Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Cast Iron Skillets

FINEX 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Lid vs Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.0). Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is best for: Budget-conscious cooks seeking reliability. Read the strengths below before deciding.

FINEX 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Lid
Ranked #5 in Best Cast Iron Skillets
FINEX 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Lid
1 sourceall derived$199.95as of Oct 11

The FINEX 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet has a distinctive angular shape with multiple pouring spouts and a spring-covered handle that stays cooler than a typical cast iron handle. The Spruce Eats tested the 8-inch pan and found it attractive and functional, pointing to the smooth, computer-machined cooking surface and flaxseed-oil pre-seasoning. The actual cooking surface was just over 6 inches across, too small for a ribeye, and the high price and the hot brass end cap were the other drawbacks. Cooks who want a premium, good-looking skillet for single servings, eggs and small bakes should look here; budget-conscious cooks may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Distinctive angular design with multiple pouring spouts
  • — Spring-covered handle stays cooler during cooking
  • — Preseasoned with flaxseed oil
Watch-outs
  • — Expensive compared to standard cast iron skillets
  • — Brass end cap on the handle gets hot during cooking
  • — Cooking surface is just over 6 inches across; a ribeye steak did not fit in The Spruce Eats' test
Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Cast Iron Skillets
Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
1 sourceall derived$24.9as of Oct 11

The Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a durable, nontoxic pan made in the USA since 1896. Reviewers praised its naturally seasoned surface, heat retention, and range across induction stoves, ovens, grills, and campfires. It arrives ready to use straight from the box and is built to last for generations. Maintenance is the cost: hand washing, drying, and oiling, plus a weight some users find cumbersome.

Strengths
  • — Naturally seasoned cooking surface ready to use straight from the foundry
  • — Compatible with any stovetop including induction, oven, grill, or campfire
  • — Durable construction designed to last for generations
Watch-outs
  • — Requires hand washing, drying, and oiling for maintenance

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

FINEX 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Lid

The FINEX skillet's angular design and multiple pouring spouts set it apart from the Lodge and Victoria skillets, but it costs far more and its brass end cap gets hot. The linked 8-inch size comes with a lid and is smaller than the 10-inch-class pans on this page, with a cooking surface just over 6 inches across.

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet

Compared to the FINEX skillet, which has a hexagonal design and multiple pouring spouts, the Lodge skillet offers a classic, straightforward approach with a focus on durability and simplicity. While the FINEX is more expensive and has a unique aesthetic, the Lodge provides reliable performance at a lower cost with no additional seasoning required.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFINEX 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with LidLodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
MaterialCast ironCast Iron
Diameter8 in (cooking surface just over 6 in)10.25 inch
Weight6.5 lb per the Amazon listing0.63 LB
SeasoningFlaxseed oilPre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
CompatibilityGas, electric and induction ranges, grill, open flame and ovenAny stovetop (including induction), oven, grill, or campfire
ShapeOctagonalRound
HandleSpring-covered stainless steelSingle handle
LidIncluded—
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