Best Cast Iron Pans For Open Fire Cooking
Fire is king, and cast iron is the crown. I’ve fed tough cuts and late-night roasts over open flames with pans that roar and hold heat like a furnace. You want gear that takes a beating and still comes back hungry for flavor. This round cuts through the fluff, handing you open-fire partners that sear, braise, and bake with steady heat and a finish you can trust. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Bbq
Best for Campfire Cooking: Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Skillet Lid, Outdoor Camping Deep Pot for Camping Fireplace Cooking BBQ Baking Campfire, Leg Base, 4.5 Quart
$45.79 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Skillet Lid, Outdoor Camping Deep Pot for Camping Fireplace Cooking BBQ Baking Campfire, Leg Base, 4.5 Quart
- Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillets 12 Inch, Chef's Pan, Pre-Seasoned Frying Pan, Stovetop, Oven, Campfire and Grill Large Skillet, Even Heat Distribution Multipurpose Cast Iron Pan - Black
- Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker - Pre-Seasoned Pie Iron Sandwich Maker with Heat-Resistant, Removable Handles, Easy-to-Clean for Toasted Pies, Grilled Sandwiches, and Meats, For Campfire Cooking
- Utopia Kitchen Cast iron Skillets 3 Piece Set, Chefs Pan, Pre Seasoned Cast iron Skillets, 6, 8 & 10 Inches, Easy Use in the Oven, Stove, Grill, or Campfire, Black
- Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Quality Frying Pan for the Stove, Oven, Grill & Campfire - Includes Silicone Hot Handle Holder - Non-Toxic, Nonstick & Long-Lasting - 12 Inches
- Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Lid - 12"-inch Pre-Seasoned Covered Frying Pan Set + Silicone Handle & Lid Holders + Scraper/Cleaner - Indoor/Outdoor, Oven, Stovetop, Camping Fire, Grill Safe Cookware
- Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch - Made in USA, Compatible with Stovetop, Oven, Grill & Campfire
- Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - PFAS-Free, Non-Toxic Cookware - Use with an Oven, Stove, Grill, or Campfire - Naturally Non-Stick & Oven Safe - 8 Inches
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Go for pre-seasoned or easily seasoned surfaces so you can cook fast and avoid endless scrubbing; durability and a solid starting seasoning matter.
- Heat retention and even distribution win on open fire; heavier pans stay steady at high flames and deliver consistent sear without hot spots.
- Versatility matters: lids, heat-resistant handles, and options like Dutch ovens, skillets with lids, and pie irons unlock campfire menus from steaks to pies.
- Size matters: have a core 8–10 inch skillet for daily cooking and a larger 12 inch (or a multi-piece set) for family meals and baking over coals.
- Durability and maintenance: rugged builds, safe coatings, and easy-clean surfaces survive years of flame, giving you reliable performance with less fuss.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Skillet Lid, Outdoor Camping Deep Pot for Camping Fireplace Cooking BBQ Baking Campfire, Leg Base, 4.5 Quart
🏆 Best For: Best for Campfire Cooking
Best for Campfire Cooking earns this top spot because this 4.5-quart pre-seasoned cast iron Dutch oven with a skillet lid and a leg base turns a naked flame into a reliable camp-kitchen. It handles stews, braises, and even bread over open coals without mercy, and it’s built to outlast the trips it takes you on. At $45.79 and rated 4.7 stars, it delivers pro results without blowing up your gear budget.
Key features translate into real-world performance: a ready-to-use cast iron body for even heat, a lid that doubles as a skillet for on-fire sautéing, and a sturdy leg base that keeps the pot stable on rocky ground. Four-and-a-half quarts is plenty for a family meal, yet still manageable to haul on shorter camping trips. You’ll see the difference in sear, braise, and bread—great heat retention means fewer hot spots and more consistent flavor.
Who should buy this and when? If you’re a camper, tailgater, or backyard pitmaster feeding 4–6 with a craving for campfire flavor, this is a smart move. Open-fire stews, beans, chili, cornbread, and even slow-roasted pork come to life with real heat and patience. It shines on weekend trips, hunting camps, and open-fire setups where you want one pot to do many jobs.
Honest caveats: it’s heavy and not ideal for long backpacking trips. It demands ongoing seasoning and care to prevent rust and keep the patina smooth. The lid’s skillet function is fantastic but adds weight and height, so you need a sturdy fire pit or tripod setup. All that said, master your craft with good gear and real fire.
