Want to have sizzling bruschetta chicken or a mouth-watering beefy ravioli? These dishes can do wonders to a hungry soul but surprisingly are very easy to make by yourself.
The secret to preparing a good dish is by using essential cookware. If you want to opt for making exquisite dishes, you need to go for iron skillets.
Nowadays, there are plenty of skillet options to choose from. However, the most convenient for daily use are lightweight cast iron skillets. They are featured with superior materials, durability, and affordable price ranges that make them an ideal purchase.
Thus, we bring you a list of the Best Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet based on research, test, and recommendation from thousands of satisfied users.
List Of Top Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Grill Pan
- Utopia Cast Iron Skillet
- Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet
- Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet
- Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Victoria Cast Iron Skillet
- Legend Cast Iron Skillet
- Home-Complete Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Comparison Chart For Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Size (inches) | Weight (pounds) | SPECIAL FEATURE | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  |
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | 10.25 | 5 | easy-release finish | |
  |
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle | 10.5 | 4.5 | flat and thin | |
  |
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Grill Pan | 10.5 | 6.5 | grill pan | |
  |
Utopia Cast Iron Skillet | 12.5 | 8 | adds iron in food | |
  |
Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet | 10 & 12 | – | silicone handle grips | |
  |
Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet | 12 | 11.68 | glass lid | |
  |
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | 6, 8, & 10 | – | 3-set | |
  |
Victoria Cast Iron Skillet | 10 | 2.4 | GMO flaxseed oil seasoning | |
  |
Legend Cast Iron Skillet | 12 | 10.43 | glass lid | |
  |
Home-Complete Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | 12 | 7.13 | adds iron in food |
Best Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet Reviews
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is a high-end cast-iron skillet that everyone has or had in their kitchens at one point or the other.
Available in 8 convenient sizes, each variation comes with a special feature like a silicone handle-grip or glass-lid. Each size is suitable for dedicated purposes and you might end up having a collection of these in your pantry.
Constructed from high-quality cast iron, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet comes pre-seasoned with oil right from the factory. It is ready to be used right out of the box. However, you should still take extra measures like seasoning it after every use to keep its integrity intact.
Each pan goes through thorough processing, seasoning, baking, and inspection before it is packaged away.
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet has superior heat absorption and retention capabilities. It makes cooking steaks, searing scallops, sauteeing vegetables far easier and healthier since the heat reaches all parts of the pan evenly and generates the needed warmth in the food.
Highlighted Features
- It comes in a variety of sizes with different facilities
- The pan comes pre-seasoned from the factory.
- The cast iron base has excellent heat retention properties.
- Besides versatile cooktop compatibility, it is oven-friendly too.
2. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
By now, you are well familiar with the rich qualities of Lodge cooking ware. Now, if you are looking to make fluffy pancakes, scrumptious grilled sandwiches, homemade tortillas, etc. you need to get the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle is a thin cast iron skillet that is pre-seasoned and allows you to cook pressed food or porous items proficiently. This means morning eggs, bacon, pancakes, rice cakes, wraps for burritos, etc. can be prepared hassle-free.
This, too, comes pre-seasoned from the factory. Give it a light wash and you utilize it for work right out of the box.
Indian cooking, which has more what-based items like dosas, rotis, vada-pav, etc. require you to pour out the mixture for the item in the pan and swirl the pan to get an even form.
So on nights when you are feeling extra adventurous, Indian-themed dinners can put a smile on your face, thanks to the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle.
Furthermore, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle is great for searing or grilling. Cook up some burger steaks for your next weekend get-together or sear some hot dogs to bring more life to the party.
The non-stick properties are far too great to not mention. Because they have such a perfect seasoning, adhesive items do not stick to the pan and scorch burger buns and toast just right without letting them disintegrate.
Highlighted Features
- The skillet is flat and round compared to traditional skillets.
- This is great for cooking porous items like eggs or pancakes.
