If you are looking for a healthy alternative to non-stick vessels, you must give the cast iron skillet a try. These pans turn into non-stick naturally over a period of time because of the seasoning (a smooth coating of polymerized fat) that develops with use.
This type of non-stick surface is free of synthetic chemicals and requires lesser oil. It also adds a small amount of iron in the food that you are cooking in the pan.
Since you can use the cast iron skillets for years, it is very important to choose the right pan according to your use. These factors can be helpful to you in selecting the best cast iron skillets.
Pre-Seasoned or Enameled:
In India, most of the cast iron skillets that are available are pre-seasoned which are coated with one or more layers of polymerized oil that provides a rustproof and non-stick finish to it.
If you are looking for pans that are easy to care for, you can buy enameled cast iron pans. These skillets don’t need any seasoning and you can even cook acidic foods.
Enameled cast iron killets are bit costlier, if you are looking for an affordable option, you can buy an uncoated cast iron skillet.
Size:
The cast iron skillets are available in various sizes ranging from 8 inches (20 cm) to 12 inches (35 cm). If you live in a small family with 2-3 members, you can buy smaller models of pans. They will be light and easy to manage. If you live in a joint family, you can buy a 10 or 12-inch skillet.
Weight:
While buying cast iron cookware, make sure you check the weight as they are a bit heavy. It might be a bit difficult to use a heavier pan after you fill it with food.
The cast iron skillets require some extra care and attention. Don’t worry if you are going to use a cast iron pan for the first time because we have explained how to use and maintain the cast iron skillets in the buying guide below.
Also, to help you buy the best cookware, we have shortlisted some of the best cast iron skillets available in the market. You can use them for a lifetime. Let’s check them out!
Table of Contents
6 Best Cast Iron Skillets in India
| Products | Size | Weight | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Cast Iron Skillet | 12 inch | 3.7 kg | Check On Amazon |
| Rock Tawa Cast Iron Skillet | 10.5 inch | 2.8kg | Check On Amazon |
| Embassy Cast Iron Skillet | 8 inch | 1.83 kg | Check On Amazon |
| Meyer Cast Iron Skillet | --- | 2.1 kg | Check On Amazon |
| Bhagya Cast Iron Skillet | 10 inch | 3kg | Check On Amazon |
| Trilonium Cast Iron Skillet | 8 inch | 8 inch | Check On Amazon |
Best Cast Iron Skillets Reviews in India 2021
1. AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
AmazonBasic sells the most desirable products at affordable prices. The pre-seasoned cast iron skillet is a delightful addition to your kitchen collection.
The heavy duty-cast iron retains the heat & distributes it evenly. It is good to go right out of the box as it comes pre-seasoned.
Its round shape, flat base, and slightly flared side edges add up to its versatility. It is very easy to use, and clean. The user-friendly handles make it easy to lift & move.
It can endure up to 260℃ heat and is completely oven-safe. You can use it on all cooking surfaces and it is advised to prevent dragging across glass surfaces.
A few other benefits of using Amazon Basic skillet:
- The skillet can be used for pan-frying, baking, searing, broiling, roasting, etc.
- It is pre-baked with penetrating vegetable oil resulting in a rather easier food release.
- You can try your signature dishes, everyday favourites, or something special with extra comfort.
The extra-large size skillet has a volume of 3.5 liters and can serve up to 3-4 people.
Warranty: Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
Depth: Not specified
Overall a valuable utensil to own that gives a uniquely delicious taste and a comfortable cooking experience.
Cleaning Process
- Use a stiff brush & hot water for cleaning after cooking
- Then rinse & towel dry
- Boil water in the cookware to remove the food that’s stuck
- Do not use soap and hard cleaning detergents
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
- Oven-safe to 260℃
- Pre-seasoned
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Heavyweight
2. Rock Tawa Cast Iron Skillet
Rock Tawa is an Indian brand, that uses Green sand moulding (a process that enhances the quality of iron cookware) to manufacture its products. A good reason why we placed this cast iron skillet second in our list.