✅ Pros
- Excellent heat retention for braises
- Skillet lid doubles as extra pan
- Leg base steadies pot on coals
❌ Cons
- Heavy for backpacking trips
- Requires ongoing seasoning and care
- Key Ingredient: Cast iron, pre-seasoned
- Scent Profile: Nutty iron aroma when hot
- Best For: Best for Campfire Cooking
- Size / Volume: 4.5 Quart deep pot
- Special Feature: Leg base; lid doubles as skillet
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Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillets 12 Inch, Chef's Pan, Pre-Seasoned Frying Pan, Stovetop, Oven, Campfire and Grill Large Skillet, Even Heat Distribution Multipurpose Cast Iron Pan - Black
🏆 Best For: Best All-Purpose Cast Iron
Best All-Purpose Cast Iron, earned. The Utopia Kitchen 12-Inch skillet is a flat-out workhorse that handles open flame, stove, oven, and grill with a single pan that won’t quit. At about $20.93 and a 4.5-star rating, you get a pre-seasoned iron beast that sears, braises, and sautés with the reliability you only get from real iron. This is the kind of pan you reach for when you want a single tool to do a dozen jobs and do them well.
Key features translate to real-world benefits: a 12-inch surface that fits a couple steaks or a cast of vegetables, heavy-gauge iron that holds heat like a brick, and even heat distribution from edge to edge. It’s ready to cook right out of the box, and it’s versatile enough to go from campground to kitchen to oven without missing a beat. The pan’s robustness means you can push it hard—hot irons, quick deglazes, and crust-building sears—without worrying about warping or losing your crusty finish.
Who should buy this and when: whether you’re a weekend warrior, a beginner stacking a starter cast-iron kit, or a seasoned pitmaster looking for a reliable all-purpose pan, this is your default choice. Use it for searing steaks at high heat, finishing braises on the stove, frying eggs for a hearty breakfast, or sautéing onions for a smoky dessert glaze. It shines as a day-in, day-out workhorse that keeps you honest and efficient on a busy pit or back patio.
Honest drawbacks or caveats: it’s a heavy piece of gear, not the friendliest choice for small kitchens or folks chasing featherweight comfort. The seasoning will require ongoing love—wipe, oil, and dry to prevent rust, and re-season if you notice dull spots. It’s not nonstick out of the box, so expect a bit more oil and vigilance with delicate foods. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.
✅ Pros
- Durable for open-fire use
- Pre-seasoned and ready to cook
- Even heat, large surface
❌ Cons
- Heavy for daily use
- Requires regular seasoning and care
- Key Ingredient: Cast Iron
- Scent Profile: Neutral aroma after seasoning
- Best For: All-Purpose cooking on open flame, stove, oven
- Size / Volume: 12-inch diameter
- Special Feature: Pre-seasoned, oven-safe, even heat
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Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker - Pre-Seasoned Pie Iron Sandwich Maker with Heat-Resistant, Removable Handles, Easy-to-Clean for Toasted Pies, Grilled Sandwiches, and Meats, For Campfire Cooking
🏆 Best For: Best Campfire Sandwich Maker
Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker earns the Best Campfire Sandwich Maker badge because it blends rugged, field-tested design with real-fire practicality. This pre-seasoned cast iron sings over coals, seals in flavor, and the heat-resistant, removable handles keep your fingers clean when you clamp and flip. At $16.64 and with a solid 4.5-star rating, it proves that great open-fire sandwiches don’t need a fortune.
Key features in a compact package translate to real-world results: a durable cast-iron body, removable handles for safer storage and hanging, and easy-clean surfaces that handle smoky drippings. It heats evenly, browns bread beautifully, and makes tidy pockets for cheese-melted fillings without leaking. A quick seasoning burn-in after first use makes it slick for many seasons to come.
Who should buy this and when: campers, families, and weekend warriors who want quick, open-fire sandwiches without chasing fancy gear. Perfect for backyard fires, park grill sessions, or any time you’re cooking on hot coals. When you want a toasted pie or grilled sandwich in minutes with dependable reliability, this is your go-to, especially if you’re building a starter kit on a budget.
Honest caveats: it’s cast iron—heavy, needs periodic seasoning, and hand washing only. The 4-5 inch footprint caps filling size, so oversized meats or mega-melts aren’t ideal. The removable handles can feel fiddly at first, but once you learn the bite and timing, you’ll outpace casual camp cooks. Remember: mastery comes from good gear and real fire.
