Lodge 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Review

Welcome to my Lodge 8-inch cast iron skillet review.

Lodge is perhaps the most well-known American manufacturer of cast iron.

They have a vast selection of cast iron cookware, and the 8-inch is one of their skillets.

Maybe you are wondering if you need this size or simply want to know if Lodge is the right brand for you.

We’ll look at both the benefits of an 8-inch skillet and the brand behind this skillet.

So, let’s get started.

Lodge 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Review Review

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Product: 8-inch cast iron skillet
Brand: Lodge
Price: See Amazon
Dimensions: 12.75 L x 8.68 W x 1.87 H
Weight: 3.2 lbs. 
Cooking Surface: 29.5 sq. in. (5.875 in.)
Made in: USA
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Amazon Return Policy: Can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt
Great for: Single servings, grilled cheese
Cleaning: Hand-wash, dry, apply a thin coat of fat or oil to the surface

What is a Lodge Skillet?

Lodge makes all the skillets at one of their foundries in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. First, they liquefy the iron in an electric induction furnace which runs at 2,000 degrees F. Next, the molten iton is poured into sand molds. Sand molding has been around since 680 B.C. and still is the most efficient way to cast iron cookware. The mold is broken open once it has cooled, and inside is the iron skillet. Each pan was hand-poured until 1950 when Lodge moved to an automated molding process which allowed them to speed up production. Once the pan comes out of the mold, it goes through several cleaning processes before it is seasoned and packaged.

A Little About Lodge

Lodge Cast Iron has been a family-owned business in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, since 1896.

It was founded by Joseph Lodge and originally called Blacklock Foundry.

However, after the building burned down in 1910, Joseph rebuilt and renamed the company Lodge Cast Iron.

Over the years, Lodge has survived several economic downturns and even thrived when other foundries were closing down.

And as business continued to grow, another foundry was built. The new foundry enabled Lodge to increase its manufacturing production by seventy-five percent.

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

And as far as cast iron goes, Lodge offers a large variety, including classic, enamel, chef, and Blacklock.

Additionally, Lodge carries bakeware, and several series, all of which are cast iron.

Plus their carbon steel cookware and many accessories.

Lodge continues to be a leading manufacturer worldwide and makes close to 2 million cast iron pans every month.

The Lodge Foundry

Answering Your Questions

Can I use cast iron on my glass top stove?

Yes, cast iron can be used on all surfaces, including glass tops and induction. However, I would be careful about sliding it around too much or dropping it down on the stove surface. Use a spatula to move food around if stir-frying or sauteing rather than sliding the pan back and forth. And a couple of people suggested putting parchment paper between the bottom of the skillet and the burner.

Is the bottom of the skillet smooth or does it have a ridge?

It is basically smooth in that it lays flat on a stove surface. However, it does have an indent around the perimeter for heat retention purposes and the Lodge logo is in the center.

Is there a lid for this skillet?

Yes, Lodge has a glass lid that fits this skillet. It is safe up to 400°F, dishwasher safe, and made in China. You can see it on the Lodge website or on Amazon.

Can you use a skillet of the same size as a lid?

I have done it with my 6.5-inch pan, and it worked pretty well. I also have a stainless steel lid that I could use on an 8-inch pan. In other words, you may already have a lid in your kitchen that will work if you don’t want to buy one.

How long is the handle? Will it fit in a toaster oven?

The handle is a little over 4 1/2-inches, and the entire length is 12.75 inches. You should have no problem fitting it into a toaster oven.

Do I need to season this skillet before I use it?

No, it comes ready to use. However, you may want to use a little extra oil until you build up a few more layers of seasoning by cooking in it. And it should be noted that some people do season it first to get a head start on building layers, but it’s unnecessary. In fact, a few remove the factory seasoning and start from scratch. But the majority just start using it.

What can I make in this skillet?

Lodge says this is the single-serving size skillet. Whether you have a set and make single servings for your friends or family or just cook for yourself, this is a good size. Although I often use my 6-inch to reheat leftovers for myself, sometimes the 8-inch would be a better fit. And it’s a perfect size for grilled cheese.

