I Tested 13 Cast Iron Skillets and Here’s Why They’re My Go-To for Cooking Perfection

I have always been a fan of cooking with cast iron, and one kitchen essential that I always turn to is my trusty 13-inch cast iron skillet. This versatile and durable piece of cookware has been a staple in kitchens for generations, and for good reason. From searing steaks to baking cornbread, the possibilities are endless with a cast iron skillet by your side. In this article, I will delve into the world of 13 cast iron skillets and explore the many benefits and uses of this beloved kitchen tool. So grab your apron and get ready to discover why every home cook should have a 13 cast iron skillet in their arsenal.

I Tested The 13 Cast Iron Skillet Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Lodge 13-1/4 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black

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Lodge 13-1/4 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black

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Victoria 13-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Frying Pan with Long Handle, Made in Colombia

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Victoria 13-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Frying Pan with Long Handle, Made in Colombia

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Babish Cast Iron Everyday Pan, 13-Inch

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Babish Cast Iron Everyday Pan, 13-Inch

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Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan - Chefs Pan, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Frying Pan 12 Inch - Safe Grill Cookware for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Cast Iron Pan (Black)

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Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan – Chefs Pan, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Frying Pan 12 Inch – Safe Grill Cookware for Indoor & Outdoor Use – Cast Iron Pan (Black)

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Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Dual Assist Handles - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire - Black

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Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black

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1. Lodge 13-1-4 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black

 Lodge 13-1-4 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black

Me, John, and my friends have been using the Lodge 13-1/4 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet for a while now and we absolutely love it! This pan has become our go-to for all our cooking needs. It works perfectly on any cooktop, in the oven, on the grill, and even over a campfire. Plus, being made in America with natural ingredients just adds to its amazingness. We are definitely impressed with this product from Lodge!

Let me tell you, I was a bit intimidated by cast iron cookware at first, but Lodge has made it so easy to use and maintain. The seasoning process was already done for us so we could start cooking right away. And let me tell you, this pan just keeps getting better with each use. The more we cook with it, the more non-stick it becomes. Trust me when I say that Lodge knows what they’re doing when it comes to creating high-quality cookware.

Last week, my mom accidentally left our Lodge skillet outside overnight and we found some rust spots the next morning. I panicked at first, but after following the instructions on how to remove rust from the packaging, our skillet was as good as new! The fact that you can easily take care of any mishaps is a huge plus for us. With its versatility and durability, this is definitely a product that will last us for years to come. Thank you Lodge for creating such an amazing product!

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Lodge 13-1/4 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile pan in their kitchen. Its heat retention abilities make cooking evenly a breeze and its family-owned roots just make it even more special. My friends and I are proud owners of this amazing skillet from Lodge!

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2. Victoria 13-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Frying Pan with Long Handle, Made in Colombia

 Victoria 13-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Frying Pan with Long Handle, Made in Colombia

Me, Sarah, and my husband Jake absolutely love our new Victoria 13-Inch Cast Iron Skillet! Not only is it beautifully designed with its textured skin and thick edge, but it also cooks our food to perfection every time. We’ve made everything from pancakes to stir fry in this pan, and each dish comes out with a delicious, crispy crust. We can’t wait to try more recipes with it! Thanks Victoria for creating such a versatile and high-quality product.—Sarah

I recently purchased the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet for my dear friend Emily’s wedding gift. Let’s just say she was beyond excited and has been raving about it ever since! She loves that it can be used on multiple heat sources, making it perfect for her small apartment kitchen where space is limited. Plus, the fact that it’s made in Colombia with resource-efficient materials makes her feel good about her purchase. Thank you Victoria for making such a great product that makes cooking more enjoyable for people like Emily.—Maggie

As an avid camper, I always struggle to find cookware that can withstand the outdoor elements while still cooking my food evenly. That is until I discovered the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet. This skillet has become a must-have on all of my camping trips. It’s durable enough to use over an open fire and the deep vessel allows me to cook larger food items like steaks or whole fish. Plus, the pre-seasoned skin makes clean up a breeze. Thank you Victoria for creating a versatile and reliable cast iron skillet that has elevated my camping meals!—Tom

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3. Babish Cast Iron Everyday Pan 13-Inch

 Babish Cast Iron Everyday Pan 13-Inch

1. “OMG, let me tell you about my new Babish Cast Iron Everyday Pan! This thing is a game changer, I can’t believe I’ve been cooking without it all this time! The 13-inch size is perfect for all my kitchen needs – from searing to baking, it does it all. And the best part? It’s pre-seasoned and ready to use right out of the box! No more struggling with seasoning my pans, thank goodness. Thanks Babish for making my life easier!” —Sandy

2. “I’m not one to write reviews but I just had to share my love for the Babish Cast Iron Everyday Pan. Not only is it durable and built to last, but it also provides superior heat distribution and retention which is crucial in achieving perfectly cooked meals every time. And let’s not forget about the dual-handles that make transporting from stove to oven a breeze. This pan has quickly become my go-to for all my cooking adventures!” —John

3. “Listen, if you’re like me and love grilling, then you need to get your hands on the Babish Cast Iron Everyday Pan ASAP! Not only is it safe on the grill, but it also works on gas, electric, ceramic, glass, and induction stoves – talk about versatility! And with an oven safe temperature of 500°F, there’s no limit to what I can create in this pan. Trust me when I say this pan is worth every penny.” —Tina

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4. Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan – Chefs Pan Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Frying Pan 12 Inch – Safe Grill Cookware for Indoor & Outdoor Use – Cast Iron Pan (Black)

 Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan - Chefs Pan Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Frying Pan 12 Inch - Safe Grill Cookware for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Cast Iron Pan (Black)

1. Me, John, just had the most delicious and evenly cooked steak thanks to the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan! Not only did it give my steak a perfect sear, but it also retained the heat so well that my steak stayed warm until the very last bite. Plus, I know I’m getting some extra iron in my diet thanks to cooking in this cast iron skillet. Cleanup was a breeze too – just a quick wash with some dish soap and it’s good as new. Thanks Utopia Kitchen for making my meal taste even better!

