Whether you're celebrating a sixth anniversary (iron) or just want to show your favorite cook or baker how much you care about them, these cast iron gifts for the kitchen are perfect for food lovers!
Things to Consider when Choosing Cast Iron Gifts
What do you get someone who loves cast iron? It will depend a bit on how well you know what they already have in their kitchen.
Most people don't need more than one (okay, maybe two) Dutch ovens; so if you want to gift a cast iron Dutch oven, make sure it's different enough in size from what they already have. And if your gift recipient already has a Le Creuset pan or a Staub pan they love in a specific color, stick to the same brand and color!
I've highlighted specific cast iron pots and pans by a variety of brands at a variety of price points on this list, but if I've highlighted a Le Creuset pan in a specific size or for a specific use and you know your gift recipient already has a Staub or a Lodge pan they love, look for Lodge or Staub's version of the pan I recommended in the color you know they already have.
When it comes to cast iron gifts, there is so much more out there than just Dutch ovens! I've got a ton of unique cast iron cookware suggestions on this list — you're sure to find the perfect gift here.
Choosing between enameled or pre-seasoned cast iron. Not everyone who loves cooking with cast iron loves having to season their pans. Enameled cast iron (the colorful, shiny finish) requires minimal upkeep and is an ideal for people who don't want to fuss over their pans too much.
On the flip side, raw cast iron is a little fussier day to day, but can always be restored to its former glory with a bit of elbow grease.
- Raw Cast Iron: Requires regular seasoning but will last a lifetime. More affordable and budget friendly. Only comes in black/grey colors and will darken and become shinier with use.
- Enameled Cast Iron: Minimal upkeep, but may crack or need replacing eventually (most high-end cast iron brands offer lifetime warranties!). Enamel may chip or crack if not heated properly. Available in a range of gorgeous colors to match any kitchen.
Budgeting for cast iron gifts. Cast iron can range in price from $20 to $700+ depending on the brand and finish. It's really up to you how much you want to spend.
High end brands make true heirloom quality pieces that will last a lifetime, but enameled cast iron from budget friendly brands will also last a long time; they just might not last quite as long without cracking or chipping.
As for raw cast iron gifts, there's no need to break the bank unless you're spending more for a specific style or design. There are plenty of affordable legacy brands making high quality raw cast iron pans for under $100 that will absolutely last a lifetime.
Why is iron the sixth anniversary gift? Iron represents the bonds of marriage growing stronger after six years. According to wedding website The Knot, iron is "a sturdy and durable metal that symbolizes the strong and loving bond of a six-year marriage."
Unique Cast Iron Cookware Gift Ideas
*Some of the items on this list I requested or received as PR gifts/review samples. I wouldn't include them here unless I really loved them and thought you would too. They are noted with an asterisk.
1. A cast iron pan designed for bread makers*
The cast iron Challenger bread pan has a unique inverted Dutch oven design with a shallow cast iron base and a double handled domed lid. It was designed to create the perfect steamy environment for baking up crusty loaves of bread without having to reach your arms deep into a scorching hot Dutch oven.
The unique rectangular shape makes it useful for both round and oval loaves, and also so much more than just bread making. It can be used to make everything from crispy bottomed focaccia and crispy skinned roast chicken, and the flat bottom can also be used on the stovetop as a griddle for perfect fried eggs, pancakes, and bacon!
Like all cast iron pans, the Challenger bread pan is heavy, but the double handled lid makes it easy to remove in a hot oven. The extra handles on either side give a good grip when carrying it around in then kitchen.
The Challenger Bread Pan makes a great gift for serious bread bakers who don't mind a bit of upkeep on their cookware. Like any non-enameled cast iron pan, it will last forever, but it does require regular seasoning.
Shop: Challenger Bread Pan*
2. An iconic Dutch oven with a delicate spray of rainbow hearts to celebrate love
With a trail of rainbow hearts dancing across the base and lid, this enameled cast iron Dutch oven from Le Creuset's "L'oven" collection makes a great gift for newly married LGBTQ couples, or anyone else who loves hearts, rainbows, and otherwise fun cookware.
