Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet Review: Oven, Grill, Smoker Tested

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If you’re serious about cooking the perfect steak, the 12” Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet is an absolute must-have. I have used mine for about 5 years, and expect it to last decades longer! It is my go-to for achieving that flawless sear on steaks – on the stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, or even in the smoker.

Table of Contents

Video review

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Why I Bought It

I didn’t own my first cast iron skillet until my late 20’s. I thought they were heavy and intimidating to clean. (luckily I found that to be not-true)

Traeger Smoked Mashed Potatoes in Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet

Pic of my smoked mashed potatoes.

But after cooking up many dishes here on SipBiteGo, I’ve had the opportunity to test and review a ton of skillets. I am always looking for one that will last a while, handle high heat, and deliver that restaurant-quality sear on steaks.

The Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet stood out because it’s designed to heat evenly and retain that heat, which is crucial for getting a great sear.

I also like to serve dishes in it – it looks great with an oven roasted whole chicken for example.

Can you grill cast iron?

Yes, the Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet is incredibly versatile—capable of going from the stovetop to the oven, or the gas grill or pellet smoker.

Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet With Mac And Cheese on the Traeger Pellet Grill

How I Use It

Let’s start with indoor cooking… This skillet has completely transformed the way I cook steaks with the reverse-sear method.

On the stovetop, it gives me that perfect crust and then I pop my steaks (or chicken or pork chops) in the oven to finish cooking to my desired temperature.

Pepperoni Pizza in a Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet

It’s also great for baking pizza with a fabulous crust! (Also see my Emile Henry Pizza Stone Review.)

Traeger Smoked Mac And Cheese With Gouda

When it comes to BBQ, I like to use it on the grill for veggies in particular, or other foods that easily fall through the grates. On a pellet smoker, I’m usually smoking Brussels sprouts or smoked mac and cheese or another dish where serving in the skillet will be the final presentation.

SHOP: Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet 12”

Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

In addition to the recipes in this article, are a few of my favorite things to cook in this skillets:

Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet with Homemade Chorizo and Potatoes Side Dish

Features I Love

It comes pre-seasoned, making it ready to use quickly and easily.
The oversized handles are perfect for gripping through pot holders to transfer from grill to table.
Looks great for serving.
It can withstand high heat without warping or losing its seasoning.
Compared to other cast iron skillets, the inside corners of the pan are curved, so food doesn’t get stuck there and clean-up is easy.

Traeger Smoked Scallops in a Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet

Pic of smoked scallops.

Final Thoughts

Everyone needs a cast iron skillet. This one is a great choice because it is large enough to cook everything from steaks to a whole chicken.

Cooking in the Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet on a Grill

Pic of grilled broccoli rabe.

Whether you’re searing on the stovetop, finishing in the oven, or using it to cook on the grill or smoker, I’d imagine anyone would be pleased with this skillet. It is indispensable in my kitchen.

SHOP: Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet 12”