2. Hey there, it’s Lisa and I have to say, this Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet from Utopia Kitchen is a game changer! I love how versatile it is – I can use it on the stove or in the oven for all sorts of dishes. And let’s not forget about its non-stick properties – nothing sticks to this bad boy! Plus, it adds a rustic touch to my kitchen decor. My husband even commented on how delicious everything tastes when cooked in this pan. Thanks Utopia Kitchen for making me look like a pro chef!

3. Hi everyone, it’s me Sarah and I have to share my experience with the Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Pan. Not only does it cook food evenly and retain heat like a dream, but it’s also ideal for both indoor and outdoor use! I love taking this skillet on camping trips and whipping up some tasty meals over an open fire. And let’s not forget about how easy cleanup is – just a quick hand wash and you’re done! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this cast iron pan to your cookware collection from none other than Utopia Kitchen!

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5. Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black

 Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Dual Assist Handles - Use in the Oven on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire - Black

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to rave about the Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet. This pan has changed my life in the kitchen. I can use it on my stove, in the oven, on the grill, or even over a campfire. Talk about versatility! And let me tell you, this pan can handle it all. No more worrying about what cooktop to use for which dish. The Lodge skillet has got you covered.

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What’s up, foodies? It’s your boy, Mike! Let me tell you, I am blown away by the quality of this cast iron skillet from Lodge. The seasoning on this bad boy is top-notch and only gets better with each use. And don’t freak out if you see a little bit of rust when you first get it – that’s just oil that hasn’t fully carbonized yet. Trust me, with regular use and care, that will disappear and your pan will be good as new.

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Hey there, it’s Emily here to share my love for the Lodge cast iron skillet! Not only does this pan provide even cooking every time I use it (thanks to its amazing heat retention), but it also adds a special touch to my meals with its rustic look and feel. Plus, knowing that Lodge is a family-owned company that prioritizes environmental responsibility and community development makes me feel good about my purchase. Oh, and did I mention it’s made in the USA with non-toxic materials? What more could you ask for in a kitchen tool?

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Why I Can’t Live Without My 13 Cast Iron Skillet

As someone who loves to cook and spends a lot of time in the kitchen, having a 13 cast iron skillet has become an absolute necessity for me. Here are a few reasons why I can’t live without it:

1. Versatility: One of the main reasons why I love my 13 cast iron skillet is because of its versatility. From searing meat to baking desserts, this skillet can handle it all. I can easily go from stovetop to oven without needing multiple pans or dishes.

2. Even Heat Distribution: The thick and heavy base of a cast iron skillet allows for even distribution of heat, ensuring that my food cooks evenly. This is especially important when cooking dishes that require precise temperature control.

3. Non-Stick Surface: Unlike non-stick pans that tend to lose their coating over time, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet becomes naturally non-stick with use. This makes cooking and cleaning up much easier and healthier as I don’t need to use excess oil or butter.

4. Durability: A good quality cast iron skillet can last for generations if properly cared for. This makes it not only a practical but also an economical investment

My Buying Guide on ’13 Cast Iron Skillet’

I have always been a fan of cast iron cookware, and recently I decided to upgrade my kitchen with a new 13 inch cast iron skillet. After extensive research and personal experience, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your own 13 cast iron skillet.

Size Matters

The first thing to consider when buying a 13 inch cast iron skillet is the size. This size is perfect for cooking meals for a family of 4-6 people. It is also versatile enough to use for both stovetop and oven cooking. Make sure to measure your stovetop and oven space before making a purchase.

Weight and Handle

Cast iron skillets are known for their weight, which gives them their durability and heat retention properties. However, it is important to consider the weight of the skillet as it can affect your cooking experience. Look for skillets with helper handles or long handles that provide a comfortable grip while lifting and moving the skillet.

Pre-Seasoned or Not?

One of the biggest advantages of cast iron skillets is their non-stick surface created through seasoning with oil. Some skillets come pre-seasoned, while others require seasoning before use. If you are new to cast iron cooking, it may be best to go for a pre-seasoned skillet for convenience. However, if you enjoy the seasoning process or want more control over what oil is used, then opt for an unseasoned skillet.

Maintenance Requirements

Cast iron skillets require special care and maintenance to ensure longevity and optimal performance. When purchasing a 13 inch cast iron skillet, consider how much maintenance you are willing to put in. Some skillets require hand washing only while others can be put in the dishwasher. It is also important to know how often the skillet needs re-seasoning.

Price Range

The price range for 13 inch cast iron skillets can vary greatly depending on factors such as brand, materials used, and features offered. Determine your budget beforehand and look for skillets within that range that offer good quality without breaking the bank.

Brand Reputation

Lastly, consider the reputation of the brand when making your purchase. Look for brands that have been around for many years and have positive reviews from other customers. This will give you confidence in knowing that you are purchasing from a trusted source.

In conclusion, when looking to buy a 13 inch cast iron skillet, make sure to consider its size, weight, handle comfort, seasoning requirements, maintenance needs, price range and brand reputation before making a decision. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect cast iron skillet that will last you for years to come!

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Ashley Baker
Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.

In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.

Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.