10 Best Cast Iron Cookware Sets of 2021 Compared & Reviewed

Although cast iron cookware requires a high level of maintenance, it is very sturdy and has exceptional cooking capabilities.

Additionally, this cookware can be used to prepare different kinds of dishes such as pizza, veggies, steak, fish, etc. It can also be used on all cooktops, including the induction type because iron is magnetic.

There are different varieties to choose from though, but here are 10 of the best cast-iron cookware sets that you should consider buying.

What to Check Before Buying Best Cast Iron Cookware?

1. Your Cooking Needs

Before buying cast iron cookware, the first thing to consider is your cooking needs. Ideally, getting a set with the highest number of pieces is best but these are usually expensive.

Therefore, to save on cost, consider what you need. If you want shallow skillets, look for a set with such. If you want a deep Dutch oven type, then buy a set with one. However, if you have the money, go for the set that has them all.

2. Size and Weight

For the size factor, the bigger the better. However, considering weight, cast iron cookware is generally heavier than other types. This means you might strain your hands if you get a very large piece that weighs a lot.

Therefore, you need to strike a balance between the two based on your lifting capabilities.

3. Pre-seasoning

Seasoning is basically like an oil treatment to the iron metal to prevent sticking when cooking. Bare cast iron cookware must be pre-seasoned before use, and it is recommended to check for 100% natural oil seasoning as it is safer health-wise.

However, for enameled cast iron cookware, pre-seasoning is not a must because the enamel layer prevents direct contact of the food with the metal. This prevents reactive characteristics especially with acidic foods and also prevents sticking.

In such a case, seasoning would be solely meant for flavoring purposes.

4. Handles and Knobs

There are 2 things that you need to check with regard to the handles and knobs. First, the cookware should have the main long handle and a helper handle for easy carrying. This is very important considering that the pieces are heavy.

Second, they should have heat-resistant holders to keep you from burning your hands. Otherwise, you will need mitts so as to comfortably carry the pans from the cooking source.

Some cookware sets lack one or both of these, and this makes them slightly inferior because they will be very difficult to use.

5. Oven Safe

This feature gives a lot of versatility to your cookware set because it enables you to prepare baked foods using the same tools. Therefore, it is recommended to look for a set that is oven-safe. But ensure you note the maximum temperature that the pieces can handle.

6. Dishwasher Safe

No one likes doing the dishes after cooking. Even though most cast iron cookware pieces are not suitable for dishwashing, if you happen to encounter a set that is dishwasher safe, go for it. This will make it very easy to maintain them after use.

10 Best Cast Iron Cookware Sets of 2021 Reviewed

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Lodge LCC3 (Has Convertible Skillet)	2-piece set 3.2-quart Dutch oven with a convertible lid/skillet Seasoned with 100% vegetable oil Main handle and short helper handle
	2. Lodge EC4D43 (Enameled)	2-piece set with a non-convertible lid Oven safe up to 500˚F Comes in different size and color options Stainless steel lid knob and 2 Dutch oven handles
	3. Lodge L5HS3KPLT (5-Piece Set)	5-piece set that covers all your bases Seasoned with 100% vegetable oil Long handles with holes for hanging Helper handles for easy use
	4. Bruntmor BR3049 (2-in-1)	2-in-1 cookware with a 5-quart Dutch oven and domed cover Oven safe Suitable for oven-to-table presentations
	5. Bruntmor BR3193 (Has Non-Stick Surface)	3-quart and lid/skillet set Oven and campfire-safe Non-stick enameled surface Pre-seasoned
	6. Utopia Kitchen UK0040 (With Superior Heat Retention)	Single piece set (12.5-inch wide skillet) Seasoned with soy-based oil Superior heat retention properties Oven and grill-safe
	7. Victoria SKL-206 (Affordable Pan)	Affordable Seasoned with non-GMO flaxseed oil Long and curved 4.5-inch handle 2 pour spouts on the sides for easy draining
	8. Simple Chef Cast Iron Cookware (3-Piece Set)	6, 8- and 10-inch pan set Oven safe Seasoned for easy cleaning and non-stick cooking Pouring spouts and long handles with hanging holes
	9. Cuisinel Cast Iron Cookware (2-Piece Set with Holders)	2-piece set with 2 heat resistant holders Oven safe up to 480˚F Long main handles and helper handles
	10. Calphalon 1873975 (Best for Slow Cooking)	Single 12-inch pan Heats evenly and steadily for slow cooking Oven safe Seasoned for non-stick cooking

1. Lodge LCC3 – Best with a Convertible Skillet

• Set Included: 2 Pieces
• Seasoned: Yes

Starting us off Lodge’s LCC3, which is a 2-piece combo cooker that contains a 3.2-quart Dutch oven, which doubles up as a deep skillet or fryer. The oven’s lid is also included, which is convertible to become a shallow skillet/ griddle for an additional cooking surface.

This versatility is ideal for kitchens as well as outdoor use and has made this set the top-rated cast-iron cookware in this review.

Other than that, the two pieces come pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, which is very safe and healthy because no chemicals or synthetic coatings are used.

