Cast Iron Cookware Buying Guide

Cast Iron Cookware Buying Guide: Skillets, Frying Pans & Casseroles

Cast iron cookware holds heat like nothing else in the kitchen. Perfect for searing steak with a proper crust, or keeping a stew at a steady simmer for hours, ready to go straight from hob to oven to table. A good piece of cast iron will outlast almost everything else you cook with and choosing the right one comes down to three things:

- What you cook most often, whether that is searing, frying, slow cooking or baking
- How many people you usually cook for
- Whether you want enamelled cast iron that needs no seasoning, or traditional pre-seasoned cast iron that builds a natural non-stick surface over time. 

Which cast iron pan do you need?

The right piece depends on what you cook most. If you only buy one, buy for the meal you make every week rather than the one you make twice a year. But if you are after a more versatile range, then one of our sets are likely to become a daily staple in your kitchen, with a cast iron suited to every occasion. 

Shop the full Cast Iron Range

Enamelled or pre-seasoned cast iron?

This is the choice that shapes how you cook and how you look after your cast iron.

Enamelled cast iron has a glossy coating fired onto the iron. It needs no seasoning, will not rust and is safe for acidic foods like tomato sauces, wine-based braises and citrus. That makes it the natural choice for a cast iron casserole dish, and the colourful finishes look good enough to serve from. Browse enamelled Cast Iron Cookware.

Pre-seasoned cast iron arrives with a layer of baked-on oil that gives it a natural non-stick surface. It gets better the more you cook with it, handles very high heat. The upkeep of a pre-seasoned cast iron however is more taxing as it requires a quick dry and a light wipe of oil after washing to keep it in good condition and prevent rusting.

If you want low maintenance, rust-resistant, reliable cookware choose enamelled. We exclusively stock an extensive range of enamelled cast iron cookware, available on our website. 

Will cast iron work on your hob?

Cast iron cookware works on every hob type, including induction, gas, electric, ceramic and halogen. Because iron is magnetic, cast iron pans are one of the best choices for induction cooking.

On glass and ceramic hobs, lift the pan rather than sliding it to avoid scratches. Heat cast iron gradually over a low to medium flame and let it build up. It holds heat so well that you rarely need the highest setting.

Cast iron is also oven safe, which is what makes it so versatile. Sear on the hob, finish in the oven and serve at the table from the same pan. Check the knob on enamelled casserole lids, as some have a lower maximum oven temperature than the dish itself.

What size and weight should you choose?

Cast iron is heavy, and that weight is exactly why it holds heat so well. It is still worth being realistic about what you can lift comfortably when the pan is full and hot.

A cast iron skillet or frying pan suits most households of two to four and fits all hob rings, which is why it is often considered the best for everyday griddling and searing. A cast iron frying pan is ideal for smaller portions and eggs, suitable for every small to medium household.

For a cast iron casserole dish, judge it by the largest batch you cook rather than an average weeknight. A 26cm (4.3L) casserole feeds four to six and is the most popular all-rounder, making it best for most kitchens and larger families. Choose 28cm (5.8L) if you enjoy batch cooking or entertaining. This cast iron is shallower, making it ideal for paellas and risottos, as well as getting a sear on meats or building up a socarrat. It makes for a perfect centre piece to a table and looks the part on the side in any kitchen. Our 20cm (2.8L) is perfect for smaller families and couples, great for gentle simmers and a brilliant entry-level cast iron. All of our cast iron casseroles are equipped with self-basting lids which are great for locking in moisture and developing a richer flavour, unachievable from a non-stick or stainless steel pan. 

How do you look after cast iron?

Looked after properly, cast iron cookware lasts for generations, and it takes less effort than most people expect.

For enamelled cast iron, wash in warm soapy water and avoid metal scourers. Use wooden, silicone or nylon utensils to protect the enamel, and let the pan cool before washing so it is not shocked by cold water.

See our Cast Iron Care Guide for more info on the Do's & Don'ts of cast iron pots and pans. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cast iron pan for beginners?
A 20cm Enamelled Cast Iron Casserole. Its compact size is perfect as an entry level, starter cast iron and is light enough to manage one-handed for short lifts so perfect for everybody. If you mainly fry, sear, make smaller quantities or sauces, then the best suited to you would be a Cast Iron Frying Pan, the most versatile of our cast iron range and perfect for smaller households. 

What is the difference between a cast iron skillet and a cast iron frying pan?
A Cast Iron Skillet has ridges through it, making it better for searing, charring and griddling. A Cast Iron Frying Pan has a flat surface, making it more versatile and suitable for frying eggs, flipping pancakes and everyday frying.

Is a cast iron casserole dish the same as a Dutch Oven?
Yes. A Dutch Oven is simply another name for a heavy, lidded cast iron casserole. Both describe a deep pot made for braising, stewing, slow cooking and baking bread. Our cast iron best suited for the use of a Dutch Oven would be our 26cm Deep Cast Iron Casserole. These are made for stewing, braising, roasting, searing and even baking bread. 

Can you use cast iron on an induction hob?
Yes. Cast iron is magnetic, so every piece of cast iron cookware works on induction, as well as on gas, electric and ceramic hobs. 

Is Vitreous Enamel Cast Iron non-stick?
Enamelled cast iron is not non-stick in the same way as a Tri-Ply or normal non-stick pan, but has a smooth surface to prevent foods sticking as aggressively as unseasoned metal. A little oil or butter and a properly preheated pan will stop food from catching as easily. The pan is fused at high temperatures with a glass based finish so no seasoning is required and the pan has an extra layer of rust resistance. 

Can you cook acidic food in cast iron?
In enamelled cast iron, yes. The enamel protects the iron, so tomato sauces, wine and citrus are no problem. In pre-seasoned cast iron, short cooking times are fine, but long simmers of acidic dishes can wear away the seasoning. This is why we firmly believe enamelled cast iron is the most versatile and best suited to everyday kitchens. 

Can cast iron go in the dishwasher?
We recommend washing all cast iron cookware by hand. The dishwasher strips the seasoning from traditional cast iron and can dull the finish on enamelled pieces over time.

Does cast iron cookware last forever?
With basic care, it can last for generations. Enamelled cast iron will last for decades as long as the enamel is not chipped by metal utensils or sudden temperature changes. To see how to get the most out of your cast iron pan check out our care guide. 

Find your cast iron cookware

Compare every cast iron skillet, frying pan, griddle and casserole dish in the full cast iron cookware range, and read our care guide for cast iron cookware to keep it cooking for years.