Hand-Forged Iron Frying Pan – KIYA x Yamada Kogyosho

This hand-forged frying pan is directed by KIYA and made by Yamada Kogyosho in Yokohama, a workshop widely respected in Japan for its hammered iron cookware. Each pan is shaped by skilled craftsmen through thousands of strikes, creating a subtly textured surface that helps oil settle in more naturally over time.

Made from uncoated forged iron, it has none of the synthetic coating found on nonstick pans — just honest iron, thoughtfully formed for everyday cooking. It heats beautifully, holds heat well, and shines especially in the kinds of cooking where heat control matters most: sautéing vegetables, searing meat or fish, frying eggs, making pancakes, or getting that deeply satisfying crisp edge on anything from gyoza to grilled sandwiches.

What makes this one especially appealing is the balance. At 1.6 mm thick (about 1/16" thick), it holds heat better than thinner pans while still feeling lighter and easier to handle than many traditional iron skillets. If you’ve been curious about cooking with iron but worried about weight or fuss, this is a lovely place to start.

The handle is another thoughtful detail. Instead of a flat metal grip, it’s shaped into a slim oval that feels comfortable in the hand, and because the handle and cooking surface are made as a more seamless integrated form, there are fewer awkward crevices where food residue can collect. It’s a smart, clean design that makes daily use feel easier.

The shape is quietly practical, too. The defined sides and generous rim make it especially nice for foods that benefit from a bit of structure — omelets, pancakes, sautéed dishes, even shallow frying. It’s the kind of pan that quietly becomes your default.

Iron cookware gets better the more you use it. As oil gradually seasons the surface, the pan develops character and performance that are uniquely yours. It’s the kind of kitchen tool that asks for a little attention at first, then rewards you for years.

A dependable, beautifully considered pan — sturdy, lighter than you might expect, and made to become part of your everyday rhythm.

New to iron pans? You can find our seasoning and care guide here.

Small – 20 cm (7.9")
Overall size: 14" L × 7.9" diameter × 1.6" H
Cooking surface (base): 5.5" diameter
Weight: approx. 1.3 lb

Medium – 24 cm (9.4")
Overall size: 17.1" L × 9.4" diameter × 2" H
Cooking surface (base): 7.1" diameter
Weight: approx. 2 lb

Large – 26 cm (10.2")
Overall size: 18.5" L × 10.2" diameter × 2.2" H
Cooking surface (base): 7.9" diameter
Weight: approx. 2.3

Material: Iron

Made in: Japan

Oven safe
Not for induction cooktops
Hand wash only

Requires seasoning before first use. Hand wash only, dry thoroughly over heat, and lightly oil after use. Do not leave wet.