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Best Cast Iron Fajita Pans

Updated May 2023
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Happy Sales HSS-TBSP2, Cast Iron Steak Plate Set Medium
Happy Sales
HSS-TBSP2, Cast Iron Steak Plate Set Medium
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Top of the Line
Bottom Line

A premium sizzling fajita pan set with a wooden base and removable handle.

Pros

With a larger cooking and serving surface than most of its competitors, this pan set wins points for being able to hold larger portions. The removable handle is also appreciated for reducing risk of burns when using as a food warmer.

Cons

It's expensive and some find the removable handle to be a bit flimsy.

Best Bang for the Buck
Winco ISP-3 Cast Iron Steak Platter
Winco
ISP-3 Cast Iron Steak Platter
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Restaurant Grade
Bottom Line

A solid seasoned cast iron skillet set from a restaurant supplier.

Pros

The detachable handle allows you to heat and use the platter separately. The generously grooved surface helps put sear marks when used for cooking. Simple, discreetly branded pan and wood platter.

Cons

Despite being labeled machine-washable, putting cast iron in a dishwasher is not recommended.

Old Mountain Fajita Plate Set - Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Fajita Pan with Wooden Tray and Hot Mitt
Old Mountain
Fajita Plate Set - Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Fajita Pan with Wooden Tray and Hot Mitt
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Appealing Charm
Bottom Line

A good-quality cast iron fajita pan set with a wooden base and handle holder.

Pros

This pan comes pre-seasoned and the pan itself is high-quality, made of heavy-duty cast iron. It distributes and retains heat well, keeping food hot from oven or grill to table.

Cons

The wooden base is not as high-quality as the pan itself, and some users received broken bases or had their bases break after light use.

Jim Beam Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Jim Beam
Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Sporting a known brand name and a low price tag, there is much to love here, though the size may not be big enough for some.

Pros

Ridged surface allows grease to drain and seers solid grill marks into food. Inexpensive compared to other pans. Ships pre-seasoned. Features decent heat distribution and can be used on all cooking surfaces or in the oven. Includes a wooden base and mitt.

Cons

The 15.5-inch size includes the handle, which will leave this too small for some buyers.

Jim Beam Large Cast Iron Fajita Pan
Jim Beam
Large Cast Iron Fajita Pan
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Upsized Option
Bottom Line

A bigger, brawnier pan for family-sized servings.

Pros

Bigger than single-serving platters, this pan can handle a lot of food, perfect for shared servings. The matching base sets this product apart from grill pans that can’t go straight to table.

Cons

The size requires two hands to maneuver. Not reversible.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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160
Consumers
Consulted
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Buying guide for Best cast iron fajita pans

Some dishes, such as fondue or lobster, owe as much to the presentation as they do to the actual taste. One such dish is the traditional fajita. Served at restaurants as a sizzling pan of meat and vegetables with tortillas, this delicious dish can be recreated at home with the help of a cast iron fajita pan.

A cast iron fajita pan or skillet is ideal for cooking and serving fajitas. Not only is it a healthy way to cook, it offers up a culinary spectacle that will surely impress family and friends. In this buying guide, we examine the various factors you will need to consider before purchasing one of these pans. In addition to size and seasoning, we cover features such as ribbed surfaces, pouring spouts, and wooden bases that are standard accessories for these pans. We also break down what you should expect at various price points and offer a few recommendations to start your search off right.

cast iron fajita pans1
Cast iron offers excellent heat distribution and heat retention. This helps keep food warm when used as a table-side serving dish.

Key considerations

Size

While the majority of cast iron fajita pans are on the smaller side, just large enough for one or two people, some are larger. Fajita pans range in size from 7 to 17 inches in diameter. A larger pan can be used to cook for a group, but the tradeoff is that it may be heavier and more difficult to wield. A larger pan also takes up more space on the table and is bulkier to store.

Durability

While fajita pans can be made from a variety of materials, cast iron is the material we focus on here. Cast iron is known to be highly durable and long-lasting. In fact, a cast iron pan can last a lifetime and get passed down to future generations. That said, some cast iron fajita pans have a thinner build than others, which may impact longevity.

Pre-seasoning

When you season a cast iron pan, you create a layer that binds with the pan to protect it and help prevent food from sticking. Some cast iron fajita pans ship pre-seasoned so you can begin creating your own fajitas right away. Other pans must be seasoned after purchase. Seasoning a cast iron pan is not a difficult process, but it can be a bit time-consuming. Check the manufacturer’s care and use instructions for recommendations and tips on seasoning your pan.

