While Lodge may be the most well-known name in US-made cast iron, it’s certainly not the only player in the game! Our curated list of American-made cast iron cookware showcases both time-honored companies with decades of iron-smithing expertise and innovative newcomers who are reimagining classic designs with a modern twist.
Whether you’re a die-hard cast iron enthusiast or just beginning your collection, there’s a wealth of exceptional, US-crafted options to explore beyond Lodge.
Our TopPick
- Best Dutch Oven for Slow Cooking: Field Company Preseasoned Dutch Oven
Jump to review - Best for Specialty Baking: Challenger Bread Pan
Jump to review - Best Handmade Artisan Skillet: Backcountry Iron Smooth Wasatch Round Skillet
Jump to review - Best Enameled Cast Iron: Borough Furnace Enameled Dutch Oven
Jump to review - Best Cast Iron Cookware Set: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Set
Jump to review - Best Overall Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Chef Collection Cast Iron Skillet
Jump to review - Best Large Skillet for Big Batches: Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet
Jump to review - Most Stylish Cast Iron Piece: LAVA 5 Quarts Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Jump to review
Why Choose US-Made Cast Iron Cookware?
Before diving into the cookware recommendations, let’s take a moment to understand why US-made cast iron is worth the investment. American manufacturers are known for their quality craftsmanship, ensuring attention to detail and strict quality control. These pieces are built to last and retain heat well, giving you cookware that cooks evenly and stands the test of time.
There’s also a clear environmental and ethical benefit to buying US-made products. Supporting local manufacturing not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports businesses that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. By choosing cookware made in the US, you’re investing in quality while contributing to a more sustainable, mindful market.
What to Look for in Cast Iron Cookware
When shopping for cast iron cookware, it’s important to consider a few key features:
- Weight and Size: A thicker, heavier cast iron pan generally provides better heat retention and even cooking. However, remember that weight can impact maneuverability, so find a balance that works for you.
- Type of Finish: Preseasoned vs. enameled—preseasoned cast iron will develop a natural nonstick layer over time with proper care, while enameled cast iron provides a smoother surface that’s easier to clean. Enameled cast iron is ideal if you want a low-maintenance option, though it may not last quite as long as traditional seasoned iron.
- Versatility: Think about whether the cookware is oven-safe, induction-compatible, and suitable for a range of cooking techniques. One of the best parts about cast iron is its versatility—it’s great for baking, searing, frying, and roasting.
8 Best US-Made Cast Iron Cookware
Best Dutch Oven for Slow Cooking: Field Company Preseasoned Dutch Oven
The Field Company Preseasoned Dutch Oven is the ultimate choice for slow-cooking enthusiasts. Its thick, heavy cast iron walls retain and distribute heat evenly, making it perfect for slow-cooked dishes that develop deep flavors over time. The factory pre-seasoning means this Dutch oven is ready for use right out of the box, and it only gets better with each use as the seasoning builds. Whether you’re making stews, soups, or braised dishes, this Dutch oven can handle it all.
Quick Overview:
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Capacity: 4.5 qt
- Pros: Excellent heat retention, pre-seasoned, versatile for stovetop and oven
- Cons: Heavy, requires occasional re-seasoning
Best for Specialty Baking: Challenger Bread Pan
The Challenger Bread Pan is a top choice for serious bakers, especially those crafting homemade bread. Its thick cast iron walls create an optimal environment for baking bread, with even heating and excellent moisture retention that results in perfectly crispy crusts and tender interiors. The unique shape and tight-fitting lid are designed to hold in steam, which is essential for bakery-quality loaves.
Quick Overview:
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Capacity: Ideal for up to 2 lb loaves
- Pros: Retains heat and steam for perfect crust, durable design, pre-seasoned
- Cons: Bulky, specifically designed for bread baking
Best Handmade Artisan Skillet: Backcountry Iron Smooth Wasatch Round Skillet
The Backcountry Iron Smooth Wasatch Round Skillet offers an artisan touch with a smooth, hand-finished surface ideal for even cooking. This skillet’s handmade quality and attention to detail make it a fantastic piece for searing, frying, and sautéing with a consistent heat distribution. The pre-seasoned finish ensures that food releases easily and the skillet only improves with use.
Quick Overview:
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Diameter: 10 inches
- Pros: Hand-finished smooth surface, pre-seasoned, great heat retention
- Cons: Hand wash only, heavier than other 10-inch pans
Best Enameled Cast Iron: Borough Furnace Enameled Dutch Oven
The Borough Furnace Enameled Dutch Oven combines function and style with its glossy enamel coating, making it a beautiful and practical addition to any kitchen. The enameled surface means it’s easy to clean and doesn’t require seasoning, so it’s great for low-maintenance cooking. It’s available in a range of attractive colors and can go directly from the stove to the table as a stylish serving piece.
Quick Overview:
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Capacity: 4.5 qt
- Pros: Easy to clean, doesn’t need seasoning, available in multiple colors
- Cons: More delicate than traditional cast iron, pricier
Best Cast Iron Cookware Set: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Set
The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Set is a fantastic starter kit for anyone new to cast iron cooking. This set includes a 10.25-inch skillet, a 5-quart Dutch oven with a lid, and an 8-inch skillet—perfect for a range of cooking tasks. Each piece is pre-seasoned and built for durability, ideal for beginners or cast iron enthusiasts looking to expand their collection with reliable, versatile pieces.
