Buying Guide: 11 Best Cast Iron Pans for 2024

Home chefs have been handing down their best cast iron pans for generations. But what makes them such a beloved family heirloom and kitchen essential?

The best cast iron pans offer benefits such as durability, long life, heat retention and flavor-saving qualities. Cast iron is also non-stick, chemical-free and dual-purpose.

Whether it’s a skillet, Dutch oven, cocotte or sauce pan, the best cast iron pans will sear steaks, roast poultry, simmer stews and tackle any one-pan wonders like this flavor-packed Marry Me chicken. Looking for a new cast iron pan to add to your kitchen collection? Keep reading to check out our list of suggestions for the best cast iron pan for 2022.

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• Best Cocotte: Staub Round Cocotte 5.5 QT
• Best for Soups and Stews: Staub Tall Cocotte 5 QT
• Most Versatile: Staub Perfect Pan 4.5 QT
• Best Dutch Oven: Finex Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5 QT
• Best Enameled Dutch Oven: KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 6-Qt Dutch Oven
• Best Everyday Skillet: Staub Traditional 11" Skillet
• Best Frying Pan: KitchenAid Seasoned 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Best for Lean Cooking: Finex 15” Cast Iron Lean Grill Pan
• Best Sauce Pan: Finex Cast Iron Sauce Pan 1 QT
• Best for Backyard BBQ: Finex 10” Cast Iron Grill Pan
• Most Unique: Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set
• Bonus: Best Cast Iron Pan Care Kit: Finex Cast Iron Care Kit

1. Best Cocotte: Staub Round Cocotte 5.5 QT

The sharp Staub Round Cocotte 5.5 QT in black offers all the benefits of the enameled 4 QT cocotte but in a larger size for bigger meals and more guests, making it a top choice for best cast iron pan of 2022. It’s perfect for stews, soups, roasts and casseroles.

2. Best for Soups and Stews: Staub Tall Cocotte 5 QT

Whether it’s hearty stews, spicy chilis or a giant batch of jambalaya, the Staub Tall Cocotte 5 QT is tall enough to prevent splattering while preparing for parties, large family dinners or weekly meal prep. It has a smooth enamel bottom and a textured black matte enamel interior that ensures proper browning and requires no seasoning. 

3. Most Versatile: Staub Perfect Pan 4.5 QT

Whether you’re braising, simmering, roasting or stir-frying, the Staub Perfect Pan 4.5 QT in white truffle does it all. A snug-fitting glass lid allows you to see what’s cooking while keeping moisture locked in. This is one of the best cast iron pans due to its stainless-steel rack that fits under the lid and allows moisture to drip back into the pan. 

4. Best Dutch Oven: Finex Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5 QT

The Finex Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5 QT has a thick base and sides to store and distribute heat evenly while baking, braising, slow-cooking or simmering. The octagonal shape has angled sides and eight spouts to pour easily, making it one of the best cast iron pans money can buy. It’s pre-seasoned and has a non-stick and rust-resistant finish that only improves with age.  

5. Best Enameled Dutch Oven: KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 6-Qt Dutch Oven

A chip-resistant, bonded enamel blue or green finish that’s pretty enough to function as a serving dish makes the KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 6-Qt Dutch Oven one of the best cast iron pans for 2022. A traditional round shape provides even cooking and browning while self-basting bumps keep all the flavor of stews, soups and casseroles in the pot.

6. Best Everyday Skillet: Staub Traditional 11” Skillet

Prepare omelets, frittatas, fajitas and more quickly and professionally in the matte black Staub Traditional 11” Skillet. The traditional frying pan style has high straight sides for less spatter and an enameled interior that’s easy to clean. It’s chip resistant and safe for the stovetop or oven.

7. Best Frying Pan: KitchenAid Seasoned 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

One of the best cast iron pans on the market, the KitchenAid Seasoned 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet arrives pre-seasoned and ready to roast chicken, fry eggs or braise beef. It works on all cooktops, including the grill, and has two built-in pour spouts for convenience and ease. The sleek silhouette makes it attractive enough to sit on the table, too.

8. Best for Lean Cooking: Finex 15” Cast Iron Lean Grill Pan

For grill top cooking without the charcoal and propane, the Finex 15” Cast Iron Lean Grill Pan is one of the best cast iron pans on the market. The domed interior surface is designed to drain fat and juices without smoking while grilling burgers, fish fillets or vegetables. It’s pre-seasoned and works on all cooktops for a truly versatile way to cook.

9. Best Sauce Pan: Finex Cast Iron Sauce Pan 1 QT

Prepare sauces, polenta, oatmeal and more in the all-purpose Finex Cast Iron Sauce Pan 1 QT. Durable, non-stick and rust-resistant, this best cast iron pan is pre-seasoned and has a quick-cooling stainless-steel coiled handle for an ergonomic grip.  

10. Best for Backyard BBQ: Finex 10” Cast Iron Grill Pan

The wide ribs of the Finex 10” Cast Iron Grill Pan bring out the flavors of meat, vegetables or seafood. It arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use indoors or out. It’s oven safe and works on all cooktops — even the grill. The skillet-style handle has a unique coil design for a secure grip.

11. Most Unique: Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set

If you’re just getting started with cast iron pans, the Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set is a great choice for simmering, steaming, poaching, braising or baking. It comes with a snug-fitting lid to lock in flavor and prevent spatter. The unique octagonal shape offers six pouring spouts and makes removing food with a spatula easier. It's a favorite of Denver-based Chef Nick, as outlined in his Finex cast iron review.

Bonus Best Cast Iron Pan Care Kit: Finex Cast Iron Care Kit

Cast iron is durable, long-lasting and reportedly indestructible, but you do have to take care of it. This three-piece Finex Cast Iron Care Kit has a drip-free eye dropper with flaxseed oil for seasoning, an oak wood scraper that’s angled to reach corners and a chain link stainless-steel scrubber with silicone safety inserts to gently scrub and clean.

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Choosing the best cast iron pan is easy when you know what to look for. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an advanced home chef, you can’t go wrong with any of the best cast iron pans on this list.

For more chef-recommended cookware and culinary inspiration, check out the Cozymeal Shop.