Lodge 26cm Cast Iron Skillet Review – Pre-Seasoned, USA Made Review UK 2026 — Worth It?

Lodge is the most trusted name in cast iron cookware and this 26cm skillet has been a bestseller for decades because it genuinely earns every five-star review it receives. Cast iron is simply the best material for certain types of cooking — no non-stick pan or stainless steel can match it for heat retention or longevity.

The pre-seasoning means you can cook with it straight away. Lodge use a 100% vegetable oil seasoning applied at the foundry, which gives a decent non-stick base from day one. That base improves with every cooking session: the natural oils from food polymerise into the iron, building a harder, more effective seasoning layer over time. After six months of regular use, a well-cared-for Lodge skillet is genuinely near non-stick for eggs and fish.

For searing steaks, nothing beats it. The thermal mass of cast iron holds high heat without dropping when cold protein hits the surface — that's what gives a restaurant-quality sear. It works equally well for bacon, cornbread, frittatas, and pan sauces, and goes straight from hob to oven without any adapters.

Being induction compatible is an important practical note for UK buyers who may have ceramic or induction hobs. The main maintenance requirement is simple: hand wash with a brush and mild soap, dry completely (a minute on the hob at low heat is ideal), and apply a tiny amount of oil before storing. Never leave it wet and it'll outlast you.