Everybody now wants to have a cast iron skillet, but what size cast iron skillet is the best?
Cast iron skillets are multi-purpose cookware used on any cooktop or over an open flame. They are available in various forms and sizes to accommodate any cooking volume.
The diameters of cast iron skillets range from 4.5 inches to 19 inches. In other words, cast iron skillets come in various forms, with high and low edges.
This post will give insight into what size cast iron skillet is best for you.
What’s a Cast Iron Skillet and How Does it Work?
Cast iron skillets are round, rectangular, or square cooking containers made of sand cast iron. For usage in ovens or over open flames, they include incorporated grips which are usually wide on one side and occasionally an assist handle on the other side.
A cast iron skillet is induction-ready due to its metal composition. Some cast-iron skillets are made for electric stoves, while others are meant for gas stoves.
Because cast iron naturally prevents food from clinging to its surface, it’s an ideal choice for individuals who wish to cook with minimal oil or fat. As a result, it uses far less frying spray than conventional pans.
Cast-iron skillets are permeable, and the oil fills those spaces, resulting in a smooth, nonstick surface. Over-oiling your skillet is a typical error that will leave it sticky. During the initial application, enough oil absorbs into such pores to allow you to wipe away as much as you can.
What Size Cast Iron Skillet is the Best?
Every skillet size has a specific purpose, and the most common size cast iron pan is the 15-inch, which cooks three steak and eggs pleasantly.
10 -inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch skillets are the most common sizes seen in households since they match normal size ranges and are suitable for individuals, partners, and families.
That said, below is simplified cast iron skillet size range variations:
- A tiny pan, such as an 8-inch skillet, is ideal for single-serve recipes.
- A 10-inch skillet is deemed moderate and ideal for two persons, while a 12-inch skillet is the most flexible of all skillet sizes, cooking meals for four individuals.
- A 14-inch skillet, deemed a big pan, may comfortably feed six people.
Cast iron pans are an essential component of every kitchen, but choosing the right size for your domestic use can be downright frustrating.
Most have a slope to their sides, and the bottom diameter is frequently less than the outside dimension. For example, a skillet may have a 10-inch surface area but just an 8-inch base to place your ingredients for preparing morning eggs.
Therefore, keep the following factors in mind when selecting cast iron skillet sizes for your kitchen:
- The size of the burners in your heat source.
- What you’ll be preparing regularly.
- The size of your family.
- Consider handles on both sides for safe carriage of hot cast iron, especially when used in the oven or broiler.
The table below could also give you some insights into what size cast iron skillet you might need:
| Skillet | Outer
Dimension (Approx) |
Weight
(Approx) |
Base Diameter Cooks |
| 3.5″ | 3.93″ | 0.62 lbs | Individuals offer egg dishes and desserts on their own. |
| 5″ | 5.13″ | 1.15 lbs | one egg, single-serve |
| 6.5″ | 6.68″ | 1.94 lbs | It fits two eggs and a filet of fish |
| 8″ | 8.68″ | 3.4 lbs | Fits three eggs, one chop, and one chicken breast. |
| 9″ | 9.68″ | 4.17 lbs | It fits four eggs, two chops, two chicken breasts |
| 10.25″ | 10.68″ | 5.35 lbs | It fits five eggs, two pork chops, two steaks, four chicken breasts |
| 12″ | 12.56″ | 7.89 lbs | It fits six eggs, family recipes |
| 13.25″ | 13.75″ | 10.5 lbs | It fits seven eggs, family plus |
| 15″ | 15″ | 12.36 lbs | It fits eight eggs, a large family |
| 17″ | 17″ | 13.53 lbs | It fits nine eggs, an extra-large family |
How to Care for Your Cast Iron Skillets?
Below are some care tips to help you care for your cast iron skillet:
- Season the cast iron before using it and each time after using it.
- Before drying thoroughly, you should rinse your cast iron skillet with warm water and dish soap.
- Remove all residual oils from cast iron by cleaning off oven oil using hand towels when you’re finished cooking.
- Cast iron should not be washed in the dishwasher or soaked in water since it will become porous, rust, and food will adhere to it more easily.
- Cast iron rusts fast if it is allowed to air dry, so after washing, don’t leave it in the sink overnight. If your cast iron attracts rust, clean and re-season it before using it again.
- Scrub cast oil with kosher salt or baking soda and warm water to loosen up food debris so you can wipe it away with a paper towel.
Related Questions
Is A 10-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet Big Enough?
Yes, a 10-inch cast-iron skillet will suffice. Select a skillet size based on the food you’re cooking. Skillets with a circumference of 12′′ to 14′′ offer ample cooking area for the majority of your home cooking needs, both on the cooktop and in the oven. 12′′ skillets are ideal for two-person households, while 14′′ skillets are ideal for families of three or more.
What Is The Most Popular Size Cast Iron Skillet?
The most common size of cast iron skillet is 12 inches. Twelve inches and above are ideal for feeding a crowd or bulk cooking. They can hold one to four steaks or up to six chicken thighs at a time, making them ideal for a family of six. They’re also medium mass, so moving from the stove to the oven won’t be difficult.
What Is Considered A Large Cast Iron Skillet?
Every skillet size has a specific purpose. The 12-inch cast-iron skillet is the most common size, and it can comfortably cook four steaks and eggs. 10 -inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch skillets are the most common sizes seen in households since they fit into typical size ranges and are suitable for individuals, couples, and families.
How Do I Measure A Cast Iron Skillet?
Yes, cast-iron skillets may be measured simultaneously, from top to bottom, excluding the handles. Lodge skillets are measured from the outer rim to exterior trim across the top.