Finding a high-quality cast iron skillet 18 inch or similar large-format pan can completely transform the way you cook for a crowd. Whether you are searing several steaks at once, baking a massive family pizza, or cooking over an open campfire, these oversized pans provide the heat retention and surface area that standard 10-inch skillets simply cannot match. In this guide, we have rounded up the best heavy-duty options to help you master big-batch cooking with ease.
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Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 8 Cast Iron Skillet 18 Inch Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Lodge 15-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Teardrop Handle
The Lodge 15-inch skillet is a legendary piece of cookware that brings American craftsmanship to your kitchen. It is incredibly versatile, safe for all cooking surfaces, and free from harmful synthetic chemicals.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
- ✓ Large 15-inch cooking surface for big family meals
- ✓ PFAS-free and non-toxic cast iron construction
- ✓ Iconic teardrop handle for better grip and control
Why We Recommend It
We love this pan because it offers the perfect balance between massive cooking space and everyday usability. It is built to last for generations and develops a better non-stick surface the more you use it.
Best For
This is best for home cooks who need to sear multiple steaks at once or bake large batches of cornbread in the oven.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable heat retention and even heating
- Made in the USA with high-quality materials
- Works on induction, gas, electric, and campfires
- Comes ready to use right out of the box
Cons:
- Very heavy, requiring two hands to move safely
- Requires consistent maintenance to prevent rust
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: After I learned to season it quick like 7 times, and started using a bush and cup with a dap of oil on the side I kept around to wipe with oil when done, and learned to due to size I needed to have rag on edge of sink when dumping out water.
Customer Review: I am loving this cast iron pan! Actually, I bought 2 and use them all the time now. It can be used on the stove top to cook a couple of cheeseburgers, or put into the oven to bake a half-size Dutch Baby pancake.
2. LI-GELISI 18-Inch Rust-Resistant Cast Iron Frying Pan with Dual Handles
If you are looking for a true cast iron skillet 18 inch model, the LI-GELISI offers a massive surface area and a special rust-resistant finish. This pan is designed for those who want heavy-duty performance without the constant worry of oxidation.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Nitrided rust-resistant surface treatment
- ✓ Massive 18-inch diameter for oversized meals
- ✓ Dual loop handles for easy lifting and maneuvering
- ✓ Pre-seasoned with 100% natural oils
Why We Recommend It
This pan stands out because the nitriding process makes it much easier to maintain than traditional cast iron. The dual handles are a necessity for a pan of this size, providing much-needed stability when moving it from the grill to the table.
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts and those who frequently cook on large grills or over open flames.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent rust resistance compared to standard iron
- Huge cooking capacity for large groups
- High heat tolerance for professional-grade searing
- Natural, chemical-free non-stick surface
Cons:
- Might be too large for standard home ovens
- Requires a very large burner to heat evenly
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Perfect size. Heavy seasoned and just fits in an oven. Bought the 20″. Loved it but unuseable Love the 16″ inch.
Customer Review: The quality is fantastic. Heavy duty and well made. It’s a really nice piece. I am disappointed that we had to return it as it was just too big for our specific oven depth.
3. Amazon Basics 15-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
The Amazon Basics 15-inch skillet provides incredible value for those who want a large-scale cooking tool without a hefty price tag. It offers heavy-duty construction that rivals much more expensive brands.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Flared side edges for easier pouring
- ✓ Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- ✓ Exceptional heat distribution for even searing
- ✓ Sturdy handle with assist handle for dual lifting
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this because it makes professional-grade cast iron cooking accessible to everyone. It is a workhorse pan that handles high heat beautifully and is perfect for searing steaks or roasting whole chickens.
Best For
Budget-conscious shoppers who still want a heavy, reliable pan for large family dinners.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Very thick and durable iron casting
- Easy to clean once properly seasoned
- Large enough for one-pan family meals
Cons:
- The factory seasoning can be a bit rough
- Heavy and can be difficult to store in small kitchens
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: My husband said this was the biggest cast iron pan he had ever seen, and he was very impressed with it. We have cooked chicken curry, steak, eggs, and sausages in the pan.
