The Best Cast Iron Cookware Sets: Reviews & Recommended

When Was Cast Iron Cookware First Used?

The first evidence of cast iron cooking utensils can be traced back to China during the Han Dynasty, around 2000 years ago.

Through exploration and trading, iron-casting techniques spread across Europe in the 16th century. It was not long before new casting molds were created to make utensils, pots, pans, and other cookware.

Cast iron skillets became a staple in every household by the 19th century, which saw the introduction of the cast iron skillet. Cast iron cookware stayed on top of the market until the 1960s, when Teflon-coated non-stick cookware took over.

In recent years, cast iron cookware has seen a resurgence in demand. Cast iron is praised for its versatility and natural nonstick surface by many of today’s professional chefs, who feature their favorite cast iron sets on popular cooking shows.

What are the Benefits of Cast Iron Cookware?

There are many benefits to cast iron that make it the ideal material for cookware. Cast iron is incredibly sturdy, and can withstand just about anything you throw at it.

Cast iron can easily take on temperatures of over 500 degrees without melting, and its unique properties help evenly distribute that heat throughout the surface of the cookware.

When properly seasoned, cast iron cookware has a natural non-stick property that makes cooking a breeze. It also requires much less cleaning than Teflon-coated cookware, which needs to be cleaned thoroughly after each use.

What Can You Cook in Cast Iron Cookware?

Cast iron cookware is so popular due to its extreme usefulness in the kitchen. You could cook an entire day’s worth of meals in one cast iron skillet, without having to wash it with soap and water once.

Cast iron cookware can handle baking, frying, roasting, boiling, and more. This gives it a leg up on Teflon-coated cookware, which can become malformed if used for anything outside of its intended purpose.

Experts do warn that highly acidic foods, such as citrus, can break down the layers of oil and fat that give cast iron cookware its natural non-stick abilities.

While you can still cook acidic foods on your cast iron cookware, be sure to completely clean off any residue from your cookware before storing it to prevent corrosion.

What is the Difference Between Bare and Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Cookware?

There are two types of cast iron cookware: bare and enamel-coated. Both have their own benefits and disadvantages that should be weighed when looking for the best cast iron cookware set for your kitchen.

Bare cast iron cookware is left completely untouched after its first cast and is often what first comes to mind when you think of cast iron in the kitchen.

Bare cast iron is dark brown or black, thick, and typically heavier than its enamel-coated brother. Bare cast iron takes on a natural non-stick property when properly seasoned, and can add extra iron into anything you cook. They also tend to last longer than enamel-coated cast iron, and typically cost less.

Enameled cast iron is coated in porcelain, which helps keep the iron from rust or corrosion. The enamel coating protects the cast iron by giving it a non-reactive quality, which allows it to better handle heavily acidic dishes without breaking down.

It also needs little to no seasoning, so you can wash it each time without having to worry about how it will affect your next meal.

Unfortunately, the porcelain coating strips the cast iron of its non-stick abilities. This means you will have to coat the cast iron with oil to keep your food from sticking to your cookware. Enamel-coated cast iron also tends to cost much more than a bare cast iron piece.

Does Cast Iron Cookware Require Extra Maintenance?

Cast iron cookware is actually incredibly easy to maintain, though it does require a few different steps that you may not be familiar with.

Cast iron cookware does not need to be scrubbed clean with soap and water after every use like most nonstick cookware sets.

Instead, simply wipe the dish clean of debris and excess oil using a damp cloth and place it in the oven to evaporate the leftover moisture. Cast iron cookware should only be thoroughly washed every few uses to prevent rust and discoloration.

Enameled cast iron does not need a seasoning coat, and can be washed and dried like any normal dish.

Be sure to follow the maintenance guide provided with your new cast iron cookware to keep your cast iron pieces in peak condition.

How do you Wash Cast Iron Cookware?

There are many opinions on the ‘best’ way to wash cast iron cookware. Many chefs swear against using soap on their cast iron pieces for fear of stripping off layers of seasoning.

Since the seasoning is what gives the cast iron its non-stick abilities, you can see why tensions might run high.

However, a properly seasoned cast iron piece should be able to take a little soap without rubbing through the layers of oil.

• Rinse the cast iron piece in warm, soapy water and gently scrub with a kitchen sponge. Do not use steel wool, as it will ruin your seasoning surface. If you don’t want to use soap, grab some coarse salt and sprinkle it lightly on your cast iron to create a salt scrub.
• Immediately dry your cast iron cookware using a clean dishtowel. Any water left on the surface of the cast iron can penetrate the seasoning and cause corrosion.
• Add another layer to the protective seasoning by drizzling unsaturated cooking oil along the surface of the cast iron cookware. With a paper towel, evenly coat the cast iron with the oil, buffing away any visible grease spots.
• Bake in the seasoning layer by placing the cast iron piece on the stovetop or in the oven on high heat. Leave the cast iron piece on the heat for a few minutes, or until it is evenly heated and lightly smoking.