- The handle has a hook at the handle end for convenient hanging.
- This works with campfires as well as on a variety of cooktops.
3. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Grill Pan
For those looking for lightweight cast iron pans for grilling delightful steaks, paninis, or sandwiches, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Grill Pan is a great option.
Available at 10.5-inches, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Grill Pan is just what you need to turn an average day into a celebration. The cast-iron base is incredibly durable and retains heat unlike no other. Thus, it heats throughout uniformly, giving the food an even burst of energy to produce the perfect meal.
A lot of people admire grill-marks on their food. However, most skillets have elevated grill bars that tend to burn the food in places, rather than lightly scorch. These end up deteriorating the taste of the food.
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Grill Pan is 6.5 pounds in weight. Because it is so lightweight, which usually is not the case for iron skillets, handling the skillet is a breeze. Working mothers generally suffer from a lot of unexpected body aches and a heavy-weight skillet could result in an unpleasant strain on the wrist.
Furthermore, the shallow cast-iron skillet is just what you want to carry if you are having a campsite arrangement, in hikes, RVs, etc.
Highlighted Features
- The cast-iron skillet is lightweight and portable.
- It is ideal for grilling various meats and sandwiches.
- It can be popped in the oven for a flair in flavor.
- The skillet is 2.63-inches deep and 17.25 inches wide.
4. Utopia Cast Iron Skillet
Non-stick pans and skillets are not always preferred by people. They tend to have non-stick materials that peel off and get mixed in the food. If you are looking for a good alternative to the non-stick skillet, the Utopia Cast Iron Skillet is a great choice.
Not only are they affordable but they are also better for your health. The Utopia Cast Iron Skillet helps to introduce 20% more iron into your food. This is especially beneficial to women who suffer the most from iron deficiency.
One thing to keep in mind while using this notable cast-iron skillet is that you need to let it cool before you wash with soap and a sponge. This ensures a long-lasting sheen to the skillet.
This Utopia Cast Iron Skillet is remarkable to add that extra punch to your taste buds. The superior heat retention capacity of this skillet ensures proper cooking of relishing dishes.
Available in 12.5-inches and 8 pounds, the Utopia Cast Iron Skillet is lightweight enough to be used daily for everyday meal preparation. Be it a healthy breakfast or a fancy dinner for a date-night, this skillet has the potential to be your go-to cooking ware.
Highlighted Features
- This skillet helps to introduce 20% iron in the food.
- This pan is ideal for replacing non-stick skillets.
- The flat base helps to retain heat proficiently.
- It can be used on a range of cooktops.
5. Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet
The Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet is a supreme choice due to its consistent heat distribution. The smooth bottom surface enables the heat to be retained and distributed throughout to elevate the taste of your food.
An exceptional feature of the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet is its versatility. It can be used for frying, grilling, roasting, or even braising different types of food elements.
You do not need to worry about what kind of ingredients you are preparing on the skillet. It is designed to be used for all types of foods. You can even make oily or high fatty food without having to worry about leaving behind any stains or stickiness.
Of course, cleaning up the grime off of this is a breeze. The Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet can be washed with some soapy water. Traditional skillets may meet their doom earlier due to stubborn stains spooning the texture of the pan coating. That is rarely the case for the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet.
Once the skillet has been thoroughly cleaned, you can begin preparing more flavors without worrying about trapping the concoction of smells from the previous dish.
This multipurpose designed skillet is remarkable due to its craftsmanship. The Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet can outlast years without corroding. The exceptional reliability this skillet gives is a win-win.
Perhaps the finest feature is the fact that it comes in a set of two – one that is 10-inches and another that is 12-inches. Both of these come with dedicated holders so that you don’t have to purchase them separately.
Highlighted Features
- This comes as a set of two skillets of different sizes.
- Both the skillets in the set come with silicone holders.
- This is ideal for those who are just learning to cook.
- There are other sets of varying sizes available as well.
Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet Buying Guide
Weight
Cast-iron skillets have a reputation to be very heavy. The material composition is usually what adds to the heavy-weight factor. Add to that a large skillet dimension, you might find yourself with a sprained wrist.
While bigger skillets allow you the freedom to pack in more ingredients and cook for a big batch, bigger is not always better. Especially if you have health issues like calcium deficiency or are a little older, this could lead to unpleasant accidents when lifting a hot skillet off the cooktop.
If you are looking for a lightweight cast iron skillet, consider getting skillets with 2-8 pounds. Remember, when you add all your ingredients, the skillet will become heavier.
So, consider a good balance in weight and size before finalizing the decision.
Size
The cookware needs to be selected based on the user’s usage preference. Now, are you a solo diner or a cook for a crowd? You need to select the skillet that can accurately fit your kitchen set.
As skillets are available in various sizes, you need to decide for what purpose you will be using them. The skillets that are designed just for single meals are compact. On the other hand, the skillets for big families are larger and are designed with the latest technology.
Smaller ones can range from a size of 6-inches to 10-inches, while the larger ones can stretch beyond 16-inches. You could keep a combination of small and large skillets to utilize them for different purposes.
Convenience
There is no doubt that cooking requires a lot of effort and patience. If you are a regular user, you will know how tiresome and annoying it can be. Therefore, skillets should be designed to provide you maximum comfort while using.
Keep in mind to choose the skillet with a protective handle. It is safe to go for the one with a protective and sturdy handle to avoid accidents while cooking.
Some iron skillets have stainless steel inner installed in handles that keep them cool. The outer covering then is made of rubber or a combination of materials that can be gripped strongly and safely.
Another important factor is that the skillet should be dish-washer friendly. This adds a great headache if the skillet cannot be cleaned using the dishwasher.
Multifaceted
Nowadays, it is common for people to purchase multi-purpose cookware. People want quick and easy operations that fit right into their fast-paced lives.
The advantage of an iron cast skillet is that it is flexible to use. For instance, it can be a hassle to use separate multiple pots, grills, or pans while cooking.
The cast-iron skillets are designed in such a way so that they can serve you in a multitude of versatile ways.
You can use an iron cast skillet on the stove, grill, or even in the oven. This way, you can decrease the use of numerous utensils and the cost of buying those just by purchasing the right cast-iron skillet for you.
What Is Lightweight Cast Iron And How Is It Different?
Cast irons are popular for their even cooking, versatile use, and of course lifelong durability. However, the only major con is that it’s heavyweight!
That’s why lightweight cast iron has been designed. They possess almost all the benefits of a cast iron skillet with a touch of lightness.
Usually, lightweight cast irons use metal molds instead of sand molds that make the skillet walls thinner. Because of these thinner walls, you will find it 50% lighter than the regular ones. Hence, it’s easier to move around with the cookware and clean it.
Not only that, such skillets can be used on any kind of heat source and you would love to cook different dishes in them.
They heat up quicker than traditional cast irons that make them quickly ready to cook the food.
How Does Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet Perform?
Lightweight cast iron skillet performs incredibly at quick heat up. The reason is the thinner walls that make it take less time to spread the thermal energy. Just give the skillet 10 minutes and you will get it flaming hot and ready to cook.
Not just that, it also tends to cool down fast for the same reason.
As for the even cooking, it performs great at that too. Typically, lightweight cast iron skillet produces less heat than the regular ones but that’s enough to make your food thoroughly cooked.
Lightweight Cast Iron Cookware Vs. Regular Cast Iron- Which Is Better?
Lightweight cast iron has pretty much the same nature as the regular one. The big benefit is that the former is light enough to work with.
It heats up faster than regular cast iron because of thinner walls. So, you can instantly start cooking your meal with the skillet. Not just that, it cools down faster than the other as well. This helps a lot in minimizing the chances of hand burns.
