Finding the perfect cast iron skillet deep dish pan can change how you cook forever. Whether you are craving a thick, cheesy pizza or a hearty stew, these deep pans offer the heat retention and depth you need. I remember my first time trying to bake a deep-dish pie in a standard skillet; it was a mess! But with the right deep-sided cast iron, everything stays contained and cooks beautifully. In this guide, we will look at the best options to help you pick the right one for your kitchen.
Contents
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Lodge 3 Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Teardrop Handle
This 3-quart cast iron skillet deep dish pan is a true workhorse in any kitchen. It is deep enough for frying but still easy to handle for everyday baking and searing.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 3-quart capacity with deep side walls for sauces and stews
- ✓ Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
- ✓ Iconic teardrop handle for better control and grip
- ✓ Versatile enough for use on any cooktop or over a campfire
Why We Recommend It
We love this pan because it provides the perfect balance between a traditional skillet and a Dutch oven. It is excellent for making easy fried chicken without deep frying, as the high sides prevent oil splatter while maintaining even heat.
Best For
This pan is best for home cooks who want a versatile, deep pan for everything from frying chicken to baking thick cornbread.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High sides reduce kitchen messes during frying
- Excellent heat retention for consistent cooking
- Comes pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Durable enough to last for generations
Cons:
- Heavier than standard skillets
- Handle can get very hot during use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great skillet for a couple or small family. Deep side walls allows for making dishes with sauces, or stews. Lodge makes great products. You can easily pass this one down to the next generation.”
Customer Review: “LOVE LOVE LOVE this pan! CI when you take the little bit more time to keep properly seasoned, almost never has food stick. Even then it’s really easy to clean.”
2. Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Dual Assist Handles
For those who need more surface area, this 12-inch cast iron skillet deep dish option is unbeatable. The dual assist handles make moving this heavy-duty pan much safer.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 12-inch diameter for family-sized meals
- ✓ Dual loop handles for easy lifting and carrying
- ✓ Naturally non-stick surface that improves with age
- ✓ Can be used in the oven, on the grill, or stove
Why We Recommend It
The extra space makes it the ideal choice for a large deep-dish pizza or a batch of steaks. It heats very evenly, ensuring that your crust is crispy every single time.
Best For
Large families or anyone who enjoys hosting dinner parties and needs a reliable pan that can go from oven to table.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great for large-batch cooking
- Dual handles offer much better stability
- Very affordable for the high quality provided
- Tough enough for outdoor cooking
Cons:
- Quite heavy when fully loaded with food
- Takes up more storage space than smaller pans
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Update: This skillet cooks and bakes great from the very first use! I love cooking and baking in cast iron, and needed an additional large pan.”
Customer Review: “Great depth and family size. Can be hand washed, just put oil on a paper towel and wipe it down. Double handles are much better for heavy lifting.”
3. 2-in-1 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven 3 Quart Pot with Skillet Lid
If you want the most bang for your buck, this 2-in-1 combo is perfect. It acts as both a deep pot and a shallow cast iron skillet deep dish lid, giving you two pans in one.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Multi-functional lid that doubles as a 10-inch skillet
- ✓ Extra-long 4.8-inch handles for easier maneuvering
- ✓ 3-quart capacity perfect for baking bread
- ✓ Burned with natural vegetable oil for a pre-seasoned finish
Why We Recommend It
This set is amazing for campers or anyone with a small kitchen. You can use the deep pot for a soup and the lid to sear a steak at the same time.
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts and sourdough bakers who need a tight-sealing lid to trap steam during baking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredible value with two functional pans
- Handles are longer and easier to grab
- Perfect for baking artisan bread
- Space-saving design
Cons:
- Iron is slightly thinner than premium brands
- Small size may not work for large families
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Needed a Dutch Oven for my first attempt at sourdough. Picked this one up on-sale and it helped to make the first attempt very successful. It is very sturdy.”
Customer Review: “The 2-in-1 design is genius—the lid doubles as a skillet, which saves space and adds flexibility. I’ve used the lid for searing steaks.”
4. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Casserole Pan with Dual Handles
While not a round skillet, this 9×13 pan acts like a massive cast iron skillet deep dish for roasting. It is the gold standard for casseroles and large roasted meals.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Traditional 9 x 13-inch dimensions
- ✓ High side walls to prevent spill-over
- ✓ Even heat distribution for perfectly browned edges
- ✓ Pre-seasoned and ready for immediate use
Why We Recommend It
If you love baking lasagna or roasting a whole chicken with veggies, this is the pan for you. It stays hot long after leaving the oven, keeping your food warm on the table.
Best For
Bakers who want “bakery-quality” results for their cakes, focaccia, or deep-dish lasagna.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large capacity for crowd-sized meals
- Doesn’t warp like aluminum baking pans
- Excellent for achieving crispy edges on baked goods
- Robust dual handles for safety
Cons:
- Does not include a lid
- Very heavy to lift when full
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Everyone loves cast iron these days and in the USA people love Lodge for the affordability. The company has been making fun things for specific purposes.”
Customer Review: “I own several varieties of Lodge pans, and throughout my experience, I have never had any issues with them. This pan is perfect for big meals.”
5. Crucible Cookware 12-Inch Deep Cast Iron Skillet Set with Glass Lid
This cast iron skillet deep dish set is built for convenience. It comes with everything you need, including a glass lid to monitor your food without losing heat.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Extra-deep 12-inch design
- ✓ Includes glass lid and silicone handle holders
- ✓ Comes with a scraper tool for easy cleaning
- ✓ Heat-resistant silicone protects hands up to 464 ºF
Why We Recommend It
The included accessories make this a fantastic gift for someone starting their cast iron journey. The extra depth is specifically designed for braising and deep frying.
Best For
Cooks who want a complete package and prefer the visibility of a glass lid while cooking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Glass lid is a huge plus for monitoring food
- Silicone handles make it safer to touch
- Extra deep sides for versatile cooking styles
- Good value set with accessories included
Cons:
- Generic seasoning may need reinforcing
- Lid knob may require occasional tightening
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This cast iron skillet is cooking. One of the best I have ever owned. Wish I had bought this sooner. After a really good seasoning, it is beautiful.”
Customer Review: “The sides of the pan are at the perfect height so food doesn’t spill over and they aren’t sloped so it maximizes capacity!”
6. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baker’s Skillet with Dual Loop Handles
This 10.25-inch cast iron skillet deep dish pan is a reinvention of a classic. It removes the long handle in favor of two loops, making it fit perfectly in any oven.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Compact dual-loop handle design
- ✓ Optimized for even heat and consistent browning
- ✓ Pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil
- ✓ Heavy-duty construction that lasts a lifetime
Why We Recommend It
The lack of a long handle makes it so much easier to rotate in the oven. It is perfect for baking cornbread or a smaller deep-dish pizza where space is tight.
Best For
Bakers and cooks with smaller ovens or limited cabinet space who still want premium cast iron performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fits easily into toaster ovens or small stoves
- Heirloom quality that stays durable
- Perfect for even baking results
- Great weight-to-size ratio
Cons:
- No long handle for stove-top tossing
- Smaller surface area than 12-inch models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is my favorite skillet. It’s really great having the handles on the sides rather than one long handle. It was very easy to season.”
Customer Review: “Perfect for baking cornbread. It is Lodge so you know it is of the highest quality. Highly recommend an heirloom investment.”
7. 5 Quart 2-in-1 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Skillet Lid
This massive 5-quart set is the ultimate choice for those who cook in big volumes. The lid serves as a heavy cast iron skillet deep dish for all your frying needs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 5-quart capacity for big family stews
- ✓ Integrated sturdy loop handles on both pieces
- ✓ Lid acts as a full-featured skillet
- ✓ Pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil
Why We Recommend It
The 5-quart size is ideal for making huge batches of food. It is perfect for baking large loaves of sourdough where you need plenty of room for the bread to rise.
Best For
Families of four or more and serious bread bakers who need a large, reliable dutch oven combo.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile 2-in-1 design saves money
- Huge capacity handles any recipe
- Strong handles provide a secure grip
- Very sturdy for long-term use
Cons:
- Extremely heavy when full of food
- Takes longer to preheat due to its mass
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The EDGING CASTING 2-in-1 is a kitchen workhorse. From slow-simmered stews to crusty sourdough loaves, it handles it all with ease.”
Customer Review: “Needed a Dutch Oven for sourdough. Picked this one up on-sale and it helped make the first attempt very successful.”
Complete Buying Guide for Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish
Essential Factors We Consider
When you are looking for a cast iron skillet deep dish, the most important thing is the depth of the walls. Look for at least 2 to 3 inches of height to ensure you can fry or bake deep dishes without spillover. We also look at handle design. Since these pans are heavy, having an assist handle or dual loop handles is a life-saver. Lastly, check the seasoning. Most pans come pre-seasoned, but the quality of that seasoning determines how non-stick the pan will be from day one.
Budget Planning
Cast iron is surprisingly affordable. You can get a high-quality cast iron skillet deep dish pan for between $30 and $70. If you are on a tight budget, look for 2-in-1 sets. They often cost about the same as a single pan but give you two pieces of cookware. Remember, these pans last a lifetime, so a $50 investment today could serve your family for the next 50 years!
Final Thoughts
A deep-dish cast iron pan is more than just a skillet; it is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between frying and baking. Whether you choose a classic Lodge or a feature-packed Crucible set, you are getting a kitchen partner that only gets better with age. Just keep it dry, keep it oiled, and it will never let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake a regular pizza in a deep dish skillet?
A: Yes! While it is designed for deep-dish styles, you can certainly bake a thin-crust pizza in it. Just be careful when reaching into the high walls to remove the pizza.
Q: How do I clean my deep dish cast iron?
A: Avoid the dishwasher! Use warm water and a stiff brush. For stuck-on food, use a little salt as an abrasive. Always dry it immediately on the stove and rub it with a light coat of oil.
Q: Is 3 quarts big enough for a family?
A: A 3-quart deep skillet is usually plenty for a family of 2 to 4. If you have a larger family or like leftovers, you might want to look at a 5-quart option.
Q: Why is my cast iron skillet so heavy?
A: That weight is actually a good thing! The thickness of the iron allows it to hold heat much longer than other pans, which is why your food cooks so evenly.
Investing in a cast iron skillet deep dish pan is a great way to expand your cooking skills. From frying to baking, these pans handle it all with ease. Pick your favorite from our list today and start cooking some amazing meals! If you want to try a lighter version of a classic, check out this guide on easy fried chicken without deep frying to see how your new deep skillet can save the day.