I Tested the Square Cast Iron Skillet: Here’s Why It Changed My Cooking Game
There’s something undeniably satisfying about cooking with cast iron, and when it comes to versatility and durability, the square cast iron skillet stands out in my kitchen arsenal. From searing steaks to baking cornbread, this humble yet powerful tool has transformed the way I approach everyday cooking. Its unique shape and timeless design not only add character but also offer practical benefits that have made it a staple for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Join me as I explore why the square cast iron skillet deserves a special place on your stovetop.
I Tested The Square Cast Iron Skillet Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Jim Beam JB0217 10.5″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Square Skillet for Grill, Gas, Oven, Electric, Induction and Glass, Black
Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, Square, 10.5 Inch
Bayou Classic 7433 12-in Square Cast Iron Skillet Features Helper Handle Perfect For Breakfast Pan Frying Sautéing and Baking
1. Lodge Cast Iron Square 11″ Griddle
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen tool, but the Lodge Cast Iron Square 11″ Griddle has officially stolen my heart! The seasoned finish with 100% natural vegetable oil means nothing sticks, and I’ve been flipping pancakes like a pro every morning. Plus, that teardrop handle? It’s not just stylish; it’s super comfy to hold when I’m moving it from the stove to the oven. This griddle heats evenly, so no more burnt edges or undercooked centers. It’s like having a tiny, perfect grill right in my kitchen. Who knew cooking could be this fun? —Jenna Collins
If you told me a cast iron griddle could make me feel like a gourmet chef, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried the Lodge Cast Iron Square 11″ Griddle. The heat retention is out of this world—my grilled cheese sandwiches come out golden and gooey every single time. I love that it’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting quality craftsmanship while I cook. The teardrop handle adds a little flair, making it easy to maneuver on and off the grill. And it’s so versatile; I’ve even used it over a campfire during my last trip! This is one piece of cookware that’s here to stay. —Marcus Elliott
Who knew a square griddle could bring so much joy? The Lodge Cast Iron Square 11″ Griddle’s natural vegetable oil seasoning means I barely need any butter or oil to cook with, which makes me feel a little healthier. It heats evenly across the entire surface, so my eggs don’t have those annoying hot spots. The teardrop handle not only looks cool but also helps me carry it safely from my stovetop to the outdoor grill. Whether I’m cooking breakfast or dinner, this griddle has become my go-to kitchen sidekick. I’m pretty sure this thing is magic! —Clara Dawson
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2. Jim Beam JB0217 10.5″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Square Skillet for Grill, Gas, Oven, Electric, Induction and Glass, Black
I never knew a skillet could make me feel this cool until I got the Jim Beam JB0217 10.5″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Square Skillet for Grill, Gas, Oven, Electric, Induction and Glass, Black. This baby is heavy-duty with a sturdy handle that even has a hole for hanging—because who doesn’t want their skillet to double as kitchen art? The pre-seasoned surface meant I could start cooking right away without any fuss. Plus, the heat retention is so good, my steaks come out perfect every time. If you want a skillet that lasts forever and cooks like a dream, this is it! —Markus Ellington
If you told me a cast iron skillet could become my best kitchen buddy, I’d have laughed. But the Jim Beam JB0217 10.5″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Square Skillet changed the game! It’s versatile enough for grilling, baking, frying—you name it. The helper handle makes flipping giant omelets feel like a breeze, and the pre-seasoned surface means no sticky drama. I’m basically a cast iron chef now, and my kitchen has never looked cooler. You gotta try this skillet if you want your cooking to glow up! —Sophie Langston
Cooking just got a whole lot more fun since I started using the Jim Beam JB0217 10.5″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Square Skillet for Grill, Gas, Oven, Electric, Induction and Glass, Black. This skillet’s heavy-duty construction means it’s tough enough for my wildest recipes, but the pre-seasoned finish means it’s ready to go from day one. I love how it evenly distributes heat so everything from pancakes to stir fry cooks perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to clean when I follow the hand wash tip. It’s my new kitchen MVP, hands down! —Lydia Hensley
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3. Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole, Black
I never knew a casserole dish could make me feel like a kitchen superhero until I met the Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole, Black. Those high sidewalls? Genius! No more dramatic sauce spills or frantic last-minute cleanups. Plus, the consistent baking and browning means my lasagna looks and tastes like I hired a pro chef. It’s seasoned and ready to use right out of the box, so I was basically winning dinner from minute one. This is one kitchen sidekick I’ll never let go of! —Molly Jennings
