If you’re in the market for a reliable 9-inch cast iron skillet, you’ve probably heard of Lodge—and for good reason. Known for durability, even heat distribution, and that perfect sear, Lodge has become a kitchen staple. But with slight variations in design and features across models, how do you pick the best one for your needs? We’ve tested and compared the top contenders to help you decide which 9-inch Lodge skillet earns a permanent spot on your stovetop—because great cooking starts with the right pan.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for everyday 9‑inch: Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven
- Best for family‑size 12‑inch: Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven
- Best for chef‑grade sear: Lodge 8" Cast Iron Skillet - Chef Collection - Perfect Sear - Ergonomic Handles - Superior Heat Retention - Cast Iron Cookware & Skillet
- Best for silicone‑grip 12‑inch: Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder – Pre-Seasoned Frying Pan for Stove
- Best for red‑grip 10‑inch: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder
- Best for compact 6½‑inch: Lodge 6-1/2 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven
- Best for essential 10‑inch: Lodge Chef Collection 10" Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Kitchen Essential for Frying & Searing
- Best for perfect pie pan: Lodge Cast Iron 9 Inch Pie Pan
- Best for mini wok: Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok w/Loop Handles
- Best for heat‑safe handle: Lodge Silicone Hot Handle Holder - Dishwasher Safe Hot Handle Holder Designed for Lodge Cast Iron Skillets 9 Inches+ w/Keyhole Handle - Reusable Heat Protection Up to 500° - Red
Product Comparison: Best 9 Inch Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Everyday 9‑inch
Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black
Lodge
- YOUR NEW GO-TO PAN: Lodge cast iron cookware is the perfect kitchen tool for beginners, home cooks and chefs. Cast iron can handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill and open flame. Crafted in America with iron and oil, its naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy-release and improves with use.
- SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps prevent your pan from rusting. Lodge pre-seasons all cast iron cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use Lodge the better the seasoning will get!
- RUST? DON’T PANIC! IT’S NOT BROKEN: When your pan arrives you may notice a spot that looks like rust. It’s simply oil that has not fully carbonized. With regular use and care the spot will disappear. If you do notice rust simply scour the affected area with steel wool, rinse, dry and rub with vegetable oil.
- COOKING VERSATILITY: Our skillets have unparalleled heat retention that gives you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use your skillet. Cast iron cookware is slow to heat up but retains heat longer which makes cast iron ideal for pan-frying and roasting. These delicious moments are cast to last.
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
Family‑size 12‑inch
Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire - Black
Lodge
- YOUR NEW GO-TO PAN: Lodge cast iron cookware is the perfect kitchen tool for beginners, home cooks and chefs. Cast iron can handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill, and open flame. Crafted in America with iron and oil, its naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy-release and improves with use.
- SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps prevent your pan from rusting. Lodge pre-seasons all cast iron cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use Lodge the better the seasoning will get!
- RUST? DON’T PANIC! IT’S NOT BROKEN: When your pan arrives you may notice a spot that looks like rust. It’s simply oil that has not fully carbonized. With regular use and care the spot will disappear. If you do notice rust simply scour the affected area with steel wool, rinse, dry, and rub with vegetable oil.
- COOKING VERSATILITY: Our skillets have unparalleled heat retention that gives you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use your skillet. Cast iron cookware is slow to heat up but retains heat longer which makes cast iron ideal for pan-frying and roasting, these delicious moments are cast to last.
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
Chef‑grade Sear
Lodge 8" Cast Iron Skillet - Chef Collection - Perfect Sear - Ergonomic Handles - Superior Heat Retention - Cast Iron Cookware & Skillet
Lodge
- Thoughtfully Designed Cast-Iron Skillet: This 8-inch iron skillet showcases ergonomic handles, spatula-friendly sidewalls, and generous pour spouts
- Superior Heat Retention: The cast-iron skillet's superior heat retention ensures even cooking and the perfect sear every time, making it an ideal kitchen pan
- Natural Seasoning: This kitchen pan is seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil for an easy-release finish, making it great as a non-stick skillet and cast-iron cookware
- Versatile Cooking Skillet: This cast-iron skillet can be used on the stove, in the oven, on the grill, or over a fire, showcasing the true versatility of cast iron cookware
- About Lodge Cast Iron: Made in the USA, Lodge cookware is versatile and as easy to clean as it is to cook with; taste a difference in your cooking with cast iron
Silicone‑Grip 12‑inch
Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder – Pre-Seasoned Frying Pan for Stove, Oven, Grill & Campfire – Made in the USA – Durable, Nonstick Cast Iron Cookware – Black
Lodge
- PFAS-FREE & NON-TOXIC COOKWARE: Lodge cookware is made without PFOA and PTFE, and we’re proud to say our seasoned cast iron is made with just iron and oil, as it has been since the beginning.. We are committed to making products that are safe for you and the people around your table too. Every step in our manufacturing process is designed to protect our employees, the people who love our cookware, and the environment.
