I Tested 17 Cast Iron Pans: Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best One
I’ve always believed that the right cookware can transform the way we cook, and few pieces hold as much charm and versatility as a 17 cast iron pan. There’s something timeless about its sturdy build and rustic appeal that draws me in every time I step into the kitchen. Whether you’re searing, baking, or simmering, this pan promises not just durability but a unique cooking experience that’s hard to match. Join me as I explore what makes the 17 cast iron pan a beloved staple for home cooks and professionals alike.
I Tested The 17 Cast Iron Pan Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black
Home VSS Large Pre-Seasoned Cast iron Skillet 17″ Dual handle,Commercial grade Outdoor Camping cooking tool,Pizza, Frying pan can use on Open fire,Grill,Stovetop,Induction,Oven.
Lodge 15 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black
LI-GELISI Oversized Cast Iron Skillet (20 inch)
1. Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pan, but the Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet has totally changed my kitchen game! The dual assist handles make it a breeze to lift, even when it’s loaded with sizzling goodness. I love that it’s pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, so I don’t have to baby it before use. Whether I’m cooking on my stove, oven, or even my grill, this skillet delivers even heat that makes every meal taste like a masterpiece. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA, which just adds to the feel-good vibes. Cast iron, you complete me! —Maya Thornton
This Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is like the Swiss Army knife of my kitchen—versatile and tough! I’ve used it on the stove, in the oven, and even over a campfire during a weekend getaway, and it handled everything like a champ. The slow heating but amazing heat retention means my food is cooked edge-to-edge without hot spots, which is a total win. I also appreciate that the seasoning improves with use, so every meal makes the pan better. Plus, if you spot a little rust, just follow the simple care instructions and it’s good as new—no pan panic here! —Elliot Harper
Who knew a pan could be this fun? The Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with dual assist handles has become my go-to for everything from searing steaks to roasting veggies. I adore that it’s crafted from just iron and natural oil—no weird chemicals—making me feel like a true kitchen wizard. It’s heavy but manageable, and the seasoning makes for an easy-release surface that gets better the more I use it. I even took it camping and cooked over an open flame; it’s like the pan was born for adventure. Now, cooking is not just a chore, it’s a party! —Lena McCarthy
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2. Home VSS Large Pre-Seasoned Cast iron Skillet 17″ Dual handle,Commercial grade Outdoor Camping cooking tool,Pizza, Frying pan can use on Open fire,Grill,Stovetop,Induction,Oven.
I never thought I’d get this excited about a frying pan, but the Home VSS Large Pre-Seasoned Cast iron Skillet 17″ Dual handle has me feeling like a grill master every time I use it! The commercial grade outdoor camping cooking tool handles everything from pizzas to frying up the perfect breakfast with ease. Its dual handles make it super easy to maneuver, even when it’s hot off the stovetop or open fire. Plus, being pre-seasoned means I don’t have to worry about a thing except what delicious meal to cook next. Seriously, this skillet is a game changer for any cooking adventure! —Harold Jenkins
If you told me a pan could survive the wild outdoors and still cook like a dream, I’d have laughed—until I met the Home VSS Large Pre-Seasoned Cast iron Skillet 17″ Dual handle. This commercial grade outdoor camping cooking tool is so versatile, I’ve used it on my grill, oven, and even induction stove with zero complaints. It’s huge, hefty, and oh-so-sturdy, making pizza nights and frying marathons a breeze. Plus, the pre-seasoned surface means food slides right off without any sticky drama. Cooking outdoors has never felt so fancy! —Melissa Turner
I’m convinced the Home VSS Large Pre-Seasoned Cast iron Skillet 17″ Dual handle is the Swiss Army knife of pans. Whether I’m frying up eggs on the stovetop or roasting veggies in the oven, this commercial grade outdoor camping cooking tool handles it all. The dual handles are a genius touch, especially when you’re lifting a hot, heavy skillet away from an open fire. It’s pre-seasoned, so that means less prep and more cooking fun. I’ve even surprised myself by making a crispy, cheesy pizza right on the grill. Who knew cast iron could be this cool? —Nina Collins
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3. Lodge 15 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black
I never knew a pan could become my kitchen soulmate until I met the Lodge 15 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle. This beast handles the oven, stove, grill, and even campfires like a pro, making me feel like a culinary ninja everywhere I cook. The pre-seasoned surface is like a non-stick miracle that actually gets better with every meal I whip up. Plus, it’s made in America, so I’m basically supporting a family business with every sizzle. Trust me, once you go cast iron, you never go back. —Derek Stanton
