(checked 2026-10-10)Listing pools Victoria 4-, 10- and 12-inch and Amazonia-branded sizes (reviews show 12-inch purchases). No Amazon 'Customers say' summary was shown.
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.
Top complaints
- Heavy, and the long handle shifts the balance
Serious Eats calls it one of the heavier skillets it tested (5 lb 8.9 oz). Wirecutter says the longer stick handle on the 12-inch throws off the weight distribution and makes it feel heavier, even though it weighs a pound less than the Lodge.
Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter - Smoke and smell when new
Serious Eats says the pre-seasoned surface gave off an asphalt smell the first few times it was heated.
Source: Serious Eats - Some cornbread sticking
Good Housekeeping saw some sticking in its cornbread test with the 12-inch pan.
Source: Good Housekeeping
What owners love
- Performs like the Lodge
Wirecutter says it performed on par with the Lodge skillets. Serious Eats says it gave an even sear and perfect cornbread in every test.
Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats - Strong egg release and heat distribution
Good Housekeeping says the 12-inch was a top performer in its difficult egg test and beat some pricier pans on heat distribution.
Source: Good Housekeeping - Great spouts, cheap price, lifetime warranty
Wirecutter poured hot oil without a single drip and notes a lifetime warranty. Good Housekeeping says a 12-inch costs around $30.
Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping
- You want a light pan
- You dislike a long handle that shifts the balance
- You want a polished surface
- Budget buyers who want a Lodge alternative
- Pouring off fat cleanly (large spouts)
- A cheap 12-inch family-size pan
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best budget skillet (August 2026): similar to the Lodge, with a slightly arched handle that is easy to lift and tilt. Heavy, and smelled of asphalt when new.
- Good Housekeeping: Best value (12-inch, June 2025): top performer in the egg test and good heat distribution for about $30, with some cornbread sticking.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Previous runner-up, now in the competition: on par with Lodge and drip-free spouts, but the long handle makes it feel heavier.