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Lodge

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch: the downsides first

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#4 of 8
$Bare cast ironScore 3.9/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Listing offers 6.5-inch and 10.25-inch size options, which may share one histogram.

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.

Top complaints

  • Food sticking; seasoning uneven at first

    Amazon's review summary says non-stick performance gets mixed feedback, with some owners reporting food sticking even with oil. Good Housekeeping found the preseasoning uneven for eggs (it improves with use), and Serious Eats' cornbread stuck a little until it rested for a minute.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), Good Housekeeping, Serious Eats
  • Heavy

    Serious Eats weighed its 10.25-inch pan at 5 lb 7 oz, on the heavier side of its winners. Wirecutter says the 12-inch version is about 8½ lb and hefty to maneuver.

    Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter
  • Smoke, smell and early rust

    Serious Eats says it gave off an asphalt-like smell and quite a bit of smoke the first couple of times it was heated. Amazon's summary says several customers report the skillet rusting after first use.

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

What owners love

  • Deep sear and fast heating

    Serious Eats says it seared steak beautifully and heated fastest in its test (53.4% surface temperature rise in the first minute). Good Housekeeping says it created a beautiful crust on steak and distributes heat evenly. Amazon owners praise its searing and heat distribution.

    Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Releases food and gets better with age

    Serious Eats says fried eggs slid right off; Good Housekeeping says cornbread released perfectly and its lab director's 12-year-old Lodge has a deeply nonstick patina.

    Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping
  • Very cheap for what it does

    Around $20 to $25 per Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping. Wirecutter says the classic Lodge performed as well as skillets many times its price.

    Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, Wirecutter
Good for
  • Searing steaks and burgers on a budget
  • First cast-iron pan
  • Stove, oven, grill or campfire

Scores (tap for why)

  • Searing & heat retention4.5
    Why 4.5?Beautiful sear and fastest heat-up in Serious Eats' test; perfect steak crust and even heat per Good Housekeeping.
    Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping
  • Cooking surface & seasoning3.5
    Why 3.5?Nonstick out of the box per Serious Eats, but pebbly; Good Housekeeping found the preseasoning uneven for eggs and Amazon sticking feedback is mixed.
    Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, Amazon.com product page
  • Weight & handling3.0
    Why 3.0?5 lb 7 oz (Serious Eats) / 5.35 lb (Good Housekeeping); a short handle and helper handle keep it balanced.
    Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping
  • Easy care3.5
    Why 3.5?Hand-wash, dry and oil; Amazon owners say it is easy to clean, though several report rust after first use.
    Source: Serious Eats, Amazon.com product page
  • Value5.0
    Why 5.0?About $20-$25; Wirecutter says Lodge pans matched skillets many times their price.
    Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, Wirecutter

What experts say

  • Serious Eats: Best cast iron skillet (August 2026): affordable, durable, nonstick out of the box and a beautiful sear. It is on the heavier side and smoked and smelled on first use.
  • Good Housekeeping: Best overall (June 2025): beautiful steak crust, perfect cornbread release, balanced short handle and two pour spouts. Preseasoning was uneven for eggs.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Best for a deeper, heavier skillet (12-inch, April 2026): sears well, deep enough for frying, a great value, but about 2 lb heavier than the Chef Collection.
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.

#1 in cast-iron skilletsLodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

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.

Its catch: shallow for frying and braising#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

Head-to-head

See all 8 cast-iron skillets ranked →