Since 2006, Yeti has built a reputation for crafting gear that thrives in the wild: over-engineered, dependable, and unapologetically rugged. From coolers that keep ice for days to chairs as sturdy as the ground beneath them, their product lineup has become a cornerstone of the outdoor lifestyle. Now, they’ve turned their sights to cast iron cookware, bringing their notorious reliability to the kitchen. Having put plenty of their gear through the wringer, I can tell you this skillet carries the same DNA of excellence we’ve all come to expect from Yeti. But is it worth the premium price tag? Let’s find out.
Backstory
The inception of the Yeti Cast Iron Skillet begins with their acquisition of Butter Pat Industries, a small company renowned for producing some of the finest cast iron cookware on the market. Butter Pat had already cultivated a devoted following through its meticulous craftsmanship, creating pans that harken back to the golden age of cast iron. Unlike modern, mass-produced cookware, their pans were crafted with an old-school approach—thin walls for even heating and overall weight, smooth polished surfaces, and a painstaking manufacturing process that prioritized quality over quantity.
Yeti recognized an opportunity to bring this same ethos to their lineup, pairing Butter Pat’s expertise with their own reputation for dependable gear. The result is a skillet that stands apart in a market dominated by rough, factory-finished iron. Each piece is molded slowly and deliberately, with processes like hand-polishing and seasoning taking center stage. It’s not a quick turnaround, but it produces a superior product—a throwback to the days when cookware was truly made to last a lifetime.
Craftsmanship and Features
yeti
Cast Iron Skillet 10
The Yeti Cast Iron Skillet isn’t just about its impressive lineage—it’s the thoughtful details that make it a choice tool in the kitchen. One of the first things you’ll notice is the cooking surface: nothing about it feels rough or unfinished. This skillet arrives smooth, polished, and pre-seasoned, ready to perform right out of the box.
Beyond that, the weight strikes a perfect balance—substantial enough to retain heat and feel sturdy, but not so heavy that it’s a workout to use. The handle is crafted for comfort, providing a secure grip whether you’re sliding it into the oven, placing it on the grill, or setting it over live fire. For larger tasks, the smaller, helper handle on the opposite side is a welcome addition—especially when you’re managing a fully loaded pan that would be tough to support with your wrist alone. Even the finer details, like pour spouts that actually pour cleanly, show that every element has been carefully considered.
The skillet comes in three sizes—8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch—priced at $150, $200, and $250, respectively. This variety ensures you have the right skillet for any cooking need, whether it’s a quick solo meal or a large family dinner. Each size upholds Yeti’s high standard of design and quality. I opted for the middle of the road—the 10-inch size—and it has been performing flawlessly, which we’ll dive into now.
Takeaways
After putting the Yeti Cast Iron Skillet through its paces, I can confidently say it’s the best cast iron I’ve ever used. It heats evenly and retains heat impressively—two essential qualities for any cookware, but especially for cast iron. The smooth, polished surface features a muted, copper-like finish that adds a subtle, refined aesthetic. But it’s not just about looks; in real-world cooking scenarios, this skillet performs like a champ.
Eggs slid effortlessly with no sticking—a feat that challenges both traditional and modern cast iron alike. Venison seared to perfection, sausages browned evenly, and pork-fried rice came together beautifully. Vegetable medleys were consistent, and even deep-frying tasks, like wild turkey schnitzel, were a breeze thanks to the skillet’s steady heat retention. While it would excel at frying fish, I’ve saved that task for another pan—no need to compromise good seasoning with lingering fish flavor. Across the board, this skillet checked every box with flying colors.
That said, the price is undeniably steep, and it’s the only downside I’ve identified. So, back to the original question: is it worth it? If you’re seeking the best of the best, look no further, this is it. But if your current pan is serving you well, an upgrade might not be necessary. For the average at-home cook, it could be more than you need. However, if cost isn’t a concern and you want a top-tier skillet that can be passed down for generations, this one belongs at the top of your list.
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Article by Flylords Food Editor Kirk Marks, an angler, photographer, and culinary aficionado based in Kent Island, Maryland. Give him a follow at @kirkymarks.
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Yeti is literally selling the sizzle here.