Place the pan on a flat surface. If it spins or wobbles, it’s warped. This is especially frustrating if you have a glass-top stove.
When buying used, check for hairline cracks or deep "pitting" (small holes from rust). Cracks are a dealbreaker; pitting is just an eyesore. how to buy a good cast iron skillet
For skillets 10 inches or larger, a "helper handle" (the small tab opposite the main handle) is a must-have for moving a heavy, hot pan safely with two hands. 4. Size Matters The 10-inch: Great for a single steak or a couple of eggs. Place the pan on a flat surface
The "do-it-all" workhorse. It fits a whole spatchcocked chicken or enough bacon for a family. This is usually the best first purchase. 5. What to Avoid When buying used, check for hairline cracks or
Don't overthink the "pre-seasoning." Even if it says it's ready to go, the best way to "buy" a good pan is to start by cooking something fatty in it—like thick-cut bacon —the day you bring it home.