The Best Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set
We looked at the top 6 Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set and dug through the reviews from 17 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set.
Our Review Process
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Most of us receive gifts from our parents and grandparents, and not all of them achieve heirloom status. Sweaters might be relegated to the back of the wardrobe, and toys or knitted blankets might fall by the wayside as soon as the kids grow up. But if you do any cooking at all, there’s one hand-me-down that you should both use and cherish, and that’s a cast iron pan.
Cast iron cookware holds a place of honor in any kitchen, and not just because it looks imposing. Of all the materials you can cook with, this is one of the most versatile and definitely the most durable. If you treat them properly, cast iron pots and pans will actually get better the more you use them. For that reason alone, it’s worth doing a little research when buying this kind of cookware set. They may be a little pricier, but you can look forward to making tasty meals on them for the rest of your life.
First, let’s talk about the properties of cast iron. It may not seem like an ideal material for cooking from a novice perspective, given how slowly it heats up. But once it does heat up, it retains that heat for much longer relative to other metals. That makes the pans great for searing or frying meat. Cast iron can also handle the hotter temperatures of the typical oven, which means the pots can roast pork or other large dishes exceptionally well. If your set comes with a dutch oven (a type of heavy, thick-lidded pot) it will change the way you braise and brown your meats.
So, what should your set include? It all depends on the way you cook. At bare minimum a cookware set should come with a saucepan and a pot, hopefully with lids for each. If you plan on making multiple courses at once, you might need some more pots or pans of varying sizes, and maybe a rectangular dish for baking.
The most common type of cast iron cookware is bare cast iron, and you’ll know it when you see it. The black or grayish metal typically comes pre-seasoned, which means that it has a layer of oil baked into it. This is essential to cast iron’s durability, as well as its non-stick properties. Unlike other types of cookware, you won’t want to wash it with soap. Simply scrub it with water and a brush (or steel wool for stubborn stains). Every once in awhile, you’ll want to re-season the pot or pan yourself. It’s an easy bit of maintenance that will pay dividends for years to come.
If upkeep isn’t your thing, you may want to pay a little extra for enameled cast iron. These items have a coat of enamel that adds an extra layer of protection to the cookware, and eliminates the need for seasoning. It also allows you to cook acidic foods like tomatoes with impunity. (These foods can pick up a metallic taste from poorly seasoned cast iron.) On the other hand, this layer of enamel can crack over time, and it does make the cookware somewhat less conductive of heat.
Either way, cast iron is a worthy (some say necessary) addition to any kitchen arsenal. Buy the right set, and you’ll never have to buy another one — and neither, quite possibly, will your kids.
Our Picks For The Top Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set
- 1. Legend Integrated Handles Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set, 2-Piece
- 2. Cuisinel Glass Lids Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set, 11-Piece
- 3. Bruntmor Multi-function Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set, 8-Piece
- 4. Amazon Basics Dutch Oven Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set, 5-Piece
- 5. Lodge Easy-Grip Handles Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set, 5-Piece
Material-wise, this skillet and saucepan combo is as strong as it gets. The cast iron comes pre-seasoned and only gets more effective with additional TLC. As a bonus, the skillet can double as a lid for the saucepan.
Versatile Kitchen ToolsThis heavy but tough set turns two pieces into a kitchen full of cookware.
The cast iron on each of these items is polished to a smooth sheen, and the results are more than cosmetic. The bottom of each pot and pan distributes heat equally across the interior. Sturdy glass lids let you keep track of your cooking and dual handles allow you to carry heavy dishes.
Heats Up EvenlyEach item in this attractive kit is polished to allow for precision cooking.
Whatever you're cooking on, these pots and pans can handle the heat. Every piece of this set is pre-seasoned and will work equally well over campfires, in ovens or on induction stovetops. The dutch oven is the centerpiece of the kit, and it's especially durable.
Extremely DurableCampers and home chefs alike will get plenty of use out of this cookware.
This mid-size set can form the centerpiece of any kitchen arsenal. The dutch oven can handle any dish on the stovetop or oven, and the pans are made of the same strong iron. If seasoned occasionally, you can expect them to last for years.
Easy to MaintainA little care goes a long way with this durable set.
These pots and pans come pre-seasoned, but respond well to additional treatments. As long as you keep them clear of soap, food will cook evenly and without sticking. The handles are contoured for an easy grip.
Safe, Sturdy HandlesCook with confidence thanks to these well-designed pans.
Why we recommend these cast iron pots & pans set?
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The Best Bang For Your Buck
Amazon Basics Dutch Oven Cast Iron Pots & Pans Set, 5-Piece
Our Take
This mid-size set can form the centerpiece of any kitchen arsenal. The dutch oven can handle any dish on the stovetop or oven, and the pans are made of the same strong iron. If seasoned occasionally, you can expect them to last for years.
What to Look For
Once you’ve got your cast iron set, you’re in for endless nights of good cooking, plus a few adjustments to your cleaning routine. While bare cast iron is typically easy to wash, you don’t want to use soap — and under no circumstances should you put it in an automatic dishwasher. Soap will strip the cast iron of that all-important layer of oil that makes it non-stick, prevents rust and helps it cook evenly.
In fact, you’ll want to re-season your cast iron a couple of times a year to maintain it. Doing so is easy: First, coat your cookware with cooking oil or shortening. Wipe off any excess with a paper towel so that you’ve got a thin, even coating. Place it in the oven with a baking sheet or aluminum foil underneath to catch any drips. Bake the pot or pan at 450 degrees for one hour. Let your cookware cool fully, and you’re ready to use it again!
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