Bayou Classic 7440 3-qt Cast Iron Covered Skillet w/ Domed Self-Basting Lid Features Helper Handle Perfect For Searing & Braising Baking Apple Pies & Cobblers

They don't make cast-iron like they used to, but this skillet is great. It comes unseasoned, but that's easily remedied. First, wash the new skillet with soap and water to remove the packing wax. Then buy a small tub of pure lard (don't use thin oil), wipe it all over the inside and outside of the skillet (except for the very bottom), put it on a cookie sheet right-side-up and bake it at 200 degrees for 3 hours (the lower temp for a longer time allows it to penetrate better). Wipe out the excess oil, then when completely cool, wipe it again, and you're done! I store my oil in it and just scrape the bottom clean before each use (to remove old batter pieces that will burn). I have one deep skillet for frying fish and another for chicken and pork steaks. Remember to never use soap on cast iron or it will rust and you'll have to season it all over again -- use your stove heat to kill the germs. There are care instructions included with the skillet.

Great pans. If the pan is maintained properly, the pan will out last the buyer and always deliver high quality food. Love cast iron. Get back to the basics and ditch that "modern" cookware. Note: Thought it would be a little bigger diameter but good enough. Deepness is fine. Please note: This company's fry pan dimensions states 15 1/2 inches. It is not. It is 10 1/2 inches across the actual cooking pan. This dimension is noted under product details. Why Bayou Classic would state 15 1/2 inch pan when the pan is not, I do not know. Pay attention to product dimensions not company statements. BC you may want to clarify or edit your description.

It took a LOT of work to remove the "seasoning" that came with this pot. The first thing I cooked were peas and they came out black! I used an SOS pad to completely remove the seasoning on the inside of the pot and the bottom of the lid. I re-seasoned and love the pot. Perfect size for peas, beans, or a small pot roast. I just wish they would send it without any seasoning, I would probably buy another.

Used the skillet this morning to make Green Shakshuka from an NY Times recipe, cut to half. Domed lid perfect for this recipe. Also, ideal for fried chicken. Can be used in the oven or on the stove. A "red" version of Shakshuka using refried beans is best made in the oven, and again this skillet is ideal. Cast iron lasts for generations. Requires the usual cast-iron care.

as a retired chef, I've collected quite the collection of pot's and pans. This 3 Qt Deep Skillet is amazing. i've been using it now for about two months and it's perfectly seasoned (it DID NOT come preseasoned!!!), and it's perfect for so many different types of cooking, from frying to making soup to braising to even roasting a small piece of meat and some veggies. i am absolutely happy with this skillet, and will definitely be recommending it to my friends, as a matter of fact i am going to order another one as a gift for a friend......SAE

cast iron cooking is the absolute best.....smothered steak is absolutely devine cooked in a cast iron skillet. I enjoy this one but I have to say there are rough edges on it...not nearly like the cast iron they used to make ten years ago. But it does make one mighty good smothered steak.

This is the first time I have ever owned a cast iron and i absolutely love this! It's amazing. The only thing I would say is seasoning it was a little confusing for me but I just watched a lot of YouTube videos and it helped.

As others have mentioned, this comes unseasoned and you need to follow the instructions. After seasoning, the skillet works very well. The deep design with lid is really versatile. My skillet had a few minor issues in the casting (some extra material around the edge of the lid) but it doesn't prevent a good seal. It is pretty minor and I wouldn't remove a star for it, considering the price.

Purchased as a gift, has been well received and well used. No five stars cuz not mine.