Rock Tawa provides similar benefits like Lodge, just that it is a local brand. You can use the iron pan on gas, electric and induction stove tops. Which makes it a versatile product, capable of cooking complete items.
The cast iron skillet is pre-seasoned with sunflower oil, which makes it rust resistant, and ready for immediate use.
The Rock Tawa skillet is 4.2mm thick, meaning you can use it for high temperature cooking. A feature that is unique to iron vessels.
What we also like about this product was:
- The pan is deep enough to cook light curries
- Rock Tawa skillet comes with an extended handle which makes it easy to hold for a long time
- The sunflower oil coating makes it non-sticky and ideal for making items like dosas and omelet
It is a 10.5-inch pan, making it an ideal choice for small families. Moreover, because of the skillet’s thickness you can cook 2 to 3 items back to back without worrying about the pan losing its coat.
The Rock Tawa cast iron skillet weighs 2.8kg. We found it a bit heavier than Lodge, but still easy to hold, lift and cook compared to other iron vessels.
Warranty: 1 year
Depth: 5.2cm
Cleaning Process
- Do not use soap directly to clean
- Rinse the pan with warm water
- Use soapy water to clean the pan
- Season it after cleaning
Pros
- Ideal for back to back use
- Value for money
Cons
- Consumes more oil
3. Embassy Cast Iron Skillet
Embassy cast iron skillet is the most well-reviewed utensil that works efficiently and becomes good addition to your kitchen appliances.
The cast iron material provides excellent heat retention. It preserves and even improves the taste of your dish. The heat is evenly distributed very fast.
Its 8-inch size helps in storing and using without any hassle. It can be used on different platforms such as gas, electric, induction stovetops, and is the best appliance for camping.
You will receive a completely pre-seasoned skillet which is ready to use as soon as you take it out of the box.
Extra benefits in using Embassy Cast Iron Skillet
- Has great sturdiness and there won’t be any hardship in handling or moving the cookware.
- Great for preparing baking, roasting, sauteing, searing, pan-frying, broiling, and more.
- No synthetic or chemical coating is used. Pure vegetable oil is used for pre-seasoning.
- It weighs just 1.83 kg and has a depth of 2 inches.
Its 8-inch size, although small, has the advantage of getting hot real fast. It can easily cook for 3 people.
Warranty: Not specified
Depth: 2 inches
Overall, best-suited for preparing everyday dishes or newly inspired recipes.
Cleaning Process
- Hand wash is highly recommended.
- Dry it with a towel after cleaning.
- Rub with cooking oil to keep it ready for the next use.
Pros
- It is lead-free.
- Lightweight
Cons
- The iron handle gets hot real fast
- Not suited for dishwashing
4. Meyer Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Meyer’s Pre-seasoned cast iron skillet has proven to be an efficient cooking pan with features hard to find in its competitors. It is designed very carefully by undertaking feedbacks from over 1000 Indian kitchens.
It’s a ‘one-piece’ design, without any screws, joints, or even weldings. It comes with ‘pouring lips’ on both sides for your convenience.
High-temperature heat is distributed on the whole very fast and is retained for a long time saving so much gas or electricity. The heat-resistant canvas grip helps you in handling the cookware without any burns.
It doesn’t have any enamel, black paint, or chemical coating on it. It is pre-seasoned with 100% vegetarian oil.
Extra benefits in using Embassy Cast Iron Skillet
- You can use it for baking, frying & barbecuing with its impressive depth and wider surface.
- Can be used on induction, campfire, grill, oven & more.
- Great for sautéing, frying, searing, roasting, etc.
It weighs 2.1 kg and is very easy to use. Comes with great durability & sturdiness.
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Depth: 5 cm
Overall, the best choice to add a strong authentic Indian flavour to your dishes. The quality is of high standards and the price is reasonable.
Cleaning Process
- Must hand-wash
- Clean the surface with a stiff brush.
- Rinse with hot water & dry with a towel, do not air dry.
