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Buying cast iron can be intimidating, but this one stop guide to cast iron will clear up all your questions and give you confidence to buy the right piece that will last for years!

A collage of various cast iron cooked recipes with the text "Buying Your First Cast Iron, Making It Not So Scary".

Gordon Ramsay didn’t call me the “Cast Iron Queen” for nothing! It is my favorite way to cook at home and while it may seem intimidating, I’m here to break down that fear and give you the confidence you need to create your own cast iron collection that will last years. We will go through picking the pieces that suit your cooking needs, to tools I have in my own kitchen to keep my cast iron in tip top shape.

Whether you want to learn to season your own pans, or use cast iron that is enameled so you don’t have to season it at all – there is a cast iron pan out there for you!

Cast Iron on a Budget

While this says “on a budget”, I should also say that this is a great gateway brand and set of cast iron for first timer’s. The buy in is low, but the quality is good! Lodge is the first brand of cast iron I owned, and still use my pans on the regular. They’re also made in America. Using pans that are economical and high quality can be a tough thing to find, but if you’re new to this method of cooking, and learning the ropes, this won’t break the bank if you don’t use the pan right.

My two go to starter skillets are the Lodge cast iron skillets in both the 10.25″ and the 12″. If you want to start with enameled cast pans, the Lodge covered casserole dish is a great choice and work horse in the kitchen.

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Cast Iron for Beginners

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Overhead view of Double Chocolate Toffee Nutella Skillet Brownie

Fancy Cast Iron – Worth the Investment?

I’m all for splurging on a piece of cookware that you know you’re going to use. If you’re getting into intermediate or advanced in your cast cooking and know that this is something you want to invest more into then I am all for you pulling up with a wad of cash to buy some really pretty, high end pieces.

While the colors are absolutely gorgeous, from brands like Staub and LeCreuset, you don’t have to spend the money until you’re ready. But with that, I have several pieces from both brands and I do absolutely love them. Do what is in your best financial interest. Companies like Sur la Table also will have big sales on popular pieces, so look for the deals. Especially if you can be flexible with the colors you buy. That’s how I got my Le Creuset enameled skillet!

The Staub Dutch Oven below I have in a 4quart capacity which is perfect for my family of 4.

Below are the ones I have in my own kitchen, or hope to someday. Even I’m a girl on a budget.

Fancy Cast Iron Brands That I Use and Love

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No Seasoning Required Cast Iron

I have heard it all, that the pans are too high maintenance, seasoning takes forever. Blah Blah Blah. But here is the thing, if you’re not interested in working with a raw iron skillet, I always endorse that people invest in enameled cast iron. While the porcelain enameled coating is very robust, it can be delicate enough to chip. So when you’re using an enameled pan, like a dutch oven or the enameled casserole dish, my recommendation is to treat them like non-stick and use wooden spoons or silicone tools.

The inside of the pan may be white, or a dark black enamel. If you have a white interior finish, it may look discolored over time. To revive the white, my favorite way to clean it is here in this guide! It takes some elbow grease, but it gets the job done! You can watch a video of it here as well!

Enameled Dutch Ovens and Pans

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High End Skillets

When you’re a hardcore cast iron fan, there is a rabbit hole you can go down very easily finding artisan ironsmiths that make really beautiful heirloom level pieces.

Other high end brands can be found online. Some of the other common artisan shops include

Smithey Ironworks – Hand forged and also known for their forged carbon steel

Finex – Made in Portland, Oregon

Maintaining Your Pans

Knowing what the best to clean your cast iron can be challenging, but here are my go to favorites. Maintaining cast iron doesn’t have to be hard of complicated.

I’m a firm believer in getting what works, and isn’t just about aesthetic. Using a good nylon brush should be sufficient for most clean up needed for cast iron. When it comes to seasoning it, you can buy specific seasoning sprays, but I have always utilized a simple avocado oil with a high smoke point.

Here is my how to guide on seasoning your pans!

Tools for Care and Seasoning

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Perfect Recipes for Beginners

One Pot Lemon Basil Pasta – All made in one pan, pasta and all!

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie – a positive classic!

Whole30 Friendly Beef and Green Beans – healthy and delicious!

One Pot Ultimate Chili Mac – The kids will lose it for this, too!

One Pan Wild Salmon and Orzo Pasta – My kids hoovered this!