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Lodge

Lodge Blacklock 10.25 Inch Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet: the downsides first

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#7 of 8
$$Bare cast ironScore 3.1/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (518 ratings); the 7-, 10.25- and 12-inch listings share the same histogram.

Lodge's triple-seasoned 'lightweight' line costs about twice the classic. Wirecutter found it barely lighter than the Chef Collection, with cornbread sticking badly, and Serious Eats disliked a sharp seam on the handle.

Top complaints

  • Food sticking

    Wirecutter says cornbread stuck badly to the bottom, unlike the other Lodge pans. Amazon's summary says non-stick performance is mixed, with some owners finding food adheres badly.

    Source: Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Not as light as promised

    Wirecutter measured its 12-inch at about 6 lb 2⅜ oz versus the advertised 5 lb 6 oz, only about 6 oz lighter than the Chef Collection. Serious Eats weighed the 10.25-inch at 5 lb 7 oz, the same as its classic Lodge.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
  • Handle seam, dribbly pouring, mixed durability

    Serious Eats found a sharp seam around the handle edge uncomfortable. Wirecutter says it dripped more oil when pouring. Amazon owners report mixed durability, including rust, and are divided on value.

    Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

What owners love

  • Still a good performer

    Serious Eats, which once picked it as its lightweight skillet, says it still performed well.

    Source: Serious Eats
  • Lighter than many cast-iron pans

    Amazon owners appreciate its lighter weight compared to others, and Good Housekeeping suggests the Blacklock line for a lighter Lodge.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), Good Housekeeping
  • Longer handle, deeper sides

    Wirecutter liked the slightly longer handle and deeper sides for frying chicken.

    Source: Wirecutter
Good for
  • Lodge fans who want a slightly lighter pan
  • Frying in a deeper skillet (Wirecutter)
  • A longer handle

Scores (tap for why)

  • Searing & heat retention4.0
    Why 4.0?Serious Eats says it still performed well (28% heat rise in one minute); no sear problems reported.
    Source: Serious Eats
  • Cooking surface & seasoning3.0
    Why 3.0?Cornbread stuck badly in Wirecutter's test; Amazon owners are mixed on sticking.
    Source: Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page
  • Weight & handling3.0
    Why 3.0?Wirecutter measured 6 lb 2⅜ oz at 12 inches; Serious Eats 5 lb 7 oz at 10.25 inches, with an uncomfortable handle seam.
    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
  • Easy care3.0
    Why 3.0?Amazon feedback on seasoning and cleaning is mixed, with some rust reports.
    Source: Amazon.com product page
  • Value2.5
    Why 2.5?About $60 at Lodge for the 10.25-inch; Wirecutter says it isn't worth paying more than the Chef Collection, and Amazon owners are divided.
    Source: Lodge official site, Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): Competition: not worth paying significantly more than the Chef Collection; it dripped when pouring and cornbread stuck badly.
  • Serious Eats: Competition (formerly its lightweight pick): still performs well, but the handle has a sharp seam and it is heavier than the newer lightweight picks.
  • Good Housekeeping: Mentioned as the lighter option to its best-overall Lodge.
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If that catch is a deal-breaker

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Its catch: heavy, and the long handle shifts the balance#3 in cast-iron skilletsField Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch

A smooth, light, US-made skillet that Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping both recommend, with easy release and easy handling. At about $165 it costs six times a Lodge, and Wirecutter found it no better in practice.

Its catch: expensive

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