In terms of portability and ease of cleaning, lightweight cast iron is better. You won’t have hard time moving around with the skillet. And as you know, cast iron is not at all dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean the light models with your hands.
Lightweight cast iron may not be better at holding heat than the regular but it’s fairly good.
If you have arthritis issue, the light skillet would be incredible for you. It’s because regular ones are hard to pick and move. You may also end up with a sprained wrist for the weight. But with the light one, you won’t struggle.
Unlike regular skillets that are totally made of cast iron, some lightweight models are designed with wooden riveted or stainless steel handles. Such handle construction offers better stability and grip while being cool to touch.
How To Properly Season And Care For Your Skillet
How To Season Cast Iron Skillet
Seasoning cast iron skillets helps make them more robust and easy to work with. It prevents corrosion while offering a natural nonstick surface.
To do the work, you have to start by scrubbing skillet well in hot, soapy water. Let it dry completely.
After that, spread some flaxseed oil or any vegetable oil throughout the surface of your lightweight cast iron skillet. Rub it with a paper towel.
Then place the skillet upside down in the oven and try baking the oiled skillet for around an hour at 400°F. Make sure to place foil on lower rack so it catches drip easily.
If you don’t have oven, then you can put the oiled skillet on the stove over medium heat.
After you are done with it, let the skillet cook down. Then, wipe it using a dry clean paper towel.
How To Care For Cast Iron Skillet
- Make sure you don’t put your lightweight cast iron skillet in a dishwasher. It’s not safe at all.
- Don’t use harsh detergents since it can ruin the smooth surface of the skillet.
- It’s better to avoid marinating in lightweight cast iron skillet. Acidic ingredients can damage the seasoning easily.
- If the food particles are sticking or rust is appearing or you’re getting a metallic taste, then re-season it.
- Rub vegetable oil over the cooking surface before cooking. Preheat the skillet over low heat and increase the temperature gradually.
How To Clean A Cast-Iron Skillet?
Clean the skillet right after using it. Make sure you don’t soak the skillet or else it may rust quick.
Wash the cookware manually with a sponge and hot water. If it’s very hot, then wear gloves for safety. Also avoid using dishwasher soap.
Scrub the skillet well with a coarse paste of kosher salt and water. This will remove the stuck on food. After that, rinse and wipe it with a dry paper towel.
Don’t let the skillet air dry. Make sure you either dry it using paper towel or by placing it on the stove over medium heat.
After that, apply vegetable oil to the surface and then store it.
FAQ
Is A Heavier Cast Iron Skillet Better?
It’s better in terms of durability, heat retention and even heating. However, lightweight cast iron skillet performs fairly well in those categories. The latter has additional benefits that can provide you with more convenience. One is the ease of portability and cleaning, another one is its ability to heat up and cool down quick. If you have arthritis, you will surely find lightweight cast iron skillet better.
In case you don’t, then you can consider heavy skillet.
Who Makes The Lightest Cast Iron Cookware?
Victoria and Lancaster mostly produce the lightest cast iron cookware. Some of their skillets weigh below 4 pounds that make them the lightest.
Where Can You Get Lighter Cast-Iron Skillets?
You can get lighter cast irons directly from the brands via their website. Such as Lodge or Cuisinel cast iron is available in their own sites. You can also get these branded lightweight skillets from Amazon, Marquette Castings, Wayfair or other online marketplaces. If you want them at most affordable price ranges, then we would rather recommend Amazon.
Conclusion
If you want to turn your dishes into a Michelin-star standard food then it is a must to have an iron skillet. They are the most recommended cooking ware suggested by chefs and cooks around the world.
What better one to purchase than the lightweight cast iron skillet? These guarantee premium quality and exhibit superior performance.
No matter what you cook, these iron skillets can be the most convenient cookware in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Follow our guide with the list of the Best Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet on the market. Use it to make the amazing dishes until you pass it on to the next generation.
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