Seared to Perfection: Our Top 19 Deep Cast Iron Skillets for Cooking Lovers

If you’re someone who loves to cook and has a penchant for using cast iron cookware, then you’ll definitely want to read this roundup article. We’ve gathered some of the best deep cast iron skillets available in the market, perfect for searing, sautéing, and even baking your favorite dishes. Get ready to dive into the world of cast iron cooking and discover the perfect addition to your kitchen arsenal.

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Reviews

Seasoned 15” King Kooker Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Helpful Handles

The King Kooker 15” Cast Iron Skillet is a versatile cookware perfect for both outdoor and indoor use, featuring a seasoned cast-iron finish and a well-thought-of design. Great for family-sized meals or large gatherings, its sizeable surface area allows for effortless frying, while its rugged cast-iron construction ensures even heat distribution, eliminating cold spots. The skillet’s ergonomic handles, helper handle, and pouring spout sides offer convenience and handling ease. Available in a stunning cast-iron finish and ready to cook, it’s indeed an ideal addition to any kitchen or campsite.

Extra Deep Cast Iron Skillet Set with Silicone Potholders

Prepare delicious meals using the 12-Inch/30 cm Deep Cast Iron Skillet Set, designed for versatile cooking. With dual loop handles, it’s easy to maneuver the pan, fry pan, or silicone potholders. Ideal for a variety of heat sources, achieve professional results with superior heat retention and distribution. Enjoy a lifetime guarantee of satisfaction with this durable cooking essential.

Staub Graphite Gray Deep Cast Iron Skillet

Introducing the Staub 13 in. Cast Iron Specialty Pan, a stunning addition to any kitchen. This pan is perfect for large meals and is even safe to use up to 500°F in the oven. The smooth enamel bottom allows it to work seamlessly on all stovetops, while its rough texture ensures exceptional browning. It might have minor visual imperfections, but don’t worry – this won’t affect its performance. With its durability and versatility, the Staub pan is a must-have for any serious home cook or restaurant.

Lodge 5-Quart Covered Deep Cast Iron Skillet

Experience the ultimate deep-frying tool with the Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Covered Skillet. Designed to deliver impeccable results, this versatile skillet boasts a 5-quart capacity, perfect for deep frying and baking. Crafted with a self-basting cover, this skillet seamlessly transfers from stove to oven for unmatched convenience. Ideal for cooking over induction, grill, or even campfires, the pre-seasoned surface ensures a superior cooking experience. Hand wash only, this skillet is truly a worthy investment for any home kitchen.

Smithey Cast Iron Chef Skillet - Elegant & Non-Stick Pan for Cooking

Experience the perfect blend of style and functionality with Smithey’s Cast Iron Chef Skillets. These expertly crafted pans feature a curved interior wall for easy movement and versatile serving, while the longer handle keeps your hands safely away from heat. The signature smooth, polished finish inside ensures a naturally non-stick surface, making cleanup a breeze. Made with the finest craftsmanship and materials, these skillets are designed to become a cherished addition to your kitchen, providing you with exceptional performance that lasts a lifetime.

Staub 11” Cast Iron Cherry Skillet

The Staub 11” Traditional Skillet is a versatile culinary gem, effortlessly combining the functions of a sauté pan and fry pan in one. Its raised sides reduce splatter on the stove, while the enameled cast iron construction ensures exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution. The textured black matte interior guarantees a stunning browning of your dishes, whether you’re searing, frying, or caramelizing. It’s easy to clean, eliminating the need for seasoning, and its design is as beautiful as it is functional. Perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs, this Staub skillet is built to withstand the test of time, making it a valuable family heirloom piece.

Lodge Cast Iron 3-Qt. Covered Deep Skillet

The Lodge 3-Qt. Covered Deep Skillet is a versatile addition to any kitchen, boasting an extra inch of depth and an included iron cover for endless food-prep possibilities. The pre-seasoned cast iron provides a natural easy-release finish, perfect for sauting, searing, and stir-frying your favorite dishes. With a limited lifetime warranty, this high-quality skillet is a must-have for any home cook, whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a gourmet meal.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 15-inch Skillet

Unleash your culinary creativity with the Lodge Black Skillet, a versatile and durable piece of cookware that’s perfect for any kitchen. With its impressive size, this bad boy can handle anything from sautéing and stir frying to deep frying and grilling. And the best part? It’s made right here in the USA, ensuring quality craftsmanship and sustainability. So, whether you’re cooking up a storm for dinner or whipping up a weekend breakfast, this skillet’s got you covered.

