> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thecanadareport.ca/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Best Cast Iron Skillets in Canada — 6 Picks From $44.97 - URL: https://www.thecanadareport.ca/best-cast-iron-skillet-canada/ - Published: 2026-11-12T13:28:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-12T13:28:06.000Z - Description: Choose the best cast iron skillet in Canada with six curated picks, size advice, seasoning tips and practical maintenance guidance. - Author: Steve Cogbill - Tags: Canadian Guides Heads up: some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click and purchase, we may get a commission. It's how we keep this site running without cluttering it with ads. A cast iron skillet earns its cupboard space by doing jobs that lightweight pans often cannot: a hard sear, an oven finish, a campfire meal or a batch of cornbread. The catch is that cast iron is not one category of pan. Size, handle shape, surface finish, side height and enamel all change how practical it is, whether you’re cooking in a Toronto condo galley kitchen or over a fire pit at a Muskoka campsite. A 12-inch pan can feed a family but asks more of a small sink and wrist; an 8.5-inch enamelled skillet is easier to manage, but it is not built for a pile of pancakes. These curated recommendations are based on published specifications, listed features, prices, ratings and buyer feedback. The picks range from traditional pre-seasoned iron for people happy to maintain a cooking surface to enamelled iron for cooks who would rather skip seasoning. Start with the meals you make most often, then choose the pan that makes those meals less complicated. With [grocery prices climbing at their fastest pace since 2023](https://www.thecanadareport.ca/canada-grocery-prices-surge/), a pan that makes cooking at home easier earns its keep quickly. ## Quick Overview: Our Top Picks | Product | Best For | Why We Love It | Price | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------- | | ![Lodge 10.25-inch pre-seasoned black cast iron skillet with assist handle](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B00006JSUA.jpg) **[Lodge Cast Iron Skillet](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00006JSUA?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca)** | Reliable everyday cooking | Proven American-made design, pre-seasoned surface, and practical assist handle at a budget-friendly price. | $44.97 | | ![Cuisinel 12-inch pre-seasoned cast iron skillet with glass lid and handle cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B07HK6FWQ6.jpg) **[Cuisinel Skillet With Lid](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HK6FWQ6?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca)** | Covered cooking versatility | Includes a glass lid and handle cover, with induction compatibility for flexible indoor and outdoor cooking. | $64.99 | | ![VICTORIA 12-inch pre-seasoned black cast iron skillet with helper handle](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B01726HD72.jpg) **[Victoria Cast Iron Skillet](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01726HD72?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca)** | Large budget cooking | Generous cooking area, oversized helper handle, pour spouts, and natural flaxseed-oil seasoning offer strong value. | $49.61 | | ![STAUB white 8.5-inch enamelled cast iron deep skillet with black matte interior](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B0CTCWZS4N.jpg) **[STAUB Deep Skillet](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CTCWZS4N?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca)** | Low-maintenance premium cooking | Enamel coating eliminates routine seasoning while the textured interior supports browning and easier cleanup. | $191.13 | | ![Stargazer 12-inch seasoned cast iron skillet with smooth cooking surface](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B0CB75WJZP.jpg) **[Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CB75WJZP?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca)** | Premium craftsmanship | Smooth machined surface, stay-cool handle, and drip-free rim distinguish this carefully crafted American-made skillet. | $250.80 | | ![Cuisinel 10.5-inch pre-seasoned cast iron round griddle with silicone handle grip](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B07HFKNNR8.jpg) **[Cuisinel Round Griddle](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HFKNNR8?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca)** | Pancakes and flatbreads | Flat griddle design suits crepes and grilling, while the included silicone grip improves handling. | $44.99 | ### [Lodge Cast Iron Skillet](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00006JSUA?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) ![Lodge 10.25-inch pre-seasoned black cast iron skillet with assist handle](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B00006JSUA.jpg) Lodge’s 10.25-inch pre-seasoned cast iron skillet with assist handle The Lodge 10.25-inch skillet is the best first traditional cast iron pan for a cook who wants one dependable piece for weekday dinners, oven baking and summer camping. Its 53.43-square-inch cooking surface lands in the useful middle: substantial enough for searing or sautéing, without the bulk of a 12-inch pan. It comes pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil and has an assist handle for moving the 2.43 kg pan. The manufacturer lists stove, oven, grill and campfire use, giving it unusual range for a basic skillet. Buyers often praise its heat retention and its ability to handle eggs, crepes, meat and baking as the seasoning develops. The honest limitation is the standard bare-iron routine: wash, dry and maintain the seasoning. It also has no lid or silicone grip included. [Check Lodge Cast Iron Skillet on Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00006JSUA?