Is Aldi's Popular Cast Iron Skillet Set Worth Buying? Here's What Reviews Say

Is your home more dupes than name-brand items? You wouldn't be alone in preferring a good dupe over spending twice the cost for something that accomplishes the same task. In fact, swapping out expensive pieces for cheaper alternatives is a good way to save money and fill your space with helpful supplies. If you've come across items like Walmart's IKEA KALLAX dupe and mused that it would be great to buy almost all my home goods for less, then Aldi is definitely one store to add to your list. While their aisle of shame is anything but shameful (think big discounts and a plethora of items you don't even need), their dupes are one of their biggest draws. One example is the Crofton 2-in-1 Cast Iron Deep Skillet, a great alternative to the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker, which has gained notoriety with consumers. The Aldi version boasts all the specs of the Lodge skillet, with a much lower price tag and reviews to ensure it's worth the name brand drop.

If you pop onto their website, you'll find the Lodge cast iron cooker for $69.95; however, you can find it for just under $50 at Target or on Amazon. This cooking item combines a Dutch oven, which doubles as a lid, and a skillet. The Aldi skillet features the same design for only $19. With such a good bargain, it makes sense to try the off-brand version rather than opting for a more expensive pick, especially with such positive reviews. There are plenty of Aldi aisles you should never skip, so make sure to find the one with these pans.

Reviews online commend Crofton for creating a cookware collection that is both stylish and made with high-quality materials. The low price point at Aldi means you could actually buy two sets for the price of one, stocking your cabinets for those holiday meals that require multiple pans. However, for many, a single unit is more than enough, thanks to the dual purpose. Reviewers commented that they have had their Aldi Croften pans for years and use them regularly. The only negative comment from some consumers is that the pans are slightly rougher than those of other brands. While that may bother some, for $19, it's likely a design element that can be ignored or worked through. There are also ways to grind down rough cast iron to make it a little smoother, such as using a sanding block. (via Reddit) 

When it comes to cooking, there are quite a few things you can do with them. The deeper side allows you to make everything from stews to veggies and even casserole fillings. The lid also allows you to use it as a griddle for everything from waffles to delicious grilled sandwiches. Lodge's official website notes that you should clean cast iron pans by hand, and the same goes for Aldi's version. There are several important factors to consider when it comes to how to care for your cast iron pan. Using oil also helps keep them well-maintained, and grapeseed oil is ideal for this purpose.