This $16.99 ALDI Kitchen Tool Is Finally Back—I'm Getting One While I Can

I've always dreamed of owning an iconic Le Creuset piece. But with their hefty price tag, it's a dream that has to wait. At this moment in my life, I can't justify paying for a cast iron pan that costs as much as my weekly grocery bill.

But in a world of dupes and comparable copycats, I know a stand-in will always become available. As always, ALDI pulled through with this $16.99 Crofton Cast Iron Fry Pan lookalikeI! The 9-inch porcelain enamel cast iron skillet is available in a sleek white or a gorgeous green, and both are so stunning that it’s hard to choose.

ALDI is also selling the same cast iron grill pans and saucepans from Crofton, but in my opinion, everyone needs an enamel cast iron skillet.

Why Everybody Needs an Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

If you're not already in the cast iron fan club, let me convince you to join. First, cooking with cast iron provides premium heat retention and even cooking. The pans heat up slowly, and once they're hot, they stay hot. They're perfect for baking up crispy-edged, chewy-centered skillet cookies or quickly searing the perfect pork chop.

Unlike other pans that cool down when you add food, this workhorse keeps going strong, ensuring that everything cooks evenly. The porcelain enamel coating gives it that chic look but is also durable, preventing the cast iron underneath from rusting and making cleaning easier.

They’re also oven-safe up to almost 500°F.  And one of the features that I like most about the Crofton pan is its "easy-pour" side spout. It's a considered design element that allows steam to escape and makes pouring or draining liquids and sauces from the pan easy.

I've used mine to make smaller pizzas, pot pies, the best Southern cornbread, and even to cook (and serve) a whole roast chicken and vegetable dinner. I love that I can take it straight from the stovetop to the oven to the table. The pan is so pretty that it also doubles as serveware, so there's no need for extra dishes. 

Why This ALDI Pan Makes The Perfect Gift

The holidays aren't far off, and this piece got me thinking about gifting. If you're looking for an affordable, thoughtful, and stunning present that any home cook would appreciate, this pan is it. You can gift it on its own or turn it into a thoughtful bundle by pairing it with some intentional companions. Here are just a few ideas—if you have more, please share them in the comments! 

• Pair the pan with homemade pancake mix and a bottle of maple syrup for the brunch lovers in your life. 
• A date-night-in theme could include a bag of artisanal pasta, a jar of marinara sauce, a block of Parmesan, and a bottle of wine. 
• And for the bakers in your life, include a cute oven mitt (two thumbs up for this one from the Dollar Tree) and a recipe for these angel biscuits (they’ll need to bake them in two batches) or this easy no-knead bread (with a note to refer to Option 1 under “What If You Don't Have a Dutch Oven?”) and a jar of sourdough starter. 
• For anyone who loves to cook, you can pair it with a bottle of quality olive oil, gourmet spices, or a set of silicone or budget-friendly wooden utensils to turn it into a complete cooking experience. 
• Or for the most affordable option, simply gift it with a few of your favorite recipes that can be made in the pan. You could print these on decorative cards or include a small recipe book, making it a more personalized gift. 

At $16.99, this little luxury gift won't break the bank. Whether you're treating yourself or someone else, it's a gift that keeps giving—meal after meal, year after year.