Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Skillet

As with other cookware, we found the best evaluation of the Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-inch Skillet at Cook's Illustrated magazine, where editors subject pots and pans to rigorous testing in a fully equipped professional kitchen. Amazon.com owners also weigh in with their opinions on this skillet.

Reviews say that the Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Skillet is the best cast-iron skillet. Although it weighs more than 7 pounds, reviews say it won't warp or dent, and it heats evenly, so it's suitable for cooking delicate foods, such as crêpes or fish fillets. Cast-iron skillets usually require seasoning (creating a non-stick surface using oil and changes in temperature), but this Lodge pan is pre-seasoned, so it's non-stick right from the start. Cast-iron skillets shouldn't be washed with soap and must be carefully dried after each use, but with proper care, this pan should last a lifetime and become even more non-stick with use. If you're looking for a non-stick pan that requires less care, reviews point to the WearEver Premium Hard-Anodized Skillet (*est. $30).