7 Essential Cast Iron Skillets for Non-Toxic Home Cooking

Cast iron cookware is a popular kitchen staple in the US. In fact, in 2018, the market exceeded $176 million. But while you can buy various cast iron pots and pans, a skillet is, without a doubt, a kitchen must. They are versatile, durable, and naturally non-toxic. Here’s what you need to know—plus seven cast iron skillets to check out now (and skillet-based vegan recipes, too!).

Jump to the skillets

What is special about using a cast iron skillet?

One of the biggest assets of cast iron skillets is their heat retention capabilities. They heat up slowly but retain it well, which helps to ensure even cooking temperatures when searing, frying, or even baking. They also distribute heat evenly, which ensures that all of your recipes cook uniformly.

Desiree Nielsen 

When properly seasoned, cast iron is also naturally non-stick, too. This not only reduces the need for lots of cooking oil, but it also means that chemicals, like PFAS, are not added to the material to improve its nonstick properties. This means that cast iron skillets are a great non-toxic cooking option (for more on non-toxic cooking equipment, find our roundup here!). 

Top tip: many cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, but to season one yourself, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface and then heat. This creates a polymerized layer, protecting the pan from rust. 

Should you wash a cast iron skillet?

With proper care, a cast iron skillet can last for generations. But it’s important to wash it carefully—it’s not as simple as popping the pan in the dishwasher or soaking it in the sink with the rest of your dishes.

First, it’s important to wash a cast iron skillet quickly, before the food has a chance to stick. It must also be dried quickly, too, to prevent any rust spots from taking hold (this may happen if the seasoning is damaged).

To avoid damaging the seasoning, opt for harsh scouring pads or metal brushes and choose mild, gentle soaps.

7 cast iron skillets for cooking delicious vegan meals

When cared for properly, a cast iron skillet is a great tool to have on hand in the kitchen. As demonstrated in the recipes below, they can help you cook anything, from breakfast foods to cookies. Read on for some of our top cast iron skillet picks.

1 Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set, $29.99

Utopia Kitchen’s ultra-affordable cast iron pan set includes 10-, 8-, and 6-inch pans, each of which is pre-seasoned (that said, the brand still recommends seasoning again with vegetable oil before use). The unique handles make each pan easy to maneuver around the kitchen, too.
Try this skillet recipe: Five-Step Vegan Cherry Skillet Cobbler
find it here

Blacklock

2 Lodge Blacklock Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, $59.95

With an elevated cool-touch handle and weighing 25 percent less than traditional cast iron, this popular triple-seasoned skillet from Blacklock is a great lightweight, comfortable-to-use option.
Try this skillet recipe: The Ultimate Vegan Breakfast Skillet
find it here

Greater Goods

3 Greater Goods Cast Iron Skillet, $59.99

Greater Goods’ cast iron skillet is durable, versatile, and can be used on everything from the stove to the campfire. Don’t worry about seasoning: this skillet is pre-seasoned with 100-percent organic, Canadian-sourced flaxseed oil.
Try this skillet recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Peperonata Skillet
find it here

4 Cuisinel 15” Cast Iron Skillet, $99.99

This set from Cuisinel doesn’t just offer a 15-inch cast iron, pre-seasoned skillet, but it also includes a silicone handle holder, tempered glass lid, and pan scraper for extra convenience.
Try this skillet recipe: Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie à la Mode
find it here

5 Le Creuset Classic Cast Iron Handle Skillet, $119.95

Another great lightweight option, this enameled cast iron skillet from Le Creuset offers excellent heat distribution and retention. It doesn’t require any seasoning, and the durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking.
Try this skillet recipe: Tempeh, Mushroom, and Roasted Potato Breakfast Skillet
find it here

6 Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $125

Pre-seasoned, polished, and easy to clean, Stargazer’s 10.5-inch cast iron skillet, complete with a stay-cool handle and drip-free flared rim, is a great modern, lightweight choice. Plus, it comes complete with a lifetime warranty.
Try this skillet recipe: Vegan Skillet Breakfast Eggs and Potatoes
find it here

Made In Cookware

7 Made In Cookware Enameled Cast Iron Skillet, $149

Optimized for intense heat, Made In Cookware’s enameled cast iron skillet “guarantees heirloom-quality durability,” according to the brand. All of its cookware is made in France, a country with a long-standing tradition of cast iron craftsmanship.
Try this skillet recipe: Easy Vegan Skillet Chickpea Chilaquiles
find it here