To help you choose a suitable cast iron skillet for your kitchen, we’ve extensively researched recommendations from the Mumsnet forums, home to the largest online network of parents in the UK, to see the skillets our discerning users have tried, tested and loved. We also analysed the opinions of food industry experts and authentic consumer reviewers to ensure we're only bringing you the very best in our shortlist.

cast iron - BBC Good Food How to season cast iron - BBC Good Food

Many of the best cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, so your first friend egg shouldn’t be a complete disaster. However, extra seasoning to create a sturdy patina of oil is vital. Before you start cooking with your new skillet, coat it in your favourite oil with a pastry brush and then pop it in a hot oven for an hour. Reviewers were happy with this fantastic skillet’s durability; it’s not easy to scratch, and as long as it is dried thoroughly, it won’t rust. However, some found it too heavy for them to hold. Size: 26cm | Weight: 2kg | Pre-seasoned?: No | Enamelled?: Yes | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No What we like A skillet is more than just a frying pan; they can be oven safe, so it can be used to roast vegetables or as a pie dish, too. With many years of experience as a content and copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance.Size: 26cm | Weight: Not specified | Pre-seasoned?: Yes | Enamelled?: No | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No What we like If you want to batch cook, have a large family or enjoy preparing campfire food for lots of friends, the Petromax Fire Pan is the one for you. It’s massive, meaning this is a heavy pan, but it's virtually bombproof and will last for generations. The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a heavy-duty pan that will last for decades of regular use. It’s tough, so it won’t scratch or warp, and it's the perfect size for a small family.

Small Cast Iron Pan - Etsy UK Small Cast Iron Pan - Etsy UK

Gemma Lumley writes consumer content for Mumsnet with a focus on home and lifestyle product round-ups.

What is a cast iron skillet?

How easy they were to clean and store: cleaning a cast iron pan is pretty simple, just wipe clean, rinse and coat in a thin layer of oil. We made sure that there was no rusting after cleaning and looked for useful additions, like hanging holes in the handles. The price is high for such a small pan. However, the superior quality of Le Creuset products and the lifetime guarantee make it worth the investment. If you look after it and build the layers of seasoning, this quirky pan will become a family heirloom that cooks the best bacon in the world. Mumsnetters can’t get enough of Le Creuset either; from their casserole dishes to their baking trays, it’s considered a top-notch brand if you can afford to splash out. Size: 23cm | Weight: 1.9kg | Pre-seasoned?: No | Enamelled?: Yes | Induction hob safe?: Yes | Lid included?: No What we like