Best cast iron pans, pots & skillets for the kitchen 2021

Truly a kitchen investment which will stand the test of time, these are the cast iron pots and pans to get on your radar before the sale season kicks off.

Good quality cast iron pieces are definitely worth the investment. Picture: Supplied

As a kitchen item you’ll be using for decades to come, there’s a reason why cast iron pots and pans are high on the wishlists of foodies everywhere.

Loved for their durability, heat retention and versatility, they’ll withstand temperatures of up to 290 degrees celcius and you can use them on a stove top, oven or camp fire. Although some models like raw cast iron skillets will require a bit of maitanence and care, the little bit of elbow grease will ensure your pot will still be on high rotation for decades to come.

The only downside, of course, is their often monumental price tag. Unlike a stainless steel or non-stick saucepan, cookware made from cast iron can often set you back a few hundred dollars at least. And while the cost per use for years and decades to come might be minuscule, the initial splurge can be… a lot.

This makes them a great piece to pick up during big sale events like Black Friday and Boxing Day events this year. While we’ll update this post as soon as the sales come around, until then here are the brands and models to keep your eye on.

THE CLASSIC DUTCH OVEN

There’s a reason why the classic Dutch oven is one of the most sought after cooking tools. Yes, they’re not cheap to buy and they’re an arm workout to manoeuvre but what you get is a sturdy pot that will withstand high temperatures, offer fantastic heat retention and last for decades.

It’s pretty much a one-stop shop for better soups, bakes, casseroles (and more), and they’ll even help you create a bakery-worthy loaf of sourdough too.

Puricon 5.5 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Amazon, $89.99

A well-priced cast iron pot alternative, this option is a little smaller than the Lodge model with a 5.2L capacity. The porcelain enamel coating won’t react to food and it’s oven-safe to 282C. Reviews of the Puricon pot also confirms that the lid fits tightly (important those who want to bake sourdough loaves) and many have dubbed it a fantastic (and affordable) dupe of more expensive models.

As one Amazon reviewer wrote: “I bought this Dutch oven to try my hand at making my first loaf of sourdough bread. It did a wonderful job of cooking my bread. I can’t wait to use it to cook many other recipes on the stove top and in the oven.”

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Le Creuset, Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole 20cm in Coastal Blue, $399

Of course no round up of the coveted cast iron pot would be complete without Le Creuset. Used by culinary greats from Julia Child to Nigella Lawson, the cookware is well-worth the hype, if you can afford it.

Their popularity comes down to their high-quality and thick enamel coating, unsurpassed even heat distribution (great for browning and braising) and tight lid for A+ heat retention. The heavy lid is also the reason why the pots are often used to bake bread and roast meats as it maintains heat and moisture allowing your ingredients to cook but not dry out.

And while the price of a Le Creuset is undeniably lavish, they do offer lifetime warranty on their products, covering faulty workmanship and materials.

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Smith+Nobel, Traditions 5L Cast Iron Casserole Almond Gold, $119.95

Apart from the very aesthetic cream and gold colour combination, the price of this wonder pot makes for a very convincing buy. The cast iron material ensures even heat distribution whether you’re sauteing, simmering, baking or boiling as well as the freedom to cook on gas fire, induction or oven as well.

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Baccarat, Le Connoisseur Round French Oven with Lid Red 25cm 3.9L, $199 (currently$99.99)

Whether you’re sharpening your kitchen skills or have an equipment collection to rival Julia Childs, this wallet-friendly cast iron dupe is sure to become a staple in your repetoire. It has a generous capacity of 3.9 litres and comes with a stainless steel knob that is oven safe up to 220C. It also comes with the Baccarat Lifetime Guarantee which guarantees the Dutch Oven will be free from defects in workmanship or abnormal deterioration for 25 years from its purchase date.

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THE ONE-POT WONDER

More shallow and less bulky than a Dutch oven, casserole pans are great for baking and slow cooking alike. They’re a bit more versatile than the traditional Dutch oven just because you can slow cook stews and meals while also being able to use the pan without its lid to fry and saute. From roasting a one-pan chicken to making a saucy bolognese, fruit crumble or apple tarte tatin, your options are endless.

