Does anyone else watch the upcoming Aldi Finds with an eagle eye out of FOMO? In my mind, there are two types of Aldi Finds: the grocery ones and the ones in the “Aisle of Shame,” the middle-of-the-store aisle packed with home goods, seasonal decor, and more. These are the ones I don’t want to miss. I don’t run out and buy everything that catches my eye, but sometimes there’s an Aldi Find at a great price that I know I can really use.
In this week’s Aldi Finds, there’s one item that will have me heading to the chain ASAP: a deep cast iron skillet. It’s one of the best Aldi copycats.
Aldi’s Crofton Cast Iron Deep Skillet Is Back for a Limited Time
Allrecipes / Aldi
When it comes to cast iron skillets, one size does not fit all. Most home cooks start off with a classic 10- or 12-inch skillet that’s perfect as a starter piece. But the more you use cast iron and fall in love with how it caramelizes meat on the stovetop and makes perfect cornbread or crispy potatoes in the oven, you’ll want to add additional pieces to your cookware.
A deep cast iron skillet with higher sides is one piece to consider. It may not get used as often as the classic version, but when you’re frying food in it, it has its advantages. The higher edges mean less grease splattered on your stovetop. It also means you can pour a higher level of oil in the skillet to fry foods such as fried chicken or fried mac and cheese.
Lodge sells a 10.25-inch cast iron deep skillet for about $36. But Aldi just brought back the Crofton 10-Inch Cast Iron Deep Skillet for $14.99. Like the Lodge version, this one is also pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. The ad description for Aldi’s skillet says it’s 10 inches, but when you look at the details of its dimensions, the interior diameter is actually 10.25 inches. It’s also oven-safe up to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
The two skillets look exactly the same. But do they cook similarly? A Reddit thread about this Aldi skillet seems promising.
“I have some of the mini Crofton cast irons. I use them for single eggs or fruit sautés. I haven’t had any issues with them and they are super easy to clean and maintain,” one Redditor shared. Another said, “I have the cast iron pan and it’s worked well for years. I also have the enameled Dutch oven—holds up well.”
The Crofton 10-Inch Cast Iron Deep Skillet is available at Aldi now, but you’ll need to hurry because these Aldi Finds are only around for one week. Once the skillet is sold out, you’ll have to wait until possibly next year for it to return. And don’t forget: Once you get the skillet, taking proper care of it is important. This guide on using and caring for a cast iron skillet can help you keep cast iron cookware in top shape.