Quick Overview:
- Weight: Varies per piece
- Includes: 10.25” skillet, 5 qt Dutch oven with lid, 8” skillet
- Pros: Great starter set, pre-seasoned, multi-use pieces
- Cons: Heavy, requires maintenance
Best Overall Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Chef Collection Cast Iron Skillet
The Lodge Chef Collection Cast Iron Skillet is the perfect all-purpose skillet, combining Lodge’s trusted quality with a slightly lighter weight and smoother finish than their classic cast iron. Its flared edges make for easy flipping, stirring, and pouring, while the excellent heat retention and even cooking make it a go-to choice for everything from frying to baking.
Quick Overview:
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Diameter: 10 inches
- Pros: Durable, pre-seasoned, ergonomic design for easier handling
- Cons: Hand wash only, some may prefer a heavier skillet
Best Large Skillet for Big Batches: Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet
The Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet is designed with a generous cooking surface, making it ideal for large batches or family-sized meals. Its wide diameter and smooth cooking surface ensure even heat distribution and a nonstick-like release when properly seasoned. This skillet is crafted with lighter cast iron, so it’s easier to handle despite its size.
Quick Overview:
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Diameter: 12 inches
- Pros: Large cooking surface, lighter for its size, pre-seasoned
- Cons: Larger footprint, requires regular seasoning
Most Stylish Cast Iron Piece: LAVA 5 Quarts Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The LAVA 5 Quarts Cast Iron Dutch Oven is as stylish as it is functional, perfect for serving directly from the stovetop to the table. This Dutch oven is built to last, with thick walls and a heavy lid to keep heat and moisture locked in. Available in several striking colors, it’s as beautiful as it is practical, making it ideal for those who love to entertain.
Quick Overview:
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Capacity: 5 qt
- Pros: Attractive design, great for serving, versatile size
- Cons: Heavy, more expensive due to premium design
Here’s a comparison chart to help you quickly compare some key features, dimensions, pros, and cons of popular cast iron cookware pieces:
Comparison Chart (Optional)
| Cookware Piece | Key Features | Dimensions | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Iron Skillet (10.25″) | Versatile, classic design, even heat distribution | Diameter: 10.25 inches | – Ideal for frying, searing, and sautéing – Great for beginners – Retains heat well | – Heavy – Requires regular seasoning – Can be difficult to handle when full |
| Cast Iron Dutch Oven (5qt) | Deep pot with a lid, ideal for braising and stews | Capacity: 5 quarts | – Perfect for soups, stews, and slow cooking – Works in oven and on stovetop – Great heat retention | – Very heavy – Takes up more space in storage – Long cooking time for some dishes |
| Cast Iron Grill Pan | Ribbed surface, perfect for grilling indoors | Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 inches | – Gives grill marks – Can be used indoors – Retains heat well for searing | – Heavier than nonstick grill pans – Needs to be preheated properly for best results |
| Cast Iron Skillet (12″) | Larger skillet for family-sized meals | Diameter: 12 inches | – Larger cooking surface – Great for searing larger portions – Can handle larger meals | – Extremely heavy – Takes up a lot of space in storage |
| Cast Iron Griddle | Flat surface, two-burner design for pancakes, etc. | Dimensions: 20 x 10 inches | – Great for pancakes, bacon, and sandwiches – Can fit over two burners | – Very large and heavy – Needs significant storage space |
| Cast Iron Sauté Pan | Shallow pan with wide surface area | Diameter: 10 inches | – Perfect for sautéing vegetables – Large cooking surface – Even heat distribution | – Lighter than a skillet but still heavy – Not as versatile as a deep skillet |
This chart should help you get a better sense of which piece might be right for you, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced home cook! Each piece offers unique benefits depending on your cooking style and needs.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Cast Iron Cookware
So, you’ve got yourself some beautiful cast iron cookware – now, let’s talk about how to take care of it. Proper care is what will keep your cast iron in great shape for decades, even generations! Here’s the rundown:
- Cleaning Your Cast Iron: After each use, you want to clean it gently. Forget about using harsh detergents or steel wool! Hot water is all you need. If something’s stuck, use a non-abrasive scrub brush or a special cast iron cleaner. The key here? Don’t let it soak in water. Cast iron loves to rust if it’s left wet for too long!
- Drying Your Cast Iron: Once cleaned, immediately dry it with a towel and place it over low heat for a minute to ensure all moisture is gone. Leaving your cast iron wet is a big mistake. It invites rust, and we all know how hard that is to get rid of.
- Re-seasoning Your Cast Iron: Over time, your pan might start to lose its seasoning (that beautiful black coating that makes it naturally nonstick). Don’t panic! It’s easy to bring it back to life. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or flaxseed oil to the surface. Pop it in the oven upside down at 450°F for an hour. This process helps to rebuild that nonstick layer and protect it from rust.
- Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t use soap unless absolutely necessary. Soap strips away the seasoning.
- Avoid cooking acidic foods (like tomatoes) in a new, unseasoned pan. It can break down the seasoning.
- Never leave it wet. After washing, dry it thoroughly right away.
- Avoid storing food in your cast iron, especially things like stews or sauces. The moisture can cause rust.
Final Thoughts
So, why bother investing in high-quality, US-made cast iron cookware? Because it’s built to last, and with a little love, it will only get better with age. For beginners, a simple 10.25-inch skillet is a great starting point – versatile, easy to manage, and perfect for most meals. If you’re looking for something for more specific needs, maybe a Dutch oven is your best bet, especially if you love slow cooking or making stews.