Staub Enamelled Cast Iron Bouillabaisse Pot 28cm Blue, Amazon, $859.95 (currently $326.45)

From the glossy dark blue enamel to the silver (and interchangeable) fish handle, this casserole dish balances form with function. The pot has received an unanimous 14 out of 14 five-star reviews on Amazon too, with many stating it lives up to its $400+ price tag. And while it’s called the ‘Bouillabaisse Pot’ (named after the iconic French fish stew), needless to say it can be used to cook a number of other dishes too.

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Classica 30cm Cast Iron Braiser Saute Pan, $69.99

Whether you’re tossing together a stirfry or need a go-to pot for a weeknight one-pan meal, this durable model will do the trick. It’s made by Aussie brand Classica and features a heavy duty enamel coating for excellent heat distribution and retention and is oven safe to temperatures up to 240C.

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THE RAW CAST IRON SKILLET

The traditional cast iron skillet is revered among chefs and foodies thanks to its intense hardiness and even heating. Dedicated cast iron fans claim the material makes meats brown better and cooks yours ingredients faster and with better crisp. Plus, you can transfer them from the stove to the oven.

That being said, raw cast iron skillets require a bit more maintenance than your standard pot. In order to create a non-stick coating and prevent rust, you’ll have to season the pan through a process called fat polymerisation. This involves you coating the pan in layer of oil and using the heat of a stove top or oven to create a protective film over the metal. This also means you shouldn’t wash your pot with detergents and instead use a brush or scraper. However with a little bit of care and attention, you’ll have a high-performing pot that will last you decades.

Fresh 02, Polished Super Pre-Seasoned 10 Inch (25cm) Cast Iron Skillet Fry Pan, Amazon, $45.99

For a pan that’s a mix between a traditional non-stick pan and a hardy cast iron skillet, this brings the best of both worlds. The polished surface is smoother than traditional raw cast iron which can feel a bit gritty and has been pre-treated with two layers of seasoning. Just keep in mind you probably will want to re-season the skillet before use and intermitedly after that. This will help boost the non-stick coating of the pan for ease of cooking.

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Lodge, Logic Cast Iron Skillet 30cm, $129

Another cast iron option, this 30cm option is great for those who want a larger cooking surface. Lodge cast iron skillets have also built up a reputation among camping fans thanks to their durability. Unlike colourful enamel-coated crockpots, pure cast iron cookware can be used on open campfire flames, bringing a little luxury to the outdoors.

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THE LAZY-COOK’S GO TO

An enamelled pan is great for people who don’t want to have to season their cookware, but still want the benefits of cooking with cast iron. Not only is it a naturally non-stick surface, the enamel-coating means you can wash the skillet with dish soap.

Although they’re generally extremely durable and hardy – like all cast iron products – the enamel can be prone to chipping if you accidentally drop your skillet or pot.

Classica 17cm Cast Iron Frypan in Grey, $29.99

An affordable option if you’re just beginning to explore the world of cast iron, this enamel-coated fry pan is a great entry-level tool. Unlike raw cast iron it doesn’t need seasoning and its superior heat retention still gives food a flavourful sear. This handy 17cm option is also smaller (and therefore lighter) than the other options on the list, making it easier to handle as well. It’s great for single-person or smaller households who realistically aren’t cooking huge meals.

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Xanten, Cast Iron Frypan 26cm, $180 (currently $71.99)

For bigger families or those after a wider pan, this 26cm option is one to consider. It’s not just a pan for traditional savoury foods like omelettes, steaks and frittatas either, you can also use to pan to tackle skillet-desserts like pan-cookies and brownies, or try your hand at the French classic: apple tarte tatin. If you’re in a pinch, this can also be used as a makeshift pie tin too.