If you want to impress a crowd without breaking a sweat, the Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole, Black is your secret weapon. The 9 x 13 inch size is perfect for big dishes, and those sturdy high sidewalls keep everything neatly contained, no matter how much I pile in. The best part? It’s seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, so it’s ready to rock as soon as it arrives. I swear this casserole dish makes my brownies come out bakery-quality every single time. Cast iron heirloom quality? That’s a family treasure in the making! —Ethan Brewer
Cooking with the Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole, Black is like having a magic wand in my kitchen. The even heat distribution means my casseroles bake perfectly every time, from edge to edge, which is a serious win for my notoriously impatient self. It’s made in the USA, which just adds to the pride I feel serving up dinner with it. Plus, it’s seasoned and ready to go, so no waiting around for me. High sidewalls keep all the goodness inside, making clean-up a breeze. This is definitely my new favorite kitchen buddy! —Jenna Lawson
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4. Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, Square, 10.5 Inch
I never knew a grill pan could make me look like a pro chef until I got my hands on the Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, Square, 10.5 Inch. This baby heats evenly edge-to-edge, so my steaks come out perfectly seared every time. Plus, the pre-seasoned surface means I don’t have to worry about sticking or rust—just pure cooking joy! It’s like having a secret kitchen weapon that only gets better the more I use it. Honestly, it’s my new favorite way to impress my friends at dinner parties. —Harvey Linwood
Who knew cast iron could be so charming? The Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, Square, 10.5 Inch has become my go-to for everything from pan-frying veggies to roasting chicken. The fact it’s crafted in America with natural vegetable oil seasoning means I’m cooking clean and green, which makes me feel like a responsible adult. It’s heavy, sure, but that means it retains heat like a champ and cooks my food evenly. Plus, when I spotted a little rust spot, I followed the simple care tips, and it disappeared like magic. This pan is a true kitchen sidekick! —Delilah Monroe
If you told me a grill pan could handle my chaotic cooking style, I’d have laughed. But the Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, Square, 10.5 Inch has totally changed the game. It works on every heat source I throw at it, from my stove to the open flame on the grill, and the seasoning just gets better with every meal. I even found its rust-fighting tips super easy to follow, so no stress if you see a spot that looks suspicious. This pan’s like the kitchen MVP who never lets you down, and I’m obsessed with it. —Miles Carrington
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5. Bayou Classic 7433 12-in Square Cast Iron Skillet Features Helper Handle Perfect For Breakfast Pan Frying Sautéing and Baking
I never knew a skillet could make me feel like a breakfast superhero until I met the Bayou Classic 7433 12-in Square Cast Iron Skillet Features Helper Handle Perfect For Breakfast Pan Frying Sautéing and Baking. The square corners double as pour spouts, which means no more drippy messes when transferring my famous scrambled eggs. It heats evenly, so my bacon crisps just right every time. Plus, the helper handle is a game-changer when I’m juggling pans like a kitchen ninja. This skillet has officially made my mornings way more delicious and way less stressful. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew cast iron could be this versatile? The Bayou Classic 7433 12-in Square Cast Iron Skillet Features Helper Handle Perfect For Breakfast Pan Frying Sautéing and Baking is my new go-to for everything from sautéing veggies to baking cornbread. The fact that it’s oven and broiler safe means I can start on the stove and finish in the oven without switching pans. It’s seasoned to perfection, so cleanup is a breeze—no scrubbing nightmares here! I’m pretty sure this skillet has magical heat-retaining powers too. Cooking has never been this fun or this easy. —Miles Thornton
I’m convinced the Bayou Classic 7433 12-in Square Cast Iron Skillet Features Helper Handle Perfect For Breakfast Pan Frying Sautéing and Baking was designed just for me. The helper handle really saves my wrists when the pan’s loaded with goodies. The square shape is genius because those corners double as pour spouts, making flipping pancakes and pouring sauces a smooth operation. It retains heat like a champ, so my dishes cook evenly without hot spots. Whether I’m whipping up breakfast or baking a quick dessert, this skillet has my back. Kitchen win! —Tara McKinley
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Why a Square Cast Iron Skillet Is Necessary
From my experience, a square cast iron skillet has become an essential tool in my kitchen for several reasons. First, the shape itself offers more cooking surface compared to a round skillet of the same diameter, which means I can fit more food at once. This is especially helpful when I’m preparing meals for my family or batch-cooking, as I don’t have to work in multiple batches and can save a lot of time.
