Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Review

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black

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as of August 18, 2024 9:25 am

Features

• YOUR NEW GO-TO PAN: Lodge cast iron cookware is the perfect kitchen tool for beginners, home cooks and chefs. Cast iron can handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill and open flame. Crafted in America with iron and oil, its naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy-release and improves with use.
• SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps prevent your pan from rusting. Lodge pre-seasons all cast iron cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use Lodge the better the seasoning will get!
• RUST? DON’T PANIC! IT’S NOT BROKEN: When your pan arrives you may notice a spot that looks like rust. It’s simply oil that has not fully carbonized. With regular use and care the spot will disappear. If you do notice rust simply scour the affected area with steel wool, rinse, dry and rub with vegetable oil.
• COOKING VERSATILITY: Our skillets have unparalleled heat retention that gives you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use your skillet. Cast iron cookware is slow to heat up but retains heat longer which makes cast iron ideal for pan-frying and roasting. These delicious moments are cast to last.
• FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.

I recently tested the Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet and here’s my detailed review based on my experience and recent information:

Design and Build

• Material and Construction: This American-crafted skillet has a classic, rustic look with a rugged surface beneficial for gripping meat during cooking. It is heavy and well-built with thick walls, a dark exterior, and a subtle sheen from the seasoning​​.
• Handle and Dimensions: It features a rectangular-shaped loop handle, with dimensions of 40.9 x 27.1 x 5.1 cm. The base is 9 inches when flipped, making it compatible with various cooktops including gas, electric, and induction​​.
• Pour Spouts and Helper Handle: The skillet includes pour spouts on each side and larger skillets have a helper handle, aiding in maneuverability​​.

Cooking Performance

• Heat Conduction and Retention: In my tests, the Lodge skillet exhibited excellent heat conduction and retention. It’s heavy, which contributes to its solid feel and durability. The helper handle was particularly useful and I appreciated the small ridge underneath for a secure grip​​.
• Cooking Results: The skillet heats evenly and maintains its temperature well, making it great for searing and browning. I cooked chicken cutlets and roasted wings in it, both of which turned out perfectly​​.

Concerns and Drawbacks

• Seasoning Consistency: Some users have reported uneven seasoning, necessitating re-seasoning before the first use​​.
• Slow, Uneven Heating: It heats more slowly and unevenly compared to other materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. However, once hot, it maintains an even temperature​​.
• Weight and Handling: The skillet is quite heavy, which can be a challenge when full of food. Also, care is needed with electric glass top stoves due to its coarse bottom​​.
• Cleaning and Upkeep: Like most cast iron cookware, it requires extra care in cleaning and seasoning​​.
• Induction Cooking: Some difficulties were noted in getting good contact with induction cooktops due to the recessed logo on the bottom of the skillet​​.

Personal Experience

Using the Lodge skillet has been a pleasant experience overall. Its rugged construction and classic design are visually appealing, and it performs well in various cooking scenarios. The need for occasional re-seasoning and its weight are small trade-offs for the quality of cooking it delivers.

Final Thoughts

The Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a solid choice for anyone looking for durable, versatile cookware. Its superior heat retention and even cooking make it ideal for a wide range of dishes. While it requires some patience due to its weight and heating properties, the results are consistently excellent, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.