Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet vs Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned 12 inch

I expected the pans to be rough, but not so rough, and that they would be better, and more evenly seasoned. But in the end, if they last a lifetime, as they should, I won't remember the misgivings in years from now.

It is not the most luxurious skillet out there, however, it is very sturdy and a great quality. In the end, it will function just as good as any other...

Bottom line: whatever I may have used this for, I'll probably still use my big crock pot, and it has a lid. Walmart has these same Lodge items..

The classic and attractive design of the Lodge skillet makes it perfect if you are one of the nostalgic types that like to take a walk down memory lan...

The only cast iron cookware that I find to be of better quality than these are those manufactured many decades earlier. I have a couple of smaller Griswold cast iron skillets made around 1930-1940 and there's a definite difference. Good quality vintage cast iron cookware is generally thinner walled and slightly lighter in weight. Many of the older pieces also have a raised bottom ridge, or smoke ring

But there were a few pieces I needed (yes, needed, cast iron isn't about want, it's a need), and this was one of them, so I thought I'd give the Lodge pre-seasoning a try. Ordered last Friday, received this Friday - free shipping, yay! The first thing I noticed was the bumpy coating. The inside is actually rougher than the outside, and my hand was itching for the sandpaper, but that would have defeated the experiment. This time, I was going to give the Lodge pre-seasoning a chance before I broke out the sandpaper

I’m able to do steaks for the whole family, deep dish pizzas and of course, big breakfasts. It’s well finished and consistent with Lodge quality. The only challenge that I have with it is that it is thick and heavy. The short handle makes it unwieldy so you need 2 hands to move it around

It is heavy, but I just lift it with two hands. I plan to buy glass lid to fit it soon. Target had the best price I found for this brand and size by about $20.

This one becomes a little difficult to manage when it's hot as it really needs two hands, so a hot pad has to be added to the equation. I've added a full sized dinner fork and another common kitchen amenity to give this a bit of scale: if you need a big pan, this is definitely perfect for paella or another large skillet type meal. If you are looking for something more general purpose, the next size down might be a better bet.

Like: Well made, preseasoned, attractive, clearly marked as to maker, origin, and size. Fulfills my size needs. Followed maker's readily available use and care instructions. Love my Lodges! Disliked/concerned a little: Its shipping provisions could have included more cushioning