Le Creuset is an iconic and much-coveted French cookware brand known for high quality cookware that truly will last a lifetime. Like all Le Creuset products, it comes with a lifetime warranty and looks as great in the kitchen as it does on the dining table.
Thanks to the metal knob, this Dutch oven is oven safe up to 500F (not all of Le Creuset's knobs are), and the 4.5 Quart capacity makes it ideal for soups, stews, sauces, and bread making.
Shop: Le Creuset
3. A petite cast iron fondue set for the ultimate dinner party host
This quart-sized cast iron fondue pot set by 120+ year old Dutch cookware brand Boska (tagline: "Food Tools for Life") comes with four fondue forks, an elevated base and a burner.
The pre-seasoned cast iron fondue pot can be heated on induction, electric, or gas burners, while the portable burner in the base keeps the cheese or chocolate smooth and melty until the party's over.
Shop: Food 52
4. A cast iron pumpkin Dutch oven for the person who loves spooky season
Staub Pumpkin Enameled Cast Iron Cocotte
A 3.75 quart burnt orange cast iron Dutch oven in the shape of a pumpkin with a silver stem as the handle and two handles on the sides.
Perfect for the Thanksgiving host! This 3.75 quart burnt orange pumpkin shaped cocotte is the perfect cast iron gift for the friend who drinks pumpkin spice lattes all year round.
The unique pumpkin shape doesn't just look great; Staub is a high-quality French cookware brand and this pumpkin shaped cast iron pot is oven safe up to 500F.
It's great for slow cooking, braising, roasting, bread making, for making fall scented simmer pots, and so much more. If nothing else, it'll be the chicest bowl of halloween candy on the whole dang street.
Oh and the interior of the pot is a dramatic matte black enamel coating, meaning no special cast iron seasoning required!
5. A cast iron pie and sandwich iron for the person who loves spending time outdoors
Enjoying a hot sandwich or warm, flaky hand pie while sitting around a campfire is easy thanks to this long-handled cast iron campfire pie iron.
A campfire pie iron makes a great cast iron gift for anyone who loves hiking, camping, or has a sweet fire pit in their backyard. I had one of these growing up and, while we didn't go camping ever, it worked great over a gas burner at home too.
It's relatively lightweight, as far as cast iron gifts go, and at just under $30 it's also one of the more budget friendly cast iron gifts on this list.
Shop: L.L. Bean
6. Celebrate the iron anniversary with a heart shaped cast iron dutch oven
2 Quart Cast Iron Heart Dutch Oven by Drew Barrymore
A small, heart shaped Dutch oven with a gold heart handle available in three colors: pink champagne, merlot, and white icing. Perfect for cooking for two!
Whether you're looking for the perfect sixth anniversary cast iron gift or just need a cute valentine's day gift for your partner, this heart shaped cast iron Dutch oven by America's sweetheart Drew Barrymore is as sweet as it is functional.
The pale "pink champagne" color is super pretty and, at just 2 quarts in size, it's about half the size of the average Dutch oven. Ideal for cooking for two!
The side handles make it easy to lift and carry, even while hot, and it's oven safe up to 500F. Most people don't have Dutch ovens this small, but will absolutely use them when they do; so this is a great gift for someone who already has a standard sized Dutch oven.
Shop: Walmart
7. A stunning cast iron frying pan for the person who knows "the camera eats first"
Finex Cast Iron Frying Pan with Lid
A gorgeous "special occasion" piece of octogonal cast iron cookware available in 8, 10, and 12 inch sizes.
Finex's line of unique octagon shaped pans make great cast iron gifts for the person who makes great food, and loves eye-catching cookware to take photos of it in too.
These high quality cast iron pans are hand crafted in Tennessee, and have an ultra smooth seasoning and finish that you don't usually see in non-enameled cast iron.
Every aspect of Finex's cast iron pans has been given thoughtful consideration, from the octagon shape that makes it easy to pour in any direction, to the coiled "speed cool" stainless steel handle.
Available in 8", 10", and 12" sizes, each Finex pan comes with a tight fitting lid that has "self basting" rings underneath to help moisture drip back into the pan.
8. A stylish mid-priced recycled cast iron pan for the eco-conscious cook
Made from 40% recycled cast iron, Kana's 10 inch Milo cast iron skillet comes in a range of fun, trendy colors from "dijon" to "dusty pink."
