Quick Take
Score: 9.1/10 | Camp Chef 14" Cast Iron is the choice for families wanting more capacity than standard 12" skillets. The "True Seasoned" pre-seasoning works immediately, and outdoor cooking heritage means this pan handles campfires as well as stovetops. PFAS-free iron construction with excellent family-size cooking space.
What We Evaluated
This review uses the R3 Cookware Methodology v1.0.0, which evaluates cookware across six pillars: Safety (35%), Efficacy (30%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), Sustainability (5%), and Suitability (5%).
Safety Analysis (35% weight)
Camp Chef cast iron provides identical safety benefits to all cast iron:
- 100% PFAS-free - pure iron, no synthetic coatings
- "True Seasoned" is natural - multiple layers of baked-on vegetable oil
- Adds dietary iron to food during cooking
- Nothing to degrade at any temperature
The "True Seasoned" designation refers to their multi-layer pre-seasoning process - still just oil on iron, but applied more thoroughly than budget brands.
Why 14"?
The 14" size provides meaningful advantages for families:
| Cooking Task | 12" | 14" |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 4-5 strips | 6-8 strips |
| Eggs (fried) | 3-4 | 5-6 |
| Burger patties | 2-3 | 4-5 |
| Pancakes | 2 | 3-4 |
| Whole chicken | Tight fit | Comfortable |
The 2" diameter increase translates to ~36% more cooking surface - meaningful for family meals.
Performance & Efficacy (30% weight)
Camp Chef cast iron performs well for family cooking:
- Large cooking surface handles family-size portions
- "True Seasoned" finish works well immediately
- Heavy construction provides excellent heat retention
- Dual pour spouts help with sauces and gravies
- Outdoor versatile - campfire, grill, and stovetop capable
The outdoor cooking heritage shows in thoughtful details like dual pour spouts and a design that handles open flames.
Camp Chef Brand Context
Camp Chef specializes in outdoor cooking equipment:
- Founded in 1990 in Utah
- Outdoor focus with grills, smokers, and camp stoves
- Cast iron expertise developed for camping conditions
- Quality reputation in outdoor cooking community
Their cast iron is designed to perform in demanding outdoor conditions, which translates to durability for kitchen use.
Value Assessment (15% weight)
At $45-55 for the 14" skillet, Camp Chef offers good value:
- Larger than Lodge 12" at modest price premium
- Better pre-seasoning than most competitors
- Outdoor-capable construction adds versatility
- Same lifetime durability as any cast iron
For families who regularly cook large meals or enjoy outdoor cooking, the 14" size justifies the modest price increase over 12" options.
The Weight Reality
A 14" cast iron skillet is heavy:
- ~10 lbs for the 14" size
- Two-handed operation required
- Helper handle essential for maneuverability
- Not for everyone - consider physical limitations
The weight is inherent to cast iron benefits - heavier means better heat retention - but families should consider their ability to handle this safely.
The Bottom Line
Camp Chef 14" Cast Iron is excellent for families wanting more cooking capacity than standard skillets provide. The "True Seasoned" finish works immediately, outdoor cooking heritage ensures durability, and the PFAS-free iron construction is as safe as cookware gets. The weight is significant but appropriate for the size. For family cooks who regularly make larger meals, this is the right choice.