Pre Seasoned 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet: Durability and Even Heat Distribution

Experience the joys of classic cast-iron cooking with this pre-seasoned Victoria skillet. Featuring a longer, curved handle for improved leverage and ease of use, this skillet is perfect for all types of cooktops and grills. The high-quality sand casting ensures durability and even heat distribution, while the pre-seasoned non-GMO flaxseed oil ensures a smoother, non-stick surface for effortless cleanup. With a sleek, black design and a large helper handle, this cast iron skillet is a must-have for any discerning cook.

Versatile Cast Iron 13-inch Paella Pan for Delicious Mediterranean Dishes

Experience the perfect blend of German craftsmanship and Mediterranean cuisine with the Staub Cast Iron 13-inch Specialty Pan. This versatile pan is ideal for creating mouthwatering paellas and a variety of other dishes, inspired by the classic shape of the Spanish paellera. Its large diameter and flat edge ensure even heat distribution, allowing you to cook paellas, vegetable or pasta dishes with ease. With a diameter of 34 cm, it’s suitable for all types of stoves and retains heat exceptionally well for perfect frying results. The black finish adds a stylish touch to any dining setup, making it perfect for serving directly to your guests. Bring the taste of vacation right to your table and elevate your cooking game with the Staub Cast Iron Double Handle Pan.

Lodge 12” Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet - Multi-Functional and Durable Cookware

Experience the versatility and durability of Lodge’s 12-inch deep skillet, designed for use on a variety of cooking surfaces, including induction stovetops, ovens, grills, and even open fires. Foundry-seasoned for a natural, easy-release surface, this skillet actually improves with each use. With its 5-quart capacity and 3.9-inch depth, it’s perfect for large recipes, simmering soups, or baking casseroles without the worry of spilling over. Lodge’s high-quality cast iron construction guarantees a lifetime of use, and the deep skillet comes backed by Lodge’s limited lifetime warranty.

Pre Seasoned Lodge Cast Iron Deep Skillet

Experience the versatility of the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, a kitchen essential that delivers unparalleled heat retention and distribution. Seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, it’s perfect for searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, and grilling. Ideal for induction cooktops and compatible with oven, stove, grill, and campfire usage. Its deep, heavy design adds authentic country flair, while ensuring crisp textures and golden browning for a wide range of delicious recipes.

Lodge 17 inch Cast Iron Skillet for Superb Family Meals

Crafted to perfection, the 17-inch Lodge Cast Iron Skillet strikes the ideal balance for solo meals and family feasts alike. Equipped with robust integral loop handles and a substantial, even heating surface, this exceptional cooking vessel is uniquely designed to stand up to tough wear indoors and out, making it a reliable choice for camping getaways, backyard barbecues, and tailgate parties. The seasoned surface guarantees effortless and consistent cooking, while its unbeatable durability ensures it will serve you well for an entire lifetime, or even longer. Its unparalleled versatility makes it the ultimate one-piece cookware investment for any ambitious home cook seeking to elevate their culinary prowess in the kitchen.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet: Durable and Retains Heat for Cooking Excellence

Experience the timeless art of cooking with the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet. This versatile and durable skillet, available in a sleek black finish, is the perfect addition to any kitchen. With its excellent heat retention and distribution, energy consumption is reduced while delivering delicious, evenly cooked meals. Ideal for a range of culinary needs, the skillet is suitable for use on all stove tops, including induction, and can be effortlessly transferred to the oven for further cooking. Proudly made in the USA, this skillet is both heavy duty and light on your wallet. Although it’s not dishwasher safe, with proper care and cleaning, this classic cast iron essential will serve you for generations.