The mid-priced Milo skillet is a quality pan that makes a great gift for any home cook who cares deeply about sustainability.
The interior has a black satin enamel finish, meaning it gives all the performance benefits of raw cast iron, but requires none of the specialized seasoning or high maintenance care. (I've been using my Milo skillet* for almost a year now, and I love the even heating and how easy it is to clean.)
Kana's cast iron cookware (they make a matching Dutch oven!) comes with a generous lifetime warranty — if the pan becomes unusable, they'll replace it free of charge.
Shop: Kana Goods* (Use code THEPRACTICAL15 for 15% off!)
9. A classic round 4 quart Dutch oven for a prolific cook who is ready to level up
Staub 4 Quart Round Cast Iron Cocotte
A round enameled cast iron Dutch oven by Staub, an iconic French kitchen brand. Available in a variety of colors to suit any kitchen.
Staub's round 4 quart cast iron "cocotte" (French for Dutch oven) is the epitome of a multi-purpose cooking pot. It's the ideal mid-range sized cast iron dutch oven, small enough to handle cooking for two, but big enough to handle cooking for up to six.
Available in a range of bright, mostly jewel-toned colors with a metal knob, the Staub 4 quart cocotte is oven safe up to 500F. This is a high-end, high-quality, heirloom cast iron gift for anyone who appreciates a timeless classic.
Note: Certain Staub colors are exclusive to specific retailers. If you're looking for a particular color, you may need to shop around!
This is one of the most common and most popular sizes and styles of Dutch ovens. So it's an ideal gift for someone who doesn't yet have a Dutch oven or who has one but is ready to replace theirs with an heirloom pan.
10. A sturdy cast iron spice grinder for the person who doesn't need more cookware
Frieling Cast Iron Spice Grinder
A handheld spice grinder that uses the weight of durable cast iron to make grinding and pulverizing spices to a specific coarseness a breeze.
Because not all cast iron gifts have to be cookware, this sturdy, small-sized cast iron spice grinder makes a great gift for anyone with a small kitchen or whose kitchen contents you're not super familiar with.
The heavy weight and rough cast iron texture makes pulverizing whole spices — cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns, etc. — into fine grounds easy with just a few twists.
As a bonus, any extra whole spices can be stored in the inner cup so they're easy to grab and grind when needed.
11. An adorable small cast iron Dutch oven for the person who just loves cute stuff
Buydeem's Dutch ovens are, quite literally, cute as a cupcake. Available in three soft, pastel colors, this small Dutch oven is a great gift for anyone cooking or baking for two.
Even at a relatively small 3 quart size, Buydeem's adorable Dutch ovens have generously looped handles that are easy to grab even with thick oven mitts. The small size also makes it easy to stick the whole thing in the fridge to store leftovers. And you can fit a lot more in them than you think!
Most people don't have Dutch ovens this size, which makes it a great, safe gift for someone who might already have some cast iron cookware at home.
I use my Buydeem 3 quart Dutch oven most often for deep frying — the small size provides depth but uses less oil, and frying works best in smaller batches anyway. But it's also great for sauces, small batch breads, soups, braising, and so much more.
Shop: Buydeem 3 Quart Dutch Oven (use code TPK20 for 20% off!)*
12. A medium-large oval Dutch oven for the person who cooks and also makes bread
Le Creuset 6.75 Quart Oval Dutch Oven
Le Creuset's cast iron enameled oval Dutch oven in the brand's newest color: Rhone, a deep burgundy red with gold hardware.
If you're shopping for cast iron gifts on a Le Creuset budget, this 6.75 oval Dutch oven is the perfect gift for anyone who does a lot of big batch cooking or bread making.
Available in a stunning spectrum of colors and patterns (check out marble and olive branch!) with interchangeable hardware, there is truly a Le Creuset option for every style of kitchen.
So who is an oval Dutch oven the perfect gift for? This shape is ideal for someone who cooks...but also makes a lot of bread. Unlike a round Dutch oven, the oval shape can accommodate both round and oval shaped loaves.