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) for current availability. #### Pros - 10.25-inch size and 53.43-square-inch cooking surface suit everyday meals - Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil - Works on the stove, in the oven, on a grill or over a campfire #### Cons - Requires routine seasoning care after cooking - No lid or handle cover is included ### [Cuisinel Skillet With Lid](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HK6FWQ6?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) ![Cuisinel 12-inch pre-seasoned cast iron skillet with glass lid and handle cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B07HK6FWQ6.jpg) Cuisinel 12-inch pre-seasoned cast iron skillet with glass lid Choose the 12-inch Cuisinel skillet if covered cooking matters as much as frying. This is a large, 3-quart cast iron pan that includes a tempered glass lid and a silicone handle cover, making it more purpose-built for braises, covered vegetables and stovetop-to-oven dishes than a bare skillet alone. It is listed for grills, stovetops, induction cooktops and outdoor cooking, while its smooth finish is intended to support even heat distribution. Buyers regularly point to its substantial construction and the usefulness of the included lid and grip. There is no pretending around the weight: at 5.15 kg, it is the heaviest pick here and will be more demanding to lift when full. The silicone grip can get hot, according to the manufacturer, so an oven mitt or towel is still necessary. It also needs hand washing, stovetop drying and oil maintenance. [Check Cuisinel Skillet With Lid on Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HK6FWQ6?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) for current availability. #### Pros - Includes a tempered glass lid and silicone handle cover - Listed for induction, oven, grill, stovetop and outdoor use - 3-quart, 12-inch format suits larger covered dishes #### Cons - Listed weight of 5.15 kg makes it a demanding pan to carry - Silicone handle cover can get hot and bare cast iron needs maintenance ### [Victoria Cast Iron Skillet](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01726HD72?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) ![VICTORIA 12-inch pre-seasoned black cast iron skillet with helper handle](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B01726HD72.jpg) VICTORIA 12-inch skillet with helper handle and pour spouts Victoria’s 12-inch skillet is for the cook who wants a larger traditional pan but does not want to compromise on handles. Its long curved cast-iron handle is designed for leverage, and the oversized helper handle is easier to grasp with pot holders. Those details matter on a 3.04 kg pan headed from stovetop to oven. It comes pre-seasoned with 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil, has drip-cutting pour spouts, and is listed for gas, electric, induction, oven, camping and grill use. A lifetime warranty adds weight to the value proposition. Buyers often mention a smoother-than-expected surface and appreciate the handle design. Its 12-inch footprint remains its main compromise: it takes more storage and sink space than a mid-size skillet. It is also bare cast iron, so careful drying and ongoing seasoning still belong in the routine. [Check Victoria Cast Iron Skillet on Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01726HD72?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) for current availability. #### Pros - Long curved handle and large helper handle support safer lifting - Pre-seasoned with non-GMO flaxseed oil and backed by a lifetime warranty - Pour spouts and compatibility with induction, oven, grill and camping add flexibility #### Cons - 12-inch size needs more storage, sink space and lifting effort - Requires ongoing seasoning care and must not be microwaved ### [STAUB Deep Skillet](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CTCWZS4N?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) ![STAUB white 8.5-inch enamelled cast iron deep skillet with black matte interior](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B0CTCWZS4N.jpg) STAUB’s white enamelled cast iron skillet delivers even heat and browning The Staub 8.5-inch Traditional Deep Skillet is the right premium choice for someone who likes cast iron heat retention but has no interest in seasoning bare iron. Its textured black matte enamel interior needs no seasoning and is described as easy to clean. Raised sides help contain splatter, while pour spouts make it easier to remove fat or transfer pan juices. With a listed 3.2-quart capacity and 2.04 kg weight, it makes more sense for smaller portions, sauces and contained stovetop cooking than for feeding a crowd. Buyers like the deep profile and manageable size. The key trade-off is cost and diameter: 8.5 inches offers less searing room than the 10.25- and 12-inch pans. Enamel also does not erase the need for good cooking habits; buyer feedback notes that sticking can occur if technique is off. [Check STAUB Deep Skillet on Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CTCWZS4N?