The 5 Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillets, According to Our Tests

Our Favorite

The Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet is gorgeous, with convenient pour spouts, the right amount of weight, and superior enamel coating. For a more budget choice that still gives all the benefits of enameled cast iron, we like the Crock-Pot Artisan Cast Iron Skillet. 

Our Enameled Cast Iron Skillet Tests

To find the best enameled cast iron skillets, we tested 23 models side by side. All of the pans had a diameter between 10 and 12 inches, and roughly the same height.

• Pour Test: To evaluate how easy the pans were to lift, manipulate, and hold, we added half a cup of cooking oil to each skillet and then poured it back out into a jar or small bowl. This also let us rank the effectiveness of pour spouts, or note the lack thereof.
• Cornbread Test: We baked a batch of basic cornbread in each skillet, using the same recipe each time. After cooking, we let the skillets cool for 5 minutes and then turned the cornbread out onto a wire rack. We evaluated how easy it was to release the cornbread from the skillet, as well as the evenness of the bake, doneness, and overall texture and color.
• Sear Test: In each skillet, we seared either steak or pork chops, looking for even coloration and effective browning. This helped to evaluate each pan's heat retention and distribution.
• Sauté Test: We also sautéed vegetables, evaluating if the skillets could effectively sweat vegetables and aromatics without burning, and how easy or difficult it was to control the skillets’ temperature by adjusting the stove.
• Cleaning: Between tests, we washed each skillet according to the manufacturer's instructions and using the dishwasher if dishwasher-safe. We noted any damage, or any stains that were difficult or impossible to remove.

After completing our initial tests, we revealed the prices of the skillets to look at value for money. At the time of testing, the skillets ranged from $27 to $250, with an average of $96.

We also continued using the pans in our home kitchens as a long-term test. We incorporated them into daily cooking routines, searing, sautéeing, and generally making sure they held up over time. We reported back on any changes in cooking performance, and any signs of chipping, scratches, or warping. 

Factors to Consider

Weight

Comfort and maneuverability are significant factors when it comes to any kind of cookware, and that's especially true with cast iron. The high density that makes the material hold and transfer heat well also makes it very heavy. Consider how much weight you can comfortably lift out of the oven — including both skillet and contents — before you choose a size and shape. However, design can alleviate some of the inconvenience. A long and comfortably shaped handle helps balance out the weight of the pan, and most large cast iron skillets include a helper handle on the opposite side so you can use both hands. (Cast iron handles get hot, so make sure you have a pair of oven mitts on hand.)

Size

The difference between a 10- and a 12-inch skillet doesn't sound like much, but it's sort of like a medium versus a large pizza: The bigger one actually has almost 50 percent more area! How big your household is and what you plan to cook most often should guide your size choices, as bigger isn't always better: A 12-inch cast iron skillet weighs a lot more and takes up a lot more room than a 10-incher. Solo cooks or those just making a steak or two will be fine with a smaller diameter.

Maximum Temperature

Plain cast iron is one of the most heat-tolerant materials for pots and pans, able to handle the broiler, the grill, or even a campfire in most cases. But enameled cast iron can't always deal with the same temperatures, as the enamel coating itself can start to break down. You should always check your user manual as heat tolerance varies from skillet to skillet, but most enameled cast iron can withstand a maximum temperature of at least 500°F. That covers most oven and stove uses but not the broiler or grill. Some pans can go as high as 900°F, enough for even an outdoor pizza oven. The most important thing is to know the limit for your particular skillet, and stick to it.

Ease of Cleaning 

“The nice thing about an enameled skillet is that it doesn’t need quite as much attention as a cast iron skillet. It does have to be treated with care, though. After cooking with it, wash it with warm, soapy water and dry it completely before putting it away,” says Elrod. “Some skillets have an exposed edge that is not enameled. That part of the skillet is still susceptible to rust and wear if it isn’t kept clean and dry, so be attentive to it.” 

We recommend cleaning your pan immediately after cooking. Enameled cast iron is best cleaned before any food can dry and adhere to the surface to avoid staining and sticking. As with nonstick cookware, soap, water, and a gentle sponge should be all you need. Many types of enameled cast iron are even dishwasher-safe, as the enamel protects the delicate iron from rust and correction. And, as Chef Elrod notes, no seasoning is required with enameled cast iron.

Enamel Color

A great thing about enameled cast iron is that the enamel coating can come in a rainbow of colors. Brands like Le Creuset and Staub have dozens of options, complete with collectible limited-edition and seasonal hues. Beyond aesthetics, though, the color of the enamel on the inside of the pan makes a difference in performance. Light or white enamel allows you to easily see everything in the pan and closely monitor the level of browning going on. The trade-off is that lighter-colored enamel can quickly stain or become discolored. Black enamel is immune to stains, but it can be hard to see how much browning food is taking on, leading to easier burning.

Other Enameled Cast Iron Skillets We Tested

Strong Contenders

Great Jones 12-inch King Sear Skillet ($110 on Great Jones)

We don’t have many negative things to say about this attractive pan; it seared and browned nicely throughout the entire test. It's just is a bit heavy and didn't blow us away for being a bit pricier than average.

Bruntmor 12-inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Frying Pan ($45 on Amazon)

This pan seared meat successfully but had issues with more delicate foods, like eggs and cornbread, sticking to the surface. It's a good value, but there are better and still-inexpensive alternatives.

Staub Cast Iron 10-Inch Fry Pan ($210 on Amazon)

We love Staub with all our hearts, but the higher price for the smaller pan puts this just outside our best picks.

Made In 12-inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet ($149 on Made In)

This is a fantastic pick, but it’s a bit heavy. If that doesn’t bother you, this one is a great buy.

Tramontina 12-inch Covered Skillet Enameled Cast Iron ($80 on Amazon)

We like this skillet’s tall, angled sides and handle, as well as its included lid, but the too-small pour spouts made it a little less appealing.

What Didn't Make the List

While many enameled cast iron skillets wowed us, others left us wanting more, including models from brands like Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, Hearth & Hand, and more. On some, we didn't love design aspects like lack of pour spouts, too-short sides, or extreme weight. Others had problems with sticking, food not properly releasing, severe burning, or uneven heat distribution. Enameled cast iron cookware is generally a bit more expensive overall compared to raw cast iron, so for something to feel worth the investment, it really had to ace our tests, and some of the more expensive skillets we tested just didn't measure up.

Our Expertise

Christa Glennie has been a freelance writer and food editor for nearly 20 years. She is also the author of two cookbooks and specializes in food and drink trends, agriculture, the regional foodways of Western New York, and the restaurant business. For this piece, she used Food & Wine's tested insights and interviewed a chef instructor, recipe developer, and food writer.