Pit Boss 14” Cast Iron Deep Skillet - Perfect for Grilling, Oven, or Camping

Experience the versatility of the Pit Boss 14” Cast Iron Deep Skillet, perfect for grilling, oven cooking, and camping. This durable cast iron skillet heats evenly and retains high temperatures, making it a must-have for any cook. With a natural non-stick surface and two wide lip pouring spouts, the Pit Boss skillet is perfect for cornbread, deep dish pizzas, and smoked apple pie. Easy to clean and maintain with the right care, this two-piece skillet is more than just a cooking tool - it’s a lifelong companion for delicious and heartfelt recipes.

Victoria Cast Iron Skillet - Sturdy, Versatile, & Durable Cookware for Any Kitchen

Elevate your cooking with the Victoria Cast-Iron Skillet - a perfect addition to your cast-iron cookware collection. Engineered for better handling and leverage, this 10-inch model has a curved, longer handle that ensures effortless cooking and comfortable carrying. Not limited to specific kitchens, this cast iron skillet is versatile and works seamlessly with gas, electric, induction, oven, campfire, grill, and more. It also comes with tips to maintain and improve seasoning over time for long-lasting use. Impressively, this skillet features an extra-thick edge with invisible curvature for added durability and deep vessel to keep your food secure. Pre-seasoned with kosher-certified flaxseed oil, it ensures a smoother textured surface for easier glide during cooking. Use it for various dishes like pancakes, eggs, fajitas, pizza, mac and cheese, steak, and more, and experience reliable natural cooking every meal.

Crucible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set - Extra Deep Sauté Pan with Silicone Hot Handle Holders

Experience culinary excellence with the Crucible Cookware 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet Set, featuring an extra deep sauté pan, perfect for searing, sautéing, and versatile cooking. Its sturdy loop handle ensures a secure grip when maneuvering, while the silicone hot handle holders protect your hands from extreme temperatures. This high-quality cookware set is the perfect gift for aspiring home cooks and seasoned chefs, delivering delicious meals and lasting value through generations.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet - 12” Assist Handle, Durable Cookware

Experience the versatility of cast iron with Lodge’s 12” skillet. This heavy-duty pan features two pour spouts for easy handling and comes seasoned and ready to use straight out of the box. Perfect for searing, frying, and baking, this skillet will retain its heat and last for years to come. And with its sturdy, 4.5-inch handle, you can easily control the heat and keep your fingers safely away from the flame. Whether you’re cooking up a classic Southern-style fried chicken or whipping up some corn bread, this Lodge skillet is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

NutriChef Premium Cast Iron Wok: Versatile Cooking Experience

Indulge in authentic stir-fry cooking with the NutriChef cast iron wok, a heavy-duty and classic kitchen staple designed for long-lasting performance. This versatile wok, perfect for both home and restaurant use, comes pre-seasoned with a smooth and non-stick coating, making it easy to clean and effortlessly prepare mouth-watering dishes. Its wide diameter ensures that you can whip up generous portions for your loved ones to enjoy. So why wait? Transform your cooking experience today with this high-quality cast iron wok.

Buyer’s Guide

Deep cast iron skillets are a must-have addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and durability. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the fundamental features, criteria, and advice for choosing the ideal deep cast iron skillet tailored to your cooking preferences.

Material and Weight

The primary ingredient used for a deep cast iron skillet is, of course, cast iron. This resilient material delivers optimal heat retention, distribution, and consistent heating, ensuring perfect cooking from the bottom, all the way up the sides. A hefty skillet, generally weighing between 5 to 8 pounds, establishes a stable cooking surface while ensuring even heat circulation. Although lighter options exist for those who prefer a more manageable skillet, the benefits of a heavyweight are plentiful.

Size and Shape

Deep cast iron skillets encompass a range of sizes and shapes. The popular selections range from 8 to 14 inches in diameter, catering to various stove sizes and cooking areas. When selecting the perfect size for your needs, consider the dimensions of your stove and available cooking space. A deep skillet with high sides excels at accommodating stews, soups, and braising, whereas a flatter alternative is ideal for searing and sautéing.

Seasoning

Deep cast iron skillets place a premium on seasoning, which aids in preventing rust and providing a non-stick surface. The traditional seasoning approach involves coating the skillet with vegetable oil, exposing it to high heat in the oven, and reapplying oil to preserve the seasoning. Consistent seasoning ensures your skillet continues to perform admirably and adds to its longevity with each use.

