Buy It For Life
Cast Iron Skillets

Cookware & Kitchenware

Buy it for life: the most durable cast iron skillets,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit.
Recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Lodge Classic Cast Iron Skillet

Affordable American-made cast iron skillet known as a durable, long-lasting everyday kitchen workhorse.

Mentioned 28 times in the threads we read

• Affordable
• Very durable
• Made in usa

Lodge is decent quality and made in the USA... it’s a workhorse and will last forever.
– Present-Bandicoot151

You buy a Lodge and be happy with it for the rest of your life.
– verbatim14004

Lodge is still made in Tennessee, still a big hunk of cast iron that will outlive you.
– Glad_Economics_3879

Finex Cast Iron Skillet

Premium polished cast iron skillet with smoother finish than mass-market alternatives like Lodge.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Smooth polished finish
• Premium construction
• Preferred by enthusiasts

Finex is the brand my chef friend uses at home. Apparently they have a smooth or polished finish.
– barbaq24

Other companies will still produce those sorts of highly finished pans.
– chackoc

Smithey, field, stargazer, yeti, and finex are all good end cast iron brands.
– Ok-Programmer6791

Field Cast Iron Skillet

Refined lightweight cast iron skillet with smooth surface and more premium feel.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Smooth surface
• Lighter weight
• Comfortable design

Smithey, field, stargazer, yeti, and finex are all good end cast iron brands.
– Ok-Programmer6791

I prefer Field for its smooth surface, thinner walls, and overall refinement.
– zerothprinciple

I really like Field as they are light weight, very comfortable, and have a great design.
– MtnMindset

Smithey Cast Iron Skillet

High-end smooth cast iron skillet praised for effortless cleanup and near-nonstick cooking.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Very smooth cooking performance
• Easy to clean
• Holds seasoning well

Smithey, field, stargazer, yeti, and finex are all good end cast iron brands.
– Ok-Programmer6791

I got a Smithey and it's like it was sent from heaven!
– HotPiano9790

It's virtually nonstick with my eggs, effortless to clean... after a year I haven't needed to re-season it.
– HotPiano9790

Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet

Premium smooth cast iron skillet positioned as a refined modern alternative to Lodge.

Mentioned 5 times in the threads we read

• Smooth finish
• Comfortable handle
• Premium build

I went for Stargazer... Super smooth and nice finish, and a more comfortable handle than lodge.
– jamesphw

I’m sure there are better things out there, but it doesn’t take away from the fact CO is great.
– CamiloArturo

I have their 13.5in brazer and love it.
– MtnMindset

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