✅ Pros
- Even heat for crusty pies
- Removable handles for safer campfire use
- Pre-seasoned and ready to cook
❌ Cons
- Not dishwasher safe; hand wash only
- Limited filling capacity
- Key Ingredient: Cast iron, pre-seasoned
- Scent Profile: Neutral iron aroma when hot
- Best For: Best Campfire Sandwich Maker
- Size / Volume: Standard camp pie iron
- Special Feature: Removable, heat-resistant handles
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Utopia Kitchen Cast iron Skillets 3 Piece Set, Chefs Pan, Pre Seasoned Cast iron Skillets, 6, 8 & 10 Inches, Easy Use in the Oven, Stove, Grill, or Campfire, Black
🏆 Best For: Best Beginner Cast Iron Set
This Best Beginner Cast Iron Set earns its badge by delivering three workhorse sizes at a price that lets you swing for the fences, not break the bank. The 6, 8, and 10-inch skillets cover quick eggs to a proper sear without needing a garage full of pans. They come pre-seasoned, so you’re cooking from day one instead of chasing a perfect patina for months. In the heat of the pit, that simplicity matters—fast, reliable, and built to take a beating and keep coming back for more flavor.
Three sizes, one rugged surface. The set gives you heat retention that bites and stays, not just a quick sizzle. The seasoned coating acts like a training wheels for new cooks—easy release and solid browning without a full-blown stick-and-scrub battle. They’re versatile enough to go from oven to stove to grill to campfire, which means you can build a rhythm of coffee-brown hash in the 6, finish a steak in the 10, and flip veggies in the 8 without swapping gear. Durable enough for years of backyard barbecues with real, smoky results.
Who should buy this? Beginners who want to learn the craft without chasing premium cookware, campers who crave a simple, dependable trio, and anyone on a budget who still wants real cast iron performance. If you cook for one to two people most nights and want something that travels well or nests in a small kitchen, this set is a smart move. You’ll gain consistency in browning, better crusts, and the confidence that comes from working with good gear and real fire.
Drawbacks? The 6-inch is tight for anything more than a couple eggs or a single steak, and you’ll want the 8 and 10 for family-size meals. The pans require ongoing seasoning and care to keep their edge, and the cast iron won’t pretend to be nonstick—so oil, heat, and patience are still your friends. But if you embrace the routine, you’ll grow with gear that’s ready for the next level. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.
✅ Pros
- Great starter set with three sizes
- Pre-seasoned and easy to use
- Oven, stove, grill, campfire ready
❌ Cons
- Too small for big meals
- Requires ongoing seasoning and care
- Key Ingredient: Pre-seasoned cast iron
- Scent Profile: Neutral, no chemical odor
- Best For: Best Beginner Cast Iron Set
- Size / Volume: 6", 8", 10" skillet trio
- Special Feature: Oven-to-fire versatility
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Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Quality Frying Pan for the Stove, Oven, Grill & Campfire - Includes Silicone Hot Handle Holder - Non-Toxic, Nonstick & Long-Lasting - 12 Inches
🏆 Best For: Best 12-Inch Skillet
This Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet earns the “Best 12-Inch Skillet” badge for open-fire cooking because it nails heat, durability, and field-ready versatility. The 12-inch surface gives you room to sear two steaks and sauté peppers without crowding the grate, and the thick walls hold heat steady between flips. The pre-seasoned patina behaves like a natural nonstick after you build it with use, and the silicone hot-handle holder means you can pull the pan from the flames without getting singed. Simple, rugged, and ready to throw down in the pit.
Key features and real-world benefits: Ready-to-use out of the box thanks to Lodge’s seasoned finish. Works on stove, oven, grill, or campfire—no special setup required. Heavy-duty cast iron delivers steady heat and even browning, so you get crust with minimal hot spots. The durable construction survives years of high-heat sessions and the patina improves with every cook. It’s non-toxic and long-lasting, with the silicone handle holder boosting safety during hot-handling. Care is straightforward: wash, dry, oil, and repeat to keep that surface kickin'.
Who should buy this and when: Great for backyard cooks who live for the flame, campers who want real cookware options, and anyone building a cast-iron arsenal. If you want a single pan that sears, sautés, and finishes in the oven, this 12-incher is a steal at the price. Use it for steaks, shrimp and veggies, breakfast hashes, or finishing sauces on the grill. It’s heavy enough to stay put on a grate but manageable for a seasoned hand; the silicone grip helps when you’re sliding hot pans off the fire.
Drawbacks to keep in mind: It’s heavy—great for heat retention, not for the faint of shoulder. The seasoning requires ongoing maintenance to stay nonstick and rust-free, so dry thoroughly and oil after washing. It’s not dishwasher safe and the surface can wear if you scrub it with abrasive pads. If you want ultra-light cookware, this isn’t it. Still, with proper care, it will outlive you and your grandkids. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.
