Cast Iron Skillets · owner-verdict comparison

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

Real owners rate these about evenly: 79% of 24 Lodge Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet 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 Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet

79%of 24 owners recommend
79% recommend · 13% neutral · 8% don't
Owners praise
  • Noticeably lighter than the standard Lodge skillet, making it easier to lift and maneuver
  • Sloped, flared sides are excellent for eggs, omelettes, and flipping food as it cooks
  • Used daily as an everyday pan and a strong value in an upgraded cast iron
Owners complain about
  • Occasional quality issues out of the box, such as sharp or rough edges, gouge marks, or pits on some units
  • Shallower than the traditional skillets, with rounded corners some find less ideal for baked items
  • Thinner, lighter build means less heat retention than the heavier classic model
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 Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet if
  • ✓Cooks wanting a lighter-weight cast iron skillet
  • ✓Omelettes and eggs thanks to sloped, flared sides
  • ✓Those who flip and saute frequently
  • ✓Budget seekers wanting near-premium quality
Skip it if
  • Bakers wanting crisp, defined edges
  • Cooks prioritizing maximum heat retention
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 Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet owners say

“I checked out the classic 12" skillet at Walmart and noticed how heavy it was compared to my 12" Chef Collection skillet”
— @dbkfrogkaty1 on YouTube
“I recently bought a Lodge Chef Collection pan which has shallower angled sides and was able to make a French tri-fold omelette.”
— es330td on Reddit
“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 Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet vs Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: frequently asked questions

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

Real owners rate these about evenly: 79% of 24 Lodge Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet owners recommend it, vs 82% of 56 for the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet.

Who should get the Lodge Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet?

Owners point the Lodge Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet at cooks wanting a lighter-weight cast iron skillet, and omelettes and eggs thanks to sloped, flared sides.

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 Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet is occasional quality issues out of the box, such as sharp or rough edges, gouge marks, or pits on some units. For the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet, it's seasoning is tricky to build on the slick surface.