated on a glass-top stove. Overall, it's a sturdy, elegant, and lightweight skillet.

Vermicular Light Cast Iron Frying Pan

The Vermicular light cast iron frying pan is a Japanese-made skillet that weighs just 2.4 pounds. It has a thin enamel coating that keeps food from sticking, but it requires gentle handling and cannot be placed in the oven. It heats up quickly and sears food similarly to a thicker cast iron pan. It features a soft, stay-cool wooden handle, making it a joy to use. The pan costs $160, and an additional $40 for the lid.

Made In Blue Carbon Steel Skillet

The Made In Blue carbon steel skillet is a lightweight alternative to cast iron, weighing less than the Vermicular pan. It imparts fierce surface heat for searing steak, skin-on chicken, and high-heat vegetables. It builds up a slick patina over time, giving it nonstick-like release properties. The steel handle is bolted on and stays cool, so you can grab it without oven mitts. The 10-inch skillet costs $69.

Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet

The Lodge Blacklock cast iron skillet is a lightweight option from a well-known cast iron producer. The 10-inch skillet weighs 3.8 pounds, which is still significantly lighter than their traditional cast iron cookware. It is available for $60.

These lightweight cast iron pans offer similar performance to traditional cast iron pans but are easier to handle and manoeuvre. They are a great option for those looking for the benefits of cast iron without the heavy weight.

Budget cast iron pans

Cast iron pans are constructed of an ultra-durable alloy of steel and carbon, and they are a great addition to your kitchen. They heat and cook evenly and are resistant to nicks, dents, and scratches. They can be used to sear a steak, hold a constant temperature for deep-frying, and even be used as bakeware.

If you are looking for a budget cast iron pan, there are several options available. Here are some recommendations:

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillet: This is a great option if you are looking for a user-friendly and affordable cast iron skillet. The 10.25-inch, 5-pound skillet is priced at $40 and offers excellent value for money. It is pre-seasoned, easy to clean, and retains heat well, making it perfect for searing steaks and browning food. However, it may run a little too hot compared to competitors.
• Victoria Cast Iron Skillet: This skillet is similar to the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet in terms of performance and price, with the main difference being the shape of the handle. The curved handle makes it easy to move and manoeuvre. It is available in a 10-inch diameter size and is priced at $41 on Amazon, $25 at Walmart, and $20 at Dick's.
• Greater Goods Cast Iron Skillet: Greater Goods offers a milled (smooth) 10-inch cast iron skillet for $50 on Amazon, which is a great deal. You can also build a set with a 12-inch skillet and a 10-inch Dutch oven for around $150. However, it is important to note that these products are made in China, which may be a consideration for some buyers.
• Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet: While this skillet is priced slightly higher at $60, it offers a thinner design than the classic Lodge, allowing it to heat up twice as fast. It features a looped handle that stays cool and provides a great hanging option. However, the pour spouts may not be the best, as they can result in some spillage.
• Lancaster No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet: If you are looking for a lightweight option, the Lancaster No. 8 is a great choice. Weighing just over four pounds, it heats up quickly and is easy to manoeuvre. It sears steak superbly, produces evenly golden cornbread, and its flared sides make it easy to pour out liquids. It is available on Lancaster's website and is priced at $165.
• Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet: This dark grey skillet is lightweight, sturdy, and elegant. It has flared sides that help with pouring liquids, and its smooth surface releases food easily. It is priced at $165 and can be found at Home Depot or on their website.

Enameled cast iron pans

When purchasing an enameled cast iron pan, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the quality of the enamel varies among manufacturers, and better-quality enamel can lead to improved heat distribution. Secondly, the presence of a helper handle is beneficial for heavier pans, and the main handle should be large enough to grip comfortably. Pour spouts are another feature to look out for, with deeper spouts being preferable as they tend to dribble less. Lastly, the weight of the pan is an important consideration, as lighter skillets tend to heat up faster and are easier to manoeuvre.

There are several reputable brands that offer enameled cast iron pans. Le Creuset, a well-known brand for its high-end enameled cast iron cookware, offers a skillet that performs well in even heating, solid searing, and spacious cooking surface. The Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet typically retails for $200 at Amazon, $175 at Williams-Sonoma, and $250 at Sur La Table. Another option is the Staub 10-Inch Fry Pan, which is known for its quality, performance, and ease of use. The Staub skillet is lightweight, heats up quickly and evenly, and typically costs $210 at Amazon, Sur La Table, and Bloomingdales. For a more affordable option, the Crock Pot Artisan Cast Iron Skillet is an excellent choice, retailing for $26 at Amazon and $52 at Home Depot. It performs well in egg and steak tests and offers comfortable handles for easy manoeuvrability.

In summary, enameled cast iron pans offer a combination of durability, even heating, and ease of use. When choosing a pan, consider the quality of the enamel, the presence of helper handles, the design of pour spouts, and the weight of the pan. Reputable brands like Le Creuset, Staub, and Crock Pot offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Vintage-style cast iron pans

A decent iron cast pan can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on the brand, size, and features. For example, the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, a popular and affordable option, typically costs around $40. On the other hand, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet, a higher-end option, usually retails for $200.

Now, if you're looking for something with a vintage or antique style, there are several options available. Cast & Clara Bell, for instance, offers a range of restored vintage and antique cast iron cookware, including waffle irons, skillets, griddles, and Dutch ovens. Mimi's Attic Ithaca also has a selection of vintage cast iron pieces, such as the Griswold "Crispy Corn Stick" cast iron loaf baking pan and various vintage cast iron skillets and griddles. Hardmill is another source for vintage and restored cast iron, carrying pieces from brands like Griswold and Wagner.

When shopping for vintage-style cast iron pans, it's important to consider the condition and restoration process. Some sellers may offer pieces that have been professionally restored and reseasoned, ensuring they are functional and ready for use. Additionally, the size, shape, and weight of the pan can vary, so be sure to choose one that suits your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions