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Introduction
If you’re looking for cookware that truly lasts, is versatile, and offers excellent value, Lodge cast iron is an excellent choice. Known for its robust construction, proven performance, and ease of use on the stovetop, oven, and grill, Lodge cast iron pans have become indispensable for both home cooks and professionals. This review will tell you what makes Lodge so special, how it performs in everyday use, and what you should look out for.
About Lodge Cast Iron
The Lodge Manufacturing Company, manufacturer of Lodge cast iron cookware, is one of the oldest continuously operating cookware companies in America (founded in 1896). Based in Tennessee, USA, the company is known for its cast iron pans, pots, roasters, griddles, and much more. What sets Lodge apart is the combination of exceptional durability and affordability: high-quality cast iron at a price many home cooks can reach.
Lodge's Mission & Philosophy 🌿
Lodge’s philosophy is based on durability, versatility, and timeless performance. Key aspects include:
Durability: Cookware that lasts for decades, can be passed down through generations, and still performs flawlessly after years of use.
Versatility: The cookware is suitable for all stovetops—gas, electric, induction, oven, grill, and even campfires.
Affordability: High-quality cast iron at a fair price, making quality cookware accessible to more people.
Simplicity & Tradition: Minimal coatings, seasoned finishes, and classic shapes that focus on cooking performance, not gimmicks.
In short: Lodge is all about “real cookware”—no compromises, just iron, heat, and cooking.
This skillet from Lodge is one of their most popular models. It has a diameter of approximately 26 cm (10.25 inches), is factory pre-seasoned, and is made entirely of cast iron. Thanks to its long handle and additional handle loop, it’s versatile enough for use on the stovetop, in the oven, or even outdoors. It’s ideal for everyday use: searing steaks, frying eggs, baking cornbread, finishing dishes in the oven, and more.
Advantages:
Excellent heat retention and even heat distribution.
Durable construction that, with proper care, will last for many years, even decades.
Pre-seasoned and ready to use.
Suitable for all stovetops, including induction, ovens, and grills.
Disadvantages:
Relatively heavy compared to lightweight non-stick or aluminum skillets.
Regular maintenance (drying, oiling) is required to prevent rust and preserve the patina.
Takes longer to preheat than thinner pans; heats up more slowly.
The handle gets hot when used on the stovetop or in the oven – a potholder or handle cover is necessary.
This large 6-quart Dutch oven from Lodge’s enameled cast iron series is a real eye-catcher. The body is made of cast iron with an enamel coating applied inside and out. This gives you the robust properties of cast iron and an easy-to-clean surface without bare iron. The pot has a tight-fitting lid and is ideal for soups, stews, braises, roasts, and even covered baking.
Benefits:
Excellent for long, slow cooking; the thick cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly.
The enamel surface eliminates the need for seasoning and reduces maintenance.
It’s well-suited for acidic dishes (tomato sauces, wine reductions) because the enamel coating prevents the iron from reacting with the acid.
It’s oven-safe, often even at high temperatures, and can be taken directly from the stovetop to the table.
Disadvantages:
It’s quite heavy, especially when filled with food – so care should be taken when lifting it.
Due to the enamel coating and the associated manufacturing costs, it’s more expensive than pure cast iron.
Although enamel is robust, it can chip if handled improperly (e.g., bumped, dropped, or used with very heavy utensils).
Because it’s large and heavy, it requires storage space and can be impractical for preparing small meals every day.
This reversible griddle/grill plate from Lodge offers two surfaces: one side is a flat griddle plate, the other a ribbed grill. It is made of cast iron, pre-seasoned, and offers various cooking functions. All in one. The size can vary (e.g., approximately 30 cm or larger), and the pan is suitable for the stovetop, oven, and even outdoor grilling or campfires.
Advantages:
Versatility: The pan offers both a smooth grilling surface and ridged grilling grooves, saving space and simplifying your cookware choices.
The cast iron provides excellent heat retention and a great crust or sear.
Ideal for a variety of dishes: pancakes for breakfast, steaks for dinner, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, etc.
Pre-seasoned for added convenience.
Disadvantages:
Because the pan is larger and double-sided, it can be heavier than standard pans and more difficult to handle when hot.
The double-sided surface may wear unevenly depending on use—the pan will need to be seasoned accordingly.
