This article explains how you evaluate a cast-iron skillet to know that you have a quality product. And then shows you several of the most popular and bestselling cast-iron skillets on Amazon. If you prefer, Ebay, some of the several selling there are shown at the end.

When you buy a cast-iron skillet, feel it with your fingers. It should feel a bit rough to the touch, something like fine-grade sandpaper. This texture should feel the same throughout the cast-iron skillet. You're evaluating the cast-iron skillet to see if there are any cracks and scratches. Look for any patches of discoloration or areas that don't match the rest of the cast-iron skillet. Then examine the sides of the cast-iron skillet and make sure that they are uniform.

If you find scratches, discoloration, or uneven side construction, it means that when the steel and iron were poured into the sand cast, something was not done properly. As a result the cast-iron skillet will not provide even heat for cooking and will not be durable or strong.

People are returning to cast-iron cooking because they are wary of using some of the current non-stick formulations. Health concerns have been raised by numerous groups, and some folks just don't want to risk it. So traditonal cast-iron skillets have made a comeback. Once you have gotten the hang of seasoning a skillet and cleaning it properly, I guarantee that you will be a fan.

Cast-iron can take heat better than any other cooking medium and many cast-iron skillets can go from stovetop to oven - tolerating heat up to 500 degrees. Most other non-stick surfaces can't make that claim.

The even heat makes them popular for simmering stews, cornbread, and pineapple upside down cake.

I've included a varied selection of cast-iron skillets - from large to mini - and I'm sure you'll find one to meet your cooking tasks. Thank you for visiting this site, Nelle

This Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet is either 12-inches, 10.25-inches or 8-inches in diameter with sides that are 2 inches deep. There's a pouring lip on either side for your conveniences. Two strong handles - a long strong one in back and a loop handle in the front - make lifting the cast-iron skillet and its contents easy. The 8-inch cast iron skillet does not have a second handle.

This indestructible cast-iron skillet will be your kitchen workhorse. With a 12-inch diameter it can easily fit a couple of very large steaks or chicken breasts. You can do everything from searing meat to frying pancakes. With the even and reliable heat you won't burn any of them.

The cast-iron lid for the 10.25-inch cast-iron skillet comes pre-seasoned and ready to use. It promotes self-basting and encourages nutritious steam to drip back onto food.

The 10-inch Chef's Cast-Iron Skillet is different from the skillets above because it has sloping sides. This makes it the perfect grill pan to sautee vegetables or fry eggs. It is pre-seasoned for your convenience, but you should use some sort of oil in your cooking. A non-stick spray would work as well. As you use the pan, it will stick less.

It is a lighter pan than the cast-iron skillets shown above. It has two handles to make lifting the pan and its contents easier.

You'll use this 6.5-inch skillet for many of your smaller cooking tasks - like cooking a single hamburger or 2 eggs. The sides measure 1.5 inches deep and there are pouring lips on either side, so it's convenient if you are left- or right-handed. This cast-iron skillet has been pre-seasoned, but it's a good idea to use some oil or non-stick spray for the first few times you use it. After a time, the cast-iron will become a non-stick surface, but that may not be the case the first few times you cook with it.

Or if you're cooking 4 hamburgers in a larger cast-iron skillet, the 6.5-inch is great for sauteeing onions to top the hamburgers. It's small size doesn't take up too much room on the stovetop.

This mini cast iron skillet measures 3.5 inches across and is perfect for melting butter or to make individual servings of cornbread. Imagine setting one of this adorable cast-iron skillets filled with cornbread at each place setting. You could also do the same thing with pinepple upside down cake for dessert.

You can also use it to roast garlic and temper curries.

If you don't want to deal with seasoning cast-iron but would like the benefits of cast-iron cooking, then you should look at an enameled cast-iron skillet. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season and the double layer is chip-resistant. You should use some cooking oil or non-stick spray. Clean-up is a breeze.

Hardworking 10.5-inch square cast-iron square skillet from Lodge will help you with your moderate-size cooking tasks. The sides are 1.75 inches deep. There is a looped handle and a second handle helper to lift the cast-iron skillet and its contents. The square skillet comes pre-seasoned, but the first few times you use it, some cooking oil or non-stick spray could be helpful.

For smaller tasks you might want to use the 5.5-inch Lodge Logic Pre-seasoned wonder square skillet.