Customer Review: This pan is rust resistant and looks great. Of the utmost quality this pan is easy to use. Tons of capacity to cook.
4. Lodge Yellowstone 17-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Logo Skillet
For fans of the hit show or those who simply want a massive, beautifully designed skillet, the Lodge Yellowstone 17-inch is a standout choice. It combines the legendary performance of Lodge with a unique collector’s logo.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Official Yellowstone stamped logo on the bottom
- ✓ Extra-large 17-inch diameter for massive capacity
- ✓ Signature teardrop handle and assist handle
- ✓ Natural easy-release finish from oil seasoning
Why We Recommend It
This pan is more than just a novelty; it is a high-performance cooking tool that can handle anything from a campfire to a high-end stovetop. The 17-inch size is incredibly rare and provides that extra bit of space needed for huge gatherings.
Best For
Yellowstone fans and home chefs who need the absolute maximum surface area for pan-frying or baking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful collector’s item that actually works
- Provides massive cooking surface without being unmanageable
- Outstanding Lodge quality and durability
- Heats very evenly across the entire surface
Cons:
- The bottom logo can make it slightly harder to clean
- Requires a lot of storage space
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I’ve wanted this skillet for a LONG time, but when I saw the Yellowstone version, I took the plunge. I was able to cook almost an entire loaf of challah bread for its maiden voyage!
Customer Review: It is a gorgeous piece of cast iron, I’m so happy with this purchase! I was able to cook 5 bone-in pork chops with plenty of room, no crowding whatsoever.
5. 18-Inch Large Cast Iron Skillet Pan with Double Handles
This 18-inch giant is designed with deep walls and dual handles, making it a hybrid between a traditional skillet and a deep fryer. It is the ultimate tool for versatile cooking, from frying to baking.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Deep 2.6-inch walls to prevent oil splatters
- ✓ Dual loop handles for balanced carrying
- ✓ Naturally non-stick physical properties
- ✓ Spacious 22.22 x 18.48-inch total footprint
Why We Recommend It
The deep walls are the real winner here. You can shallow fry an entire chicken’s worth of pieces without worrying about grease splashing everywhere. It is a solid, heavy-duty pan that feels built for professional use.
Best For
Deep frying large quantities of food or baking giant deep-dish pizzas.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for containing mess during frying
- Huge capacity for catering-sized meals
- Double handles make it safer to lift
- No chemical coatings to flake off
Cons:
- Take a long time to heat up completely
- Heavier than most standard kitchen cookware
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This is the perfect pan for my outdoor burner. I can cook enough stir-fry for 10 people at once and nothing spills over the sides.
Customer Review: Heavy duty and very well made. The depth is great for avoiding messes on the stovetop. It has become my go-to for family reunions.
6. Lodge 5 Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Lid
Known as a “chicken fryer,” this deep skillet from Lodge comes with a matching lid to trap heat and moisture. It is a multitasking hero that bridges the gap between a skillet and a Dutch oven.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes a heavy-duty cast iron lid
- ✓ Extra depth for braising and deep frying
- ✓ Dual handles for easy maneuvering
- ✓ Pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil
Why We Recommend It
The addition of a lid makes this pan significantly more versatile. You can sear meat and then immediately cover it to braise in the oven. It is an essential tool for southern-style cooking and heavy-duty baking.
Best For
Frying chicken, making stews, or baking artisan bread with the lid on.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lid is a great value addition
- Deep walls prevent messy splatter
- Retains heat extremely well for slow cooking
- Highly durable and nearly indestructible
Cons:
- Extremely heavy when the lid is on
- Takes up a lot of vertical space in cabinets
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This deep cast iron skillet is perfect for frying. It’s deep enough to allow you to fry larger quantities of chicken. The lid is a nice addition.
Customer Review: I no longer have to contend with Teflon surfaces that flake. Properly seasoned, this is an incredible alternative and works for almost everything I cook.
7. Large 20-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Scrubber
If you need even more room than a cast iron skillet 18 inch provides, this 20-inch behemoth is the answer. It is built for the largest gatherings and comes with a bonus scrubber for maintenance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Enormous 20-inch cooking diameter
- ✓ Dual loop handles for balanced lifting
- ✓ Bonus cast iron cleaner scrubber included
- ✓ Excellent heat retention for campfire cooking
Why We Recommend It
This is the “nuclear option” for large-scale cooking. It turns any outdoor grill into a professional flat-top. The included scrubber is a thoughtful touch because cleaning a pan this size requires some extra muscle.