Cleaning can be a bit more involved if…Food residue gets stuck in the grooves of the grill side.
If you only use one side (for example, never the ribbed side), you may not be getting the most out of the product.
Highlights
Ideal for ambitious home cooks: sear steaks, deep-fry, bake pizzas, and prepare casseroles.
Extremely durable – many users report decades of use.
Perfect for those who enjoy cooking with heavy pots and preheating and value cookware that improves with age (the patina develops).
Suitable for all stovetops, including induction and outdoor cooking.
Excellent value for money thanks to high-quality materials; many reviewers recommend this pan as “the one pan you buy once and never have to replace.”
Who is this pan suitable for? đź‘Ą
Lodge cast iron is ideal for:
Home cooks who cook frequently and are looking for durable, reliable cookware.
Anyone who enjoys frying, searing, baking, or preparing elaborate stews and needs heat-resistant cookware.
Users of induction or other cooktops who are looking for cookware suitable for all stovetops.
For anyone who wants to invest in durable cookware rather than replacing it every few years.
It may not be ideal for:
Users who prioritize ultra-lightweight cookware (for ease of handling) over durability.
Cooks who prefer completely maintenance-free pans (non-stick, dishwasher-safe only) and dislike seasoning or oiling.
Users who need cookware that heats up quickly with minimal heat-up time and no preheating required.
Users with very limited storage space or very light hands who might struggle with heavier pans.
Our Opinion / Why We Love It ❤️
We love Lodge cast iron because it offers high-quality cookware for everyday use without requiring a professional budget. The feel of iron, the crust you achieve on meat, the heat it radiates, the durability—all of this speaks to cooking as an art, not a convenience. When you buy a Lodge pan, you’re buying something that gets better with time, not worse.
Of course, there’s an initial investment—preheating time, seasoning, cleaning, and slightly rougher handling compared to non-stick pans. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, the investment is incredibly worthwhile. For us, the Lodge pan has become our go-to pan for everything from breakfast to oven-baked dishes to emergency grilling.
In short: If you buy a high-quality pan and use it often, Lodge is hard to beat.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Durable, robust, designed for high performance
Excellent heat retention, suitable for all stovetops and heat sources
Excellent value for money
Pre-seasoned and ready to use
Long-term investment: less frequent replacement needed
Cons:
Heavy – can be tiring for some users
Requires more maintenance than basic non-stick pans (cleaning, oiling, drying)
Takes longer to heat up and cool down – less responsive
Not as smooth as modern non-stick coatings. Initial food release may require some practice.
Handle and pan body get hot – heat management is important.
Customer Reviews
Reviews consistently praise Lodge for its performance and value. One independent tester, for example, praised its performance as “excellent – ​​even and reliable heat conduction and retention.” Another point from tests: Lodge cast iron pans sear food exceptionally well and outperform many competing products in this price range. Users also highlight that with proper care, the pan improves over time and develops a patina. Some point out that the weight and maintenance (drying/seasoning) may not be suitable for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to season a Lodge pan?
Most Lodge pans are pre-seasoned and can be used right out of the box. However, regular care (oiling after use, avoiding soaking) helps maintain performance and prevent rust.
Q: Can I use Lodge cast iron on induction cooktops?
Yes – thanks to its magnetic iron core and excellent heat retention, cast iron is ideal for induction cooktops.
Q: Can I use it in the oven or over an open flame?
Yes – Lodge cast iron is suitable for ovens, grills, campfires, and high temperatures. Just be careful with the handle.
Q: How do I clean it?
Use warm water (mild soap is fine) and a cast iron brush or scouring pad. Avoid soaking. Dry the cast iron thoroughly and apply a thin coat of oil before storing to prevent rust.
Q: Is cast iron safe/healthy?
Yes – Cast iron is safe, and many users emphasize that it reduces iron intake. It increases the cooking capacity. However, it requires proper care to prevent rust and loss of performance.
Conclusion
Lodge cast iron is a top-tier choice for discerning cookware, combining heritage, performance, and value. If you’re prepared to work with a heavier pan, accept some maintenance, and are looking for cookware that sears steaks perfectly, is oven-safe, and will last a lifetime, then Lodge is hard to beat.
In short, for home cooks who value durability and versatility, Lodge cast iron is a smart, long-term investment.
What do you think?