# Best premium cast iron skillets: machined and enameled picks Source: https://braiseandsear.com/best/best-premium-cast-iron-skillet Publisher: Braise & Sear. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://braiseandsear.com/how-we-pick A premium cast iron skillet costs several times more than a basic pre-seasoned pan, so it has to earn the difference. There are two ways it does. Machined bare iron from Field Company and Finex has a smooth cooking surface and, in Field's case, a lighter casting that is easier to lift one-handed. Enameled skillets from Le Creuset and Staub skip seasoning entirely and can handle acidic pan sauces, but they cannot be re-seasoned if the enamel wears. The facts worth comparing are surface type, true size, weight, oven limit and induction compatibility. Field is the only maker here that states weights, so the table shows Not stated for the rest. Bare iron listings here do not state an oven limit either. This guide compares seven skillets, ordered by how well each fits daily searing at home. ## Picks ### 1. Field Cast Iron Starter Set -10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Cleaning Kit: Natural Fiber Brush, Chain Mail Scrubber & Organic Seasoning Oil - Lightweight, Preseasoned, Made in USA, Vintage Design Type: Bare cast iron, machine polished; Size: 10.25 in, 2 in deep; Weight: 4.3 lb; Oven-safe to: Not stated; Induction: Yes Field's smaller skillet bundled with a natural fiber brush, chain mail scrubber and 2 ounce tin of seasoning oil. At 4.3 pounds it is the lightest skillet here with a stated weight. What the listing offers: - Stated weight of 4.3 pounds, the lightest in this guide. - Includes a brush, chain mail scrubber and seasoning oil for upkeep. - Made in the USA and works on all cooktops including induction. Limits to know: - 10.25 inch top diameter is small for searing for a family. - Oven limit is not stated in the listing. ### 2. Field Company No.10 Large Cast Iron Skillet - 11.6-Inch Pre-Seasoned Pan for 4+ Servings, Lighter & Smooth, Made in USA Material: Cast iron, pre-seasoned; Size: 11.6 in (9.75 in cooking surface); Oven-safe to: Not stated; Weight: 6 lb; Care: Pre-seasoned; seasoning builds with use A machine-polished cast iron skillet that is lighter than many at 6 pounds. Holds heat for searing on a gas burner and works on grills too. What the listing offers: - Listing states a 6 pound weight and a 9.75 inch flat cooking surface. - Pre-seasoned with three coats of grapeseed oil and machine-polished smooth. - Made in the USA and listed as working on all cooktops and grills. Limits to know: - Cast iron heats slowly and unevenly at first; give it time to preheat on gas. - Oven limit is not stated on the listing. ### 3. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Skillet, 10.25", Marseille Type: Enameled cast iron, black satin interior; Size: 10.25 in; Weight: Not stated; Oven-safe to: 500°F; Induction: Yes (all cooktops) An enameled skillet that needs no seasoning and is dishwasher safe. The black satin interior enamel develops a patina over time, per the listing, and it is rated to 500°F in the oven. What the listing offers: - No seasoning needed and the listing states it is dishwasher safe. - Works on all cooktops and is oven-safe to 500°F. - Listing claims the lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market. Limits to know: - Smaller 10.25 inch size limits how much you can sear at once. - Listing claims light weight but gives no actual weight figure. ### 4. Field Company No.12 Extra-Large Cast Iron Skillet - 13.4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Pan for 6-8 Servings, Lighter & Smooth, Made in USA Type: Bare cast iron, machine polished; Size: 13.4 in (11.5 in flat surface); Weight: 8 lb; Oven-safe to: Not stated; Induction: Yes Field's extra-large skillet with an 11.5 inch flat cooking surface, a 19.5 inch total length and a stated 8 pound weight. For big families and roasting a whole chicken in one pan. What the listing offers: - 11.5 inch flat cooking surface is the largest stated in this guide. - Listing gives an 8 pound weight, so you know the load before buying. - Made in the USA and pre-seasoned with organic grapeseed oil. Limits to know: - At 19.5 inches long it is a two-hand pan that may crowd small ovens. - Oven limit is not stated in the listing. ### 5. Staub 11-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, Oven Safe to 500°F, Enamel Coating, Red Type: Enameled cast iron, black matte interior; Size: 11 in; Weight: Not stated; Oven-safe to: 500°F; Induction: Not stated The lowest priced pick here. An 11 inch enameled skillet with a textured black matte interior for browning, raised sides against splatter and pouring spouts. What the listing offers: - Textured black matte enamel interior is described as giving exceptional browning. - Raised sides help prevent splatter and spills, per the listing. - Lowest price in this guide, with a 500°F oven rating in the title. Limits to know: - The listing does not state induction compatibility. - No weight or country of manufacture given in this listing. ### 6. FINEX 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Lid, Pre-Seasoned with Flaxseed Oil Material: Cast iron, pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil; Size: 12 in; Oven-safe to: Not stated; Weight: Not stated; Care: Pre-seasoned A heavy, polished cast iron skillet with a lid included. Thick walls store heat for searing and the lid adds braising and steaming. What the listing offers: - Thick base and walls are described as giving even heat distribution. - Comes with a lid for steaming, braising and simmering. - Pre-seasoned with organic flaxseed oil and polished smooth, per the listing. Limits to know: - Weight and oven limit are not stated on the listing. - Costs more than the Field Company skillet, mostly for the lid and design. ### 7. Staub Cast Iron 12-inch Fry Pan - Basil, Made in France Material: Enameled cast iron; Size: 12 in; Oven-safe to: 500°F; Weight: Not stated; Care: Not stated An enameled cast iron skillet made in France with pouring spouts. Cast iron heat retention for gas without the upkeep of bare iron. What the listing offers: - Listing states oven safe up to 500°F and a smooth enamel bottom for all stovetops. - Pouring spouts make it easier to drain fat after searing. - Made in France, per the listing, with an enameled finish that needs no seasoning. Limits to know: - Weight and care instructions are not stated on the listing. - Enamel surface does not build seasoning the way bare cast iron does. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.