Head-to-head · Best Cast Iron Skillets

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet 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

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet and Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210) score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #2 in Best Cast Iron Skillets

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet

4.5

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

$24.9 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Cast Iron Skillets

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

4.5

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 Amazon Full 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

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.

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

Spec	Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet	Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)
Material	Cast Iron	Cast iron
Diameter	10.25 inch	10 in
Weight	0.63 LB	4.8 lb per the Amazon listing; 5 lb 8.9 oz as weighed by Serious Eats
Seasoning	Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil	Pre-seasoned with non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil
Compatibility	Any stovetop (including induction), oven, grill, or campfire	Stove, induction, oven, grill and campfire
Shape	Round	Round
Handle	Single handle	Long curved handle, plus helper handle
Capacity	—	2 L

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