Best Cast Iron According to r/castiron

tldr; Vintage gold standard. Smooth surface, lighter weight, superior craftsmanship. Collectible prices but unmatched cooking quality.

tldr; Great for pancakes and bacon. Even heat distribution across surface. Takes up space but very useful.

tldr; Vintage gold standard. Smooth surface, lighter weight, superior craftsmanship. Collectible prices but unmatched cooking quality.

tldr; Workhorse of cast iron. Rough surface smooths over time. Best value for money, widely available and reliable.

tldr; Workhorse of cast iron. Rough surface smooths over time. Best value for money, widely available and reliable.

tldr; Workhorse of cast iron. Rough surface smooths over time. Best value for money, widely available and reliable.

tldr; Hand-forged heirloom quality, silky smooth finish, premium price

tldr; Affordable workhorse, rough texture smooths with use

tldr; Sought-after vintage pieces with smooth cooking surface

tldr; Versatile workhorse for soups, bread, and braises. Heavy but retains heat excellently. Essential kitchen tool.

tldr; Enameled luxury option. Easier maintenance, no seasoning needed. Very expensive but beautiful and durable for acidic foods.

tldr; Sought-after vintage pieces with smooth cooking surface

tldr; HEB's rebranded option, actually made by Victoria. Some prefer it over Lodge. Good budget alternative.

tldr; Japanese cast iron with beautiful curved shape. Perfect for 1-2 eggs. No sharp angles, smooth finish. Specialty pan, not a daily driver.

tldr; The big boy Lodge for family cooking. Cheap, reliable, works great. Matching lid available for Dutch oven duties.

tldr; Sweet spot vintage size. Small block with grooved handle (1952-1957) are collector favorites. Often found at garage sales for $20.

tldr; Large flat surface for pizza and reheating. Smoother than regular Lodge skillets. Great for oven use.

tldr; Premium Portland-made with octagonal shape. Cool handle, great pour spouts. Stargazer fans sometimes prefer it for the 8-inch option.

tldr; Vintage commercial-grade cast iron, durable workhorse quality

tldr; Modern boutique smoothness at vintage weight. Kickstarter darling now mainstream. Lighter than Lodge, machined interior holds seasoning well.

tldr; Monster-sized vintage pan at 17.5 inches. Collectors love it, but rarely practical for daily use. Hotel skillet territory.

tldr; Community feedback in progress...

tldr; Community feedback in progress...

tldr; Ohio-made vintage, often confused with others. Cast iron is cast iron - even cheap ones last a lifetime. Collectors know the Wapak name.