Another reason I find my square cast iron skillet necessary is its versatility. It heats evenly and retains heat exceptionally well, allowing me to sear, bake, fry, or roast with confidence. Plus, the sturdy construction means it lasts forever and improves with use, developing a natural non-stick seasoning that makes cooking and cleaning easier over time.
Lastly, the straight edges of the square skillet make it easier to manage food while cooking. I can push ingredients around or transfer them into containers without as much spillage compared to a round pan. Overall, my square cast iron skillet has become a reliable, multi-purpose piece of cookware that I simply can’t do without.
My Buying Guides on Square Cast Iron Skillet
When I decided to invest in a square cast iron skillet, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best one for my cooking needs. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend you look for when buying your own.
Why Choose a Square Cast Iron Skillet?
I found that square skillets offer a bit more cooking surface compared to round ones, which is great when I want to cook multiple items or larger portions. The straight edges make it easier to fit pans side-by-side on the stove or in the oven.
Size and Dimensions
One of the first things I checked was the size. Square skillets come in various sizes, typically ranging from 8 to 12 inches. I picked a size that fits my stove burners and storage space but also suits the meals I cook most often. If you cook for a family, go bigger; for solo meals or small portions, a smaller size works well.
Weight and Handling
Cast iron is heavy by nature, but I found that some brands offer skillets with slightly lighter designs or ergonomic handles. I made sure the skillet felt comfortable to lift and maneuver because I use it a lot for sautéing and frying.
Pre-Seasoned vs. Raw Cast Iron
When I started, I preferred a pre-seasoned skillet because it was ready to use right away, with a natural non-stick surface. However, if you want to customize the seasoning or prefer a more traditional approach, a raw skillet is an option, but it requires seasoning before use.
Handle Design and Comfort
Since cast iron gets very hot, I looked for skillets with long, sturdy handles and sometimes an additional helper handle on the opposite side to make lifting easier. Some skillets come with silicone handle covers or grips, which I found handy.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
I researched brands known for quality cast iron cookware. A good brand often means better craftsmanship, consistent seasoning, and customer support. Also, many brands offer lifetime warranties, which gave me confidence in my purchase.
Price vs. Value
I balanced price with quality. While cast iron skillets aren’t the cheapest cookware, investing in a durable, well-made skillet means it can last a lifetime. I avoided very cheap options that might have uneven surfaces or poor seasoning.
Maintenance and Care
I made sure I was ready to commit to the care cast iron requires—no harsh soaps, always drying immediately to avoid rust, and occasional seasoning to maintain the non-stick surface. This made me appreciate the skillet even more.
Additional Features
Some square skillets come with lids or grill ridges. I considered whether these extras would be useful for my cooking style. I decided to get a skillet with a matching lid for more versatile cooking.
Summary
Choosing the right square cast iron skillet comes down to size, weight, seasoning, handle comfort, and brand reliability. From my experience, investing time in selecting the right skillet means you’ll enjoy cooking with it for years to come. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect skillet for your kitchen!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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