- ERGONOMIC ASSIST HANDLE & SILICONE PROTECTION: Equipped with an assist handle for easy control and a red silicone hot handle holder for a comfortable, safe grip, this skillet is easy to lift and maneuver. Ideal for storage or hanging when not in use, it combines functionality with durability.
- SEASONED COOKWARE FOR EASY COOKING: Lodge pre-seasons every pan with 100% natural vegetable oil, giving it a non-stick finish without synthetic chemicals. The more you use your skillet, the better the seasoning becomes for effortless cooking. synthetic chemicals. The more you use your skillet, the better the seasoning becomes for effortless cooking.
- VERSATILE COOKING FOR EVERY MEAL: Whether you're searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, or grilling, this skillet handles it all. With superior heat distribution and retention, it ensures perfect, even cooking every time—whether on a stovetop, grill, or campfire.
- MADE IN USA & FAMILY-OWNED: Lodge has been a family-owned business since 1896, crafting high-quality cookware that’s built to last. Proudly made in the USA, this skillet is perfect for generations of cooking.
Red‑Grip 10‑inch
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 10.25-inch
Lodge
- CAST IRON SKILLET is 10.25 inches in diameter and includes red silicone hot handle holder. An improvement on the original: the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, featuring an assist handle. This will be your go-to pan for generations to come
- SEASONED CAST IRON COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use your iron, the better the seasoning will get
- CAST IRON provides superior heat retention and is unparalleled for even cooking. Lodge Cast Iron Skillets are at home in the oven, on the stove, on the grill or over the campfire
- EASY CARE: Hand wash, dry, rub with cooking oil
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility
- Seasoned with oil for a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use
- Easy care: hand wash, dry, rub with cooking oil
- The right tool to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry or grill
- At home in the oven, on the stove, on the grill or over the campfire
- Great for induction cooktops
- Brutally tough for decades of cooking
- Unparalleled in heat retention and even heating
Compact 6½‑inch
Lodge 6-1/2 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black
Lodge
- YOUR NEW GO-TO PAN: Lodge cast iron cookware is the perfect kitchen tool for beginners, home cooks and chefs. Cast iron can handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill and open flame. Crafted in America with iron and oil, its naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy-release and improves with use.
- SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps prevent your pan from rusting. Lodge pre-seasons all cast iron cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use Lodge the better the seasoning will get.
- RUST DON’T PANIC. IT’S NOT BROKEN: When your pan arrives you may notice a spot that looks like rust. It’s simply oil that has not fully carbonized. With regular use and care the spot will disappear. If you do notice rust simply scour the affected area with steel wool, rinse, dry and rub with vegetable oil.
- COOKING VERSATILITY: Our skillets have unparalleled heat retention that gives you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use your skillet. Cast iron cookware is slow to heat up but retains heat longer which makes cast iron ideal for pan-frying and roasting. These delicious moments are cast to last.
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA and PTFE free material.
Essential 10‑inch
Lodge Chef Collection 10" Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Kitchen Essential for Frying & Searing
Lodge
- Versatile Cast Iron Skillet: Reach for this cast iron skillet to sear a filet mignon, pan-fry schnitzel, test new ingredients, and more
- Ergonomic Design: This skillet cast iron cooking pan comes with ergonomic handles, spatula-friendly sidewalls, and generous pour spouts, making it a must-have kitchen essential
- Safe & Non-Toxic Material: Our nonstick skillet, made with non-toxic, PFOA and PTFE free material, is seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil for an easy-release finish
- Superior Heat Retention: The cast iron pan's composition ensures superior heat retention for an even and perfect sear every time, whether on the stove, oven, grill, or even over a fire
- About Lodge Cast Iron: Made in the USA, Lodge cookware is versatile and as easy to clean as it is to cook with; taste a difference in your cooking with cast iron
Perfect Pie Pan
Lodge Cast Iron 9 Inch Pie Pan
Lodge
- 9 INCH CAST IRON PIE PAN: Take your pie-baking skills to the next level and get a great crust every time.