✅ Pros
- Excellent heat retention for searing
- Even heat across 12" surface
- Silicone handle holder adds safety
❌ Cons
- Heavy and awkward for newbies
- Requires ongoing seasoning care to stay nonstick
- Key Ingredient: Cast iron
- Scent Profile: Neutral seasoning patina
- Best For: Best 12-Inch Skillet
- Size / Volume: 12 inches diameter
- Special Feature: Silicone hot-handle holder included
- Durability: Long-lasting with proper care
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Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Lid - 12"-inch Pre-Seasoned Covered Frying Pan Set + Silicone Handle & Lid Holders + Scraper/Cleaner - Indoor/Outdoor, Oven, Stovetop, Camping Fire, Grill Safe Cookware
🏆 Best For: Best All-In-One Set
Rank #6 and crowned Best All-In-One Set, this Cuisinel 12" Cast Iron Skillet with Lid proves you don’t need five pans to chase flavor. The kit includes a 12-inch, pre-seasoned skillet, a matching lid, silicone handle sleeves, lid holders, and a scraper/cleaner. It’s built for indoor stove work, backyard grill sessions, and true campfire cooking—open flame sears, even heat, and real, rock-solid results.
Key features translate to real-world gains: the 12-inch surface gives room for burgers, potatoes, and eggs without crowding; a seasoned surface builds a nonstick patina with use; the lid traps heat for braises or eggs, and the silicone handles stay cooler during the hot flip. Lid holders keep the lid handy when you’re basting, and the included scraper preserves seasoning while cleaning. One pan, limitless setups—oven, stove, grill, or campfire.
Who should buy this? If you want one reliable pan that handles searing, frying, baking, and simmering, indoors or out, this is your starter-and-workhorse all in one. Beginners who want a simple, durable kit, campers who want to light one fire and feed a crew, or anyone tightening the arsenal will love it. It shines when you’re cooking for a crowd or when you’re testing new recipes on the trail.
Drawbacks? It’s not featherweight by any stretch, so plan for it on a day hike or a van setup. It’s cast iron, so it demands hand washing, drying, and periodic oiling to keep rust at bay. The lid is great for moisture control but isn’t a replacement for a dedicated stockpot lid in heavy soups. Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.
✅ Pros
- Ready-to-use out of the box
- Includes scraper/cleaner
- Even heat, superb sear
❌ Cons
- Heavy for backpacking
- Needs hand washing and oiling
- Key Ingredient: Cast iron, pre-seasoned
- Scent Profile: Subtle iron aroma if under-seasoned
- Best For: Best All-In-One Set
- Size / Volume: 12" skillet with lid
- Special Feature: Silicone handles, lid holders, scraper
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Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch - Made in USA, Compatible with Stovetop, Oven, Grill & Campfire
🏆 Best For: Best Compact Griddle
Best Compact Griddle? This Lodge L9OG3 nails it by proving that small size can punch above its weight. The 10.5-inch round surface fits on portable stoves, tight camp pits, and even a crowded kitchen counter, yet it sears, toasts, and flavors with real fire power. It's ready-to-use out of the box—pre-seasoned, Made in USA, and built to take the heat. At $24.90 and a solid 4.6 stars, it’s a no-nonsense winner for anyone chasing flavor in a tiny footprint.
Key features and real-world benefits: The round cast iron surface heats evenly and holds heat for a solid sear on burgers, fish, and veggies. The pre-seasoned finish helps you start with a seasoned patina and improves with use. It’s built to handle high heat from stoves, ovens, grills, and campfires alike. At 10.5 inches, it’s compact enough to travel light yet big enough to feed a small crew.
Who should buy this and when: If you cook open-fire, camp, or live in a small kitchen, this is your go-to for a real skillet that travels. Beginners who want a durable entry into cast iron will love the balance of price and performance. Weekend campers, tailgaters, or folks who want pancake-and-sear capability on a single compact surface will appreciate the portability and versatility.
Honest drawbacks or caveats: It’s cast iron—seasoning and maintenance are part of the game. It’s not nonstick, so you’ll oil and wipe between cooks. The 10.5-inch surface is small for feeding a crowd; for large recipes you’ll want a second pan or bigger griddle. Heat management matters—avoid dramatic temperature swings that can stress the metal.
