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When I first aspired to become a skilled home chef, I was under the impression that great cookware costs a fortune. And while I’ve collected some high-end kitchen gear over the years, there’s one budget-friendly item I always go back to — in fact, it’s so good, I’ve bought it twice.
I initially ordered the Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast Iron Skillet for $29.99 on Amazon because of its low price. It’s rare to find a 10-inch skillet with a brand name attached for under $30, especially without a seasonal deals event going on. Compared to the cult-favorite $220 Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron, the Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast Iron Skillet is a total bargain.
Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast Iron Skillet/Fry Pan with Pour Spouts (10"), $30 at Amazon
Ayesha Curry’s cookware collection spans sauce pots and Dutch ovens to spatulas and barware, but it’s the cast iron skillet that captured my heart. The exterior enamel comes in several now sold-out colors, though I’ve bought the Twilight Teal version twice now—and it’s still available on Amazon. The green-blue hue regularly grabs attention when left out on my stovetop, with guests often assuming the pan is much more expensive than it actually is.
The Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast Iron Skillet comes pre-seasoned, so while you should read up on how to care for and clean a cast iron skillet, this one arrives ready to use. As I learned to navigate proper cast iron cooking techniques, this skillet proved forgiving enough for beginners, too.
After nearly three years of using this skillet, I decided to pick up a second one to leave at my parents’ house. That way, anytime I go home to cook for the holidays, my favorite pan will be at the ready. With my original showing little signs of wear after being used for countless dishes and cast iron skillet recipes, I feel confident that both pots will last many meals to come.
Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast Iron Skillet/Fry Pan with Pour Spouts (10"), $30 at Amazon
If you don’t want to take my word alone on it, I’m not the only one who raves about the Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast Iron Skillet. It has over 1,700 five-star reviews on Amazon, with a Le Creuset loyalist saying the $30 pan is “just as good.”
“This pan quickly became a staple in my kitchen,” said another reviewer. “Not to mention it's super cute and lives on top of my stove. I use it to cook and reheat EVERYTHING, and I can seamlessly transition it from stovetop to oven without any worries. Cleaning up is surprisingly hassle-free. A quick scrub with a brush and some hot water is usually all it takes.”
Whether you’re looking to try cast-iron cooking for the first time or it’s time to replace your current pan, the Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast Iron Skillet is easy to recommend, seeing that I bought it for myself twice. Of course, it would also make a great gift for the new homeowner in your life.
This story originally appeared on Parade.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
