If you love cooking for a crowd or want a versatile pan for searing, baking, and campfire meals, a large cast iron skillet is a kitchen workhorse you’ll reach for daily. These heavy-duty skillets hold heat well, last for decades, and get better with use. Below are top picks, honest takes, and a clear buying guide to help you choose the right oversized cast iron pan for your needs.
Contents
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 9 Large Cast Iron Skillet Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Lodge 15-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Signature Teardrop Handle — Oven, Grill, Campfire Safe
The Lodge 15-inch skillet is a classic large cast iron skillet that feels built to last. It arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use. Expect great heat retention and simple maintenance once you get the hang of seasoning.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 15-inch cooking surface for family meals
- ✓ Pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil
- ✓ Oven, grill, and campfire safe
- ✓ Signature teardrop handle plus assist handle for lift
Why We Recommend It
This pan balances size and usability. It heats evenly and works on any heat source. If you want a reliable large cast iron skillet that performs day after day, this is a top pick.
Best For
Great for families, one-pan dinners, and outdoor cooking. Ideal if you want a multipurpose cast iron that fits most stoves and grills.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable, long-lasting construction
- Ready to use straight from the box
- Excellent heat retention for searing and frying
- Simple, classic design that improves with use
Cons:
- Heavy to lift when full
- May need extra seasoning cycles for a fuller non-stick finish
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, and then I often but not always heat up water in electric
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. Because it’s cast iron, I use metal spatula to flip my burgers without any damage to
2. Pre-Seasoned 17-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Dual Handles — Outdoor, Grill, Oven, Induction Safe
This 17-inch skillet is for serious cooks and large gatherings. It’s very wide and heavy but gives a huge cooking surface. Dual handles make moving it easier, though it still takes two hands when full.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Extra-large 17-inch surface for big meals
- ✓ Pre-seasoned for initial use
- ✓ Integrated dual loop handles for lift and maneuvering
- ✓ Works on gas, electric, induction, grill, and oven
Why We Recommend It
Pick this if you need a true XL pan for feeding a group or for large roasts. The heat retention and surface area are hard to beat. It’s a top choice for outdoor cooks and big kitchens.
Best For
Best for parties, big roasts, or cooks who love one-pan meals for many guests. Also great for outdoor grills where surface area matters.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Massive cooking area for large portions
- Heavy-gauge cast iron for great searing
- Handles on both sides make lifting easier
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor cooking
Cons:
- Extremely heavy — may need two people to lift safely
- May require additional seasoning for a smoother surface
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This is a very large 17” pan made of quality iron. It can be used for extremely high heat for searing large cuts of meat like top sirloin caps or for slow cooking stews, soups and chili. Comes with a single layer of seasoning for rust prevention but will need additional seasoning to improve the cook
Customer Review: I am so pleased with this monster skillet! I bought it to use on my 21 inch Vision egg-style grill. I found that with the handles it was a little too wide for the lid to close. I asked a steel fabricator friend to cut one handle off. It fits perfectly on the grill. I did a 20 pound turkey in it for
3. Amazon Basics 15-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet — Heavy-Duty Even Heating, Oven Safe
The Amazon Basics 15-inch is a strong budget pick that still gives even heating and a large cooking area. It’s heavy but manageable, and it performs well after a few uses and extra seasoning cycles.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 15-inch size for large pans and batch cooking
- ✓ Pre-seasoned for initial use
- ✓ Heavy-duty cast iron for even heat
- ✓ Oven safe to high temperatures
Why We Recommend It
If you want a large cast iron skillet without spending much, this is a solid option. It gives the benefits of traditional cast iron at a lower price point.
Best For
Great for budget-conscious cooks who still need a reliable, large skillet for family meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable for the size
- Even heat distribution for searing and frying
- Good capacity for batch cooking
Cons:
- May need additional seasoning for best non-stick results
- Quality control can vary between batches
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. It’s heavy, but the size allows us to cook a lot of meat at once. It’s also easy to clean. I’m happy with my purchase — the pric
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. 20-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Dual Handles — XL Heavy-Duty Pan for Grill, Oven
A true extra-large skillet, this 20-inch pan lets you cook entire meals in one go. It’s heavy and built for outdoor grilling and big kitchens. You’ll love the space if you often cook for many people.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 20-inch surface for large groups
- ✓ Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- ✓ Dual handles to help moving the heavy pan
- ✓ Designed for grill, oven, and campfire cooking
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this if you need the largest possible cast iron surface. It’s perfect for big gatherings, grilling, and family feasts where space matters.
