Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Review -- The $30 Pan That Will Outlive You
Lodge
⭐ Our Verdict
The Lodge cast iron skillet is the best $30 you can spend on cookware. It is heavy, requires maintenance, and has a learning curve. But once you understand it, it cooks better than nonstick pans costing 5x more and will outlast you. My grandmother used the same Lodge for 60 years.
✅ Pros
- ✓Gets better with age -- seasoning improves every time you cook
- ✓Goes from stovetop to oven to grill to campfire
- ✓Natural nonstick when properly seasoned (no chemical coatings)
- ✓Retains heat better than any other pan material
- ✓$30 and literally lasts multiple generations
⚠️ Cons
- ✗Heavy at 8 lbs for 12-inch
- ✗Requires maintenance: hand wash only, dry immediately, oil after use
- ✗Cannot cook acidic foods without stripping seasoning
- ✗Takes 5-10 minutes to heat up fully
Nonstick pans are disposable -- they scratch and you buy new ones every 2-3 years. Cast iron gets better the more you use it. My Lodge 12-inch skillet cost $30 and will outlive me.
Seasoning: The Natural Nonstick
Seasoning is polymerized oil baked onto the iron. Lodge ships pre-seasoned. Maintain by scrubbing with hot water (no soap needed), drying on the stove, and oiling lightly. After 3 years, eggs slide right off.
What Cast Iron Does Best
Steaks (incredible crust), cornbread (crispy edges), fried chicken, deep-dish pizza, anything needing a hard sear.
Best Price I Found
$29.99 for the 12-inch. 10.25-inch is $19.99. Buy the 12-inch.
Check Current Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
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