Lodge L8SKL Cast Iron Pan, 10.25", Black

In another review, I complained about the packaging of this product when I received it a few days ago. Today Lodge gave me a satisfactory explanation in an email.I never had any experience with iron cast cookware before. But this does not create any difficulty in putting this skillet into good uses. I have cooked Costco steaks with it, and the result is excellent, better than most of the restaurant steaks I had before. The cooking process is very simple. Since I have done proper pre-seasoning, wiping the pan with kitchen paper is sufficient to clean the pan. No rinsing is required. Economically speaking this saves your expenses for steak restaurant right away.I have wanted to buy a toaster for toast and bagel but to be honest felt quite hesitant because minimalism is the principle of possession I hold now. It turns out that this skillet toasts bagel better than toast oven. Moreover, the cheese molten over the bagel taste so good.Next thing I want to try is to cook congee in a slow simmering manner. This skillet is likely ready for that, but I will put this task off until more steak sessions are carried out to give it a few more fat-coating cycles. Or perhaps I would just be reckless and do it anyway :-)The experience I got from using this skillet convinces to go for another Lodge: Dutch oven to compensate the shallower skillet.Notes: 1. preyseansonging it with flaxseed oil in the oven. 2. lid is highly recommended because it allows the steak to cool down so well. 3. 10 1/4" diameter is an excellent size for cooking for one or two.

If there's one thing you can buy that's a sure thing, it's a 10 1/4" Lodge cast iron skillet. I prefer this type with the two handles instead of the single handle that sticks out, but it's all personal preference. It's the perfect breakfast pan for me, nothing browns hash browns better or cooks as evenly. I just leave it on the stove and don't bother putting it away, as I use it almost every day. Once you learn to preheat it properly, you won't have issues with sticking. I have non-stick pans too, but heated correctly, cast iron is just as easy to use. They're also very easy to maintain too. There are plenty of videos, including some from Lodge, that show you how-to if you don't know. This pan is pre-seasoned, but will continue to get better and develop more character with use. Perfect size for one or two people. If you need to cook for more, you probably need a 12" skillet too. I have a 12" Lodge, but when cooking for just myself, the 10" size is perfect. If you don't have one, I highly recommend this "Made in the USA" pan. What's great is they really will last a lifetime with proper care. Buy it once, and you can pass it on to your kids.

Bought this on sale... what a great value! Saw a recipe on America's Test Kitchen for Pan Pizza I wanted to try and only a cast iron pan will produce the browned dough and cheese crust. In the heat of summer I use the convection oven feature of my microwave and the Lodge 10" size with handles fits the small oven space perfectly. Corn Bread and Baked Mac and Cheese and Adult Grilled Cheese sandwiches all benefit from a good cast iron pan.I had to pick between this pan and the more specialized Lodge Cast Iron Baker's Pan. The angle of the sides are straight on that pan (pro) but it is a lighter weight pan (con) because I also plan on using it on the stove top and out on the grill. The only other pan that compares is the Milk Street Everything Pan -- has more features like a vented glass lid and a magnetic trivet, and rounded corners with a smoother inside finish, but it is $99 on sale and too big for my microwave/convection oven.My previous cast iron pan disappeared in a move long ago and I couldn't be happier with this pan as it's replacement!

Love this pan. Perfect for making pan pizza. Take good care of it and it will last a lifetime

I’ve only had this for a couple weeks and was originally nervous because cast iron smokes up quite a bit, which I want to avoid (in order to not set off the smoke alarm in my apartment, which sends me into panic mode on rare occasions it screams).I ventilate the apartment while using it. So far, I made two batches of delicious shakshuka and chicken Milanese with terrific results — plus, there are usually leftovers since I live alone. The pan imparts fantastic flavor, caramelizing vegetables expertly, plus giving meat or grilled sandwiches an even, crispy crust. One tip: if you’re making shakshuka, remove the pan from heat a bit sooner than you think you should. This was an affordable buy that will perform for years. Every single living cooking snob should get one, but remember to ventilate well (I run my air purifier afterwards, too). Bon appetit, folks!

I ordered the 10-1/4" skillet, but I received the 12". This wouldn't be a problem, but I wanted it for the oven in my RV, and the 12" is just a little larger than I would like.I had planned on returning it for replacement, but saw that it was out of stock, so I debated whether I should keep it, or not.A friend mentioned wanting one for Christmas, so my decision was made for me.As to the skillet, it's a Lodge. The castings are a bit rough, if you're used to vintage cast iron, but they are very durable, and retain heat very well. Their pre-seasoning is serviceable, and you can use it as a good base to continue to season it to your liking.The handles are large enough to hold, even with oven mitts, and the sides are tall enough to hold food in while stirring, as well as make a good amount of cornbread, or a nice roast or stew.All in all, it is a solid piece, I just wish that I would've received the correct one.Update: I re-ordered, several months later, and I finally received the correct item, so I've added a star to my original review--which a knock against Amazon, not Lodge.This skillet is identical in quality, if not a little smoother. It also fits in the RV oven, as well as in a Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro, with room to spare.