Best For
Best for large families, tailgating, or outdoor cooks who need maximum surface area for searing and roasting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge cooking area — one pan can feed many
- Sturdy build that handles high heat well
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor use
- Comes pre-seasoned for immediate use
Cons:
- Very heavy — requires care when lifting
- Harder to store because of size
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This 20-inch skillet is a game changer for large gatherings. It took a few seasoning sessions to build up a great surface. I used it for a big family breakfast and it handled eggs, bacon, and pancakes with room to spare.
Customer Review: Massive and well-made. It seared meats beautifully on the grill. Be sure you have a sturdy rack and help to lift it when hot. Worth it for the cooking surface.
5. Lodge 17-Inch Yellowstone Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Signature Teardrop Handle — Oven, Grill Safe
The Lodge Yellowstone 17-inch skillet brings the same Lodge durability in a larger stamped design. It’s pre-seasoned and has a smooth interior that performs well after a few uses.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 17-inch stamped cast iron design
- ✓ Pre-seasoned surface for initial use
- ✓ Signature teardrop handle plus assist handle
- ✓ Oven and grill safe
Why We Recommend It
This pan blends style and function. It’s roomy enough for big meals and is built to withstand heavy use. The Yellowstone styling adds a visual touch while staying practical.
Best For
Great for fans of the Yellowstone line, and cooks who want a large, stamped pan that’s easy to handle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large capacity for family-style cooking
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Good heat distribution and retention
- Attractive Yellowstone branding for collectors
Cons:
- Heavy to maneuver when full
- May show packing oil spots that need seasoning
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’m so glad I did! Even though I live in a 2 person household, there are so many uses for this skillet. For the skillet’s maiden voyage, I was able to cook almost an entire loaf of challah bread f
Customer Review: First of all, I did not receive one that had a hole in the middle, or rough spots in the interior.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 what so ever!The pre-seasoned surface was a charm, none of
6. Lodge 13-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Signature Teardrop Handle — Oven, Grill, Campfire Ready
The 13-1/4-inch Lodge pan is slightly smaller than the others here, but still counts as a large skillet for many cooks. It’s lighter, easier to store, and still packs Lodge’s durability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 13-1/4-inch surface — roomy but manageable
- ✓ Pre-seasoned for ease of use
- ✓ Teardrop handle with assist handle
- ✓ Great for stovetop and oven use
Why We Recommend It
Choose this if you want a large skillet that’s easier to lift. It’s a smart middle-ground between huge XL pans and smaller 10–12 inch skillets.
Best For
Best for cooks who want a large pan that stays manageable for one person. Good for sautéing, frying, and baking single-pan meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easier to handle than larger XL skillets
- Durable and oven-safe
- Good heat retention for searing
- Long-lasting brand reputation
Cons:
- Still heavy compared to non-cast pans
- May need regular seasoning maintenance
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, and then I often but not always heat up water in electric
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. Because it’s cast iron, I use metal spatula to flip my burgers without any damage to
7. Lodge 5-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Lid — Teardrop Handle, Oven and Grill Safe
This deep skillet doubles as a fryer and small Dutch oven thanks to its depth and included lid. It’s heavy, but the lid and depth make it versatile for braising and frying larger batches.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Deep 5-quart capacity for frying and braising
- ✓ Comes with a snug-fitting lid
- ✓ Pre-seasoned and oven-safe
- ✓ Teardrop handle plus assist handle for control
Why We Recommend It
We like this for cooks who need depth for frying or one-pot meals. The included lid makes it useful for slow-cooking and holding heat well.
Best For
Best for frying chicken, making stews, or any recipe that benefits from depth and a lid.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile as a fryer and braiser
- Included lid adds cooking flexibility
- Strong heat retention for even cooking
Cons:
- Very heavy, especially with lid attached
- Lid can be cumbersome to store
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, etc. It is a quality skillet and a good value. Be aware, though, it is VERY heavy. The lid is a nice additon.
