If you're intrigued by the old-world allure of a cast iron skillet, we commend you. They say that a cast iron skillet isn't just a skillet, but an heirloom, a gift that you'll someday be able to pass to your children, and they to their children. A cast iron skillet is virtually indestructible, and because of its efficient, uniform heat-dispersal, it tends to cook food more evenly, resulting in a better-tasting end result. Here we've ranked our top five picks, from the budget-tier to the chef's-favorite. Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12″ Not Lodging Any ComplaintsMade by an industry name you can trust, the Lodge 12" is the perfect combination of quality, cost value, and size.Best OverallFind on Amazon Search around a bit and you’ll find that Lodge is a name that keeps coming up when it comes to cast iron skillets. The company produces high-quality skillets that compete with those 3x their price, and because of this, they’ve won the adulation of consumers everywhere. Each pan is the result of American-made craftsmanship, and with the company’s 125+ years of success, rest assured that you’re dealing with people who know what they’re doing. This particular pan is well-suited to serve a variety of cooking situations. Whether you’re frying a fish, baking a frittata, or cooking up shakshuka, its size can accommodate it all. It’s equipped with an assist handle and a standard long handle, as well two small side lips for pouring liquid out. This one is a great all-around choice for those who plan on using their skillet often. Pros: Virtually non-stick Made in the USA Silicone handle holder included Cons: Handle holder doesn’t fit snugly Finex 12″ The Family TreasureWhether you're a chef or a collector of fine things, the Finex 12" can withstand the apocalypse and cook up some delicious food while it's happening.Best High-EndFind on Amazon All it takes to fall in love with this beauty is one look. And all it takes to begin questioning that love is to glance at the skillet’s price tag. Priced for those who are really quite serious about cooking, the Finex 12″ is a wannabe chef’s best friend. Put aside the romance of its vintage Americana-inspired design and look to its practical features and you’ll find plenty to grab your attention. Its base is thick, so although it takes a long time to heat up, once it does, it’ll heat your food evenly and stay hot longer. Meanwhile, its speed-cool handle will be cold to the touch – or close to it. Its patented octagonal design gives you better control, both over pouring and maneuvering with a spatula. And finally, its applications are nearly limitless: you can use it on a gas or electric stove, an induction range, in the oven, over a fire, on the grill… need we go on? Pros: Free of chemical coatings Pre-seasoned Handcrafted in the USA Cons: Costs an arm and a leg Iwachu 8.5″ Omelette Pan Omelette ParadiseThough it's a bit limited in application, omelette lovers will be hard-pressed to find a handier companion than this Japanese marvel.Best for OmelettesFind on Amazon Though some folks harbor prejudice against imported cookware, sometimes, that skepticism is misplaced. Such is the case when it comes to the Iwachu Omelette Pan. This oddly-shaped skillet is made in Japan, and despite the distance, it has developed a name for itself all the way across the globe. Gently curved to allow you to fold and plate an omelette with ease, this pan is perfect for those lazy Sundays where you and your partner feel like treating yourselves. The handle stays cool, the surface is relatively non-stick, and it’s built to last a long, long time. Pros: Included cleaning instructions are clear Light enough to hang Pre-seasoned Cons: Surface could be a bit smoother A bit limited in scope Backcountry 12″ Square Grill Pan Old-World GrillingWith a deep-ribbed design and a reasonable price tag, this hefty skillet can endure very high temperatures like it's nothing, making it among the best of the best for grilling.Best for GrillingFind on Amazon When it comes to grilling, cast iron’s ability to distribute heat evenly makes it a superior choice, and– Ok, yeah, yeah. You get it. If you’re looking for a skillet to use for grilling, you probably already know why you want cast iron, so we’ll get to the point. This particular skillet is our favorite for grilling for a few reasons. First of all, its cost value is phenomenal. You get more than you pay for with this one, and you can expect it to last a lifetime if you treat it well. Its deep ribs allow for delicious searing, and the depressions between the ribs allow the grease to drain and the heat and flavor to rise. It’s pretty easy to clean, too. All in all, we give it two thumbs up. Pros: Ready to use out of the box Also great for grilled cheese American-made Cons: Can develop rust if not cared for properly Very heavy Iwachu Genghis Khan Grill Pan You Khan Do It!This convex skillet's eye-catching design offers practical advantages for those working with marinades or veggie-heavy dishes.Best Non-ConventionalFind on Amazon This oddly-shaped skillet is the traditional pan of choice for Japanese cooks grilling lamb and vegetables. Its raised center may seem accidental, but this clever convex design allows you to cook things like beef or pork belly on the center while the fat drips down the side ridges. There at the bottom, you can place veggies like mushrooms, carrots, and peppers. They’ll absorb the fat and flavor of the food on the center, creating a deliciously rich meal. If you’re cooking something marinated, this skillet’s perfect, because the slotted ridges allow that marinade to drain off. Pros: Quite beautiful as a showpiece Made by Japanese craftsmen Cons: A bit expensive Harder to clean than normal-shaped skillets Tricky to use on induction range Frequently Asked Questions What does it mean if a skillet comes “pre-seasoned”? Do I have to season my cast iron skillet? When a skillet is advertised as being pre-seasoned, it means that it has been coated to prevent rusting. Usually this coating is made of vegetable oil, wax, or another food-safe oil. Without this coating, moisture would react with the iron and quickly create rust, and the pan’s life would be shortened dramatically, as would its usefulness. Most pans come pre-seasoned today, but if yours isn’t, then you’ll have to season it yourself at home. How do I clean the skillet once I’m done cooking? While you may be used to using soap on your kitchenware, it’s not a good idea to do so with a cast-iron skillet. The reasoning is that the soap can corrode and strip away the seasoned coating, leaving it vulnerable to rusting. The best way to clean it is to lightly scrub with a soap and water. Do this before the pan cools. After you’re done, you can heat the pan for a few minutes so that the moisture evaporates. Some choose to wipe the skillet down with oil afterwards to be extra safe.