Head-to-head · Best Cast Iron Skillets

Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron 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.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron 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 #3 in Best Cast Iron Skillets

Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

4.5

1 sourceall derived$155as of Oct 11

The Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet brings a premium vintage-style surface: machined smooth, easier to clean, and less prone to sticking than traditional cast iron. Bon Appétit's Wilder Davies praised its quick heating, glossy nonstick finish, and durability, calling it built to last a lifetime. Reviewers noted it runs heavier than average at 5.2 lb, though the smart handle design and drip-free flared rim keep it manageable. Cooks after a high-end, heirloom-quality pan are the fit; budget shoppers should look at Lodge.

Strengths

— Features a smooth, machined cooking surface that's easier to clean and less prone to sticking
— Includes a long, stay-cool handle and helper handle for easy maneuvering
— Has a drip-free flared rim that allows easy pouring at any angle

Watch-outs

— Heavier than typical cast iron skillets at 5.2 lb

$155 · 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

Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

The Stargazer skillet surpasses the Lodge 10.25-inch skillet in terms of surface finish and handle design, offering a smoother cooking experience and easier maneuvering. However, it's heavier and more expensive than the Lodge, which makes the latter a better choice for those who want premium features without the premium price tag.

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	Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet	Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (SKL-210)
Material	Cast iron	Cast iron
Diameter	10.5 in	10 in
Weight	5.2 lb	4.8 lb per the Amazon listing; 5 lb 8.9 oz as weighed by Serious Eats
Seasoning	Seasoned (canola, grapreseed, and sunflower oils) or Bare (mineral oil)	Pre-seasoned with non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil
Capacity	2.3 qt	2 L
Compatibility	Induction compatible	Stove, induction, oven, grill and campfire
Shape	Round with a drip-free flared rim	Round
Handle	Stay-cool long handle and a helper handle	Long curved handle, plus helper handle

← See the full ranking of best cast iron skillets