Unlike many other skillets on this list, this Kuhn Rikon pan is made from spun iron, like the Netherton Foundry pan above, so it's noticeably lighter than its cast iron counterparts. This allowed us to determine how easy it was to regulate the heat of the pan, how non-stick it was, and if the pan could cook food gently. All-round comfort: we expected these pans to be heavy, but we wanted to see that considerations had been made to make using these pans a more comfortable experience. Pan seasoning is a process that takes time, but the Staub skillet will build up a reliable non-stick patina in a remarkably short time.

Small Cast Iron Pan - Etsy UK Small Cast Iron Pan - Etsy UK

Cast iron pan companies recommend cold-pressed flax or flaxseed oil and there’s science that says this is the most efficient oil for polymerisation as it sets hardest but it’s expensive and certainly not essential.The majority of our final selection came pre-seasoned, but ensuring you add further oil before storing will help in building up a shiny patina that will make your pan non-stick and add to the flavour of dishes, all without the use of artificial or chemical additives.

12 best cast iron skillets 2023 | BBC Good Food

The two-handled Prospector has all the heat distribution qualities we’d look for in a skillet, and the 26cm version we tried from the range was perfect for a one-pan dinner for two, breakfast eggs or a couple of large steaks. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet will need a smidge of oil, but once added, it will perfectly cook all kinds of foods.

These pans are highly durable as there are no gaps or joins to act as weak points; this also means they are more hygienic as food cannot get trapped. When it comes to achieving the perfect finish on steaks, a trusty cast iron skillet is the pan of choice for any seasoned chef. Pouring spouts: look for skillets that come equipped with pouring spouts as they prove incredibly useful when it comes to disposing of fat or grease or when making a delicious gravy or sauce, as these spouts allow for mess-free pouring. The fried egg also cooked quickly and evenly, lifting straight from the pan without fuss thanks to the high-quality enamelling of the pan surface.