Lodge 3.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Review – And Its Many Uses

Welcome to my Lodge 3.5-inch cast iron skillet review.

A 3.5-inch pan is quite small, and you may be wondering what it’s good for.

Believe it or not, there are several things to do with a skillet this size, and you might find it’s worth having one.

Then again, you might still think it’s too small to be of much value.

However, this review will hopefully help you make an informed decision.

So, let’s get started.

Lodge 3.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Review

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Product: 3.5-inch Cast iron skillet
Brand: Lodge
Price: See Amazon
Dimensions: 6 in long x 3.93 in wide x 0.93 in high
Weight: 0.62 lbs.
Fits: 1 egg
Made in: USA
Warranty:
Great For: a single-size dessert (and more)

What Is a Lodge 3.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet?

The Lodge 3.5-inch cast iron skillet is a miniature version of the classic skillet. It’s cast in a mold and comes pre-seasoned just like any other Lodge skillet. Although this tiny skillet has several uses, it is perfect for single-size desserts, a homemade egg sandwich, and individual servings of cornbread or macaroni and cheese. You might also use it as a spoon rest or hang it on your Christmas tree.

A Little About Lodge

Lodge Cast Iron is located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and has been around since 1896.

It began as Blacklock Foundry but burned to the ground in 1910.

However, Joseph Lodge soon rebuilt down the road, and the new facility was called Lodge Cast Iron.

They survived the Great Depression and the invention of Teflon.

Although cast iron took a hit when Teflon was all the rage, it has revived in recent years.

In 2002, Lodge began pre-seasoning their pans, becoming the standard among cast iron manufacturers.

As the business continued to grow, another foundry was built that increased its manufacturing capacity by seventy-five percent.

Lodge makes cast iron and carbon steel cookware, though cast iron remains their primary production.

They offer both a classic and a premier line of cast iron. Lodge’s premier line is called Blacklock, named after the original foundry.

Additionally, Lodge carries enameled cast iron, bakeware, collections (or series), all cast iron.

And many accessories.

Today, Lodge continues to be a leading manufacturer throughout the world. They make close to 2 million pans every month.

Answering Your Questions

Do they make hot handle holders for this size?  

No, not specifically for the 3.5-inch. I use my cloth or silicone handle holder (click the links to see them at Amazon). You can also use a potholder or towel. And probably even an oven mitt as long as you grip the handle.

How much does one pan hold?

It holds 1/2 cup or 4 ounces

How deep is this pan?

It’s 3/4 inches deep

Can I use it to melt butter?

Yes, but the pan itself will only hold about 1/2 stick in solid form. If you cut it up, you might be able to fit more. It will hold a whole stick melted, but it will be to the very top of the pan. I use it to melt 1 Tbsp. of coconut oil for one of my smoothie recipes, and it does great.

What is the length of the pan with the handle?

The total length is 6 inches: the pan is 3.5 inches, and the handle is 2.5 inches.

Can this pan go in the oven and on the stovetop?

Yes, it’s a regular cast iron pan, only smaller. However, it may not fit your burner if you are using gas.

What are some things you can cook in it?

This pan is excellent for baking an individual brownie, cookie, pie or cobbler, meatloaf, cornbread, egg casserole, mini pizza, macaroni and cheese, and more. It will make a tiny Dutch baby pancake and a perfectly round egg for an English muffin. Many people buy a set of four, six, or eight and make individual servings for their guests or family.

I purchased eight before Christmas and made eight individual cornbreads for Jesus’ Birthday party to serve everyone. It then became a gift for each person.

For more ideas, click on the link below.

RELATED > > > > > How Can I Use a Mini Cast Iron Skillet? – 3.5-Inch

What Others Are Saying

The majority had great things to say about this 3.5-inch skillet. Besides being adorable, and oh so cute, people said things like This tiny pan…

• Makes an excellent gift for a budding chef (child)
• Is great for sauteing one to two garlic cloves
• Works well for making an egg for an egg sandwich
• Is just like a bigger cast iron skillet, only much smaller
• Stores very nicely inside my 6-inch skillet
• Makes everyone feel like a cowboy when they eat from it
• Needs something heat resistant underneath when it’s put on the table
• Is perfect for individual cookies or brownies with ice cream on top
• Makes a cute gift with goodies inside and wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon tied around it
• Allows you to cater to everyone’s individual tastes
• Is great for appetizers
• Makes a great spoon rest

The biggest complaint was the pan was smaller than they expected. Some returned it, and others gave it away or said they would try to find a use for it.

One person thought it was dangerous to use such a small pan over flames and another was disappointed in how hard it was to flip an egg.

Several people love them so much that they plan to buy more for themselves or as gifts.

What Did I Think?

I haven’t used mine very much, but I really like the two I have. I will probably order more at some point.

I originally bought eight to make individual cornbread for my guests. Each person got to keep their skillet. I wasn’t sure how everyone would respond, but they were a big hit!

I’ve since only used mine to melt coconut oil, but I suspect I will use it for other things too. I especially like the idea of making individual servings for guests. However, I will first need to order more.

I also like the idea of only making two brownies, cookies, or cobblers at a time, one for me and one for my husband. But right now, we are both off sugar.

So my three favorite things about this skillet are giving them as gifts with something inside, making individual servings for guests, and having portion control with desserts.

However, melting a small amount of butter or coconut oil is also appealing, as well as getting one for my granddaughter, who now has her own play kitchen.

Would I Recommend This 3.5-Inch Pan?

I can say without hesitation that I recommend this tiny pan. Partly because I like it and can think of many ways to use it, but I also know Lodge makes quality products.

But I will warn you that it is smaller than you think. Whatever you imagine, it will look smaller when you first get it. But as many people have said, it looks smaller at first, but once you start using it, you find out it’s the perfect size.

Another thing to keep in mind is making individual servings is a bit more work than putting it all together in one pan.

Admittedly, this little pan is not for everyone. If you want more than a half-cup portion size, or you like to eat two or three cookies, not one, then you will be in the crowd that thinks this pan is too small.

When I made the individual cornbreads, I thought people would think the portion was too small, but it turned out to be just right.

The video below shows a creative way to use your 3.5-inch skillet.

Happy With My Lodge 3.5-Inch Cast Iron Pan

Pros

• Lodge is a reputable manufacturer
• The pan gets high reviews
• There are more ideas for this tiny pan than you might first think
• It’s great for portion control
• This pan makes a great gift
• Having a set gives you more versatility

Cons

• The pan is too small for some people
• Your burners might be too big for the pan to sit flat
• They don’t have handle holders to fit the small handle

Final Thoughts

I hope you have enjoyed reading my Lodge 3.5-inch cast iron skillet review.

As you can see, there are many uses for this tiny pan.

You can make individual dishes, appetizers, sides, or desserts. You can even make a perfectly round egg to fit on an English muffin, just like at McDonald’s.

Additionally, you can melt butter or other solid fats, use the pan for dipping sauce, give it as a gift, and so much more.

As I said, this pan is not for everyone. Some people will find it too small for their liking.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend it.

In fact, I recommend getting a set of them, especially if you like the idea of making individual servings for your friends or family. A set can be four, six, eight, or even twelve. It is more cost-effective to buy them in a set. Just click on the number to see the price.

I started with eight, and now I’m down to two. Giving the pan as a gift is another reason to get more than one.

However, there are still plenty of uses for a single pan.