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Head-to-head · Best Cast Iron Skillets

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set 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 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set is best for: Beginners seeking a complete pre-seasoned set. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Cast Iron Skillets
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set
1 sourceall derived$99.9as of Sep 25

The Lodge Cast Iron 5-Piece Set arrives pre-seasoned and handles stovetop, oven, grill, and campfire cooking. Inside are a Dutch oven, two skillets, a griddle, and a lid that fits three of the pieces. Reviewers called out the self-basting spikes on the lid as a genuinely useful feature, though the heavy pieces make handling and storage a chore. The set earns praise for its range and classic design; the missing lid for the small skillet is the noted limitation.

Strengths
  • — Pre-seasoned for immediate use with no additional seasoning required
  • — Durable cast iron construction suitable for stovetop, oven, grill, and campfire cooking
  • — Includes versatile pieces: 10.25-inch Dutch oven, 10.25-inch skillet, 8-inch skillet, 10.5-inch griddle, and a lid that fits three pieces
Watch-outs
  • — Pieces are heavy, making them difficult to handle and store
  • — No lid included for the small skillet
$99.9 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)
Ranked #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

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set

Unlike the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet, which has a smoother surface but requires more maintenance, the Lodge 5-piece set offers convenience with its pre-seasoned pieces and includes a versatile griddle. However, it lacks a lid for the small skillet, a shortcoming not found in the Stargazer skillet which provides a more complete set of pieces.

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

SpecLodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece SetVictoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)
MaterialCast ironCast iron
Diameter10.25-inch and 8-inch10 in
SeasoningPre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oilPre-seasoned with non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil
CompatibilityStovetop, oven, grill, campfire, and induction cooktopsStove, induction, oven, grill and campfire
ShapeClassicRound
HandleLong handles with hanging holes; some with loop handlesLong curved handle, plus helper handle
Weight—4.8 lb per the Amazon listing; 5 lb 8.9 oz as weighed by Serious Eats
Capacity—2 L
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