With a design almost unchanged for centuries, the best cast iron skillets are as timeless as they are essential for keen cooks. You might have myriad hi-tech kitchen appliances but without one of these simple but effective pans, your culinary arsenal may not be complete.
Whether you’re looking to sear a steak or fry a perfect pancake, cast iron’s superb heat retention and distribution, sturdy structure and compatibility with diverse heat sources – from induction hobs to age-old coal barbecues – can’t be beaten.
The …
With a design almost unchanged for centuries, the best cast iron skillets are as timeless as they are essential for keen cooks. You might have myriad hi-tech kitchen appliances but without one of these simple but effective pans, your culinary arsenal may not be complete.
Whether you’re looking to sear a steak or fry a perfect pancake, cast iron’s superb heat retention and distribution, sturdy structure and compatibility with diverse heat sources – from induction hobs to age-old coal barbecues – can’t be beaten.
The best cast iron skillets can handle everything from quick high-temperature sizzles on the hob to slow-cooks in the oven, and (if treated right) can last you a lifetime. Because they can last for decades, you should consider your pan a life-long investment. As a generable rule, it makes sense to buy once and buy well. Here, I’ve reviewed a range of options across different price points – keep scrolling to find your new favourite kitchen companion.
**Read more: **Best air fryers, tested in our reviewer’s kitchen
The best cast iron skillets for 2026 are:
- **Best overall **– Unilloy cast iron pan, 26cm: £139, Japaneseknifecompany.com
- Best budget buy – VonHaus VonShef cast iron cookware set: £24.98, Amazon.co.uk
- **Best for kitchen style **– Le Creuset cast iron round skillet: £127.20, Amazon.co.uk
How I tested
I cooked a range of different dishes in these cast iron skillets while putting them through their paces (Alicia Miller/The Independent)
The best cast iron skillets featured below were tested while making a range of dishes, from pancakes and French toast to fried eggs and steaks. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions in each case for use and cleaning. Looks, perceived quality and durability, value for money and the ease of cleaning and care were all factored into my overall ratings, as well as the pans’ non-stick cookery performance. You can read more about my testing process and criteria at the end of this article.
**Read more: **Best kitchen knife sets for sharpening up your culinary skills