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Lodge 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this skillet in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of long-term tests and retailer ratings, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.

Repeat

A skillet most owners buy once and keep

Lodge's pre-seasoned skillet is made in Tennessee, costs far less than most cookware and, with basic care, lasts for decades. A three-year test gave it 4.8 out of 5, and Walmart shoppers rate it 4.7 with 84% giving five stars. The trade-offs are weight, a handle that gets very hot, and eggs that stick until the seasoning builds up.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • want one durable pan for searing, baking and frying
  • are willing to learn simple cast iron care
  • cook on the stove, in the oven or over a fire

Skip it if you…

  • want a lightweight pan
  • want a pan you can leave soaking or put in the dishwasher
  • mostly cook delicate eggs and want a non-stick feel from day one

The Lodge 10.25-inch skillet is a pre-seasoned cast iron pan with a helper handle. It's made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and works on gas, electric and induction cooktops, in the oven, and over a campfire.

Because cast iron can last for decades, we looked for people who've used it for years rather than weeks.

What owners say, at a glance

4.8 / 5EcoKitchenHQ after 3 years of useOver 1,000 meals
4.7Walmart average rating5,898 ratings, 84% five-star
5.4 lbweight of the 10.25-inch skilletForbes
Durability
Strong praise
Heat retention and searing
Strong praise
Value for money
Strong praise
Weight
Common complaint
Eggs sticking at first
Common complaint

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key specs

Size10.25 inches
WeightAbout 5.4 lb (Forbes)
MaterialPre-seasoned cast iron
Made inTennessee, USA
CooktopsGas, electric, induction, oven and campfire

What owners love

It lasts.EcoKitchenHQ used theirs for three years and more than 1,000 meals and rated it 4.8 out of 5. Walmart shoppers give it 4.7 across thousands of ratings.
Great searing.Cast iron holds heat well, which owners and testers praise for steaks, cornbread and crisp-edged vegetables.
Low price.It costs a fraction of premium cookware and is used for years.

What owners complain about

It's heavy.At about 5.4 pounds for the 10.25-inch size, some people find it tiring to lift. The 12-inch is even heavier at around 8 pounds.
The handle gets hot.The whole pan heats up, so you need a handle cover or mitt every time.
Sticking at first.Eggs tend to stick until the seasoning builds up through regular use. Forbes also notes a textured surface and occasional seasoning flakes.
Hand-washing only.It should be dried right away and lightly oiled, not soaked or put in the dishwasher.

How it holds up over time

This is cast iron's strength. A well-kept pan improves with use, and if it rusts or the seasoning gets damaged, you can scrub it and re-season it. That repairability is why many owners say they'll never need to buy another.

Tips from owners

  • Dry it immediately after washing and rub on a thin layer of oil.
  • Preheat slowly and cook fattier foods first while the seasoning builds.
  • Buy a silicone handle cover to avoid burns.
  • Skip long simmers of acidic sauces early on, since they can strip seasoning.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Lasts for decades with basic care
  • Excellent searing and heat retention
  • Made in the USA at a low price
  • Works on any cooktop, in the oven and over a fire
  • Can be re-seasoned if damaged

What owners complain about

  • Heavy
  • Handle gets very hot
  • Eggs can stick until seasoned
  • Needs hand-washing and drying

Other options owners compare

These are the cast iron skillets most often compared with the Lodge.

ModelSizeConsider it if…
Lodge 10.25" Skillet (this review)10.25 inYou want the classic everyday sizeSee on Amazon
Lodge 12" Skillet (L10SK3)12 inYou cook for a family and want more roomSee on Amazon
Victoria 10" Cast Iron Skillet10 inYou want a smoother cooking surfaceSee on Amazon

Want a pan that could outlast you?

Check the current price and sizes on Amazon.

See it on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

Do eggs stick to a Lodge skillet?

Often at first. They stick less as the seasoning builds up with regular use and a little fat.

Can I use it on an induction cooktop?

Yes. Cast iron works on gas, electric, induction, in the oven and over a fire.

Can I put it in the dishwasher?

No. Hand-wash it, dry it right away and add a thin layer of oil.

How heavy is it?

About 5.4 pounds for the 10.25-inch size, according to Forbes.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 02, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.