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) for current availability. #### Pros - Enamelled interior needs no seasoning - Raised sides reduce splatter and pouring spouts help with fat removal - 2.04 kg listed weight is lower than the larger bare-iron skillets #### Cons - 8.5-inch diameter limits batch cooking and large family meals - Premium enamelled option still requires attention to prevent sticking ### [Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CB75WJZP?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) ![Stargazer 12-inch seasoned cast iron skillet with smooth cooking surface](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B0CB75WJZP.jpg) Stargazer’s smooth-surface skillet is made for versatile cooking Stargazer’s 12-inch skillet is for the committed cast iron buyer who is prepared to pay for finishing details rather than simply maximum pan size. It is made in the USA, pre-seasoned, and has a machined smooth cooking surface intended to minimize sticking and simplify cleanup. The flared rim is designed to pour from any angle without separate pour spouts, while the handle is promoted for staying cooler for longer during stovetop cooking. At 2.95 kg, its listed weight is notably lower than the lidded 12-inch Cuisinel. Buyers frequently single out the smooth, lightly textured finish. This is not the practical budget entry point, and it remains a 12-inch bare cast iron skillet that needs room to store and a seasoning routine. Pick it for the surface and modern rim design, not because it removes cast iron’s basic care requirements. [Check Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet on Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CB75WJZP?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) for current availability. #### Pros - Machined smooth cooking surface is designed to reduce sticking - Flared rim allows pouring from any angle - 12-inch pan is listed at 2.95 kg and comes pre-seasoned #### Cons - Premium cost is hard to justify for an occasional cast iron user - Large bare-iron pan still needs storage space and seasoning maintenance ### [Cuisinel Round Griddle](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HFKNNR8?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) ![Cuisinel 10.5-inch pre-seasoned cast iron round griddle with silicone handle grip](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/8b/658bb4e9-9316-49de-aa33-8d03ee59bdfd/content/images/2026/11/B07HFKNNR8.jpg) Cuisinel’s pre-seasoned cast iron griddle supports versatile cooking The Cuisinel 10.5-inch round griddle is not a substitute for a high-sided skillet; it is the specialist pick for flat, quick-cooking foods. Think crepes, pancakes, eggs, dosas and toast rather than saucy braises. Its smooth pre-seasoned cast iron surface is intended to support even heat distribution, and the pan is listed for stove, grill, oven and induction cooking. An included silicone handle grip is useful when serving or moving the pan, though it can still become hot around cast iron. Buyers often describe the cooking surface as smooth and level, with feedback mentioning successful crepes and dosas after proper seasoning. At 2.27 kg, it is lighter than the other 10-inch-plus bare-iron choices in this guide. Low sides are the honest trade-off: they offer easy access for a spatula but provide little containment for liquids or splatter. Hand washing, thorough drying and oil maintenance remain part of ownership. [Check Cuisinel Round Griddle on Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HFKNNR8?tag=thecanadarepo-20&ref=thecanadareport.ca) for current availability. #### Pros - Low-profile 10.5-inch shape suits crepes, eggs, dosas and pancakes - Listed for induction, oven, stove and grill use - Includes a silicone handle grip and weighs 2.27 kg #### Cons - Low sides are unsuitable for braises and other liquid-heavy meals - Needs hand washing, thorough drying and seasoning care ## How to Choose the Best Cast Iron Skillet in Canada Start with the format, not the brand name. Traditional bare cast iron arrives pre-seasoned on the Lodge, Victoria, Stargazer and Cuisinel options here. Its seasoning can improve with regular cooking and a thin layer of oil after cleaning, but it does ask for drying and care. That exchange makes sense for a cook who wants one pan for stovetop, oven, grill and, in several cases, a campfire. The Lodge is the straight-ahead all-purpose choice; the Victoria puts extra thought into leverage; Stargazer focuses on a machined smooth cooking surface. Enamelled cast iron changes the routine. Staub’s deep skillet has a textured black matte enamel interior and needs no seasoning, which is appealing if upkeep has stopped you from buying cast iron before. It also has raised sides for messier dishes. The compromise is that enamel is not the same as a mature bare-iron seasoning, and the pan’s smaller 8.5-inch diameter limits volume. Weight deserves more attention than many listings give it. The 12-inch Cuisinel with lid is listed at 5.15 kg, while the 12-inch Victoria is 3.04 kg and the 12-inch Stargazer is 2.95 kg. A helper handle, a longer handle or both can make carrying a hot pan from stove to oven much more manageable. For Canadian apartments and compact kitchens, consider where the pan will live and how often it will