Cast Iron Skillet Comparison: Size, Weight, Finish and Care
Compare five cast iron skillets
Compare five cast iron skillets by their published dimensions, finish and care requirements. This is a manufacturer-source comparison, not a hands-on cooking test. Match the exact size and series before buying: the headline diameter does not always describe the flat cooking area, and retailer search results can include different versions or bundles.
Three options to compare first
Lodge 10.25-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge specifies vegetable-oil seasoning, a helper handle and compatibility with induction, oven, grill and campfire.
Check priceVictoria 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
This comparison covers Victoria’s traditional grey-iron 12-inch skillet, not the separate Signature collection.
Check priceLe Creuset Signature Skillet
The Signature skillet has black satin enamel rather than a bare iron cooking surface. It does not require seasoning.
Check priceCompare all 5 at a glance
| Model | Size | Weight | Finish / design | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge 10.25-inch L8SK3 | 10.25 in nominal | 5.66 lb | Seasoned iron | Check listing | Check price |
| Le Creuset Signature | Select exact size | Not verified here | Black satin enamel | Check listing | Check price |
| Victoria traditional 12-inch | 12 in nominal | 6.7 lb | Traditional series | Check listing | Check price |
| FINEX 10-inch | 10 in nominal; 8 in cooking area | 6.3 lb | Octagonal shape | Check listing | Check price |
| Field Company No. 8 | 10.25 in top; 8.75 in cooking area | 4.3 / 4.5 lb published | Machined surface | Check listing | Check price |
Five skillet models in detail
1. Lodge 10.25-inch L8SK3
Lodge identifies this classic 10.25-inch skillet as L8SK3 and lists its weight as 5.66 pounds. It arrives seasoned with vegetable oil. The manufacturer lists overall dimensions of 16.12 by 10.68 by 2 inches, useful for checking storage and oven clearance.
Published features
- Factory-seasoned surface
- Helper handle for two-handed lifting
Before you choose
- Hand-wash, dry and oil after use
- Check the empty and loaded lifting weight
Manufacturer source: Lodge L8SK3 specifications and care.
2. Le Creuset Signature
Le Creuset’s Signature skillet uses black satin enamel on the cooking surface. The manufacturer lists stovetop compatibility including induction and an oven limit of 500°F. Several sizes share the Signature name; the earlier guide incorrectly treated the linked listing as a confirmed 10.25-inch pan. Check the selected size and dimensions on the retailer listing before ordering. No weight is asserted here because we have not established an exact size-specific weight for that listing.
Published features
- Enamel does not need seasoning
- Pour spouts and a helper handle
Before you choose
- Choose the exact size before comparing dimensions
- Follow enamel care instructions
Manufacturer source: Le Creuset Signature specifications and care.
Skip the research — get the Kitchen Build Kit
3 budget-tiered shopping lists ($300 / $750 / $1,500) with every cooker, pan and tool we recommend. Instant PDF.
3. Victoria traditional 12-inch
Victoria’s traditional 12-inch skillet is grey cast iron, preseasoned with non-GMO flaxseed oil. Its product page lists a 6.7-pound weight and overall dimensions of 20.5 by 13.3 by 2.8 inches. Those are exterior dimensions, not a claim of 12 inches of flat cooking space. The separate Signature Classic and Signature Gold products have different specifications.
Published features
- Dual pour spouts
- Long curved handle
Before you choose
- Compare the traditional series, not Signature
- Hand-wash, dry and oil after use
Manufacturer source: Victoria traditional 12-inch specifications and care.
4. FINEX 10-inch
FINEX specifies a 6.3-pound weight, 17.25-inch overall length and 8-inch cooking surface for its 10-inch skillet. It has an octagonal outline, a machined and polished interior, flaxseed-oil seasoning, and a stainless steel and brass handle. We have not measured its handle temperature or comparative heat retention.
Published features
- Machined cooking area
- Octagonal rim
Before you choose
- Check lid inclusion and fit
- Allow for the 6.3-pound empty weight
Manufacturer source: FINEX 10-inch specifications and care.
5. Field Company No. 8
Field’s No. 8 has a 10.25-inch top diameter and an 8.75-inch cooking surface. It has a machined cooking surface and arrives seasoned with organic grapeseed oil. The official page currently gives 4.3 pounds in its dimensions text and 4.5 pounds in its comparison table. Confirm the current specification with Field if lifting weight is decisive; we cannot resolve that discrepancy from the published page.
Published features
- Published flat cooking diameter
- Factory-seasoned surface
Before you choose
- Manufacturer weight figures disagree
- Hand-wash only; dry thoroughly
Manufacturer source: Field Company No. 8 specifications and care.
Cast iron skillet buying guide
Size. Compare the flat cooking area, overall width and handle-to-handle length with your burner, oven and storage. A nominal diameter alone does not establish how much food fits without crowding.
Weight. The empty pan’s weight excludes food and any lid. Consider your ability to lift it safely with both hands. Manufacturer weight figures are not standardized performance tests.
Seasoned or enameled. Seasoned iron and enamel require different care. The Le Creuset Signature’s black interior is enamel and needs no seasoning. Follow the exact manufacturer’s heating and cleaning instructions.
Finish and handling. FINEX and Field specify machined cooking surfaces. That manufacturing detail does not establish a measured nonstick or heat-retention advantage in this guide. Use suitable heat protection for hot cookware and check any handle accessory’s temperature limits.
How we evaluate
This guide compares the five named models using manufacturer specifications checked on October 11, 2026. We have not performed a comparative cooking test for this article. Earlier numerical scores, model-count claims, statements about owned equipment and review-volume claims have been removed because they were not supported by a documented test or research record. Published specifications can change; source conflicts and unconfirmed retailer variants are stated alongside the relevant model.
Choose by fit and care
Start with the cooking area, lifting weight and care routine that fit your kitchen. Compare the exact model and delivered price before ordering. The Kitchen Build Kit remains available if you want the existing broader shopping list.
Frequently asked questions
What size cast iron skillet should I buy?
Compare the flat cooking area and exterior dimensions with your burner, oven and storage. Field’s No. 8 has a 10.25-inch top and an 8.75-inch cooking surface; FINEX lists an 8-inch cooking surface for its 10-inch skillet. A nominal size alone does not establish how many portions fit.
Is enameled cast iron better than seasoned cast iron?
Choose by the care routine and exact model. Le Creuset’s Signature skillet has black satin enamel, needs no seasoning and is intended for searing and browning. Seasoned iron requires its manufacturer’s cleaning and oiling routine. This guide has no comparative cooking test establishing that one finish sears better.
Do you need to season a pre-seasoned skillet before using it?
Lodge, Victoria, FINEX and Field describe these seasoned models as ready to use. Follow the exact pan’s preparation and care instructions. There is no promised number of uses or weeks before food releases easily, and one oven-seasoning recipe should not be applied to every pan or accessory.
How do you clean and care for these skillets?
Lodge and Victoria specify hand washing, thorough drying and oiling. Field also requires hand washing and drying. Le Creuset recommends hand washing its Signature enamel skillet although it is dishwasher-safe; it does not need seasoning. Use the linked manufacturer care instructions for your exact pan.
Does a machined skillet cook better?
FINEX and Field specify machined cooking surfaces. This guide has not measured a performance advantage over the Lodge or Victoria. Compare finish, dimensions, weight and current delivered price. Field’s official No. 8 page gives both 4.3 and 4.5 pounds, so confirm its current weight if that affects your choice.
