Lodge Classic Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12 Inch

The Lodge Classic is a 12-inch Lodge cast iron skillet that arrives pre-seasoned and ready for its first meal. It has no synthetic nonstick coating and is made in the USA.

Who it suits

It suits cooks who want one sturdy pan for searing, frying, baking cornbread and roasting, on the stove, in the oven or over a campfire. It is heavy, so if lifting a full pan is hard for you, compare it with other uncoated options such as the Mauviel carbon steel frying pan or the All-Clad D3 stainless fry pan. Browse more kitchen tools and cookware.

Comparing options? Our healthy kitchen tools buying guide explains what to check on the label and spec sheet.

Key facts

• Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil (Lodge; America’s Test Kitchen)
• Lodge calls it nontoxic cookware made without PFAS (Lodge)
• Works on every stovetop, induction included, and in the oven, on a grill or over a campfire (Lodge; America’s Test Kitchen)
• Made in the USA (Lodge; America’s Test Kitchen), and backed by the Lodge Made Right Warranty (Lodge)
• Care routine: wash by hand, dry, then wipe with oil (Lodge; America’s Test Kitchen)

What reviewers say

America’s Test Kitchen named it the Best Buy in its cast iron testing. Consumer Reports scored the 12-inch excellent for searing steak and good for even cooking and baking cornbread. Reviewed picked it as a recommended skillet for the wide, deep cooking area, with weight as the main drawback.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Scored excellent for searing steak in Consumer Reports‘ test
• Pro: No synthetic coating and made without PFAS
• Pro: Moves from stovetop to oven, grill or campfire
• Con: Heavy, about 7.8 lb as measured by Consumer Reports
• Con: Surface can feel a little sticky until seasoning builds

Cautions

• Heavy (Consumer Reports measured about 7.8 lb), which may be hard for people with limited grip or wrist strength.
• The handle gets very hot; use a mitt or handle cover.
• Hand wash, dry fully and oil after use to prevent rust.