Best Size Cast iron Skillet: Which one to choose

When searching for a cast iron skillet, one of the key factors you need to think of is the size. We use the diameter to determine the size of cast iron skillets and frying pans. When determining the best, you need to consider the number of people you will be cooking for or the type of food you will be preparing. You also need to think of the overall weight because cast iron skillets are heavier than those made of other materials.

How to Choose the Best Cast Iron Skillet Size

In this article, we shall help you to determine the best size cast iron skillet that you should consider.

3-7 Inches skillets

These skillets are not so popular due to their small size but you can still find them on the market. They are very small which means that you can’t rely on them to prepare significant amounts of food. However, you can use them to prepare individually served desserts and snacks. They are also ideal for preparing miniature cakes inside the oven. In terms of performance, they heat faster as compared to the larger models due to their small surface area. You can also use them to prepare side dishes or preheating leftover foods.

8 Inch Skillets

The 8-inch cast iron skillets are suitable for sauce preparations or small meals. They are also large enough to fry four eggs and are also suitable for a searing single port chop, chicken breasts, and fish fillet. These pans are also lightweight, easy to maintain, and are very easy to store since they do not occupy a lot of space. Due to their small size, these skillets are the best when preparing foods that require tossing such as green beans. Another benefit of 8-inch cast iron skillets is that they are easy to move around as compared to the larger models. In case you are searching for a reliable 8-inch cast iron skillet, you should look for Cuisinart 622-20 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized 8-Inch

10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

The 10-inch cast iron skillets are the most popular because they are very versatile. Due to their balanced size, you can use them to prepare large and small meals. They are also spacious enough to accommodate 1-2 steaks at the same time. Another benefit of 10-inch skillets is that they are not too heavy which means that you won’t have problems when lifting them or when removing them from the range to an oven. These skillets are perfect when preparing meals for two people and you can also use the full sides when cooking for a larger group.

12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

The 12-inch skillets are not the largest but they are very spacious. You can use them to prepare meals for a large crowd and are also suitable for batch cooking. These skillets are a bit heavy especially when they are full but the good thing about them is that you can prepare large meals at once. When preparing foods for 2-4 people, the 12-inch skillets will be the most suitable option. One of the best 12-inch cast-iron skillets that will give you the best value for your money is the Lodge Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Assist Handle Holder 12 Inch.

The skillet gives you the versatility you would require in tour kitchen to prepare different meals. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, silicone handle holder and a tempered glass lid.

13-20 inch cast iron skillets

These skillets are the largest and are usually the best for commercial kitchens. They are the best when you want to prepare large amounts of food in batches. As compared to other skillets, these ones are very heavy and require a lot of storage space. Again, they are more difficult to maintain. When buying these skillets, it is good to choose a model with two handles for easier lifting such as the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with 2 Loop Handles 17 Inches.

Cast iron skillet 10 vs 12 inches-Which one should you choose?

Making a choice between a 10 or 12-inch skillet can be a bit tough because these skillets have almost the same size. They are also the most popular cast iron skillets. However, a 12-inch skillet can allow you to prepare more food items than a 10-inch cast since it is more spacious. If you put too many items on a 10-inch skillet, your food might not cook properly due to condensation. When using a larger skillet, steam will evaporate easily and this makes the 12-inch skillets more suitable for pan-frying and sautéing as compared to the 10-inch models.

Want to know more about skillets vs frying pans, grab our content on Skillets vs Frying Pans – What are their differences

How to Measure Cast Iron Skillet Size

The easiest way of determining the size of a cast iron skillet is by measuring the diameter of the cookware in terms of inches. The diameter is measured from one edge to the other. However, companies use a different approach when determining the correct size of the skillet. Some determine the diameter by measuring the bottom of the skillet while others measure the diameter from the top. These measurements won’t be the same because skillets have slanting edges which means that the top is wider than the bottom. This means that some 10-inch skillets have a cooking surface of 8 inches.

If you already have the best size skillet and want to learn how to cure it perfectly, you may have a look at our content on How to Cure Cast Iron Skillets at Home

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size cast iron skillet should I get?

When determining the correct skillet size, you should consider the number of people in your home. This will allow you to pick the best size that can prepare enough meals for your family members. The other thing you need to consider is the type of foods you will be cooking. Remember some foods come out better when you are using a large pan. This means that the skillet should have enough space to accommodate different types of food.

2. What is the best skillet size for a cast-iron skillet? 10 or 12 inches?

The 10” and 12” skillets are the most common due to their large cooking surface. If you are searching for a skillet you can use or sautéing, 12-inch skillets will give you better results. On the other hand, 10-inch skillets are suitable for small and large meals. They are also more lightweight than the 12 inches and are suitable for preparing meals for 1-2 people.

3. How big is a 12-inch skillet?

A 12-inch cast iron skillet is spacious enough to sauté pork chops, roast chicken, sear steaks and you can also use it to make a big cornbread.

4. What size cast iron for cornbread?

When preparing cornbread, cast iron skillets will be the best option because they provide crunchy and crusty cornbread. You can use a seasoned 10-inch or a 12-inch cast iron skillet. It should also be coated with butter or fat to prevent sticking.

5. Which foods should I not prepare using a cast iron skillet?

You should never use a cast iron skillet to prepare sticky foods and delicate food because they can easily stick to the surface. Acidic foods should be avoided when using a cast iron skillet because they react with some foods. Smelly foods such as peppers, garlic, and some fish should not be prepared using these skillets because they leave an unpleasant smell on the pan.

6. What size cast iron skillet does pioneer woman use?

Ann Marie Drummond who is very passionate about cooking owns the pioneer Woman Cookware brand. She has created different cookware and due to their quality, the brand has really grown. The Pioneer Woman 10 Piece Cookware is among the most versatile cooking sets you should never miss in your kitchen. In this set, you will find an 8-inch cast iron pan which is also nonstick. The set also includes a 1.1-quart saucepan, 2.5-quart saucepan, 9.5” frying pan, 4.-quart jumbo cooker, and a 5.5-quart Dutch oven. All the products contain an enamel porcelain coating and are very easy to clean.

7. What size cast iron skillet for steaks?

The best cast iron size for steaks depends on the number of steaks you frequently prepare. For example, a 12-inch skillet will be enough for 2 large steaks while a 10-inch skillet will be perfect when preparing steaks for one person. You should also choose according to the size of your stovetop burner. Steaks require even heat when cooking which means that you should use a skillet that matches the size of your stovetop.

Wrapping Up

If you are searching for the best skillet, cast iron skillets will give you the best value for your money. The best thing about them is that they provide excellent heat retention and distribution since they have a thick material. They take some time to heat up but once they get hot, they retain the heat for a long time which enables them to provide evenly cooked meals. These skillets are available in different sizes and sometimes choosing the best size can be very confusing. The 10-inch cast-iron skillets are the most popular due to their balanced size but you may need to consider a 12-inch or more skillets for larger foods. For desserts, breakfast items, and snacks, you should use 3-8 inch skillets. It is also good to compare the customer reviews to determine the performance of the skillet before buying.