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THE ROASTING PAN

Whether you’re prepping an easy weeknight roast or epic Sunday feast, you can do it all with a cast iron roasting pan. Plus, the metal makes for a fantastic heat conductor meaning you’ll get all the crispy bits on veggies and proteins. Yum.

Chasseur, Rectangular Roasting Pan, $369 (currently $219)

The roasting pan you need for weeknight meals that require minimal effort, this pan is sure to become your go-to kitchen tool. Although the price of this Chasseur pan sits on the pricier side, what you’re paying for is a renowned heritage name and French construction. All Chasseur products are made in the Champagne Ardennes region of France and hand-casted in individual sand moulds which are destroyed after each use (read: it’s a lot of work). There are however more affordable options on the market.

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Smith & Nobel, Traditions Rectangle Roaster in Red, $99.95

Proof that cast iron doesn’t need to be expensive, this $49.95 option is a wallet-friendly investment you’ll use for years. Combine a few veggies with a protein like a whole chicken or a lamb shoulder, add a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper, or some herbs if you’re feeling fancy and you’ve got a roast sorted. If you’ve got a bit more time, it’s also a great vessel for all your oozy potato bakes and lasagnes too. Your options are endless.

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THE GRIDDLE PAN

For enthusiastic home cooks and grill fans, a griddle pan will give your dishes fancy char lines you see on perfectly cooked steak. Beyond their decorative purposes, griddle pans are also good for giving your stovetop food that smokey element and they require less oil, as you only apply oil to your ingredients and not the pan itself.

Soga Enamel Porcelain 26cm Cast Iron Frying Pan Skillet, $79.90 (currently $49.90)

Optimal for use on a grill or to bring the BBQ onto the home stove top, this pick also wins points as it can be used as a serving plate. At 2kg, it’s lighter than most cast iron grills, however you’ll definitely want to bust out the oven mitts if you plan on touching the handles while its hot.

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Classica, Cast Iron 26cm Grill Pan, $39.99

For a square cast iron grill without the bulging price tag, this Classica model will give you change from a $50. While the construction might not be as aesthetic or as sharp as imore expensive models (see below), it’s still made from pure cast iron and has a heavy duty enamel coating. It’s also oven safe in temperatures up to 240C.

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HOW DO I SEASON A CAST IRON PAN?

In order to build up a non-stick coating and protect your raw cast iron from rusting, you’re going to need to ‘season’ your cookware. You can do this either on the stovetop or an oven preheated to 175C.

If you’re going down the stovetop route, heat your pan until it’s super hot on the highest flame you have. Next, use paper towel to coat the surface with a thin layer of fat like vegetable oil, canola oil, lard, vegetable shortening or flaxseed oil and cook this for roughly 10 minutes until the oil completely dries. Finally wait for the cookware to cool before storing in a dry place.

If you’re want to season your cast iron in the oven, once again apply a thin layer of fat on the cast iron surface (both inside and out, if applicable) before placing the entire pan (bottomside up) in a preheated oven for an hour.

It sounds like a lot of steps (and it is) but it’s a worthy investment and will ensure your cast iron lasts for generations.

HOW DO I CLEAN A CAST IRON SKILLET, PAN OR POT?

While cleaning enamel pots are quite easy – just avoid abrasive scourers which can scratch the cooking surface – the upkeep of seasoned cast iron cookware requires more work.

Avoid using detergent which will undo the seasoning and instead remove any foodscraps with a sturdy scrub brush (something like this is perfect). Follow this by thoroughly rinsing the pan before drying it prior to storage in order to protect the pan from rust. You can also apply a coat of oil all over before you dry the pan to help protect its seasoning.

WHAT TO COOK IN A DUTCH OVEN?

Your options are honestly endless. Soups, casseroles, slowcooked pasta sauces, curries and stews are a great starting point, however you can also use cookware to roast meats, veggies or bake breads and cakes in oven.

Because the material can withstand stovetops and the oven, they lend themselves to multiple cooking methods. Just make sure to check the max temperature your cookware can handle before placing it in the oven, as this will differ between manufacturers.