Lodge 10.25″ Cast Iron Skillet

Description

The Lodge 10.25 inch cast iron skillet is the classic first cast iron pan: pre-seasoned at the foundry, made in the USA, and ready to cook the day it arrives. If you are tired of replacing worn nonstick pans every couple of years, this is the heavy, simple pan that can stay on your stove for decades.

Why the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet Earns a Spot in Your Kitchen

Lodge has been making cast iron in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896, and this skillet ships seasoned with vegetable oil, so there is no prep work before the first meal. It works on gas, electric and induction stovetops, in the oven, on the grill and over a campfire. Cast iron holds heat well, which makes it a strong choice for searing steak, crisping potatoes, frying eggs and baking cornbread. Lodge lists the pan at about 5.36 pounds, and the seasoning gets better the more you cook with it.

Who It Is For

• First-apartment cooks and new homeowners who want one pan that does a lot
• Anyone replacing scratched nonstick cookware
• Campers and grillers who want a pan that handles open flame
• Holiday shoppers looking for a practical, affordable kitchen gift

Pros

• Made in the USA by a long-established brand
• Pre-seasoned and usable right out of the box
• Works on induction, in the oven, on the grill and over a fire
• Simple cast iron with no coating to peel off

Cons

• Heavy, so it is not ideal for anyone who struggles to lift pans
• The short handle gets hot; keep a mitt or handle cover nearby
• Needs hand washing, drying and a light coat of oil to stay rust-free
• The cooking surface is slightly pebbled rather than glass-smooth

Buying Tip

The 10.25 inch size suits one to three people. If you regularly cook for a family, look at the 12 inch version instead. To make it a complete gift, pair the skillet with a silicone handle holder and a printed card of Lodge’s care steps, since most cast iron problems come from skipping the dry-and-oil routine in the first few weeks.