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Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet vs Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on cooking surface & seasoning, weight & handling.
The biggest complaint about the Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is shallow for frying and braising; for the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch it's food sticking; seasoning uneven at first. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cast-iron skillets | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $ | $ |
| Type | Bare cast iron | Bare cast iron |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.9 |
| Searing & heat retention | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cooking surface & seasoning | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Weight & handling | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Easy care | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Value | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- 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.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
- 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.
- 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.
Who should pick which
Pick the Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet if
Searing and sautéing with less weight
Flipping and stirring (sloped sides)
Best value overall pick
Skip it if: You deep-fry or braise in your skillet; You want the largest flat cooking area; You want a smooth, polished surface
Pick the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch if
Searing steaks and burgers on a budget
First cast-iron pan
Stove, oven, grill or campfire
Skip it if: You want a light pan you can lift one-handed; You want a smooth, polished surface; You won't dry and oil it after washing
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