Cast Iron Skillets · owner-verdict comparison

Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet vs Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: 82% of 56 owners recommend it, vs 76% of 122 for the Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet.

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

Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet

76%of 122 owners recommend
76% recommend · 11% neutral · 13% don't
Owners praise
  • Turns nonstick after a few uses and regular seasoning, with eggs sliding out clean
  • Noticeably lighter than a classic Lodge, making it easier to lift, maneuver, and wash
  • Holds up better than pricier competitors like Field, Stargazer, and Smithey for the price
Owners complain about
  • Handle is uncomfortable, has sharp/rough edges, or feels like a weak point that could snap
  • Factory pre-seasoning is thin and flakes off quickly during early cooking
  • Still heavy enough to be tiring or hard to handle for some owners, especially larger sizes
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 Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet if
  • ✓Cooks who want a lighter, easier-to-handle alternative to classic Lodge cast iron
  • ✓Steak and sear enthusiasts who want a pan that heats fast and holds high heat
  • ✓Buyers wanting near-vintage smoothness without hand-sanding a regular Lodge
  • ✓Anyone who already accepts cast iron upkeep and wants premium fit/finish for less than boutique brands
Skip it if
  • Anyone bothered by the stock rough/gritty cooking surface before seasoning builds up
  • Buyers sensitive to handle comfort, the redesigned handle draws repeat complaints
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 Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet owners say

“I love my Blacklock. It’s surface is smoother than the rest of the Lodge line, and I’ve never had anything stick.”
— @gingerchipper on YouTube
“Beautiful piece of cast Iron!”
— @Passionforfoodrecipes on YouTube
“the lighter weight, redesigned handle with the triple pre-seasoning doesn't seem to me to be worth the over double cost”
— @paulnormandin5267 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 Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet vs Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: frequently asked questions

Is the Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet or the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet better?

Real owners lean toward the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: 82% of 56 owners recommend it, vs 76% of 122 for the Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet.

Who should get the Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet?

Owners point the Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet at cooks who want a lighter, easier-to-handle alternative to classic Lodge cast iron, and steak and sear enthusiasts who want a pan that heats fast and holds high heat.

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).

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Skillet is handle is uncomfortable, has sharp/rough edges, or feels like a weak point that could snap. For the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet, it's seasoning is tricky to build on the slick surface.