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Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet vs Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned)
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 #2 of 8) and scores better on weight & handling.
The biggest complaint about the Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is shallow for frying and braising; for the Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) it's heavy, and the long handle shifts the balance. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet | Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cast-iron skillets | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $ | $ |
| Type | Bare cast iron | Bare cast iron |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Searing & heat retention | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cooking surface & seasoning | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Weight & handling | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Easy care | 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.
Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned)
- 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
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 Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) if
Budget buyers who want a Lodge alternative
Pouring off fat cleanly (large spouts)
A cheap 12-inch family-size pan
Skip it if: You want a light pan; You dislike a long handle that shifts the balance; You want a polished surface
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