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Head-to-head · Best Cast Iron Skillets

FINEX 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Lid vs Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)

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

Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.0). Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210) is best for: Budget buyers who want a longer, curved handle than the Lodge offers. 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
$199.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Cast Iron Skillets
Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)
1 sourceall derived$24.98as of Oct 11

The Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210) is the budget pick in Serious Eats' cast iron testing, where it produced an even sear on steak and turned out perfect cornbread. Its pitch-black, rougher pre-seasoned surface is similar to the Lodge's; the main difference is the handle, which arches slightly and makes the pan easy to lift, move or tilt. The pre-seasoned surface gave off an asphalt smell the first few times it was heated, and Serious Eats counted it among the heavier skillets it tested. Food & Wine found it too unfinished, even for a budget option. Cooks who want an inexpensive skillet with a more comfortable handle are the fit.

Strengths
  • — Handle arches slightly, making the pan easy to lift, move or tilt, per Serious Eats
  • — Drip-free pour spouts on each side
  • — Works on the stove, on induction cooktops, in the oven, on a grill and over a campfire
Watch-outs
  • — Pre-seasoned surface gave off an asphalt smell the first few times it was heated, per Serious Eats
  • — One of the heavier skillets Serious Eats tested, at 5 pounds, 8.9 ounces
  • — Food & Wine found it too unfinished, even for a budget option
$24.98 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

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.

Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)

The Victoria 10-inch skillet has a rougher, pitch-black surface similar to the Lodge 10.25-inch skillet; the main difference is its handle, which arches slightly. It costs far less than the Stargazer and FINEX skillets, which have smooth, polished cooking surfaces.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFINEX 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with LidVictoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)
MaterialCast ironCast iron
Diameter8 in (cooking surface just over 6 in)10 in
Weight6.5 lb per the Amazon listing4.8 lb per the Amazon listing; 5 lb 8.9 oz as weighed by Serious Eats
SeasoningFlaxseed oilPre-seasoned with non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil
CompatibilityGas, electric and induction ranges, grill, open flame and ovenStove, induction, oven, grill and campfire
ShapeOctagonalRound
HandleSpring-covered stainless steelLong curved handle, plus helper handle
LidIncluded—
Capacity—2 L
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