need to be lifted, not just how many people you cook for. ## Cast Iron Skillet Sizes: What to Buy for Different Cooking Needs For a first cast iron pan, the 10.25-inch Lodge is the sensible middle ground. Its listed 53.43-square-inch cooking area gives it enough room for everyday searing, sautéing and baking without immediately moving into large-pan territory. It is the choice for a household that wants one traditional skillet rather than a specialized piece. A 12-inch skillet suits bigger portions and recipes that need elbow room. Victoria’s 12-inch pan is a strong candidate for family dinners, bacon, shallow frying or one-pan meals because it pairs the larger diameter with a long curved handle and an oversized helper handle. Stargazer also comes in at 12 inches, with a 3.4-quart capacity, and is aimed at the buyer prepared to pay more for a polished cooking surface and flared rim. The lidded Cuisinel is another 12-inch option, particularly for cooks who value a glass lid for covered cooking. Not every kitchen needs a large skillet. Staub’s 8.5-inch deep skillet has a 3.2-quart capacity, raised sides and pouring spouts, making it a focused pick for smaller portions and dishes prone to splatter. The 10.5-inch Cuisinel round griddle is different again: its low-profile griddle shape is suited to crepes, dosas, eggs and toast, rather than saucy meals. Diameter tells only part of the story; side height and pan shape decide what actually fits. ## Seasoning a Cast Iron Skillet: Step-by-Step for Beginners Pre-seasoned does not mean maintenance-free. It means the bare iron already has an oil-based protective cooking layer, so a new owner can begin cooking without a full initial seasoning project. Lodge uses 100% natural vegetable oil, while Victoria states that its 12-inch skillet is seasoned at high temperatures with 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil. Cuisinel and Stargazer are also sold pre-seasoned. For the first few cooks, keep the approach simple. Preheat the skillet on low to medium heat, as Victoria recommends, rather than rushing it over high heat. Cook with a little oil and choose forgiving foods before judging how readily food releases. Regular oil-based cooking contributes to a seasoned surface over time. Lodge’s buyer feedback frequently mentions eggs, crepes, meats and baking as uses that improve as the surface is used and cared for. After cooking, hand wash the pan, dry it thoroughly, and apply only a very thin layer of natural oil when the care directions call for it. Cuisinel specifically advises drying on the stove at medium heat and seasoning with natural oils; it says not to air dry or use a dishwasher. A heavy oil layer is not the goal. One buyer of the lidded Cuisinel also warns that too much oil can leave residue. If you want no seasoning routine at all, choose the enamelled Staub instead. Its enamel cooking surface does not require seasoning. ## How to Clean and Maintain Cast Iron (Without Damaging the Seasoning) Treat bare cast iron as cookware that needs to be dried promptly, not soaked and forgotten. For the Cuisinel pans, the manufacturer’s process is explicit: hand wash after use, dry thoroughly on a stovetop at medium heat and season with natural oil. Dishwashers and air drying are not recommended. That routine is short, but it matters in a busy household, especially when a pan is used several times a week. Keep the oil application restrained. A thin film is enough to support the cooking surface; excess oil can leave a tacky result. The same care habit applies after camping or grilling. Outdoor use is a selling point for the Lodge, both Cuisinel pans and Victoria, but a pan should still be cleaned, dried and re-oiled after the trip rather than stored damp in camping gear. If you’re kitting out a full camp kitchen, our [portable camping grills guide](https://www.thecanadareport.ca/best-portable-grills-camping-canada/) covers the other half of the setup. Enamel simplifies this part of ownership. Staub’s enamelled cast iron is described as easy to clean and does not need seasoning. That is a practical advantage for cooks who want cast iron’s heat retention but do not want to maintain a bare-iron patina. It does not make a deep skillet magically non-stick, though. One Staub buyer notes that cooking technique still matters to prevent sticking. For any pan, follow its included care directions rather than applying a one-size-fits-all internet fix. ## Common Cast Iron Mistakes to Avoid The first mistake is buying the heaviest or largest pan as a default. A 12-inch skillet can be useful, but the lidded Cuisinel is listed at 5.15 kg before food is added. If lifting with one hand is part of your usual cooking routine, choose a pan with a helper handle or a lighter listed weight. Victoria’s long curved handle and larger helper handle directly address that issue; the smaller Staub is another route for cooks who do not need a wide cooking area. Second, do not confuse pre-seasoned with permanently non-stick. Seasoning develops with use and proper care. Preheat gently, use oil as needed, and do not expect the first meal to perform like a coated pan. The Cuisinel griddle’s buyer feedback is encouraging about eggs and dosas after proper seasoning, but that result still depends on maintenance. Third, do not ignore pan geometry. A flat 10.5-inch griddle is excellent for crepes, pancakes and toast, yet low sides make it a poor fit for a wet braise. Conversely, Staub’s