Other features include a long holding handle with a hole at the end for hanging during storage and a helper handle on the opposite side for easy use. However, the set is not dishwasher safe and does not come with hot handle holders.

Pros:

• Convertible lid into a shallow skillet/griddle
• Pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil
• Long handle with a hanging hole at the end
• Helper handle at the opposite end

Cons:

• Hot handle holders not included
• Not dishwasher safe

2. Lodge EC4D43 – Best Enameled

• Set Included: 2 Pieces
• Oven Safe: Up to 500˚F
• Seasoned: No

This cast iron cookware is also a Lodge product, but it has a slightly different design from the one above. Its interior is made of cast iron, which is then sandwiched between a porcelain enamel interior and exterior.

The beauty with this is that the smooth outer surface does not react with ingredients, especially the acidic foods, and it is also very easy to clean. In fact, this unit is dishwasher safe, though handwashing is recommended.

Another benefit you get with this cookware is that it is oven safe up to 500˚F, which means you can roast, bake, braise or broil.

Other features include a self-blasting cover for trapping in the heat, moisture, and nutrients, a stainless-steel knob on this cover for easy handling, and 2 handles on the Dutch oven for easy handling.

You also get different size options, which are 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 quart, and different color options such as red, blue, Caribbean, midnight chrome, pumpkin, etc.

However, the lid is not convertible into a skillet and the piece should not be stacked in storage because the enamel surface can be easily damaged.

Pros:

• Smooth, non-reactive and easy to clean porcelain enamel surface
• Oven safe up to 500˚F
• Self-blasting cover for trapping heat, moisture, and nutrients
• 2 handles on the Dutch oven and a stainless-steel knob on the lid for easy handling
• Available in different size and color options

Cons:

• Non-convertible lid
• Enamel surface can be easily damaged. Avoid stacking

3. Lodge L5HS3KPLT – Best 5-Piece set

• Set Included: 5 Pieces
• Oven Safe: Yes
• Seasoned: Yes

Though very expensive, this cast iron cookware set contains 5 pieces that include a 10.5-inch griddle, an 8-inch skillet, a 10.25-inch skillet, a 10.25-inch 5-quart Dutch oven, and a cast iron cover, which fits over the oven, and the 10.25-inch skillet.

This pretty much covers all your cooking needs and all the pieces come pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Vegetable oil makes the cookware very safe to use because no chemicals or synthetic coats are used.

Other features include long handles with holes at the end for easy hanging and helper handles on the opposite side.

However, hot handle holders are not included, which means you need oven mitts to handle the pieces when hot.   

Pros:

• 5-piece set with a griddle, 2 skillets, Dutch oven, and cover
• Pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil
• Long handles with hanging hooks
• Helper handles on the opposite side for easy carrying

Cons:

• Expensive
• Hot handle holders not included

4. Bruntmor BR3049 – Best 2-in-1

• Set Included: 2 Pieces
• Oven Safe: Yes
• Seasoned: Yes

Bruntmor’s BR3049 is a 2-in-1 cast iron cookware set that has a large 5-quart Dutch oven/ casserole and a domed cover that doubles up as a skillet, giving you more roasting space.

Both pieces are fitted with 2 sturdy side handles for secure handling and transportation, but these are quite short, which makes them a bit difficult to use. Additionally, they are not insulated, and thus, you need oven mitts or other heatproof gloves to hold when hot. 

On the bright side, the cookware is oven safe and has high heat retention with even heating. It is also perfect for oven-to-table presentations of beans, soup, stews, etc.

Pros:

• Large 5-quart Dutch oven
• Domed cover that doubles up as a skillet
• 2 sturdy carrying handles for secure handling and transportation
• Oven safe with high heat retention and even heating
• Ideal for oven-to-table presentations

Cons:

• Short handles make it a bit difficult to use
• Handles are not insulated

5. Bruntmor BR3193 – Best with a Non-Stick Surface

• Set Included: 2 Pieces
• Oven Safe: Yes
• Seasoned: Yes

Just like with the BR3049 above, this BR3193 model is a 2-in-1 multi-cooker with a heavy-duty 3-quart Dutch oven and lid, which can be used as a shallow skillet. Both pieces have a 100% non-stick enameled surface, which goes a long way in simplifying the cleaning process.

Additionally, the pieces come pre-seasoned, which further improves the non-stick capabilities, while also helping you eat healthier and cook food more efficiently.

Another benefit you get is that you can use this cookware on a stove, campfire or oven and expect it to produce the same cooking results because it distributes heat evenly.

Other features include a long carrying handle, a short helper handle, and black or red/white color options to choose from.

However, these handles are not insulated while the enamel surface requires gentle handling because it can be easily damaged.

Pros:

• 2-in-1 multicooker with a 3-quart Dutch oven and a lid
• Enameled surface for non-stick use
• Pre-seasoned for healthier eating and efficient cooking
• Oven safe

Cons:

• Non-insulated handles
• Enamel surface can be easily damaged

6. Utopia Kitchen UK0040 – Best with Superior Heat Retention

• Set Included: 1 Piece
• Oven Safe: Yes
• Seasoned: Yes

Utopia Kitchen’s UK0040 is characterized by superior heat retention, which will ensure it keeps your food warmer for longer periods of time.

The piece also comes pre-season with soy-based oil, which is very healthy, and this helps to prevent food from sticking to the surface, while also adding some flavor into the mix.

At a diameter of 12.5 inches, this skillet is very wide, giving you ample cooking space to prepare veggies, steaks, and the like. It is also compatible with all cooking sources, ranging from electric to induction, gas and glass cooktops, as well as grills, ovens, and campfires.

However, you only get a single piece with no cover, and it does not have a non-stick surface.

Pros:

• Superior heat retention property ensures your food remains warm for long
• Pre-season with soy-based oil
• Wide 12.5-inch size gives you ample cooking space
• Compatible with all cooking sources

Cons:

• No cover
• No non-stick surface

7. Victoria SKL-206 – Affordable-Good -heat retention

• Set Included: 1 Piece
• Oven Safe: Yes
• Seasoned: Yes

If you are on a tight budget, Victoria’s SKL-206 is an affordable cast iron pan that you should consider.

That said, the included pan gives good heat retention, keeping your food hot for at least 15 minutes once out of the stove. It also has a long, curved 4.5-inch handle that gives a good grip for easier handling, but it is not insulated for glove-free use when hot.

On the bright side, the skillet comes pre-season with 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil, which is very safe to use. This design allows small amounts of iron to be released as you cook so as to boost the mineral content in your diet.

Other features include 2 pour spouts on the sides for draining soup or other liquid foods and compatibility with multiple cooking sources such as ovens, campfires, grills, and also induction, ceramic, and gas cooktops, among many others.

However, the pan is quite small (6.5-inch diameter), which means it can cook a small amount of food, and it lacks a helper handle. There are 4 other size options though if you need a bigger pan (8, 10, 12- and 13-inch diameter), but these are costlier to buy.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Good heat retention
• Long, curved handle for good grip and easier handling
• Pre-seasoned with 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil
• Pour spouts on the sides for easy draining of soup

Cons:

• Small size
• Lacks a helping handle

8. Best Simple Chef – 3-Piece

• Set Included: 3 Pieces
• Oven Safe: Yes
• Seasoned: Yes

Simple Chef has generously equipped this cast iron cookware set with 3 pieces, giving you 6, 8- and 10-inch pans for cooking different food quantities in your kitchen.

All three are factory pre-seasoned, making them non-stick, easy to clean, and protected from scratches.

The pans are also safe to use on all kinds of stoves, campfires, and ovens and have superior heat retention capabilities that aid in even cooking and keeping your food hot for a long time after cooking.

Other features include pouring spouts on the sides for easy draining and long handles with a hanging hole at the end for neat storage after use.

However, no pan lids are included in the set and the pans do not have helper handles for easy carrying.

Pros:

• 3-piece set with 6, 8- and 10-inch pans
• Pre-seasoned for non-stick use
• Safe to use on all kinds of stoves, ovens, campfires, etc.
• Pouring spouts for easy draining
• Long handles for easy carrying

Cons:

• No pan covers
• No helper handles

9. Cuisinel Best – 2-Piece Set with Holders

• Set Included: 2 Pieces
• Oven Safe: Up to 480˚F
• Seasoned: Yes

Coming as a 2-piece set, Cuisinel’s cookware includes 2 heat resistant holders (1 for each pan), which fit on the long handles, thereby making it possible to hold the pans glove-free when hot.

That said, the pans in the set measure 10 and 12 inches respectively in diameter, and they are designed to have a smooth finish for even heat distribution when cooking.

The pieces are also oven-safe and can be used on all types of cooktops, making them very versatile. Other features include a helper handle and pouring spouts on the sides for easy draining.

However, the pieces are not dishwasher safe and no lids are included for each pan.

Pros:

• 2 heat resistant holders for glove-free pan holding
• Smooth finish for even heat distribution
• Oven safe
• Long main handles and helper handles for easy carrying

Cons:

• Not dishwasher safe
• No pan lids

10. Calphalon 1873975 – Best for Slow Cooking

• Set Included: 1 Piece
• Oven Safe: Yes
• Seasoned: Yes

Calphalon’s cookware rounds up the list, and it contains a single 12-inch diameter pan that is designed to heat evenly and steadily. This makes it ideal for traditional and slow cooking techniques, while also keeping your food warm long after cooking.

That said, the pan can be used on multiple cooking sources such as induction, electric, and gas cooktops, and is also oven and broiler safe, which means you can use it to prepare different types of meals.

Other features include a pre-seasoned surface for non-stick cooking, a long handle, and a helper handle for secure lifting and pouring spouts on the sides for easy draining. However, you get no lid to cover the pan when cooking.  

Pros:

• Heats evenly and steadily for traditional and slow cooking
• Compatible with all cooking sources
• Oven and broiler-safe
• Pre-seasoned surface for non-stick use

Cons:

• No lid

Conclusion

There you have it. Cast iron cookware is characteristically heavy, but this means high durability, high heat retention, and exceptional cooking capabilities.

With that in mind, after going through the cast iron cookware review above, you should be better informed so as to easily pick the best cast-iron cookware that works best for you.