I Seasoned This $35 Lodge Cast Iron Once and Haven’t Scrubbed It Since (Still Non-Stick After 14 Months)
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I killed three “pre-seasoned” cast iron skillets before 2025. Food stuck like glue. Rust appeared overnight. Cleaning took 20 minutes of elbow grease. Then I bought the boring, old-school Lodge 10.25″ that’s been Amazon’s #1 cast iron skillet for 12 straight years. One proper seasoning later: eggs slide off like Teflon, steak gets perfect crust, and cleanup is literally hot water + paper towel. Whether you’re just getting started or upgrading your setup, this beginner guide highlights essential tools and appliances that make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
The Skillet That Ended My Cast Iron Nightmares: Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Current Amazon price (Dec 7, 2025 – Midwest Prime): $34.90 (Lightning Deal often $29.90) → [AMAZON LINK HERE]
Bought it in October 2024 after 200,000+ people couldn’t be wrong. 14 months and 400+ meals later, it is the most bulletproof pan I own.
Real features that actually matter:
- Made in USA (South Pittsburg, Tennessee)
- 10.25″ cooking surface – fits 4 eggs or 2 big ribeyes
- Weighs 5.3 lbs – heavy enough to retain heat, light enough for daily use
- Two pour spouts + assist handle
- Pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil (no synthetic junk)
- Works on gas, electric, induction, oven, campfire, grill
My 14-month abuse log:
- Week 1: Stripped factory seasoning, did 3 rounds of oven seasoning at 450°F. Took 2 hours total.
- Month 1–3: Daily eggs over-easy – zero stick, zero oil needed after week 2.
- Month 6: Left tomato sauce in it overnight by accident – wiped clean with water, no rust.
- Month 9: Used metal spatula daily – no scratches in seasoning.
- Month 12: Took it camping – cooked over open fire, cleaned with creek water and a rag.
- Month 14 (now): Still my go-to for steaks, cornbread, bacon, pineapple upside-down cake. Seasoning is black, glossy, and thicker than ever.
Cons: Heavy for some people (my mom hates it). Takes 10 minutes to heat up properly. Not dishwasher safe (but you’ll never want to anyway).
The Cast Iron I Regret Buying (So You Don’t)
- Victoria 10″ – $39.99 Rough surface never smoothed out.
- Utopia Kitchen 12″ – $29.99 Warped on glass-top stove after 3 months.
- Amazon Basics 10.25″ – $24.99 Seasoning peeled off in sheets.
- Fancy enamel-coated Le Creuset – $200+ Beautiful, but chips and costs 6× more.
Quick Comparison Table (December 7, 2025 – Midwest Prices)
| Rank | Skillet | Price | Weight | Made In | Amazon Rating | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lodge 10.25″ Pre-Seasoned | $35 | 5.3 lb | USA | 4.8★ / 200k+ | [AMAZON LINK HERE] |
| 2 | Victoria 10″ | $40 | 4.8 lb | Colombia | 4.6★ / 40k | [AMAZON LINK HERE] |
| 3 | Amazon Basics 15″ | $45 | 10.0 lb | China | 4.6★ / 15k | [AMAZON LINK HERE] |
| 4 | Utopia Kitchen 12″ | $30 | 6.8 lb | China | 4.4★ / 35k | [AMAZON LINK HERE] |
| 5 | Le Creuset Enameled | $220 | 6.5 lb | France | 4.7★ / 10k | Too expensive |
Final Verdict
If you want one pan that will outlive you, cook better every year, and never stick again: Buy the Lodge 10.25″ right now → [AMAZON LINK HERE]
$35. One proper seasoning. 14 months. Zero scrubbing. It’s the last skillet you’ll ever need.
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are 100% my own.