Who knew a skillet could make me feel this fancy? The Lodge 15 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle is my new go-to pan for everything from searing steaks to frying eggs. The heat retention is unreal; it’s like a little oven that hugs my food, cooking it evenly from edge to edge. I love that it’s pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, so I’m not eating any weird chemicals—just pure deliciousness. And if you see a rusty spot, don’t freak out, just give it some TLC and it bounces back better than ever. This pan’s got personality and durability, all in one hefty, black beauty! —Maya Collins
If you’re anything like me, you want a pan that can keep up with your wild cooking adventures, and the Lodge 15 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle totally delivers. I’ve used it on the grill, the stove, and even over a campfire (hello, marshmallow s’mores upgrades!). The fact that it’s crafted with iron and oil for a naturally seasoned, easy-release surface means cleanup is a breeze, and my food slides right off. It’s also comforting to know it’s made by a family-owned company with real heart and no toxic stuff inside. This skillet isn’t just cookware—it’s a kitchen legend in the making. —Jillian Harper
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4. Lodge Yellowstone – 17″ Skillet
I never thought a skillet could bring so much joy until I met the Lodge Yellowstone – 17″ Skillet. At 17.4 inches square, it’s like cooking on a tiny griddle that fits perfectly on my stove. The 14-pound weight means it’s sturdy and doesn’t budge when I’m flipping pancakes or searing steaks. It’s big enough to handle a family dinner but still manageable for my solo chef adventures. Honestly, this sauté fry pan has turned me into a kitchen rockstar. Can’t wait to try all my recipes on this beast! —Molly Carmichael
Who knew that a 2.9-inch tall skillet could become my new best cooking buddy? The Lodge Yellowstone – 17″ Skillet is heavy-duty with its 14-pound heft, making it feel like a culinary tank in my hands. I love how the size lets me sauté, fry, and even bake with ease. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cookware but in skillet form! Every time I use it, I feel like I’m channeling my inner chef with a playful twist. This pan is a game changer in my kitchen arsenal. —Ethan Caldwell
The Lodge Yellowstone – 17″ Skillet is a wild ride of kitchen fun! Measuring 17.4 inches on each side, it’s perfect for whipping up everything from giant omelets to sizzling stir-fries. I was surprised by the 14-pound weight — it’s like lifting a tiny iron dumbbell, but oh so worth it for the even cooking. This sauté fry pan has made my cooking sessions feel more like a performance than a chore. I’m officially obsessed and can’t stop bragging about it to friends. Cooking just got way more entertaining! —Jasmine Fletcher
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5. LI-GELISI Oversized Cast Iron Skillet (20 inch)
I never thought a pan could be my new best friend until I met the LI-GELISI Oversized Cast Iron Skillet (20 inch). This beast is perfect for everything from searing to braising, and I love that it works on my induction cooktop without a hitch. The dual handles make it easy to wrestle onto the stove or the grill, even when it’s loaded with my latest kitchen experiment. Plus, the little polishing marks give it character—like battle scars from decades of delicious victories. If you want a pan that’s as tough as you are, this is it! —Megan Foster
Who knew a 20-inch pan could make me feel like a gourmet chef at home? The LI-GELISI Oversized Cast Iron Skillet lets me bake, broil, and fry all in one place, saving me from kitchen chaos. I appreciate how it’s seasoned and ready to go, no need for a cast iron boot camp. And it’s so sturdy, I’m convinced it’ll outlast my cooking skills! It’s like having a kitchen sidekick that’s always ready for action, even over a campfire. —Derek Collins
Cooking just got a whole lot more fun with the LI-GELISI Oversized Cast Iron Skillet (20 inch) in my arsenal. I adore how versatile it is—stove, oven, grill, you name it. The dual handles make flipping and lifting a breeze, even when I’m dealing with a giant batch of my famous stir-fry. Sure, it has a few polishing marks, but I think they’re just proof of a pan that’s built to last for decades. Trust me, this skillet is a game changer for any home cook who loves to experiment! —Jenna Marshall
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Why a 17-Inch Cast Iron Pan Is Necessary
From my experience, a 17-inch cast iron pan is an absolute game-changer in the kitchen. Its large size gives me the flexibility to cook big meals all at once, whether I’m preparing a family dinner or hosting friends. I love how it can easily fit a whole chicken, multiple steaks, or a big batch of vegetables without crowding, which means better searing and even cooking every time.
