Equipment Review: The Best Traditional & Enameled Cast-Iron Skillets / Pans & Our Testing Winners

Summary by Krater

The presenter tests and compares ten 12-inch cast-iron and enameled cast-iron skillets by cooking eggs, steaks, corn-bread, and fish fillets, evaluating non-stick performance, durability, and temperature limits. The video concludes that the Lodge Classic Cast Iron Skillet is the top traditional pick, the Le Creuset Signature 11 3/4" Iron Handle Skillet is the best enameled pick, and the Mario Batali by Dansk 12" Open Sauté Pan is the best buy enameled pan.

From the video

Answers: Which cast iron skillet is the best to buy?

• enameled cast iron vs traditional cast iron skillets
• cast iron skillet non-stick performance testing
• cast iron temperature limits and crazing

What it concludes

• Traditional cast iron skillets are virtually indestructible and retain heat exceptionally well for browning and searing.
• Enameled cast-iron pans prevent metal rusting and avoid reacting with acidic foods, but high temperatures can cause crazing.
• The Lodge Classic Cast Iron Skillet is the favorite traditional pan at $33.
• The Le Creuset Signature 11 3/4" Iron Handle Skillet is the enameled winner at about $180 due to its toughness.
• The Mario Batali by Dansk 12" Open Sauté Pan is the best-buy enameled option at $59.95.