raised sides help contain splatter, but its 8.5-inch footprint is not the best tool for a large breakfast. Finally, do not microwave Victoria’s skillet; its manufacturer specifically says not to. ## Lodge vs. Other Cast Iron Brands: What to Look For Lodge is the baseline traditional-skillet choice in this group. Its 10.25-inch model is made in the USA, comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, includes an assist handle and is intended for stove, oven, grill and campfire cooking. Its very large volume of buyer ratings makes it a reassuring pick for a first purchase. Choose it when a familiar, versatile shape matters more than premium finishing or included extras. Victoria is the better fit for a buyer who wants a 12-inch traditional pan but puts handling high on the list. It has a longer curved handle, a large helper handle, drip-cutting pour spouts, flaxseed-oil seasoning and a lifetime warranty. Buyers frequently mention its relatively smooth finish and the leverage from its handle. The trade-off is still the size and weight of a full 12-inch iron skillet. Cuisinel offers two more specialized paths: a 12-inch skillet with a tempered glass lid and silicone handle cover, or a 10.5-inch round griddle for flatter foods. Stargazer is the premium bare-iron option, distinguished by its machined smooth surface and flared rim designed for pouring from any angle. Staub makes the strongest case for enamel, deeper sides and no seasoning. Brand alone is not the decision; the handle, surface, shape and care routine should win it. ## Where to Buy Cast Iron Skillets in Canada (Online and In-Store) Buy from a retailer that clearly identifies the exact diameter, finish and included pieces. “Cast iron skillet” can describe a shallow 10.5-inch griddle, a 10.25-inch everyday pan, a deep 8.5-inch enamelled skillet or a 12-inch pan sold with a lid. Those are materially different purchases. Read the full listing title and features before ordering, especially when a photo makes a compact deep skillet look larger than it is. Prices on amazon.ca move a lot around Black Friday and Boxing Day, so it’s worth checking the current listing before you commit. Online shopping is useful for comparing current price, ratings and buyer comments, particularly when deciding between a standard Lodge and a more expensive Stargazer. Customer feedback can also flag ownership realities that specifications do not convey as clearly, such as a pan’s lifting weight, a smooth cooking surface or the value of a lid. It should not replace the manufacturer’s care directions. For an in-store purchase, confirm that the pan sits flat, that the listed size is the size you intended to buy, and that the box includes accessories promised on the label. The lidded Cuisinel should include its tempered glass lid and silicone handle cover; the round Cuisinel griddle includes a silicone handle grip. If induction compatibility is essential, look for that claim on the exact model rather than assuming every cast iron listing states it. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Cast Iron Skillets in Canada ### Which skillet suits Canadian camping and everyday stovetop cooking? The 10.25-inch Lodge is the most balanced choice for both roles. It is listed for oven, stovetop, grill and campfire use, and its assist handle helps with carrying. For a larger 12-inch option, Victoria is also listed for camping, grill, oven, gas, electric and induction use, with a long handle and helper handle. Cuisinel’s 12-inch skillet and 10.5-inch griddle are also intended for indoor and outdoor cooking. ### Is enamelled cast iron worth choosing for easier cleanup? It can be, especially if the seasoning routine is the reason you have avoided cast iron. Staub’s 8.5-inch deep skillet has an enamelled interior that does not require seasoning and is described as easy to clean. The trade-off is a smaller cooking diameter, a premium purchase, and the fact that enamel still requires sensible preheating and cooking technique to limit sticking. ### Should I choose a smaller or larger skillet for family meals? A 12-inch skillet gives more room for family portions, batches of bacon and one-pan cooking. Victoria, Stargazer and the lidded Cuisinel are the larger choices here. Factor in lifting, too: the Cuisinel with lid is listed at 5.15 kg. For everyday meals for one or two people, the 10.25-inch Lodge is more versatile than it looks. Choose Staub’s 8.5-inch deep skillet for smaller servings where higher sides matter more than wide surface area. ### Can I use these skillets on an induction cooktop? All six pans in this guide list induction compatibility. Check the listing for your exact version before buying. A pan also needs to fit your cooktop’s recommended burner area for the most practical day-to-day use. ### How much maintenance does a pre-seasoned skillet need after cooking? Expect a brief routine after each use: hand wash, dry thoroughly and maintain the surface with a very thin layer of oil when needed. Cuisinel directs owners to dry its bare cast iron on a stovetop at medium heat and says not to use a dishwasher or air dry. Pre-seasoning gets you started; regular cooking and care build on it. If that routine does not suit you, the enamelled Staub does not require seasoning. ## Sign up for The Canada Report Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. Your modern digest of Canadian news. Friendly, clear, and in your inbox.