If there is one piece of equipment you should never miss in your kitchen is a cast iron skillet. When it comes to heat distribution and retention, cast iron provides unmatched performance. As a result, cast iron skillets provides incredible results when searing, frying, sautéing, braising, baking among other forms of cooking. They are a bit heavy and thick but they last for decades. If you are on a budget, finding a cheap and reliable cast iron skillet can be very difficult because most of the cheap models lack some key features. In this article, we shall reveal the 3 best iron skillets under 100 for those who are on a budget.
Our Top 3 Cast Iron Skillets under 100
| Product Name | Key features | Check price |
| Lodge Cast Iron Skillet | Durable constructionIt comes with a silicone handle holderIncredible heat retentionCheap price | |
| Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | It comes as a set of two skilletsTough constructionEasy to maintain10.25 Inches diameter | |
| Legend cast iron skillet with lid | Diameter- 10 inches2-in-1 skilletComes with a lid |
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned with Silicone Hot Handle Holder- Best Cast Iron Skillet Under 50
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is among the cheapest cast iron skillets on the market. Despite its affordable price, it offers incredible heat retention and unmatched even cooking. You can use it over campfires, in the oven, on the stove or even on a grill. It is also easy to clean since you only need to hand wash it and then dry it using a paper towel. It comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and the good thing is that it does not have chemicals or artificial coating. The seasoning creates an easy to release finish and it gets better the more you use the pan. It is also compatible with induction cook tops. A silicone handle holder is also included to enhance your safety when using handling the pan. For those with a large family, this skillet is a good option because it has a diameter of 10.25 inches. This means that it can hold enough food for your family.
Specification
Diameter : 10.25 Inches
Material : Cast iron
Color : Red Silicone
Oven safe up to 500°F
What we like
- Affordable price
- Solid construction
- Excellent heat retention
- Easy to maintain
- It comes with a silicone handle holder
- Compatible with all stove tops
What we dislike
- Heavy skillet
- Rough interior
FAQ
1. Does it come with a lid?
No but you can buy a 10.25 inch lid separately.
2. How deep is this skillet?
This skillet is 2 inches deep
3. Is the pan made in the USA?
Yes
4. Which oil should I use to season the pan?
You can use any food grade oil but vegetable oil is the best.
Verdict
If you are searching for a budget friendly cast iron skillet for searing, frying, braising, sautéing, broiling and baking, Lodge Cast Iron Skillet will be a suitable choice. It also has a tough construction to enhance durability.
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 4 Piece Bundle- Best cast iron skillet under 100
If you have been planning to buy a set of cast iron skillets, Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 4 piece will be a great choice. These pans provide excellent heat distribution and retention since they are made of cast iron. In addition, they come with a transparent glass lid which allows you to cook even without opening the lid. The tempered glass features a thermal shock resistant technology. You can use them in an oven over campfires, on a stove or grill due to their sturdy construction. Again, they are suitable for searing, frying, baking, broiling, sautéing and braising. They come pre-seasoned which means that they are ready for use right from the box.
Specifications
Diameter : 10.25 inches and 12 inches
Material : Cast iron
Oven safe
What we like
- Heats up fast
- Easy to clean
- They come with a lid
- Durable construction
- The pans are already pre-seasoned
What we dislike
- The lids are made in China
FAQ
1. What makes these pans unique?
The good thing about them is that they come as a set of two. They are also affordable and durable.
2. Are they oven safe?
These pans can be used in an oven without the lid
3. What is the diameter of these pans?
They have a diameter of 10.25 inches and 12 inches
Verdict
In case you have been looking for reliable set of cast iron skillets, these pans will be a perfect choice. They are affordable, durable and are also easy to maintain. You can also use them to prepare almost all types of food because they provide excellent heat distribution.
Legend Cast Iron Skillet with Lid/ Large 10” Frying Pan with Glass Lid – Best Affordable Cast Iron Skillet
In terms of heat distribution, Legend Cast Iron Skillet is among the best. This skillet comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and it gets better the more you use the pan. To make you work easier when cooking, it comes with a very long handle which also features a heat resistant holder. Again, the pan comes with a glass lid which allows you to monitor your food when cooking. It has a very sturdy and durable construction which gives you years of wonderful cooking experience. The pan is made in USA and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
Material : Cast iron
Diameter : 10 Inches
Capacity : 3.2 quarts
What we like
- Perfect for stove top and oven cooking
- Easy to season
- It comes with a good fitting lid and comfortable handle
- Suitable for large families
- Excellent heat retention
What we dislike
- Very heavy and thick
FAQ
1. How deep is this skillet?
The 10-inch skillet is 52 mm deep.
2. Do I need to season it after every use?
No
3. Can In use it on a glass stovetop?
The Legend Cast Iron Skillet with Lid is a bit heavy which means that it should not be used on glass stovetops because it can scratch the surface.
Verdict
Whether you are searching for a cast iron skillet you can use to prepare, eggs, pancake, veggies, chicken bacon, bread, steak, roasts and any other type of food, this skillet will be a good choice. It is also among the best gifts you can give to your parents, friend or relative because it provides tasty foods with a great flavor.
Looking for perfect Skillet for frying eggs, grab our reviews on the 3 Best Skillet for Frying Eggs .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a cast iron skillet to prepare any food?
You can use a cast iron skillet to prepare almost all types of food. However, you should avoid preparing acidic foods on a cast iron skillet because they can damage the seasoning. Again, they may add a metallic flavor to your food which is not good for your health.
You should also avoid cooking delicate fish using a cast iron skillet because it can stick on the surface due to high heat levels.
2. Is it important to season cast iron cookware after every use?
Seasoning allows the pan to release the food easily for easier cleaning. Most of the cast iron pans come pre-seasoned but you need to do this frequently to protect them from rusting. In case you use the skillet frequently for deep-frying or frying, there is no need to season it every time you are using it.
Related : How To Season Cast Iron Skillets
3. Why is it not recommended to wash a cast iron skillet?
Soaking your cast iron skillet in water can cause the seasoning to disintegrate and this will lead to rusting. Therefore, you should use a pan scraper or a nylon scrubbing brush to remove sticky food from the surface.
Wrapping Up
Even if you are on a tight budget, you should not be tempted to buy any cheap cast iron skillet simply because they are made from the same material. You need to compare the size, design, features such as lid and handles to ensure that the one you have picked will give you the best performance. If you have been searching for the best inexpensive cast iron skillet, you can never go wrong with any of those we have reviewed. Despite their cheap price, they come with all the features you would expect to find in a top-quality cast iron skillet. They are also spacious and versatile since you can use them to prepare different types of food.
Additionally, if you are interested in enamel cast iron skillets, you may have a look at our contents on Top Rated Enameled Cast Iron Skillets