Cast Iron Skillets · owner-verdict comparison

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet vs Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: 90% of 30 owners recommend it, vs 82% of 56 for the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

90%of 30 owners recommend
90% recommend · 3% neutral · 7% don't
Owners praise
  • Lasts for years of heavy use
  • The most-used daily-driver pan in the kitchen
  • Excellent value for the low price
Full owner report →

Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

82%of 56 owners recommend
82% recommend · 9% neutral · 9% don't
Owners praise
  • smooth machined cooking surface that's nearly nonstick
  • long handle stays cooler and gives better leverage
  • heirloom-grade quality you'll keep for life
Owners complain about
  • seasoning is tricky to build on the slick surface
  • handle can still get hot for some owners
  • still a heavy pan despite the weight savings
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet if
  • ✓Cooks wanting an everyday daily-driver skillet
  • ✓Budget shoppers after a durable, long-lasting pan
  • ✓Beginners getting into cast iron cooking
  • ✓Frying, taco meat, and single-pan meals
Skip it if
  • Anyone bothered by a heavy skillet
  • Cooking large batches like a full pound of bacon
Get the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet if
  • ✓Everyday cooks wanting a smooth, near-nonstick surface
  • ✓Cooks needing lighter cast iron (arthritis, neuropathy)
  • ✓Glass cooktop owners who want a smooth base
  • ✓Buyers seeking heirloom, buy-it-for-life cookware
Skip it if
  • Those unwilling to fuss with re-seasoning a slick surface
  • Bargain hunters put off by the premium price

What Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet owners say

“They are the stars of my kitchen.”
— @jackrembold4976 on YouTube
“performs just as flawlessly as it did when it was new”
— @lindacgrace2973 on YouTube
“Both need longer handles.”
— @HeyISawThat on YouTube

What Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet owners say

“I have used my Stargazer for over 2 years now daily.”
— @ronnyb20 on YouTube
“I’ve got both, nothing wrong with lodge, but given the choice, I will fight a body over my gazer!!!!🥰💯”
— @rstumbaugh43 on YouTube
“the Stargazer was getting no use in comparison to my favorite Field skillet. I had always had trouble with seasoning this pan (I have heard this was an issue with the first edition of the pan), and I realized if I wanted to start using it again I was going to have to re-season the whole thing as it had started to rust from lack of use.”
— LIFOMakesJesusCry on Reddit

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet vs Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: frequently asked questions

Is the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet or the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet better?

Real owners lean toward the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: 90% of 30 owners recommend it, vs 82% of 56 for the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet.

Who should get the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet?

Owners point the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet at cooks wanting an everyday daily-driver skillet, and budget shoppers after a durable, long-lasting pan.

Who should get the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet?

Owners point the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet at everyday cooks wanting a smooth, near-nonstick surface, and cooks needing lighter cast iron (arthritis, neuropathy).