It’s important to note that you should never put cast iron cookware in the dishwasher, unless you want it to come out covered in rust.

Seasoned cast iron cookware has several built-on layers of fat that give the cast iron a protective outer layer and keep food from sticking to the surface.

Brand new cast iron cookware needs to be properly seasoned before you are able to use it, a seemingly daunting task to new cast iron owners. Luckily, seasoning a cast iron piece is incredibly simple and yields great results.

Here are the steps for seasoning a new cast iron cookware piece:

1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees and place a baking sheet lined with foil on the lowest rack.
    
2. Scrub the cast iron cookware with warm, soapy water to make sure it is clean before seasoning.
    
3. Dry the cast iron with a clean dishtowel.
    
4. Coat the cast iron piece from top to bottom with a cooking oil of your choice. It can be vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, or melted shortening. Steer clear of using olive oil or butter for the initial seasoning.
    
5. Place the coated cast iron cookware upside down on top of the foil and bake for one hour.
    
6. Remove the cast iron from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
    
7. Repeat until the desired level of seasoning is achieved. Most cast iron pieces can be used after just one round of seasoning, but many professionals suggest adding a few more layers to get a solid initial coating.

A cast iron owner’s worst nightmare is pulling out their beloved cookware set only to find it covered in patches of rust.

While rust might seem like the end for cast iron cookware, there are ways to save your cast iron from even the worst rust stains.

Here are the steps to restoring a rusty cast iron piece:

1. Scrub the cast iron cookware using fine steel wool and warm, soapy water. This is the only time you should ever use steel wool on cast iron. Focus on the affected areas and gently scour the piece until the rust has been scraped off.
    
2. Rinse the cast iron thoroughly using warm water. Using a sponge or soft bristle brush, gently wash off any remains of the rust. Rinse again until clean.
    
3. Dry the cast iron piece thoroughly before treating it with a new seasoning layer, as outlined above.

Cast iron cookware that has rust covering the entire surface area may need to be sandblasted to restore the raw iron. This can be taken care of at any machine or hardware shop.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron

This pre-seasoned set of cast iron cookware comes with five pieces: 
a 10.5-inch Griddle, an eight-inch Skillet, and a 10.25-inch Skillet, a 10.25-inch Dutch Oven with a Lid.

Extremely versatile, the Lodge cookware can be used as a skillet, fryer, Dutch oven, or a regular griddle. We recommend this set to those who want high-quality cast iron cookware at a reasonable price.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Cookware Set

The Le Creuset 5 Piece Signature Cast Iron Cookware Set features enameled cast iron pieces that come in a variety of vivid colors.

The set includes a Dutch oven with a lid, a saucepan with a lid, and a skillet. We recommend this set to any chef who is looking for a beautiful cookware set that will last them a lifetime. The Le Creuset 5 Piece Signature Enameled Cast Iron Cookware set is $$$ on Amazon.

Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 3 Piece Set

This three-piece pre-seasoned set is perfect for those looking to get their start in cast iron on a budget.

The Amsha Cast Iron Skillet 3 Piece Set comes with three skillets in six, eight, and 10-inch sizes. We recommend this set to home chefs that want to get into cast iron without breaking the bank. This set runs for just $$$ on Amazon.

Outdoor Gourmet 5 Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set

The Outdoor Gourmet 5 Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set is an inexpensive option for someone looking to build up his or her bare cast iron arsenal.

This set comes with two skillets, a Dutch oven with a lid, and one griddle. We recommend this set to those who are really passionate about traditional cast iron cookware. The Outdoor Gourmet 5 Piece Cast Iron is $$ on Amazon.

Bruntmor 2-in-1 3 Quart Pre-seasoned Cast Iron

The Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 2-In-1 Cast Iron Cooker set comes with two bare cast iron pieces that can be used in a variety of ways.

The larger piece can serve as a pot, a deep skillet, or even a Dutch oven when combined with the smaller lid piece.

The lid piece can be used to keep heat in the larger piece, but can also be utilized as a shallow skillet. The Bruntmor 2-In-1 Combo Cooker is $$ on Amazon.

Durable, naturally non-stick, and easy to maintain, cast iron cookware can be the solution to all of your cooking needs.

Whether you’re an established chef or just starting, cast iron cookware can be a great addition to your kitchen.