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Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) 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
Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on cooking surface & seasoning.
The biggest complaint about the Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) is heavy, and the long handle shifts the balance; 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
| Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cast-iron skillets | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $ | $ |
| Type | Bare cast iron | Bare cast iron |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| Searing & heat retention | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cooking surface & seasoning | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Weight & handling | 3.0 | 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
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
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 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
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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