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It can last for generations.
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Plus, the large dual pour spouts made pouring oil easy and mess-free.
Cooking aflank steak, making a pan pizza, or making some gravy to go with thosebiscuits?
The higher sloped edges prevented splatter, and the pointed dual spouts poured precisely into the measuring cup.
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We also appreciated the helper handle to assist in transporting finished food from the stove to the table.
And we loved the enameled interior and exterior, which requires no seasoning, making upkeep minimal.
However, we did struggle with the cornbread test.
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It never came together and when we turned it out, parts of it went all over the counter.
We did love the easy cleanup the enameled coating allowed.
And bonus, its very affordable for an enameled option.
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And though the pour spouts were small, the oil pour was easy.
In all of our tests, we found that we needed two hands because of the awkward shorter handle.
The pan was wide enough, and the sides were tall to prevent splatters.
We debunked severalmyths associated with cast iron,including the common one: Do not use soap when cleaning.
We added a little salt to a paper towel and wiped it out to keep it clean and debris-free.
It came out beautifully with minimal effort.
The Lodge Chef Collection cast-iron skillet presents another durable model from a reliable manufacturer.
But the gentle slope of the sides makes stirring and flipping foods with a spatula easier.
For the heat conduction test, we started with a room-temperature skillet set on a medium heat burner.
During these tests, we observed and recorded the consistency of heat conductivity.
If the water droplets dance and sizzle, we deemed the cast iron ready.
Then came the searing trial.
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Next came the cornbread test.
Our last operational test was pouring a half cup of oil from the cast-iron skillet into a measuring cup.
We documented whether the pour spout was large and deep enough to pour cleanly.
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Finally, we thoroughly cleaned each cast-iron skillet.
In the end, we took all ratings across tests and evaluated the value of each cast-iron skillet.
Once completed, youll have an incredibly versatile pan that will last generations.
Size
This is a very subjective consideration.
He added pan size is dependent on the function you plan.
Maneuverability
One of the complaints against cast iron is its weight straining wrists.
Another consideration in terms of maneuverability is handle design.
In fact, five of our six picks are compatible with multiple cooktops, including induction.
Again, five of our six picks have dual pour spouts and helper handles.
We appreciated the easy cleanup the enameled finish allows, and loved the ergonomic helper handle.
Questions and Answers
What is the best brand of cast-iron skillet?
When it comes tonontoxic cookware, Lodge cast-iron skillets are a cook’s favorite.
We loved the Lodge picks for their lightweight design, helper handles, and dual pour spouts.
Still, the Staub offered a stylish, heritage look with an enameled finish that requires minimal upkeep.
It mainly comes down to what features you are looking for when shopping.
Do cast-iron skillets need to be pre-seasoned?
Today, many cast-iron skillets, including all of our picks, come pre-seasoned.
How do you season a cast-iron skillet?
The process of seasoning cast-iron skillets is pretty straightforward.
Finally, move it to a 375F oven and place it upside down on the middle rack.
Bake it for approximately one hour and then let it cool thoroughly in the oven.
Erven inherited a box of cast iron cookware from his grandparents that needed some love.
“I started by washing with dish detergent and warm water.
Washing away a generation of dust.
Once clean, I dried them with a towel and oiled them with canola oil.
Afterward, I placed them in an oven and let them bake for a good 30 minutes or so.
I took them out, oiled them again, and returned to the oven.
One or two more times and these beauties were reborn.
How do you clean a cast-iron skillet?
Like withenameled cast iron, you should let your skillet cool completely before washing.
You also want to employ mild dish soap, hot water, and a non-abrasive sponge.
McDaniel adds, Dont be scared to use a little water and soap, but dont overdo it.
Last, add oil to re-season and prepare for your next use.
After wiping clean, reseason it.
What should you not cook in a cast-iron skillet?
Desserts likeskillet browniesmay leave a bit of sweetness for your next dish.
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Why Trust Southern Living
Carrie Honakeris a food and travel writer who believes in eating dessert first.
To compile this list, we tested 22 of the best cast-iron skillets available in the lab.
Credit: Southern Living / Dera Burreson
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