The Finest Forged Iron Skillet You Can Purchase Proper Now Is Solely $20

Welcome to One Merely Terrific Factor, our ongoing sequence highlighting the small instruments and kitchen items that make life higher.

I not too long ago moved throughout the Atlantic, and couldn’t carry all of my belongings with me. The second I settled into my new place, there was one merchandise on the highest of the listing of kitchen necessities to switch immediately: a Lodge 10.25-inch forged iron skillet. That is as a result of if I may select just one pan for all my kitchen wants, I would select this particular skillet. Right here’s why. 

Forged iron skillets are sturdy pans forged as a single piece of iron. They’re heavy in comparison with most pans, and the Lodge is not any exception. Due to this, they preserve warmth exceptionally properly. Their heft makes them dependable and long-lasting, and their warmth retention helps obtain crisper, thicker crusts (Howdy, pork chops!). 

They work on the stovetop (electrical, fuel, and induction), within the oven, or over a fireplace, which makes them excellent for shifting one-skillet meals from range to oven to desk, like for this skillet eggplant parm. Plus, it’s the perfect dimension for many one-skillet dinners—sufficient to feed 4 to 6. 

My dad at all times packed one on our tenting journeys, and each meal was cooked in forged iron on the grates over the hearth. Serving in your cast-iron pan makes for a handy and rustic presentation, and retains the meals sizzling.

Forged iron skillets are additionally extremely versatile. So, what do I make in mine? Deeply seared steaks on the range and roast entire chickens within the oven. One among my favourite methods is to make use of it as a makeshift panini press for Cuban sandwiches. Darkish, crisp crust of cornbread baked in a skillet is a should, and so is baking rustic desserts, flaky pies, and the chewiest chocolate chip skillet cookie.

You Don’t Want To Purchase an Costly Skillet 

Lodge has been making forged iron cookware for over 125 years, and also you completely cannot beat the standard for the worth—it’s solely $20. Identify a greater value for a kitchen workhorse that may final your whole life!

When searching for forged iron pans, avid cooks glorify classic skillets for his or her clean floor. However they typically include excessive value tags and a critical cleansing and re-seasoning venture—who has the time for that? Plus, even then, the dear pans could turn into warped or pitted. 

There’s no have to shell out for an ultra-premium one except it has a specific characteristic you are craving for, resembling being extra-lightweight, enameled, or having a selected design aesthetic.

This Is How I Care For My Lodge Forged Iron Skillet

True, it requires a little bit upkeep however, forged iron skillets aren’t as arduous to take care of as chances are you’ll suppose. An important guidelines for sustaining a cast-iron skillet are to by no means put it within the dishwasher and to by no means put it away moist, which can trigger your skillet to rust.

I take advantage of a paper towel to use a really gentle coat of oil to the within of the skillet after washing by hand within the sink with cleaning soap and a sponge, warmth the pan over medium warmth for a minute or two, then let it cool proper on the stovetop earlier than storing.

This ensures the skillet is totally dry and upholds the seasoning. Don’t fear; should you make a mistake in your cast-iron care, you possibly can rescue it by reseasoning it.

BUY IT: Lodge 10.25-inch Forged Iron Skillet