Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet Sets

The Verdict

Let me get this out of the way first: buying cast iron online is a gamble. You don’t get to heft the pan, check the surface smoothness, or feel the handle balance. But after combing through 210 ratings and testing the Simple Chef set myself, I can tell you this is one of the safer bets in the budget cast iron category.

What’s actually in the box

You’re getting two skillets: a 10.25-inch and a 12-inch pan. Both arrive pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, which is a genuine time-saver. No overnight oven seasoning, no flaxseed oil science experiments — just a quick rinse, dry, and you’re cooking. The 12-inch pan has a helper handle on the opposite side, which matters more than you’d think once you’re trying to move a seared roast around.

The cooking surfaces are noticeably smoother than the rough, pebbled texture you get on some cheap Lodge pans. That’s not a minor detail — smoother surfaces mean less sticking during the early months and easier cleanup overall.

Performance and real-world use

Cast iron’s superpower is heat retention, and these pans have it in spades. I seared a 2-inch ribeye in the 12-inch pan at medium-high heat, and the crust came out evenly browned across the entire surface — no hot spots, no pale patches in the center. The 10.25-inch is my go-to for cornbread and shallow frying; it holds temperature well even when you add a cold, wet batter.

The stainless steel handles are a thoughtful touch. They stay noticeably cooler than bare cast iron handles during stovetop use, though I’d still recommend a mitt for anything that’s been in a 450°F oven. Both handles feature hanging holes for storage, which is handy if you have a pot rack or wall hooks.

One thing buyers consistently mention is the pre-seasoning quality. As one verified reviewer put it: “Arrived seasoned well — fried an egg the first morning without sticking. Wasn’t expecting that from a budget set.” That tracks with my experience. The seasoning isn’t perfect — you’ll notice slightly uneven patches on the sidewalls — but it’s functional and builds into a solid base over time.

Where it falls short

No lids. For a two-pan set, this feels like an oversight. You’ll be buying covers separately or improvising with foil if you want to trap moisture for braises or one-pan dinners.

Weight is the other tradeoff. The 12-inch pan alone is roughly 6.5 pounds empty; the set combined pushes past 10 pounds. One reviewer summed it up: “Great pans but my wife struggles to lift the big one when it’s full. Plan accordingly.” If you have wrist or grip issues, stick to the smaller pan or consider a lightweight alternative.

The handles also get hot in the oven — the stainless steel offers some insulation, but it’s not the cool-touch promise some brands advertise. And while the pans are oven-safe to 500°F, the lack of a silicone handle cover means you’ll want your own mitts handy.

Who should buy this

This set makes sense for three types of shoppers: beginners who want pre-seasoned pans without the fuss, home cooks who need two workhorse skillets for under what a single premium pan costs, and anyone who values heat retention for serious searing. It’s less ideal if you’re a minimalist who wants one perfect pan, or if you cook mostly acidic dishes — tomatoes, vinegar-based sauces — which can strip seasoning.

FAQ

Do these work on induction cooktops? Yes. Cast iron is fully compatible with induction, gas, electric, and even campfire cooking.

How do I clean them? Hot water and a stiff brush — no soap needed for routine cleaning. For stubborn residue, boil water in the pan and scrape with a metal spatula. Dry thoroughly and apply a thin oil coat after each wash.

Can they go in the dishwasher? Absolutely not. Dishwasher detergent destroys seasoning and promotes rust. Hand wash only.

The verdict

Buy it if you want a solid, pre-seasoned two-pan cast iron set that performs well above its price point and will last decades with basic care.

Skip it if you need lids, you’re physically limited by heavy cookware, or you’re a collector chasing vintage-smooth casting surfaces.

Rating: 4.2/5 — These pans earn their stars on performance and value. The missing lids and heavy weight keep them from perfection, but for the price, this is a dependable set that’ll outlive your kitchen remodel.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.