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Lodge

Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet: the downsides first

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#1 of 8
$Bare cast ironScore 4.3/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)1,505 ratings on the 12-inch listing; Serious Eats tested the 10-inch size.

Wirecutter's top pick: lighter than the classic Lodge, with a comfortable angled handle, easy pouring and even searing for about $40. Its shallow, curved sides are worse for frying or braising and make the 10-inch size feel cramped.

Top complaints

  • Shallow for frying and braising

    Wirecutter says it holds about 2 cups less than the classic Lodge, making braising harder and frying chicken riskier for oil overflow; its lighter weight could also give less second-side browning on very thick steaks.

    Source: Wirecutter
  • Cooking area feels cramped

    Serious Eats says the smaller bottom diameter and curved sides of the 10-inch version make it feel cramped.

    Source: Serious Eats
  • Sticking and weight split owners

    Amazon's summary says some owners report food adhering to the surface and some struggle with seasoning; weight feedback is mixed, with some calling it too cumbersome for one hand.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

What owners love

  • Even, deep browning and easy release

    Wirecutter says steak came out evenly and deeply browned, cornbread fell out, and eggs slid out as easily as from nonstick. Serious Eats says eggs released easily and steak browned quickly.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
  • Lighter, with comfortable handles

    At 6½ lb the 12-inch weighs about 2 lb less than the classic (Wirecutter), with an angled, ergonomic handle and a roomy helper handle. Serious Eats says the handle is comfortable even with an oven mitt.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
  • Pours cleanly, heats fast

    Wirecutter poured hot oil without dribbles. Serious Eats measured a 62% surface temperature rise in one minute on the 10-inch.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
Good for
  • Searing and sautéing with less weight
  • Flipping and stirring (sloped sides)
  • Best value overall pick

Scores (tap for why)

  • Searing & heat retention4.5
    Why 4.5?Evenly and deeply browned steak (Wirecutter); steak browned quickly (Serious Eats). Wirecutter notes a heavier pan may do better on very thick cuts.
    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
  • Cooking surface & seasoning4.0
    Why 4.0?Good factory seasoning; eggs slid out like nonstick (Wirecutter). Amazon owners are mixed on sticking and seasoning.
    Source: Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page
  • Weight & handling4.5
    Why 4.5?6½ lb at 12 inches (Wirecutter), 4 lb 6.4 oz at 10 inches (Serious Eats), with comfortable main and helper handles.
    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
  • Easy care3.5
    Why 3.5?Standard bare cast-iron care (hand-wash, dry, oil); some Amazon owners struggle to keep it seasoned.
    Source: Serious Eats, Amazon.com product page
  • Value5.0
    Why 5.0?About $30-$40; Wirecutter's top pick and Amazon owners call it well worth the price.
    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (April 2026): did well in every test, lighter than the classic Lodge, good factory seasoning and easy-to-grip handles, about $40. It is shallower, so not as good for deep-frying.
  • Serious Eats: Best with curved sides (10-inch, August 2026): solid, lightweight, heated fast, comfortable handle. The curved sides make it feel cramped.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked cast-iron skillets whose biggest complaint is something else.

#2 in cast-iron skilletsVictoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned)

A Colombian-made Lodge alternative that matched the Lodge in Wirecutter's tests and won budget or value awards at Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping. It is heavy, smokes on first use, and Wirecutter found its long handle makes it feel heavier than it is.

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#4 in cast-iron skilletsLodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch

The default cast-iron pick: Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping both name it best overall for a deep sear, good release and a price around $25. It is heavier than the newer lightweight pans, smokes and smells on its first heatings, and Amazon owners are split on sticking, with several reporting rust early on.

Its catch: food sticking; seasoning uneven at first

Head-to-head

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