Cast iron cooking has staged a comeback in recent years.

More home cooks are discovering the versatility of cast iron skillets with impressive nonstick performance and unrivaled heat retention.

One of the biggest perceived drawbacks of cooking with cast iron is the seasoning process.

Although not overly difficult, it’s a step that most people want to avoid when unboxing a new skillet.

Thankfully, plenty of manufacturers are now seasoning their skillets at the factory, and there’s one brand that does it better than the rest.

Lodge is a cast iron cookware company that has produced reliable cookware for more than a century.

Lodge makes the best pre-seasoned cast iron skillet on the market. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced and available to order worldwide.

Lodge Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 12 Inch

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00G2XGC88″ locale=”US” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KszhipRsL._SL500_.jpg” tag=”cooking1976-20″ width=”407″]The Lodge Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet measures 12 inches edge to edge and is made from solid cast iron produced by hand in a U.S. foundry.

It’s one of the most popular and most reliable skillets on the market that is safe to use right out of the box.

With pre-seasoning, there’s no need to add extra oil before cooking for the first time.

The skillet can simply be wiped down and then used as normal.

The pan can be wiped clean after use because the seasoning gives the material a naturally nonstick surface.

Cast iron skillets are nonstick because cooking oil is used for seasoning.

When it is heated, it bonds with the metal, creating a protective layer that works similarly to a synthetic nonstick coating.

The difference is that a naturally nonstick surface is non-toxic, so there’s no concern surrounding chemical leaching or harmful vapors.

Cast iron skillets do leach some iron into food, particularly when cooking with acidic ingredients, but this only occurs at levels that are safe for human consumption.

Cooking with cast iron provides dietary iron and may even be beneficial for people who suffer from deficiencies.

This lodge pan is light on features but the ones that are included are all useful.

• An included heat-resistant grip is form-fitted to the handle and can be removed when necessary.
• There’s a helper handle on the pan for pouring and cleaning.
• Two special pouring edges make it easy to transfer liquids to serving dishes and storage containers.

Lodge makes the best pre-seasoned cast iron skillet because the material is thick, heavy, and durable.

The seasoning is high quality and makes the pan easy to use right out of the box. Lodge also offers a lifetime warranty, giving you confidence in your purchase.

An Alternative Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B07XQJR9FY” locale=”US” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413965UF8eL._SL500_.jpg” tag=”cooking1976-20″ width=”500″]Lodge isn’t the only company to produce reliable cast iron skillets.

The Legend 12 Inch Skillet With Lid is made from heavy-duty cast iron and includes a light pre-seasoning from the factory.

Like Lodge, it includes a heat-resistant cover for the handle, special pouring spouts on the sides, and a helper handle.

The advantage of choosing Legend is that the skillet comes with a tempered glass lid.

The price is identical to lodge and the quality is on-par.

Legend doesn’t have the same reputation as Lodge and is made in China as opposed to the U.S.

Legend offers a lifetime warranty, but because the company isn’t as well established as Lodge, it’s difficult to say whether this would be honored in the long term.

What’s the Best Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet?

Lodge is hands down the best-cast iron cookware company and it makes the best pre-seasoned cast iron skillet.

There are alternatives, such as Legend pans, but Lodge’s reputation, more than 100 years in business, and commitment to its customers make it hard to recommend anything else.