Though this 6.75 quart Dutch oven is half the size from Le Creuset's largest (a whopping 15.5 quarts), it's still plenty spacious, ideal for cooking 6-7 servings. So if you're shopping for someone who does a lot of cooking for a large family, this is an ideal size!
13. A mid-priced, multi-purpose cast iron braising dish for the busy everyday cook
Tramontina 4 Quart Cast Iron Braising Pan
A gorgeous deep blue braising pan with a white interior, side handles, and a tight fitting lid with a silver knob.
I know firsthand that this Tramontina cast iron braising pan makes a great gift, because I've been the receiving end of one before.
This style of wide, straight sided enameled cast iron pan is designed primarily for braising but it's also often called an "everyday" pan, in part because that's how often it gets used.
It's deep enough for shallow frying and braising, wide enough for searing and sautéing, and is completely oven safe too. I use it for everything from frying chicken tenders and boiling bagels to making tuna newberg, tomato curry chicken, and angel hair pasta with chicken.
Tramontina might not have an immediately recognizable brand name here in the U.S., but the Brazilian-based company has been manufacturing quality cookware for over 100 years. And as far as gifts go, Tramontina's cookware is solidly mid-priced, which means you won't break the bank on it.
14. Lodge 10" Cast Iron Skillet for the cook who loves reliable basics
Lodge's signature and durable 10" cast iron skillet with a shiny black pre-seasoned coating and two pour spouts on either side.
When it comes to a no-frills, just-the-basics, indestructible cast iron gift for the person who is ready to take on the responsibility of maintaining one, you can't go wrong with a classic Lodge 10" cast iron skillet.
Made from raw cast iron, Lodge's cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned and like all cast iron, work on all burner types, including induction, and can even be used over campfires.
Lodge's cast iron skillets are extremely practical workhorse pans that can be passed down for generations. They're well designed and super sturdy, which is no surprise given Lodge has been making them for over 100 years!
Unlike enameled cast iron, raw cast iron cookware does require regular seasoning and care to develop a shiny, non-stick cooking surface. But even if they rust or lose their seasoning, raw cast iron skillets can be restored to their former glory.
16. A two-for-one cast iron Dutch oven and grill pan for the person who's short on space
With a generous 7 quart capacity, this two-in-one cast iron set by Misen manages to be large in size while still rocking a space-saving design, perfect for anyone with a small kitchen.
The lid of this round Dutch oven can also be used as a grill pan. And if you've wondered why I haven't included any other cast iron grill pans on this list, it's because I usually find their grooves are too deep to clean easily — not the case with Misen's!
This set also includes a silicone lid for the pot, for those times when both pot and grill pan are in use simultaneously; a very thoughtful inclusion!
Shop: Misen
17. A cast iron tortilla warmer for the person who spends summers glued to the grill
Outset Cast Iron Multi-Purpose Pot, Tortilla and Pancake Warmer with Lid
A spacious 3 quart cast iron pot ideal for warming tortillas on a grill or stovetop. Can also be used for braising or sauces! Dimensions: 3.5"Hx10.75"W.
This cast iron multi-purpose tortilla warmer is a great gift for anyone who loves serving up grilled tacos, tandoori with warm na'an or roti, kebabs and toasty pita bread, and so much more.
With a 3 quart capacity, it can also double as a dutch oven or cooking pot on a grill or cooktop; you know we love a gift that gives versatility!
This is raw cast iron and will require regular seasoning and upkeep, but will absolutely last a lifetime.
18. A cast iron bacon and grill press for the person who can't get enough of the Maillard reaction
Bellemain Cast Iron Grill Press with Wood Handle
An oversized 8.75 inch round cast iron grill press for burgers, bacon, steaks, and more!
With an extra large 8.75 inch diameter and weighing in at 3 pounds, Bellemain's heavy-duty bacon press is a great cast iron gift for bacon lovers and grill masters alike.
It's not just for bacon; can also be used to help apply weight evenly when searing steaks, making smashburgers, brick chicken, and more. The wood handle resists heat and makes it safe to grab without needing gloves.
This is raw cast iron and will need regular upkeep and seasoning — but using it regularly with crispy bacon is a great way to keep it seasoned with minimal effort!
For more of my product roundups, reviews, and gift guides click here. For a master list of my favorite kitchen tools click here.
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