Why Food & Wine Named Lancaster Cast Iron the Best Overall Cast Iron Skillet

When one of the most trusted names in food recommends a piece of cookware, people notice. That's why we're incredibly honored that Food & Wine named the Lancaster No. 8 the Best Overall Cast Iron Skillet after testing more than 25 cast iron pans.

It's an exciting recognition, but what means even more to us is that the qualities they highlighted are the same ones we focus on every day.

What Food & Wine Loved

In their review, Food & Wine praised the Lancaster No. 8 for its lightweight feel, exceptional cooking performance, and thoughtful design. They noted that it delivers the heat retention and searing power cast iron is known for while being noticeably easier to handle than many traditional skillets.

That balance has always been important to us.

Cast iron should feel like something you reach for every day, not something you hesitate to pull off the shelf because it's too heavy or difficult to use.

Designed for Everyday Cooking

Every detail of a Lancaster skillet is designed with the cooking experience in mind.

The smooth cooking surface helps food release with ease. The balanced weight makes it comfortable to move from stovetop to oven. The handle is shaped for a secure grip, and the pour spouts make serving simple.

Whether you're making eggs on a weekday morning, roasting vegetables for dinner, or baking a skillet dessert to share with friends, your cookware should work with you instead of against you.

That's exactly what we strive to create.

Built to Last

A great cast iron skillet isn't something you replace every few years. With proper care, it's a piece of cookware that can become part of your family's traditions for decades.

Every Lancaster skillet is made in America and seasoned to be ready for real cooking from the very first meal. Over time, it develops even more character as the seasoning continues to improve with every use.

It's the kind of cookware that tells a story, one meal at a time.

Recognition That Reflects Our Values

Awards are rewarding because they recognize the work that goes into creating a truly exceptional product.

For us, this recognition from Food & Wine reinforces what we've always believed. Quality matters. Thoughtful design matters. Craftsmanship matters.

Most importantly, the cookware you use every day should inspire you to cook more often and enjoy the time spent around the table.

Whether you've been cooking with one of our skillets for years or you're discovering us for the first time because of Food & Wine's recommendation, we're grateful to be part of your meals, your traditions, and the memories made around them.