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Every kitchen needs just one pan: the cast iron skillet. When no other option is available, a good cast iron skillet can handle a wide range of meals, coming in clutch for savory breakfasts, steak dinners and one-pan recipes alike.
With so many options on the market to choose from, would you believe that the #1 rated cast iron skillet by experts is just $40? Considering all the meals you can make with one humble pan, it’s hard to argue with a price like that. And if you’re looking to upgrade your cooking game this holiday season, there’s no piece of cookware you’ll need more than the Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Chef-Style Skillet.
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Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Chef Style Skillet, $39.95 at Home Depot
Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Chef Style SkilletLodge
Part of Lodge’s chef-inspired line of seasoned cast iron cookware, the Cast Iron Chef Style Skillet combines the brand’s rich heritage with a modern design, ready to elevate everyday meals with ease. Available in 8-, 10-, 12- and 13.25-inch sizes, it’s the 12-inch model that earned top marks from experts for its even sear and versatility.
Built with a comfortable lifted handle, spatula-friendly sidewalls and superior heat retention, this skillet is guaranteed to outlast and outperform any other pan. Use it to master a reverse-seared steak, whip up small-batch casseroles, sauces and roux, or even bake a decadent dessert—you’re truly only limited by your imagination with this pan in hand.
Even better, it comes pre-seasoned with 100-percent natural vegetable oil and is ready for use on the stove, in the oven, on the grill or safely over a fire. Plus, it’s made without PFOA or PTFE, making it a safer, smarter choice for all your mealtime needs.
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Why Experts Say Lodge Is the Best
According to the pros, the Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Chef-Style Skillet delivers evenly browned steaks, crisp golden breads and perfectly fried sunny-side-up eggs. It’s nonstick properties and pre-seasoned surface makes it so that foods slip right out of the pan, leaving nothing behind but grease and oil.
This skillet is also beloved for its extra-light design, weighing just 6.5-pounds compared to the classic 8.5-pound Lodge. For most users, that means it’s easier to maneuver around the kitchen, while slightly lower, gently sloped sidewalls make stirring and flipping food a breeze as well.
The only negative mark it received from experts: with its shallower design, the Chef Style Skillet isn’t ideal for deep-frying—though in our opinion, that’s hardly a deal breaker. And while it’s priced slightly higher than the classic Lodge skillet, the Chef Collection Skillet still falls well within the “affordable” range and remains one of the few cookware pieces still made in the USA.
View this post on InstagramCast Iron Care Tips Every Cook Should Know
Season regularly: Keep your skillet non-stick and rust-free with occasional re-seasoning. If you don’t use it frequently, aim to re-season every few weeks to maintain the natural-release coating.Clean and dry properly: Use hot water and a stiff brush to clean your skillet, avoiding harsh soap when possible. After washing, dry it immediately, followed by a brief heat on the stove to help prevent rust and keep the seasoning intact. Which brings us to the next step: oiling. Oil after use: A light coat of vegetable or flaxseed oil after each use preserves the seasoning and makes future cooking just as easy. This quick step helps ensure a longer life for your skillet and is an essential part of properly caring for cast iron cookware.Use often: The easiest way to keep your skillet in tip-top shape is to use it regularly. Frequent use only further improves its nonstick surface, ultimately rewarding you for simply cooking the foods you love.With Christmas closing in fast, this could be the perfect pickup to upgrade your own cooking experience at home or make a loved one’s day as a thoughtful gift. Currently available at both The Home Depot and Walmart with the same $40 price tag, it’s an easy pickup that more than guarantees a return on investment.
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