Customer Review: I got the Lodge Logic Cast-Iron Chicken Fryer when I learned that properly seasoned cast-iron cookware are an alternative to Teflon cookware. With the Lodge Logic Cast-Iron Chicken Fryer, I no longer have to contend with Teflon cooking surfaces that start to flake and lose their their non-stick prop
8. Cuisinel 15-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Kit with Glass Lid, Scraper, Silicone Handle Grip — Oven Safe
The Cuisinel kit gives you extras like a glass lid and silicone handle grip. That makes it beginner-friendly and nicer to use right away compared with bare pans.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 15-inch skillet with tempered glass lid
- ✓ Silicone handle grip for safer handling
- ✓ Includes scraper for cleaning and maintenance
- ✓ Pre-seasoned and oven safe
Why We Recommend It
We like the kit because it adds practical accessories that help new cast iron owners. The lid and handle cover reduce fumbling and mess while cooking.
Best For
Best for cooks who want a full kit with extras and a safer grip for moving hot pans.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Useful accessories included
- Good heat retention and searing ability
- Tempered glass lid for monitoring food
- Silicone grip reduces burn risk
Cons:
- Glass lid limits very high-heat uses
- Kit pieces add to storage needs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Great size & good quality. Love the lid, and silicone handle protection part. Glad I bought it.
Customer Review: In the realm of culinary essentials, few tools hold as much sway as a trusty cast iron skillet. As an avid home cook constantly in search of kitchen perfection, I recently purchased the Cuisinel 15″ Cast Iron Skillet, and I must say, it’s become an indispensable asset in my cooking arsenal.First and
9. Lodge 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Handle Holder — Oven, Grill, Campfire Safe
This 12-inch Lodge is the smallest of our list but still bulky enough to qualify as a large cast iron skillet for many cooks. The silicone handle holder improves comfort and safety.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 12-inch cooking surface — versatile and familiar
- ✓ Includes red silicone handle holder for protection
- ✓ Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
- ✓ Oven, grill, and campfire safe
Why We Recommend It
Choose this if you want classic Lodge performance in a slightly smaller footprint. The silicone holder is a handy touch for daily use.
Best For
Perfect for cooks who want a dependable pan for everyday meals and easier handling than larger XL skillets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy-to-use size for most kitchens
- Silicone handle holder adds comfort
- Durable and long-lasting cast iron
- Pre-seasoned and oven-safe
Cons:
- Not as large as 15–20 inch options for big gatherings
- Requires regular seasoning to maintain non-stick surface
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, and then I often but not always heat up water in electric
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. Because it’s cast iron, I use metal spatula to flip my burgers without any damage to
Complete Buying Guide for Large Cast Iron Skillet
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing a large cast iron skillet, we look at size, weight, ease of seasoning, and versatility. Big pans should balance surface area with manageability. We also check if the skillet works on induction and grill. Accessories like lids and handle grips matter for safety and storage.
Budget Planning
Decide how often you’ll use an XL pan. If nightly family meals are common, invest in a trusted brand like Lodge. For occasional use, budget-friendly brands offer great value. Remember, cast iron lasts decades, so cost-per-year often favors higher quality.
Final Thoughts
Large cast iron skillets are simple tools with huge upside. Choose the size that fits your cooking style, and don’t fear the weight — it’s part of why they cook so well. With basic seasoning and care, any of the pans above can become your go-to kitchen workhorse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for a large cast iron skillet?
A: Clean with hot water and a scrub brush; avoid soap if possible. Dry thoroughly and rub with a thin layer of oil. Re-season as needed to maintain the non-stick surface.
Q: Can I use a large cast iron skillet on an induction cooktop?
A: Yes. Most cast iron skillets work on induction because they’re magnetic. Ensure the pan sits flat for the best contact and heat transfer.
Q: Are pre-seasoned skillets ready to use right away?
A: Mostly yes. Pre-seasoned skillets work out of the box, but many users do a few quick seasoning cycles to build a deeper non-stick layer.
Q: How heavy are XL cast iron skillets?
A: Weight varies by size. A 15–17 inch pan can weigh 10–20+ pounds. Larger 20-inch pans are heavier. Use two people or a helper for safe lifting when full.
Thanks for reading. If you’re ready to pick one, check the links above to compare prices and find the best deal for your kitchen. Grab a large cast iron skillet that fits your needs and start cooking bigger, simpler meals today.