Care and Maintenance

Equipping your deep cast iron skillet with proper care is paramount to preserving its functionality and appearance. After cooking, allow the skillet to cool, then clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Abstain from harsh detergents, metal scouring pads, or steel wool, as they can detrimentally impact the seasoning. Once dry, apply a delicate coating of oil before storage. With attentive care, your deep cast iron skillet will yield superior cooking results for an extended period.

FAQ

Why should I choose a deep cast iron skillet?

A deep cast iron skillet is a versatile and durable cooking tool that offers many benefits. Its deep design allows for even heat distribution and is perfect for cooking a variety of dishes, such as stews, braises, and even frying. The cast iron material retains heat well, so your food stays warm even after it’s removed from the stove or oven. Additionally, cast iron seasoning helps to prevent food from sticking to the skillet, making cleanup easier.

Furthermore, cast iron is a sustainable and long-lasting material that can withstand high temperatures and aggressive cooking methods, such as searing and broiling. A well-maintained deep cast iron skillet can last for generations, making it a worthwhile investment for any home chef or professional kitchen.

Which brands and models of deep cast iron skillets are available?

There are many reputable brands that offer high-quality deep cast iron skillets, such as Lodge, Victoria, and Staub. These brands offer a variety of models in different sizes and shapes to suit your cooking needs. Some popular deep cast iron skillets include the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 12.6-inch Skillet, the Victoria USA Cast Iron 2-Piece Cookware Set, and the Staub 6-Quart Cast Iron Round Cocotte. You can find these and other deep cast iron skillets at home goods stores, online retailers, or through the manufacturers’ websites.

When selecting a deep cast iron skillet, consider factors such as size, construction, and additional features like pre-seasoning or a lid. Carefully read the product reviews and specifications to ensure that you choose a skillet that fits your cooking style and meets your expectations for quality and durability.

How do I properly season and maintain my deep cast iron skillet?

Proper seasoning and maintenance of your deep cast iron skillet are essential for its longevity and performance. To season your skillet, start by cleaning it thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap. Dry it completely, then apply a thin layer of oil, such as vegetable or flaxseed oil, using a paper towel or cloth. Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30-60 minutes to allow the oil to cure and create a non-stick surface.

To maintain your deep cast iron skillet, avoid using abrasive cleaners or metal sponges that can damage the seasoning. Instead, use a nylon or wooden scrubber to clean the skillet with warm water and a mild soap. Afterwards, dry the skillet thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel and apply a light coat of oil to the surface before storing it away.

What types of dishes can I cook in a deep cast iron skillet?

A deep cast iron skillet is a versatile cooking tool that can be used to prepare a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Its depth makes it perfect for cooking hearty stews, braises, and casseroles, as well as dishes that require a lot of liquid, such as chili or soup. The skillet is also suitable for sautéing, frying, searing, and broiling a wide range of ingredients, including meats, fish, vegetables, and even desserts.

Additionally, a deep cast iron skillet can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and on the grill. Its versatility, combined with its even heat distribution and retention, makes it an ideal choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike who are looking for a reliable and well-rounded cooking tool.

Are deep cast iron skillets safe to use?

Deep cast iron skillets are safe to use when properly cared for and maintained. Cast iron is a highly durable material that can withstand high temperatures and aggressive cooking methods, such as searing and broiling. When using your deep cast iron skillet, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating and cooling to avoid damage or injury.

Additionally, it’s essential to season and maintain your deep cast iron skillet properly to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface. Proper care and maintenance will help ensure that your skillet remains safe and effective for use in your home kitchen for years to come. Always read and follow the product’s user manual for specific safety guidelines.

What are the benefits of cooking with a deep cast iron skillet?

Using a deep cast iron skillet offers many benefits compared to other types of cookware. Its cast iron material retains heat well, allowing your food to cook evenly and stay warm for longer periods of time. The skillet’s seasoning also helps to prevent food from sticking and makes cleanup easier after cooking.

Furthermore, a deep cast iron skillet is a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice, as it can last for generations with proper care and maintenance. Its versatility, combined with its durability and heat retention, makes it a valuable addition to any home kitchen or professional kitchen setup.

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