Is the Lodge cast iron skillet the right pan for you?
The Lodge 10.25-inch cast iron skillet sells for about $25 and comes seasoned with vegetable oil, ready to cook. It works on any stove, in the oven and over a campfire, but it weighs about 5.6 lb and is hand wash only. Tick what you cook and see which side you are on.
How will you cook with it?
What you get for about $25
| Size | 10.25 in across the top |
|---|---|
| Cooking surface | About 8 in flat bottom (53.43 sq in) |
| Depth | 2 in |
| Length with handle | About 16.1 in |
| Weight | About 5.6 lb (5.57 lb at Target, 5.66 lb at Abt) |
| Handles | Main handle plus a helper handle |
| Seasoning | 100% natural vegetable oil, applied at the foundry |
| Coating | No synthetic coating; made without PFAS |
| Heat sources | Any stovetop including induction, oven, grill, campfire |
| Care | Hand wash, dry, oil; not dishwasher safe |
| Made in | USA |
| Model | L8SK3 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- About $25 for a pan that can last for generations
- Comes seasoned and ready to cook
- Works on induction, in the oven, on a grill and over a campfire
- Made in the USA, with no synthetic coating
- Safe with metal utensils
Cons
- Heavy at about 5.6 lb
- Hand wash only, and it rusts if left wet
- The handle gets hot
- Long acidic simmers can wear down the seasoning
- Only about 8 in of flat cooking space
Lodge 10.25-inch vs Victoria 10-inch vs Lodge Blacklock 10.25-inch
Two pans shoppers often weigh against the classic Lodge: a similar budget skillet and Lodge's own lighter premium line.
| Lodge Classic 10.25-inch | Victoria 10-inch | Lodge Blacklock 10.25-inch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | About $25 | $39.99 list, often less | $59.95 |
| Size | 10.25 in | 10 in | 10.25 in |
| Weight | About 5.6 lb | 4.8 lb | 4.61 lb |
| Seasoning | Vegetable oil | Three layers of flaxseed oil | Triple seasoned |
| Handle | Short handle plus helper handle | Long handle plus helper handle | Extended, raised handle that stays cooler longer |
| Made in | USA | Colombia | Not stated in the listings we read |
Pick the Victoria for a longer handle and a lighter pan at a similar sale price. Pick the Blacklock if weight matters most and you can pay more than twice as much. Pick the classic Lodge for the lowest price and the widest choice of sizes.
Before you buy
Learn the three steps
Lodge's care routine is wash, dry, oil. Mild dish soap is fine. Dry it right away and wipe on a thin layer of oil.
Lift, don't slide
On a glass-top stove, pick the pan up and set it down instead of sliding it between burners.
Get a handle holder
The handle heats up with the pan. Some Amazon listings bundle a silicone hot handle holder for a few dollars more.
Buy on sale
The 10.25-inch fell to $21 on Amazon during October Prime Day. Holiday sales are the next likely dip.
What cast iron asks of you
The low price buys a pan that can last for generations. These are the trade-offs that come with it.
It is heavy
About 5.6 lb empty. Lodge's Blacklock line is cast thinner and weighs 4.61 lb at 10.25 inches, for more than twice the price.
Hand wash only
No dishwasher and no soaking. Wash, dry right away and rub in a thin layer of oil.
The handle gets hot
The handle is cast iron like the pan. Use a mitt or a silicone handle holder, which Lodge sells in bundles.
Seasoning takes care
The foundry seasoning is ready to use and improves as you cook. Long acidic simmers and the dishwasher can wear it down, and then you re-season.
Small for big batches
The 10.25-inch size has about 8 in of flat cooking space. Larger households often pick the 12-inch.
8, 10.25 or 12 inches?
Classic skillet, 8-inch
For one person, eggs and small sides.
Classic skillet, 10.25-inch
The everyday size for two or three people.
Classic skillet, 12-inch
Room for a family meal or a whole batch of cornbread.
These are Lodge's own prices. On Amazon the 10.25-inch usually sells for about $25 and dropped to $21 during the October 6-7, 2026 Prime Day sale, its lowest price since March. The 12-inch with a silicone handle holder is $34.90 on Amazon. Retail prices move, so check today's price before you buy.
Prices checked October 18, 2026.
See today's price on AmazonCommon questions
Do I need to season a new Lodge skillet?
No. Lodge seasons it with vegetable oil at the foundry, so you can rinse, dry and start cooking.
Can you use soap on a Lodge cast iron skillet?
Yes. Lodge says today's dish soap is not strong enough to remove the seasoning.
Can a Lodge cast iron skillet go in the dishwasher?
No. Lodge says the dishwasher removes the seasoning and will likely cause rust.
Can I use a Lodge skillet on a glass-top stove?
Yes. Lodge says it is safe, but lift the pan rather than sliding it.
Is Lodge cast iron made in the USA?
Yes. Lodge lists its classic seasoned skillets as made in the USA.
Should I get the 10.25-inch or the 12-inch Lodge?
The 10.25-inch has about 8 in of flat cooking space and suits two or three people. The 12-inch costs $29.90 at Lodge and fits family meals.
How much does the Lodge 10.25-inch skillet cost?
About $25 as of October 2026: $24.90 at Lodge and $24.99 at Target.
More guides
Bissell Little Green 1400B
Bissell's corded spot cleaner for carpet, couches and car seats, about $100. Not for whole rooms or heated deep cleaning.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
A $13, 350-watt maker for one 4-inch waffle at a time. Great for one person or a dorm, slow for a family breakfast.
Dyson V8
Dyson's entry cordless stick with up to 40 minutes per charge. Great for quick cleans, short for a big house.
Keurig K-Duo
A K-Cup brewer and a 12-cup drip maker in one. Good for split households, lukewarm for hot-coffee fans.
Also in our gift guides: Gifts under $50 that people actually use.