Cast Iron Pan Sizing: Measure Like A Pro

There are many reasons why you might want to measure a cast-iron skillet. You might be looking to buy a second-hand skillet, or you might want to buy a lid for your existing skillet. Perhaps you want to make sure you're using the right size for the job, or maybe you're simply curious about the dimensions of your pan. Whatever the reason, it's important to measure your cast-iron skillet correctly.

To measure the size of a cast-iron skillet, you should measure across the top of the skillet, from the outside rim to rim, excluding the handle. This is the industry standard for skillet sizes and will give you the diameter of the pan. You can use a simple ruler or tape measure for this task. It's worth noting that the base measurement of the skillet may differ from the rim-to-rim measurement due to the sloping sides of the pan. So, when measuring, start your tape measure directly opposite the handle and pull it across to the other side.

Now that you know how to measure a cast-iron skillet, you can ensure you're using the right size for your cooking needs.

Rim-to-rim

When measuring a cast-iron pan, the rim-to-rim method is the most common and recommended approach. This involves using a simple ruler or tape measure to measure the diameter of the pan from one rim to the opposite rim. It is important to measure across the top of the pan, excluding the handles. This upper measurement is the standard that manufacturers refer to when describing the size of the pan.

The rim-to-rim method is also known as the 'industry standard' for measuring skillets and pans. This means that when a recipe or product specifies a size, it is usually referring to the rim-to-rim measurement. For example, if a recipe calls for a 10-inch skillet, you would measure 10 inches from rim to rim.

Additionally, knowing the rim-to-rim size of your cast-iron pan is useful when purchasing accessories like lids or when storing the pan to ensure it fits the allocated space.

By following the rim-to-rim method, you can accurately determine the size of your cast-iron pan and make informed decisions about its use and any necessary purchases.

Handle to helper handle

When measuring a cast-iron pan, the standard is to measure the skillet across the top, from the outside rim to the outside rim, excluding the handles.

To measure from the handle to the helper handle, you can use a retractable tape measure. Start by hooking the end of the tape measure over the lip of the skillet, directly opposite the handle. Pull the tape across the top of the skillet until you reach the helper handle. This will give you the exact size of the skillet.

It is important to note that skillets typically have sides that slope outwards, so the measurement across the top will be different from the measurement of the cooking surface. Most manufacturers refer to the upper measurement when describing the size of the skillet.

Having a helper handle on a cast-iron skillet is a handy feature, especially on larger pans made for communal cooking. It provides a second lifting point, making it easier to handle the pan, especially when it is full of food. While some brands, like Lodge, include helper handles on skillets over a certain size, not all skillets have this feature.

Cooking surface

When measuring a cast-iron pan, the standard measurement is the diameter of the top rim of the pan, excluding the handle. However, the cooking surface of the pan is often smaller than the top rim measurement, especially if the pan's sides slope outwards. Therefore, it is important to measure the cooking surface separately if you want to know its exact dimensions.

To measure the cooking surface of a cast-iron pan, you can use a retractable tape measure. Start by placing the end of the tape measure directly opposite the handle on the pan's rim. Pull the tape measure straight across the centre of the pan to the rim on the other side. This will give you the diameter of the cooking surface.

It is worth noting that the cooking surface measurements of two pans with the same top rim diameter can vary due to differences in design. For example, a 12" stainless steel frying pan may have a cooking surface of 9.5", while a 12" blue carbon steel frying pan may have a cooking surface of 9.25". Therefore, it is important to measure the cooking surface of each individual pan if you require an accurate measurement.

Additionally, cookware sizes are often rounded down to the nearest inch. For example, a pan marketed as 12" may actually have a diameter between 12 and 13 inches. This provides manufacturers with more freedom in their designs.

Height

When measuring the height of a cast-iron pan, it is important to note that the measurement refers to the outer edge height of the pan, which covers the upper edge to the contact surface. To measure the internal height, subtract the thickness of the bottom of the pan from the total height.

The height of a cast-iron pan is important to consider when thinking about its capacity, or its maximum holding ability. For example, a Lodge 12-inch cast-iron pan measures 2.5 inches in height.

The height of a cast-iron pan can also help determine the amount of heat retention the pan can achieve. A larger pan with more material will be able to retain heat better than a smaller pan.

Weight

The weight of a cast-iron pan is an important factor to consider when purchasing one, as it will determine how easy it is to handle and use. Cast iron skillets typically weigh between 4 and 12 pounds, with the average 12-inch skillet weighing 8 pounds and a 10-inch skillet weighing 5 pounds. The weight of the pan depends on various factors, including the size, thickness, and design of the handle.

A heavier cast-iron pan will be more difficult to manoeuvre and lift but will have its advantages when it comes to cooking. Heavier pans are less likely to warp or flex, heat distributes more evenly, and they retain heat for longer. A lighter pan, on the other hand, will be easier to handle and heat up more quickly, but may not cook as evenly.

When it comes to specific examples, the Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet weighs 8 pounds, while the Victoria 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet is just over 4.5 pounds. The Stargazer 10.5-inch Cast Iron Skillet is designed to be lighter, weighing only 3.98 pounds, with the rest of the weight in the handles. The lightest option mentioned is the Lancaster No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet, weighing just over 4 pounds, making it easy to handle and heat up quickly.

It's important to consider the weight of a cast-iron pan before purchasing, as it will impact your cooking experience and comfort. A heavier pan may be more suitable for certain types of cooking, but it may be more challenging to use, especially if you have weaker wrists or arms.

Frequently asked questions