Best For
Large family reunions, professional catering, or serious backyard grill masters.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Largest residential cooking surface available
- Great for making breakfast for a whole group
- Extremely stable on grills and open flames
- Comes with a helpful cleaning tool
Cons:
- Will not fit in most standard home ovens
- Requires two people to carry safely when full
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This pan is so big I can cook 10 eggs and a whole pack of bacon at the same time. It’s the king of my outdoor kitchen.
Customer Review: Very heavy duty and the heat distribution is surprisingly good for such a massive surface. The scrubber helps a lot with the cleanup.
8. Outset 18-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pizza Pan and Pizza Stone
The Outset 18-inch pan is specifically designed for perfect crusts. It works as both a pizza stone and a flat grill pan, providing even heat that gives you that restaurant-quality char.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Flat design perfect for sliding pizzas on and off
- ✓ Heavy-duty cast iron for extreme heat retention
- ✓ Versatile use as a baking stone or grill griddle
- ✓ Low-profile handles for oven and grill compatibility
Why We Recommend It
Traditional ceramic pizza stones can crack under thermal shock, but this cast iron version is indestructible. It heats up faster and stays hot longer, ensuring the bottom of your pizza is just as crisp as the top.
Best For
Home pizza enthusiasts and bakers who want a permanent, high-heat baking surface.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Will never crack like ceramic stones
- Provides a superior crust texture
- Can be used to sear flatbreads or steaks
- Fits well in large ovens and most BBQs
Cons:
- No side walls, so it’s not for sauces or liquids
- Quite heavy for a flat pan
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Great experience in buying an excellent product. It makes my homemade pizza crust perfectly crispy every time.
Customer Review: This is a solid piece of iron. I use it on my outdoor grill to make bakery-style bread and it works perfectly.
Complete Buying Guide for Cast Iron Skillet 18 Inch
Essential Factors We Consider
When you are shopping for a cast iron skillet 18 inch, weight is the most important factor. These pans are incredibly heavy, often exceeding 15 or 20 pounds. You must ensure you have the physical strength to handle them and that your stovetop can support the weight. We also look for handle designs; at this size, dual “loop” handles are often superior to a single long handle because they offer more stability.
Budget Planning
Cast iron is generally affordable, but as you move into larger sizes like 15, 17, or 18 inches, the price increases due to the amount of raw material used. A budget option will provide the same heat retention but might have a rougher surface finish. Premium options often come with better seasoning or unique features like rust-resistant treatments. It is a one-time investment, as a good pan will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Large cast iron skillets are specialized tools. If you often find yourself cooking for 4 or more people, or if you love outdoor grilling, an 18-inch skillet is a game-changer. It allows for “one-pan” cooking on a scale that standard cookware cannot achieve. Just remember to measure your oven before buying to ensure it fits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an 18-inch cast iron skillet on a regular stovetop?
A: Yes, but you must be careful. Because the pan is much wider than most burners, the edges may not heat as quickly as the center. It is best to preheat the pan slowly in the oven or on a low burner to ensure the heat spreads evenly.
Q: How do I clean such a large and heavy skillet?
A: Cleaning is best done in the sink with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid soaking it. Because of its weight, many people prefer to clean it while it is still slightly warm and then dry it immediately on the stove to prevent rust.
Q: Is a pre-seasoned skillet really ready to use?
A: Most manufacturers pre-season their pans so you can cook right away. However, many enthusiasts like to add 1-2 extra layers of their own seasoning to create a smoother, more non-stick surface from day one.
Investing in a cast iron skillet 18 inch is a decision that will pay off for decades. These pans are durable, versatile, and provide a cooking experience that is simply unmatched. Whether you go with the classic Lodge or a modern rust-resistant model, you are adding a piece of history to your kitchen. Ready to upgrade your cooking? Pick up your new favorite skillet today and start cooking like a pro!