Pros
- Fast & efficient heat distribution
- Heat resistant canvas grip
Cons
- Heavyweight
5. Bhagya Cast Iron Skillet
The third in our list and for the good reason of being a naturally non-stick pan. Bhagya cast iron skillet gives you an enriched cooking experience. The brand has been in this industry for more than 35 years.
The cast iron skillet enhances the quality of your food by applying its touch of iron. Similar to the first two skillets, you can use this one-pan on gas, electric and induction stoves.
What is interesting about this product is that it is seasoned with Gingely Oil, with no added chemicals. This is the feature that makes this pan a good-health product.
Bhagya cast iron skillet is a practically designed cookware ideal for making curries, sautéing vegetables, baking items and you can also use it for seasoning your food items.
Here are some more benefits of using Bhagya cast iron skillet:
- Using this product will boost you iron intake
- The cookware is best for cooking semi-gravy items
- The item is manufactured with organic oil
This is a 10-inch pan, which makes it the best choice for all types of cooking. Also its 8-inch bottom helps in placing it on any kind of gas stove without the vessel getting tilted.
But, compared to its predecessors, Lodge and Rock Tawa, this cast iron skillet weighs 3kg. We did say it’s a bit heavy, but even then easy to manage.
Warranty: 1-year warranty on material and manufacturing defect
Cleaning Process
- Wash the skillet with plain water
- Use plastic scrubber to remove the residues
- Dry thoroughly
- Season it with light coat of oil
Pros
- Lasts for generations
- No Teflon coating
Con
- Heavier than normal skillet
6. Trilonium Cast Iron Skillet
The best part about cooking in cast iron cookware is that it adds some iron into your food, and that is exactly what Trilonium does.
Like Bhagya and Rock Tawa, this too is a Made in India product, hence the shipping time will be less.
You can use Trilonium skillet on multiple heat sources, such as – gas, hot plates, ceramic, open fires, charcoals, oven and OTGs, and induction. So, we did say this iron pan is again one of the best options for outdoor use.
The skillet is seasoned with Natural Cold Pressed Oil, which means you can buy and start using the pan directly without worrying about seasoning.
Other benefits that you get from Trilonium are:
- Lighter than the rest of the iron skillet pans that we have mentioned so far
- Comes at an affordable rate
- Best quality product for regular use
Trilonium is an 8-inch pan, meaning its smaller than rest, but is 6mm thick. So, we did say one of the best heat enduring pan in our list.
The weight of the skillet is 1.2kgs, which is way lighter than Lodge, Bhagya and the rest of the lot.
Warranty: Not Specified
Depth: 5cms
Cleaning Process
- Rinse with warm water right after cooking
- Use mild soap if necessary
- Wipe dry immediately after rinsing
- Do not scrub with metal scrubber
Pros
- Gets better with each use
- Has a smooth surface
Cons
- Not a regular black colored pan
Frequently Asked Questions
After an extensive research we have listed 5 best cast iron skillets in our list. Among them Lodge brand comes first in the list, and has been recommended by number of users too.
Conclusion
There are three good reasons why you should be cooking on iron cast skillets – it fortifies your food with iron, unlike non-stick cooking items it does not have any chipping issues, and you can use it continuously without bothering about the vessel getting overheated.
Also, an interesting fact about iron skillets is that they get better with every use.
Now that makes this cookware a legacy that can be passed on to generations!
We did strongly recommend cast iron skillets to everyone who wish to stay healthy and also eat tasty food.
Our personal favorite is AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, for the obvious reason of brand name, and also because it is an eco-friendly product.
We hope that this review article has helped you to make the right choice, and also provided enough information about cast iron skillets.
Do share your thoughts.
Also, if you have already used any of these 6 iron skillets then let us know about your experience.
Stay a foodie!
3 Responses
Article is very informative. It’s true that heavier cast iron skillet is better. I am using Rustik Craft Cast Iron Skillet since last 3 years. That is chemical free preseasoned and heaviest among all of above. I am quite satisfied with it. You should include Rustik Craft in it.
Thanks for sharing your information. we shall look into it.
Wo
What a scholarly article. It has covered everything needed for a new bee. Thanks a lot for sharing this important information. Keep it up.My best wishes