"Where do I begin???" Choosing the best first skillet for you!

Beginner Collector & Cook Questions: Where to Start With Vintage Cast Iron

When we first started using vintage cast iron, we had a lot of questions. Some were obvious, but others we didn’t even know how to ask at the time. That’s why we wanted to put together a helpful guide for anyone starting their journey with cast iron — whether you’re collecting, cooking, or doing both.

Here are three of the most important questions to ask yourself as a beginner — and what we’ve learned along the way.

1. Am I a Cook, Collector, or a Combo?

One of the first things to figure out is what type of user you are. Are you looking to build a display-worthy vintage collection? Are you planning to cook with your pieces daily? Or maybe you’re a little of both?

Most of us fall into the “cook/collector” category — and that’s a perfect blend. When we started, we picked up a few #8 skillets in different styles just to try them out. Some felt great in hand, others not so much. That hands-on cooking experience helped us figure out which brands and styles we loved. From there, we started assembling full sets to pass down to our kids one day — and the collecting side became a fun (and addictive) part of the journey.

Our tip: Start with a few affordable, functional pieces. Cook with them. Feel them out. Then decide what to keep and what to look for next.

2. Cooktop Surface Matters More Than You Think

This is one of the most overlooked (but most important) aspects of buying cast iron: your cooktop compatibility.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Induction or glass top stoves – You’ll need pieces that sit as flat as possible.

• Gas or electric coil stoves – You have more flexibility, even with slightly warped or spinning pans.

On our website, we label our pieces as:

• “Sits flat”

• “Moves when prompted”

• “Spins”

If you’re cooking on glass or induction, stick to “sits flat” or “moves when prompted” for best heat distribution and safety. We’ll be posting a deep dive on this topic in a future blog, but for now, make sure to check the listing details carefully.

3. What Size Skillet Should I Start With?

This one depends entirely on what you’re planning to cook. If you’re making meals for one or two, look at sizes #6 or smaller. For larger families, batch cooking, or entertaining, we recommend #10 and up.

👉 Pro tip: Check out our Skillet Sizing Chart to see diameter measurements and what each size can handle.

We’ve also made it easy to shop by size using the filters on every category page of our site. And if you end up with the wrong size — no worries. We’re happy to help with exchanges so you end up with the piece that fits your kitchen perfectly.

Final Thoughts from Phil

Whether you’re a curious cook, a budding collector, or both — your cast iron journey is yours to shape. Start with a few practical questions, try different pieces, and let the process be fun. If you ever need help choosing, just reach out. We're always happy to guide you.

Happy hunting!
– C&CB