Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Smithey No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet
Best PremiumVictoria Cast Iron Skillet
Best BudgetPrice
$160-$200
$25-$50
Summary
The smoothest, most refined cast iron skillet you can buy new. WIRED's tester says it beats even vintage Griswolds — the gold standard of cast iron.
Better factory seasoning and a smoother finish than Lodge at nearly the same price. The Reddit community's top pick when you want more than Lodge without spending more.
Pros
- Exceptionally smooth polished interior — better food release than most cast iron
- Lighter than comparable premium brands relative to pan size
- Heirloom-quality build praised by both experts and community
- Charleston, SC-made with meticulous craftsmanship
- Smoother finish than Lodge straight out of the box
- Comparable price to Lodge — often available on Amazon
- Solid build quality for the price
- Good entry point without sacrificing performance
Cons
- Notably heavier than Stargazer and Field according to community feedback
- Premium price puts it out of reach for casual cooks
- Overkill for someone just starting with cast iron
- Less brand recognition and community support than Lodge
- Fewer size and style options than Lodge's extensive lineup
- Not as widely available in physical retail stores
Our take
Smithey is what you buy when you want the absolute best and don't mind paying for it. The polished interior is in a different league from mass-market pans.
Victoria is the hidden gem of budget cast iron. If you're choosing between Lodge and Victoria at the same price point, the community says go Victoria.
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