Expert tip
Most fajita pans are great for serving, but they can prove too shallow for cooking. When I make mine, I cook them in a large fry pan first, then transfer them to a pre-heated fajita pan for serving.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

Features

Pan surface

While the majority of cast iron fajita pan cooking surfaces are flat, some have grooves or ribs. These raise the actual cooking surface, which can help keep food from soaking up grease. A ribbed pan can also add attractive grill marks to meats and vegetables.

Pouring spout

Some cast iron fajita pans have indentations on either side of the handle. You can use these to easily drain excess grease while cooking or before serving.

Handle

Cast iron fajita pan handles are typically made from cast iron too, which is why you should anticipate using an oven mitt when holding one. Handles run from short to long; some are curved to provide better leverage.

While rare, some handles can be removed from the pan, which helps cut down on the pan’s overall footprint (and burn potential) at the table.

If you plan to hang your cast iron fajita pan on a pot rack, be sure that it includes a hole at the end of the handle.

Wooden base

Standard with a cast iron fajita pan is a wooden base, or trivet, on which the hot pan rests. The quality of the base can vary from one product to the next. Look for one that is durable and thick. A wooden pan base should not easily split or break. The finish may be dark or light, and some bases sport the company’s logo.

Mitt

Also included with some cast iron fajita pans is a mitt to protect your hand from the hot handle. These mitts are usually not as thick or as large as the typical oven mitt. If you get a mitt with your purchase, test it out before attempting to deliver hot food from stove to table.

cast iron fajita pans2
Expert tip
Your fajita pan is great for steaks and chicken breasts too.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

Accessories

Seasoning spray

Lodge Seasoning Spray
Apply some of this non-aerosol spray to your cast iron fajita pan after cleaning to protect its finish. You can also use this canola-based spray on other cast iron items in your kitchen, such as a Dutch oven or griddle.

Fruit and vegetable wash

Before you slice up the peppers for the fajitas, wash them with a handy bottle of fruit and vegetable wash

Oven mitt

Big Red House Oven Mitts
The business of preparing delicious fajitas involves a lot of kitchen heat. Protect your hands as you work with the hot pan handle with these charming oven mitts from Big Red House. We especially love the silicone ribbing and the variety of color choices offered.

Tamale steamer

If you want to really impress your guests, you can serve tamales with your fajitas.

Cast iron fajita pan prices

Inexpensive

For under $20, you can find cast iron fajita pans that are less than 15 inches in diameter and usually only capable of holding one serving at a time. These no-frills pans may or may not be pre-seasoned. If you cook for two people, this price range may be suitable.

Mid-range

The majority of cast iron fajita pans sit in the $20 to $30 range. These medium-size pans typically come with a wooden base and mitt, and many are pre-seasoned. If you eat fajitas often and have a small family, this price range is a great place to start your search.

Expensive

If you cook for a crowd, a cast iron pan over $30 would probably be best because these pans tend to be larger (17 inches or more) and offer the best build. You can also find some multi-pan sets in this price range.

When cooking fajitas, start with the protein (typically chicken or steak). Then add the peppers and onions, which take less time to cook.

STAFF
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Tips

  • Do not place the wooden base that comes with your fajita pan in the dishwasher, as the water exposure could ruin the wood.
  • While a longer handle can be easier to use while cooking, be sure that it is not so long that it takes over your table in such a way that it could burn someone.
  • Warranties for cast iron fajita pans vary. To protect their investment, some consumers prefer to buy a pan with a lifetime warranty.
cast iron fajita pans3
A cast iron fajita pan can be used to cook a wide range of foods that you would use a traditional cast iron pan for, including steak, chicken, and eggs.

FAQ

Q. How should I clean my cast iron fajita pan?

A. While you should always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations when cleaning and caring for your cast iron fajita pan, these pans are typically hand washed with a cloth or brush and warm water. The best time to do this is when the pan is warm but not hot. Avoid soaking the pan in water, and steer away from harsh detergents and soaps, as this could strip the pan’s seasoning. For stuck-on foods, try boiling some water in the pan or scrubbing the surface with a cloth and some coarse salt.

Expert tip
Fajita pans to make dessert? You bet. Bake a shallow cobbler, clafoutis, or big brownie in one of these and put two scoops of ice cream right on top for service. Delicious. Also great for cornbread.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

Q. How can I protect my cast iron fajita pan from rust?

A. Dry your pan thoroughly after you wash it. Rub a bit of cooking oil into the surface before hanging it up or storing it. If you are storing it, consider covering the pan with paper towels, which can help absorb moisture.

Q. Do I need to preheat my fajita pan?

A. Yes. Searing is the name of the game with fajitas, so you are going to want a hot pan before you start adding ingredients to it. Heat the cast iron fajita pan on a grill or stovetop for two to three minutes, until it reaches medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the pan. Next, add meat, followed by vegetables. When everything is cooked, move the sizzling pan directly to the table and enjoy.

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