Lodge Blacklock 10.25 Inch Cast-Iron Skillet

It ranks #3 (A tier) on our consolidated cast iron skillets board, drawn from 6 independent outlets.

Cooks who want a lighter cast iron pan with a smoother cooking surface than a standard Lodge. Reviewers credit it with a refined finish, even heating, a lightweight build and long-lasting seasoning, and it sits in A tier on our board. It is the best smaller pan we have researched. If you cook for more than two people, the Lodge Chef Collection 12 Inch Cast-Iron Skillet in S tier gives you more room.

The surface is smoother and the pan is lighter. Reviewers specifically note the smoother surface compared with standard Lodge skillets and say it improves the cooking experience. The finish also holds seasoning well over time. You pay more for that refinement than for a basic Lodge pan.

Reviewers list long-lasting seasoning among its strengths, so with normal care it should not need a full re-season for years. Keep it that way by drying the pan straight after washing and wiping in a drop of oil. That is a notable contrast with its larger sibling, the Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Cast-Iron Skillet, which owners say needs re-seasoning more often.

Buy the 10.25 inch. On our board it sits in A tier while the Lodge Blacklock 12 Inch Cast-Iron Skillet is in F tier, with owners reporting an uncomfortable handle over long sessions, less even seasoning, more frequent re-seasoning and a pan that is heavy for its size. If you need a 12 inch pan, the Lodge Chef Collection 12 Inch Cast-Iron Skillet is the one to get instead.

Scrub with hot water and a brush while the pan is still warm, dry it immediately, and rub in a thin film of oil. A little mild dish soap is fine. Do not soak it or put it in the dishwasher. For stuck food, simmer a little water in the pan for a minute and scrape with a wooden spatula.