Smithey No. 14 Dual Handle Skillet vs Oval Roaster: Which Large Pan Is Right for You?

When you need to cook for a crowd or tackle a big roast, a large cast iron pan is a game-changer. Smithey offers two impressive options: the No. 14 Dual Handle Skillet and the Oval Roaster. Both are beautifully crafted, but they serve different purposes in the kitchen.

In this comparison, we'll look at the key differences between these two large cast iron pans—from shape and capacity to the types of dishes they handle best. By the end, you'll know which one deserves a spot on your stovetop or in your oven.

Shape and Capacity: Round vs Oval

The most obvious difference is the shape. The No. 14 Dual Handle Skillet is round, with a wide cooking surface that's perfect for searing multiple steaks, frying chicken, or making a giant batch of cornbread. Its low sides make it easy to flip and toss food, and the dual handles provide a secure grip even when the pan is heavy.

The Oval Roaster, as its name suggests, has an oval shape that's designed to fit long cuts of meat like a whole chicken, a pork shoulder, or a large beef roast. It's deeper than the skillet, which means it can hold more liquid—ideal for braising, stewing, and making pot roast with plenty of gravy.

• No. 14 Skillet: round, low sides, wide surface for searing and frying.
• Oval Roaster: oval, deeper, designed for roasts and braises with liquid.

Cooking Styles: Searing and Frying vs Braising and Roasting

The No. 14 Dual Handle Skillet excels at high-heat cooking. Its large, flat surface gives you maximum contact with the heat source, so you can get a perfect crust on a couple of thick pork chops or sear four chicken breasts at once. The low sides also make it easier to use a spatula or tongs, and you can even slide the pan under the broiler to finish a dish.

The Oval Roaster is built for slow, moist cooking. Its depth and lid (sold separately) trap steam and moisture, which is essential for tenderizing tough cuts of meat and developing rich, flavorful sauces. Use it for classic pot roast, braised short ribs, or a whole roast chicken with vegetables. It's also a great choice for baking bread or making a large batch of chili.

If you're someone who loves to sear, fry, and cook at high temperatures, the skillet is your go-to. If you prefer slow-cooked meals and one-pot dinners, the roaster will become your workhorse.

• Skillet: best for searing, frying, and high-heat cooking.
• Roaster: best for braising, roasting, and slow-cooked meals.

Versatility and Everyday Use

The No. 14 Dual Handle Skillet is remarkably versatile. Beyond frying and searing, you can use it to bake cornbread, roast vegetables, or even make a deep-dish pizza. Its size makes it great for serving directly from the stove to the table, and it works on all stovetops, including induction.

The Oval Roaster is more specialized but still flexible. You can use it on the stovetop to brown meat before transferring it to the oven, and it's perfect for making soups, stews, and even a large batch of mac and cheese. Its depth also means you can cook a whole chicken with root vegetables in one go, making cleanup a breeze.

Consider your typical cooking habits. If you regularly cook for a crowd and love to entertain, the skillet's wide surface will be more useful day-to-day. If you enjoy weekend roasts and one-pot meals, the roaster's depth and shape will serve you better.

• Skillet: versatile for stove-to-table, baking, and frying.
• Roaster: ideal for one-pot meals and slow-cooked roasts.

Weight, Handling, and Storage

Both pans are heavy, as you'd expect from premium cast iron. The No. 14 Dual Handle Skillet has two sturdy handles that make it easier to lift, even when full. The Oval Roaster also has handles, but its larger size and depth can make it a bit more unwieldy, especially when loaded with a big roast.

Storage is another consideration. The round skillet is easier to store in a cabinet or on a shelf, while the oval roaster may require more space, especially if you keep the lid. If you have limited storage, think about how often you'll use each pan and whether you have room for both.

If you're new to large cast iron, you might want to start with the skillet and add the roaster later. Both are investments, but they'll last for generations with proper care.

• Skillet: dual handles for secure lifting, easier to store.
• Roaster: larger and deeper, needs more storage space.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your cooking style. If you love to sear, fry, and cook at high heat, the No. 14 Dual Handle Skillet is the clear winner. It's also more versatile for everyday meals and easier to handle.

If you're a fan of slow-roasted meats, braises, and one-pot meals, the Oval Roaster is your best bet. Its depth and shape are perfect for creating tender, flavorful dishes that feed a crowd.

Many home cooks eventually own both, but if you're deciding on your first large cast iron pan, think about the meals you make most often. For sizzling skillets and golden cornbread, go with the No. 14. For fall-off-the-bone roasts and hearty stews, the Oval Roaster won't disappoint.

• Choose the skillet for searing, frying, and versatility.
• Choose the roaster for braising, roasting, and one-pot meals.

Both the No. 14 Dual Handle Skillet and the Oval Roaster are exceptional pieces of cast iron cookware from Smithey. By considering your cooking habits and space, you can pick the one that will get the most use. Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy the superior heat retention and durability that only cast iron can offer.