Quality cast iron has long been a kitchen essential, but finding a high-performance pan without the premium price tag is tough.
Enter the $35 cast iron skillet from IKEA, a budget-friendly skillet that shoppers say works 'just as well' as the pricier best cast iron cookware, but without the eyewatering hit to their wallets.
For anyone looking to upgrade their cookware without overspending, this affordable cast-iron pan might just be the smartest buy of the season.
This $35 Cast Iron Skillet is The perfect Budget Upgrade
The IKEA cast iron collection is made from quality, non-toxic cast-iron, is safe for use in the oven and on all stove types including induction, and has a 15-year limited warranty.
Cast iron is a solid pick when choosing the best cookware, offering long-lasting durability, superior heat retention, and natural low-stick properties when you season a cast iron pan correctly.
But can you really achieve this degree of precision with a pan so cheap? According to the top shopper reviews, yes.
While we haven't tested it ourselves, in their five-star review, Amy wrote, 'This is thinner than our Lodge and Cuisinart skillets, but thicker than our enameled Le Creuset Dutch ovens, and it's smoother finish than our Lodge. Plus, it works great on our induction cooktop.
'I didn't think I'd use this so often, but I have owned it for a couple of years now, and it's on regular rotation. It's the best size for cast-iron/broiler pizza (no need to buy a pizza pan now), fried rice for a crowd, shaking beef, and pancakes (I stopped shopping for a separate griddle). Wonderful sear and char on high heat, or lower heat nonstick cooking.'
This 11" skillet is ideal for cooking up breakfast and dinner spreads for family, with extra-thick walls and base for even heat distribution, a hallmark of the more luxe Field Company Cast Iron Skillet we reviewed.
Fellow shopper Tasha agrees, 'Seasons well. Cooks well. Is weighty. Love everything about it. It’s beautiful and works just as well as my more expensive cast iron.' They even beg IKEA to make it in a smaller size to bulk out their collection.
Of the one-star reviews, complaints are commonly about rust formation, a common cast-iron cookware mistake resulting from improper washing and drying, and neglecting to season cast iron correctly.
Luckily, cleaning a burnt pan is easy when handling cast iron, as it can take a lot more abuse than potentially toxic non-stick cookware. After removing as much debris as possible, coat the base in a layer of baking soda from Walmart, and scrub with a dish brush (also from Walmart). Rinse and repeat as needed before drying quickly and thoroughly, and reseasoning with quality oil, such as food-grade grapeseed oil, from Amazon.
What to Shop
The IKEA cast iron collection is made from quality, non-toxic cast-iron, is safe for use in the oven and on all stove types, including induction, and has a 15-year limited warranty.
This enameled pot doesn't need seasoning for use, making it easier to use for everyday home cooks. This does mean, however, that you should avoid metal utensils to protect the coating.
Made from enameled cast iron, which spreads heat evenly through the pan and retains the heat for a long time. This pot is ideal, for example, for slower cooking such as roasts and casseroles.
Made from cast iron, which spreads heat evenly, keeps the pan warm for a long time, and evenly browns food. Shoppers love it for how easy it is to season, too.
Stainless steel is another great non-toxic option for everyday cookware, and discovering a complete set under $100 makes this a rare find. Learning how to clean and care for every type of cookware can help in making stainless steel virtually non-stick, too.
Cast iron pans get very hot. Protect your countertops from damage by picking up a trivet to place them on when serving up.
With your new investment in the bag, brush up on how to clean cast iron to maintain your cookware for years to come.
