I think people mainly go for a Home Cook build with cast iron, most people that go the full chef prestige class are using other pans like stainless steel, copper, or some other pan that requires feats to wield. I've seen some pretty good baker builds that use cast iron, the corn bread they make is particularly good.

Personally I'm using a 10" cast iron pan while working on my home cook levels with no plans to take any chef levels, though I have dabbled in baking