What Others Are Saying

As is usual with Lodge skillets, this one gets high reviews. Besides saying the typical things about it being durable, versatile, lasts a lifetime, a great value, and of fantastic quality, here are some of the foods they made in it:

• Designated omelet pan
• Cornbread
• Frittatas
• Bread
• Sauteeing an onion
• 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties, or 1 egg and 2 sausage links
• Best size for meat for a single person
• Grilled Cheese
• Dutch Baby
• Filet Mignon
• Lobster Thermidor
• Medium-size Ribeye
• 1/2 lb ground chuck burger
• Bacon cut in half
• One pancake
• One slice of French toast

Furthermore, many gave tips on how to:

• Cook in cast iron – mainly to preheat it slowly
• Season cast iron – I was surprised at how many people advise you to season it before you use it (not necessary)
• Clean cast iron – Again, I was shocked at how many people tell you to never use soap (soap is okay)

Now for what people didn’t like about Lodge or this size skillet:

• Expected better from Lodge, the pans are too rough
• Disappointed in the quality
• Unhappy with the 100% Vegetable oil seasoning
• Rusted too easily
• Tasted metal while eating the eggs
• Food had black metal residue on the bottom
• Pan is too heavy to return
• The handle isn’t insulated
• Uneven heat distribution in the 8-inch
• It is more like a 6-inch pan
• No helper handle

Do They Have a Point?

Some of what people didn’t like has to do with the nature of cast iron (rusted too easily, pan too heavy, the handle isn’t insulated). And some had to do with the rough surface that is on all Lodge pans.

Lodge keeps the texture on their pans so the seasoning will better adhere when you are cooking. Plus, machining or making the surface smooth is an expensive process. Leaving the texture allows Lodge to stay affordable.

For the one who thinks the black residue is metal, it’s not. Lodge says black residue may initially get on your food, but it’s just some of the seasoning coming off and not to be concerned. It will soon go away as you build more layers of seasoning.

And for anyone who thinks this pan will have a helper handle, it won’t. The picture clearly shows no helper handle.

However, I do agree that Amazon should let you know that the cooking surface is not 8 inches, and it is more like 6 inches. Though this is not unique to Lodge. Most skillets have smaller cooking surfaces than the size of the pan is.

Additionally, I found the cooking surface information on the Lodge website.

RELATED > > > > > Why is My Cast Iron Skillet Bumpy – And Does It Matter?

What Did I Think?

I have several Lodge pans, and I am pleased with them.

Although I don’t own an 8-inch. I  have two 7-inch cast iron skillets from another company. And my 7-inch pans have 6-inch cooking surfaces.

So, I know what it’s like to use a cast iron skillet with a 6-inch cooking surface.

I mainly use mine for skillet cookies, bread, and grilled cheese.

Lodge makes excellent quality cast iron cookware, in my opinion. And its affordability is a plus.

And cast iron does indeed last a lifetime and longer if it is properly taken care of.

That means washing it by hand, with or without soap. And always drying it thoroughly.

I usually put mine on the burner for a few minutes to get it bone dry, but that’s just my preference.

And I don’t always add a layer of oil to my skillets, but when I do, I only oil the inside cooking area with grapeseed oil.

So, because I think highly of Lodge and own several of their cast iron skillets, I highly recommend the 8-inch if it’s a size you think you’ll use.

Pros

• Lodge is a trusted company
• High reviews
• Cast iron is durable
• Affordable
• Can be used on any cooking surface
• Comes pre-seasoned
• Good quality
• Not heavy (compared to larger skillets)

Cons

• Cast iron needs more care
• The cooking surface is only 6 inches
• Lodge makes textured surfaces (which is a pro to some)
• The pre-seasoning may flake off onto your food initially
• Handle isn’t insulated

Final Thoughts

You’ve come to the end of my Lodge 8-inch cast iron skillet review.

Hopefully, you enjoyed learning about the Lodge brand and the 8-inch skillet. And now have a better idea of what this size is suitable for and if it’s right for you.

I answered some questions about Lodge cast iron cookware in general and a few specific to the 8-inch skillet.

You read ideas of what people cooked in their 8-inch and heard some of the things people didn’t like.

There are both pros and cons, but the pros outweigh the cons. In fact, what some people see as a con, others see as a pro and vice-versa.

Just know that a Lodge skillet comes pre-seasoned and can be used right out of the box but will not initially be nonstick.

The 8-inch skillet is great for single servings.

Lodge as a whole makes quality cast iron cookware, and I highly recommend the 8-inch skillet for those who would use this size.