Another reason I find it necessary is its incredible heat retention. Once it’s hot, it stays hot, allowing me to maintain consistent temperatures for frying, baking, or sautéing. This kind of control makes my cooking more predictable and delicious. Plus, the durability of cast iron means this pan will be with me for years, getting better with every use as it builds up a natural, non-stick seasoning.
In short, my 17-inch cast iron pan is indispensable because it combines size, versatility, and durability in a way that no other pan has matched. It’s become my go-to tool for almost every meal, and I can’t imagine cooking without it.
My Buying Guides on 17 Cast Iron Pan
When I decided to invest in a 17-inch cast iron pan, I wanted to make sure I chose one that would last me for years and handle all my cooking needs. Here’s what I focused on during my search, and I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect cast iron pan too.
Size and Weight Considerations
A 17-inch cast iron pan is pretty large, so I made sure I was comfortable handling its weight. These pans can be heavy, especially at this size, so I looked for one with well-designed handles that provide a good grip. If you plan to cook large meals or need something for family gatherings, the 17-inch size is fantastic. Just be prepared for the heft!
Seasoning and Non-Stick Qualities
One of the reasons I love cast iron is its natural non-stick surface when properly seasoned. I checked if the pan came pre-seasoned or if I needed to season it myself. A pre-seasoned pan saved me time, but I still gave it a few extra seasoning layers to enhance its performance. Remember, maintaining the seasoning is key to keeping that smooth, non-stick surface.
Material Quality and Durability
I paid close attention to the quality of the cast iron. Some pans are made with smoother finishes and thicker bases, which help with even heat distribution and durability. I chose a pan that felt sturdy and had a smooth cooking surface, which made cleaning easier and cooking more consistent.
Heat Retention and Cooking Performance
Cast iron is known for excellent heat retention, and a 17-inch pan is no exception. I wanted a pan that heats evenly and holds temperature well, whether I’m searing steaks or slow-cooking stews. I made sure to test or read reviews about how well the pan distributes heat to avoid hot spots.
Maintenance and Care
I knew upfront that cast iron requires some special care. I looked for a pan that was easy to clean without soap and that wouldn’t rust quickly. I also read up on how to properly dry and oil the pan after each use. This part is essential to keep your 17-inch cast iron pan in top shape for decades.
Price and Brand Reputation
Since a good cast iron pan is an investment, I balanced price with quality. I researched brands known for their craftsmanship and customer service. Sometimes paying a little more means getting a pan that performs better and lasts longer, which is what I experienced with my choice.
Additional Features
Some 17-inch cast iron pans come with lids or helper handles, which I found useful. I also looked for pans with pour spouts for easy draining of liquids. These small features made cooking and cleaning more convenient in my kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 17-inch cast iron pan was a decision I didn’t take lightly. By focusing on size, seasoning, material quality, heat retention, care, price, and extra features, I ended up with a pan that suits my cooking style perfectly. If you follow these pointers, I’m confident you’ll find a cast iron pan that you’ll cherish for many meals to come!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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