Cast Iron Skillets
An 8-inch cast iron skillet can be an all-purpose kitchen superhero, especially when cooking for two.
Not too big and not too small, it's just right for crafting a variety of dishes, from savory skillet meals and cheesy quesadillas to sweet treats like skillet cookies and brunch favorites like frittatas.
Unlike a larger skillet, the 8-inch size ensures that you won't be drowning in leftovers, maintaining that perfect portion for two.
It also beats out a smaller skillet, offering more versatility and space for personal-sized pizzas or individual casseroles. Its even heat distribution guarantees your meals turn out just the way you want—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly sized for two.
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Top Pick
The Lodge 8-inch Cast Iron Skillet from their Chef Collection is our top pick, and for good reason.
The chef-inspired design with ergonomic handles, spatula-friendly sidewalls, and convenient pour spouts sets it apart.
And its superior heat retention guarantees an even cook every time, making it my go-to pan. Seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, it's a breeze to clean and functions as a top-notch non-stick skillet.
All of this, and at a very affordable price!
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Also Good
The Butter Pat Heather 8-inch skillet, priced at $160, caught our attention as a premium cast iron option.
Fortunately, we had the chance to test it for a couple of weeks, thanks to a generous friend who owned one.
While the cost made it a bit too steep for us to purchase permanently, we were able to experiment with it across a dozen recipes.
Despite the limited time, the skillet impressed us with consistent temperatures and notable features like a large pour spout and a smart textured interior design.
Although it's not the most budget-friendly, this skillet showcases quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design for those willing to make the investment.
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Most Affordable
We found the Lodge 8-inch Cast Iron Skillet to be an affordable and reliable option.
With a teardrop handle and subtle side lips for pouring, it's a convenient 8-inch pan that excels at frying, sautéing, and baking.
While it doesn't feature the Chef Collection's specific enhancements like spatula-friendly sidewalls, the Lodge skillet is a dependable choice.
In our comparison, we rated the Chef Collection slightly higher due to its additional design features, but this also remains a perfectly good option, especially for those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative.