Cast Iron Skillets · owner-verdict comparison

Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet vs Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: 98% of 41 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

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 →

Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

98%of 41 owners recommend
98% recommend · 0% neutral · 2% don't
Owners praise
  • Longer, easier-to-grip handle
  • Strong value for the price
  • Smoother cooking surface than a Lodge
Owners complain about
  • Weak factory seasoning out of the box
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

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
Get the Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet if
  • Everyday cooks wanting an affordable daily-driver skillet
  • Buyers who prefer a longer handle and better ergonomics than Lodge
  • Cooks wanting a smoother surface that releases eggs well
  • Oven users who value the deeper walls and big pour spouts
Skip it if
  • Buyers expecting flawless factory seasoning out of the box
  • Anyone wanting a mirror-smooth, fully milled cooking surface

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

What Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet owners say

In my opinion, is notoriously superior in a similar price range.
@juanpabloarango606 on YouTube
I recommend the Victoria.
@jacob1207 on YouTube
I purchased the 10" skillet off of Amazon, for $17. While I really like the physical shape of the pan and the metal itself seems to be nice and even. I was not so happy with the factory seasoning.
nashitaka on Reddit

Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet vs Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: frequently asked questions

Is the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet or the Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet better?

Real owners lean toward the Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet: 98% of 41 owners recommend it, vs 82% of 56 for the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet.

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).

Who should get the Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet?

Owners point the Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet at everyday cooks wanting an affordable daily-driver skillet, and buyers who prefer a longer handle and better ergonomics than Lodge.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Stargazer 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is seasoning is tricky to build on the slick surface. For the Victoria 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet, it's weak factory seasoning out of the box.