Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Lodge's classic pre-seasoned 12-inch cast iron pan, made in the USA. It holds heat for searing, goes from stovetop to oven to campfire, and lasts for decades with basic care.

Quick verdict

Yes, if you want one pan for searing, frying and oven dishes that lasts for decades. The Lodge 12-inch skillet comes pre-seasoned, is made in the USA and goes from stovetop to oven to campfire. It's heavy, its handle gets hot, and it needs hand washing and occasional re-seasoning.

Best for:: Searing and oven cooking for decades.
Watch out:: Heavy, and needs drying and oiling.

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Amazon US listing and availability checked October 26, 2026. Prices and stock can change.

Reviewed October 11, 2026 · How we review

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A new Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet with its yellow Made in USA label, on a patterned rug

Photo credits

Our Take

The Lodge 12-inch skillet is the default cast iron pan for good reason. Lodge seasons it with vegetable oil, so it's ready to use, and says it's made in the USA without PFAS. Cast iron holds heat well, which suits searing, frying and baking cornbread, and it works on the stove, in the oven, on a grill or over a fire. The 12-inch size has an assist handle opposite the main one, which helps because it's heavy: Lodge lists 12-inch editions at around 7.5 to 8 pounds. Care is the trade-off. Hand wash, dry it straight away and rub in a little oil, or it can rust. The handle gets hot, so use a mitt or a handle cover. We haven't tested it ourselves. Choose it for a pan that will outlast you. Pick the 10.25-inch size if weight matters more than room.

Specs (This Configuration)

Size: 12 in (30.5 cm)
Seasoning: Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil; PFAS-free (Lodge)
Made in: USA (Lodge)
Use on: Stovetop, oven, grill, campfire (listing)
Weight: About 7.5–8 lb for 12-inch editions (Lodge)
Care: Hand wash, dry, rub with oil (listing)

Best For

Searing steaks and frying
Oven-to-table dishes and baking
Camping and grilling

Skip If

You can't lift a heavy pan comfortably
You want dishwasher-safe cookware
You mostly cook delicate, acidic sauces

What We Like

Holds heat very well
Assist handle on the 12-inch size
Inexpensive and nearly indestructible

What To Know

Heavy, especially when full
Needs drying and oiling to prevent rust
The handle gets hot
Amazon pools one rating across Lodge skillet sizes

Pros

Made in the USA
Works on any heat source
Sold by Amazon.com on the listing we checked

Cons

Heavy
Needs regular care
Hot handle

Alternatives

Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet — The same skillet in a lighter, smaller size for one or two people.View on Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven — Enameled cast iron that needs no seasoning, for braises and soups rather than searing.

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Why PriceDropIQ Selected It

One pan that sears, fries, bakes and goes from stove to oven to campfire, for less than many nonstick pans. Unlike those, it can last a lifetime. The 12-inch size has room to feed a family, and the assist handle helps with the weight. It does need drying and oiling.