✅ Pros
- Durable pre-seasoned surface
- Compact 10.5-inch round size
- Versatile across heat sources
❌ Cons
- Heavier than nonstick pans
- Requires regular seasoning and care
- Key Ingredient: Cast iron
- Scent Profile: Neutral, seasoned aroma
- Best For: Open-fire, camp cooking, compact setups
- Size / Volume: 10.5-inch diameter
- Special Feature: Made in USA, pre-seasoned
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Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - PFAS-Free, Non-Toxic Cookware - Use with an Oven, Stove, Grill, or Campfire - Naturally Non-Stick & Oven Safe - 8 Inches
🏆 Best For: Best PFAS-Free Option
Best PFAS-Free Option isn’t just a label—it’s the heart of this Lodge 8-inch skillet. PFAS-free, non-toxic, and ready to hit any heat source, it bowls over fancy coatings with real steel and real flavor. For $15.21 you’re getting a compact iron workhorse that thrives on open flame, stove tops, ovens, or campfire grates without preaching silicone myths at you. It’s the kind of tool you know will outlive you and still season right.
Key features meet real-world grit: pre-seasoned, naturally non-stick with continued use, and built to survive heat swings from stove to grill to campfire. The 8-inch footprint is perfect for a single protein, a quick sauté, or eggs and taters when you’re chasing flavor rather than volume. Cast iron’s heat retention means a steady sear and a crust that won’t quit, while the rugged construction takes the abuse of open-fire cooking like a pro. If you’re chasing dependable, PFAS-free performance without paying a premium, this is your workhorse.
Who should buy this? Solo cooks, campers, and anyone getting started with cast iron who wants a PFAS-free option that won’t break the bank. It’s ideal for quick, high-heat sears, small-batch sautés, and breakfasts that need crust with minimal cleanup. If you’re exploring open-fire techniques or want a first skillet that can live on the grill or in a camp kit, this is the move—and you’ll build seasoning and flavor fast.
Drawbacks? It’s small by design. The eight-inch size limits crowd-kooking and big batches. Also, the seasoning will wear with heavy acidic cooks or aggressive scrubbing, so occasional re-oiling and maintenance are part of the game. Still, for open-fire flavor and PFAS-free peace of mind, it’s a solid trade-off.
✅ Pros
- PFAS-free; safe for open flame
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Compact 8-inch size for small cooks
❌ Cons
- Not dishwasher safe; hand wash only
- Seasoning wear requires re-oiling
- Key Ingredient: Cast Iron
- Scent Profile: Neutral, no chemical odor
- Best For: Best PFAS-Free Option
- Size / Volume: 8 Inches
- Special Feature: Pre-seasoned, oven/stove/grill/campfire ready
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bare cast iron pans better for open fire than enameled versions?
Yes. Bare cast iron handles direct flame better and builds seasoning faster; enamel can crack under high heat and may trap heat unevenly when you’ve got a roaring fire. If you want enamel, use it for indirect heat or household stoves rather than direct fire pits.
What size cast iron pan should I start with for open fire cooking?
A 12-inch skillet is the workhorse for most pit setups—versatile enough for searing and sides, portable enough to haul to the campsite. If you’re feeding a crowd, a 14-inch or a dual-pan setup is practical, but it’s heavier and harder to manage on a grill grate. Start with 12 inches and grow as you learn the fire.
Can I use Lodge, Camp Chef, or other popular brands for open fire cooking?
Yep. Reputable brands with solid heat tolerance and thick iron perform best on open flames. Look for a tested, pre-seasoned surface and sturdy handles that won’t bend when you’re flipping burgers at dusk. The right brand matters when the flame is real and the crew is hungry.
Should I season cast iron before first use?
Absolutely. A new or re-seasoned pan needs a proper oiling and heat cycle to build a protective layer. Do a thorough scrub, dry it, apply a thin coat of oil, and heat it until it polymerizes—that’s your billet for years of battle with flame.
Is it safe to cook on cast iron over a campfire with coals direct underneath?
Yes, as long as you manage heat and avoid scorching the seasoning. Move the pan, add or remove coals to keep a steady temperature, and don’t let it sit on molten coals for too long. Quick adjustment keeps you in control and your food from tasting burnt.
How do I clean cast iron after open-fire cooking?
Scrape off food with a non-metal spatula while warm, rinse with warm water, and dry immediately. Apply a light coat of oil and store in a dry, ventilated space; never let it stay damp. Proper maintenance is the difference between a skillet that shines and one that rusts into a smoky relic.
Will cast iron crack or warp when used over direct flame?
If you overheat too quickly or slam it down on hot coals, you risk warping or cracking. Gradual heating and even heat distribution keep the metal happy and your food properly seared. Respect the flame, and the pan will respect you back.
Conclusion
Grab a rugged 12-inch bare cast-iron skillet and learn to tame the flame. With proper seasoning and steady fire, you’ll cook like a pro in the yard or on the trail.
Mastery comes from good gear and real fire.
