You walk into a kitchen store and see a plain black skillet that costs very little sitting right next to a glossy red one that costs many times more. Both say cast iron. Both look like they’d last forever.
So what’s the difference, and why does one cost so much more? You don’t want to overpay, but you also don’t want to bring home the wrong pan and regret it.
Cast iron comes in more forms than most people realize, from classic skillets to Dutch ovens, griddles and grill pans. Each one has a finish and a shape that suits certain meals.
This guide to the types of cast iron cookware walks you through every finish and shape, so you can choose the pieces that fit how you cook and enjoy them for decades.
Short Answer
Cast iron comes in two main finishes: bare, which is seasoned with oil, and enameled, which has a porcelain coating. Lodge explains that seasoned pieces suit searing and outdoor cooking, while enameled pieces handle acidic ingredients, soups and braises.
The Two Main Finishes
The question of enameled vs pre-seasoned cast iron comes down to care and cooking style.
Best Cast Iron Skillets, Best Dutch Ovens and Best Cast Iron Griddles compare the top picks for each shape.
Cast Iron We Recommend
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12 Inches for bare cast iron.
- Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Skillet, 11.75 Inches for enameled cast iron.
- Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6 Quarts for soups and bread.
- Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle for pancakes and burgers.
Click the link now to buy the Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet from Amazon.
Enameled Cast Iron Example: Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6 Quart
This Dutch oven shows what enameled cast iron adds over the bare version. This enameled Dutch oven has a moisture-sealing lid and dual handles, and the listing recommends it for bread baking, braising, marinating, and slow cooking.
Click the link now to see the Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6 Quart on Amazon
A Classic Enameled Dutch Oven: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 Quart
For another enameled example, here is a round Dutch oven in a mid-size capacity. This is an enameled cast iron round Dutch oven in a 5.5-quart size.
Click the link now to see the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 Quart on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carbon steel a type of cast iron?
Carbon steel is a close cousin, but it’s thinner and lighter. Best Carbon Steel Pans explains the differences.
Can enameled cast iron go in the dishwasher?
Le Creuset says most of its enameled cast iron is dishwasher safe, though washing can dull the enamel over time.
Which type works on induction?
Both bare and enameled cast iron work on induction because iron is magnetic.
Conclusion
Every type of cast iron has a place in the kitchen. Choose bare cast iron for searing and value, and choose enameled cast iron for sauces, braises and easy care.
Still deciding between cast iron and coated pans? Cast Iron vs. Nonstick explains when to use each. And Best Luxury Cookware includes the enameled pieces that make beautiful heirlooms.
You don’t have to decide today, and you don’t have to remember any of this. Pin the images from this post to my Pinterest, @sianahskitchenguide, so they’re waiting when you’re ready, and follow me there too. If you’d rather browse everything I’ve picked in one place, my Amazon storefront, Sianah’s Lifestyle Finds, is open anytime. It has the recommendations from both my Lifestyle Blog and this blog.
I’m glad you were here.
Sianah ❤️
| Finish | Best for | Care |
| Pre-seasoned | Searing, baking, grilling | Rinse, dry, oil lightly |
| Enameled | Sauces, braises, bread | Low to medium heat |
| Both | Holding steady heat | Hand washing is safest |
| Shape | What it’s for | Good example |
| Skillet | Searing, frying, baking | Lodge 12-Inch Skillet |
| Dutch oven | Soups, braises, bread | Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Dutch Oven |
| Griddle or grill pan | Pancakes, burgers, grill marks | Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle |
