Top Cast Iron Brands for Ironclad Cooking

Cast iron cookware has made a remarkable resurgence in kitchens around the world, owing to its durability and excellent heat retention. Enthusiasts of culinary arts often seek the best brands to enhance their cooking experiences. The market offers an impressive array of options, from traditional to modern designs, each with unique features that cater to various cooking needs. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled a list of the top brands known for their quality and craftsmanship. Discover these exceptional brands below.

Illustration of cast iron

Best brands of cast iron in 2025

Lodge

Lodge Cast Iron, founded in 1896, is America's largest and oldest manufacturer of cast iron cookware, boasting an estimated annual revenue of $102 million and employing 325 people. The company, still family-owned, produces over 200 items sold globally and is based in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Lodge Cast Iron has seen a 9% growth in employee count and is a key player in a market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% until 2028. Their products are renowned for durability and are favored for their health benefits and eco-friendly nature. With a strong presence in the global cast iron cookware market, Lodge continues to innovate and expand its offerings.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset is a pioneering brand in the production of high-quality, enameled cast iron cookware, founded in 1925 by Armand De Saegher and Octave Aubecq in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France. Known for its vibrant, chip-resistant colors and durable enamel, Le Creuset has become a staple in kitchens worldwide, with its products sold in over 60 countries. The company's commitment to craftsmanship is evident in its manufacturing process, where each piece is hand-finished and passes through at least 15 artisans to ensure quality. Le Creuset's innovative designs, such as the signature Flame color introduced in 1925, have set industry standards. The brand's focus on quality and design has earned it recognition from culinary leaders and a loyal customer base. For more detailed information, visit their official website.

Staub

Staub is a premium French manufacturer of enameled cast iron cookware, renowned for its high-quality products that combine durability, aesthetic appeal, and excellent cooking performance. Founded in 1974 by Francis Staub, the company is now part of ZWILLING J. A. Henckels since its acquisition in 2008. Staub's cookware, including cocottes, skillets, and braisers, is entirely made in France and features a unique three-layer enamel coating that enhances resistance to chipping and cracking. The brand's products are popular both in residential and commercial settings, contributing to the growth of the cast iron cookware market, which is expected to expand significantly by 2030. Staub's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. For more details on Staub's cast iron cookware, visit their official product page.

Victoria

Victoria is a renowned brand in the cast iron cookware market, known for its high-quality products and rich history. As a three-generation family business based in Medellin, Colombia, Victoria has been perfecting its craft since 1939, offering cast iron skillets, griddles, and Dutch ovens that are prized for their durability and even heat distribution. Their SIGNATUREsoft finish, achieved through precise CNC machining and sandblasting, enhances heat tolerance and improves seasoning retention, making their products a reliable choice for home cooks and professionals alike. Victoria's products are preseasoned with three layers of Kosher-certified non-GMO flaxseed oil and are oven safe up to 1500°F, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and performance. With a focus on innovation and tradition, Victoria continues to be a key player in the cast iron cookware market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2030. Discover more about their exceptional products by visiting their official website.

Smithey Ironware

Smithey Ironware, founded in 2015 in Charleston, South Carolina, is a leading producer of premium cast iron and carbon steel cookware, known for its heirloom-quality products. The company has expanded its operations multiple times, including a $3.1 million investment in 2024 that created 16 new jobs and established a new headquarters and distribution facility at the Navy Yard Industrial Campus. Smithey's products, such as skillets, Dutch ovens, and roasters, are crafted with a polished interior surface for ease of use and are compatible with all cooktops, ovens, and grills. Each piece is designed to be a lifetime gift, intended for daily use across generations. The company's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has solidified its presence in the national manufacturing landscape. Discover more about their heirloom-quality cookware on their official website.

Finex

Finex, now part of Lodge, is renowned for its high-quality cast iron cookware, distinguished by its unique design, smooth CNC-machined surface, and optimal weight. The brand gained significant attention through a successful Kickstarter project and press coverage. Despite being a relatively new entrant, Finex has made a mark with its easy-to-clean and safely designed handles. Following its acquisition by Lodge in 2019, Finex's manufacturing capacity increased by 75%, enhancing its market presence. Finex's products cater to the growing trend of healthy, home-made food and the need for lightweight, modern cast iron cookware. For more details, read about [Lodge's acquisition of Finex](https://www.moderncasting.com/articles/2019/08/16/lodge-acquires-finex-cast-iron) which significantly boosted production capabilities.

Field Company

Field Company is a renowned producer of premium cast iron cookware, founded in 2016 by two brothers with a passion for creating lighter, smoother skillets inspired by vintage pans. Their products are made 100% in the USA, with facilities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, using high-quality gray cast iron, steel, and recycled iron. Field Company's production process involves meticulous steps such as green sand casting and machining to achieve a smooth, vintage-style surface finish, resulting in cookware that is both lighter and more durable. Their commitment to quality and detail has garnered significant interest among chefs and cooking enthusiasts, with their products featured in various culinary publications. The company's Kickstarter campaign in 2016 raised $1.6 million, highlighting the strong demand for their premium, heirloom-quality cast iron cookware.

Butter Pat Industries

Butter Pat Industries is renowned for producing some of the highest-quality cast-iron cookware, often compared to the exceptional craftsmanship of vintage pieces. Founded in 2013 by Dennis Powell, the company invested $100,000 in research to develop a proprietary process that replicates the smooth, velvety feel of late 19th-century cast iron. Each pan takes about two weeks to make, ensuring thin walls, an even cooking base, and a smooth surface without subtractive measures. Their collaboration with Yeti resulted in a cast-iron skillet that sold out within a day of its release, highlighting the brand's popularity. Butter Pat's products have earned rave reviews from chefs and consumers alike, solidifying its position as a leader in the cast-iron cookware market.

Barebones

Barebones, while not specifically highlighted in provided sources as one of the best producers of cast iron, is well-known for its high-quality cast iron products. Appreciated for its durable and evenly heating cookware, it often finds comparison with other top brands like Lodge. The careful manufacturing process, which involves re-melting pig iron in blast furnaces and utilizing techniques like gravity-pouring into sand molds, is essential for producing quality cast iron. This process is notably energy-intensive, requiring around 350-370 kWh/t to melt and superheat the materials. Barebones, along with other reputable brands, ensures that their cast iron cookware is crafted with meticulous attention to these crucial processes.

Stargazer Cast Iron

Stargazer Cast Iron is renowned for producing high-quality, heirloom-grade cast iron skillets, made entirely in the USA, specifically in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2015 by Peter Huntley, the company has gained a significant following, with nearly 30,000 followers on Instagram. Stargazer skillets are praised for their smooth surfaces, excellent heat retention, and easy-pour edges, making them ideal for various cooking techniques. They are also notable for being relatively lightweight and highly nonstick, especially in egg-frying tests where no egg whites stuck. For more information, visit their website: Stargazer Cast Iron.