Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Lodge Chef Collection 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Best OverallStargazer Cast Iron Skillet
Best Mid-RangePrice
$30-$60
$95-$120
Summary
The go-to recommendation across Reddit and expert sites alike. Delivers evenly browned steaks, crisp cornbread, and eggs that slide right out — at a price that's hard to argue with.
American-made with a smoother finish and thoughtful design details that rival pans costing twice as much. The most consistently praised skillet in cast iron communities.
Pros
- Lightest of all inexpensive skillets tested by Wirecutter
- Performs well across searing, baking, and eggs
- Widely available and backed by decades of reliability
- Comfortable handle and large helper handle for maneuvering
- Smoother machined cooking surface than Lodge for better food release
- American-made with heirloom-quality construction
- Lighter than comparable premium brands like Smithey and Finex
- Under $150 — premium quality without the luxury markup
Cons
- Rougher factory seasoning compared to premium brands like Stargazer or Smithey
- Still heavy at ~8.5 lbs for the classic version
- Requires consistent seasoning maintenance
- More expensive than Lodge or Victoria
- Smaller brand means less widely available in stores
- Flared rim design is polarizing for some users
Our take
Lodge is the answer when someone asks where to start with cast iron. It's the most recommended skillet across every forum and review site, and it just works.
If you want to skip the Lodge-to-upgrade pipeline and just buy the right pan once, Stargazer is it. Reddit's cast iron community recommends it more than any other modern brand.
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