Review: Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Chef Style Skillet
By Kitchen Expert
Di Doherty
Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Chef Style Skillet
See Price and Details
7 photos
The Curated Take
4.0/5
The Lodge 12" Cast Iron Chef Style Skillet is ideal for those who love to cook large recipes or use it as a roasting pan. It is excellent for frying, sautéing, and making the perfect roast chicken due to its oven-safe nature and excellent heat retention. Although it is heavy and requires handwashing and occasional re-seasoning, its durability means it can last for generations if properly cared for. This skillet is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile, and affordable cast iron pan that delivers consistent results.
Ideal for
- Great for frying and sautéing
- Oven safe and makes an excellent roast chicken
- Will last for generations if properly cared for
Not ideal for
- Cast iron is heavy, and as this pan is sizable, it isn't easy to move around
- Needs to be hand-washed
Weight
The skillet has a helper handle on the front, which makes it much easier to get out of the oven. The weight of the skillet makes it want to pitch...Read more
Heat Distribution
I've had no issues with hot or cold spots on this pan, as everything I make ends up evenly browned. While cast iron isn't very heat reactive, the material transfers...Read more
Quality
Lodge's seasoned cast iron is made in the U.S. and is guaranteed to be of high quality. The cast iron is thick, meaning it's unlikely to crack or warp. The...Read more
Handle Quality
Lodge's products tend to be utilitarian. The handle on this pan is basic and almost looks too small for it. It fits well enough in my hand, and I have...Read more
Size
12" is a standard skillet size, making it great for larger recipes. It can easily brown a couple of pounds of hamburger, fry a large number of fries, and even...Read more
Maintenance
As with all-seasoned cast iron, it's important to limit the amount of soap used when washing it to preserve the seasoning. Putting a thin coat of oil on the pan...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Di Doherty
About the kitchen products
- Model: Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Chef Style Skillet
Test conditions
- When I bought this: 2017
- Where I’ve used it: At home
- How many times I've used it: 100
Expert Reviews of the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Chef Style Skillet
Di Doherty Lodge is known for making high-quality cast iron cookware at affordable prices, and this skillet is no exception. It’s generously sized, so I can make meals when entertaining in it. It’s also made entirely of cast iron, so it's oven-safe. I used it to roast a whole chicken, resulting in a chicken with crispy skin and tasty drippings for gravy. I’ve also used it to roast pork loin. It handles having a rack put in it for roasting as well as any roasting pan.
Cast iron isn’t the best material for everyone. The main issue with the pan is its weight. Being a 12" skillet, it has quite a bit of cast iron. Once it’s full, it gets even heavier, making me grateful for the helper handle.
Cast iron has non-stick properties, meaning keeping it clean is not difficult. But cleaning cast iron is also particular. It can’t go in the dishwasher, and it’s best to use soap sparingly to preserve the seasoning. Every so often, a cast iron pan must also be re-seasoned.
Overall, though, this is an excellent skillet. It can be used for frying, sautéing, roasting, and making skillet cornbread. Lodge’s seasoned cast iron is made in Tennessee and delivers consistent results. This 12" cast iron skillet is a great choice if someone is looking for a good-quality, affordable skillet.
Product Specs
| Features | Induction safe, Oven safe, Broiler safe, PTFE-free |
| Material | Cast Iron |
| Manufacturer warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Recommended care | Hand wash |
Review Ratings
Weight
3/5
Di Doherty gave 3 of 5 stars. The skillet has a helper handle on the front, which makes it much easier to get out of the oven. The weight of the skillet makes it want to pitch forward when I pick it up by the handle, especially when it's full, which means that the grip on the front helps a lot. Cast iron is inherently heavy, though, as the metal has to be thick to function properly. I wouldn't say this skillet is really any heavier than a similarly-sized cast iron pan.
Heat Distribution
5/5
Di Doherty gave 5 of 5 stars. I've had no issues with hot or cold spots on this pan, as everything I make ends up evenly browned. While cast iron isn't very heat reactive, the material transfers that heat evenly to other parts of the pan, meaning that I've gotten even, consistent results. I've used it for cooking chicken breasts, browning hamburger, and frying meatballs in oil, all of which had evenly browned exteriors.
Quality
4/5
Di Doherty gave 4 of 5 stars. Lodge's seasoned cast iron is made in the U.S. and is guaranteed to be of high quality. The cast iron is thick, meaning it's unlikely to crack or warp. The handle and helper handle are part of the mold, making it all one piece. While the pan is plainly styled, it's solid and will last a lifetime if looked after.
Handle Quality
4/5
Di Doherty gave 4 of 5 stars. Lodge's products tend to be utilitarian. The handle on this pan is basic and almost looks too small for it. It fits well enough in my hand, and I have a sure grip. It's not uncomfortable, certainly, and I can hold the pan for a while with the handle with no trouble (other than the fact that it's heavy).
Size
5/5
Di Doherty gave 5 of 5 stars. 12" is a standard skillet size, making it great for larger recipes. It can easily brown a couple of pounds of hamburger, fry a large number of fries, and even hold a 13lb turkey. It's a skillet for someone who likes to host or prefers to have many leftovers.
Maintenance
3/5
Di Doherty gave 3 of 5 stars. As with all-seasoned cast iron, it's important to limit the amount of soap used when washing it to preserve the seasoning. Putting a thin coat of oil on the pan after washing and drying also helps to protect it and adds to the seasoning the next time I cook with it.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Di Doherty This skillet is ideal for large recipes or use in place of a roasting pan. It makes excellent roasted chicken and can be used to make pork or beef roasts. A rack fits nicely in the interior, and the cast iron's excellent heat retention results in a beautifully evenly browned roast.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Di Doherty My favorite moment with this gear was when I tried it to roast a chicken. I'd found a recipe in a magazine that said the best way to roast a chicken was to preheat the skillet in the oven and then drop it into it. That would ensure the dark meat would be done without overcooking the white meat. It worked perfectly. The chicken came out fully cooked and delicious, and the pan held all the drippings, making a tasty gravy. It ended up being almost a one-pan dinner (it could be if I were willing to have less gravy), and it's a new family favorite.
Why did you choose this product?
Di Doherty I bought this skillet because my mom had a 10" Lodge skillet that she adored while I was growing up. I often make larger recipes, so I thought that getting a 12" would be a practical choice.