- CONSISTENT BAKING AND BROWNING: Edge-to-edge even heat for bakery-quality results at home.
- SEASONED AND READY TO USE: Every piece of bakeware is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil and ready to use right out of the box.
- HEIRLOOM QUALITY: Cast iron bakeware won’t dent, bend, or warp, so you can keep it in the family for years to come.
- MADE IN THE USA: Since 1896, Lodge has manufactured cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, TN.
Mini Wok
Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok w/Loop Handles
Lodge
- 9 INCH CAST IRON MINI WOK W/ LOOP HANDLES. This mini server is seasoned and ready to use. For exotic cuisines or home spun favorites, the Lodge Cast Iron Mini Wok retains heat well, making short work of any dish
- PRE-SEASONED COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge provides pre-seasoned cookware with no synthetic chemicals; just soy based vegetable oil. The more you use your iron, the better the seasoning becomes
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility
- MAKE EVERY MEAL A MEMORY. Lodge knows that cooking is about more than just the food; it’s about the memories. This dynamic skillet can be used for both hot and cold presentations and has superior heat retention from the oven to the table
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America, Given diameter is outer diameter
Heat‑Safe Handle
Lodge Silicone Hot Handle Holder - Dishwasher Safe Hot Handle Holder Designed for Lodge Cast Iron Skillets 9 Inches+ w/Keyhole Handle - Reusable Heat Protection Up to 500° - Red
Lodge
- Protects hands from heat up to 500° F
- Offers a secure, comfortable grip when handling hot cookware on the stovetop
- Fits Lodge Keyhole handle skillets 9 inch diameter and up
- Easily stores on cookware or in a drawer
- Dishwasher safe; Not intended for use in oven.
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What size skillet should I choose for everyday cooking?
For most home cooks, a 9‑inch skillet hits the sweet spot: it’s large enough for frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, and searing a couple of steaks, yet compact enough to store easily. The 8‑inch model works well for single‑serve meals, while the 10‑inch version is ideal if you often cook for a crowd. Consider your typical portion sizes and storage space when deciding.
How does the 9‑inch Lodge skillet compare to the 8‑inch and 10‑inch options?
All three pans share Lodge’s pre‑seasoned cast‑iron construction and superior heat retention, but the 9‑inch offers a balanced cooking surface and a lighter weight than the 10‑inch, making it easier to maneuver. The 8‑inch skillet is slightly more portable and uses less oil, while the 10‑inch provides extra cooking area for larger cuts of meat or family‑style dishes. Choose based on the volume of food you usually prepare.
Is the pre‑seasoned surface enough, or do I need to season it further?
Lodge pre‑seasons each skillet with 100 % natural vegetable oil, giving you an easy‑release finish right out of the box. For optimal non‑stick performance, many users lightly oil the pan after the first few uses and avoid harsh detergents. Regular cooking and occasional re‑seasoning will improve the patina over time.
What are the benefits of the silicone hot‑handle holder?
The red silicone handle sleeve protects your hands from burns up to 500 °F and provides a comfortable grip, especially when lifting a hot 9‑inch or larger skillet. It also adds a visual cue that the pan is hot, reducing accidental spills. The sleeve is dishwasher‑safe and fits Lodge’s keyhole‑style handles, so it’s a simple upgrade for safety and style.
Can I use the 9‑inch skillet on an induction cooktop?
Yes, Lodge’s cast‑iron skillets are fully compatible with induction, as the iron base creates a magnetic field that heats the pan directly. The 9‑inch size works well on most induction burners without overheating, but start on a lower setting to avoid scorching. Always ensure the pan’s bottom is clean and flat for even contact.
How does the mini wok differ from a regular skillet?
The 9‑inch mini wok features loop handles and a deeper, rounded shape that promotes rapid, even heat distribution for stir‑frying and high‑heat searing. Its sloped sides allow you to toss ingredients without spilling, something a flat‑bottom skillet can’t replicate. If you enjoy Asian‑style cooking, the wok’s design offers better airflow and quicker temperature changes.
Which Lodge skillet offers the best value for budget‑conscious shoppers?
The 9‑inch pre‑seasoned skillet provides the most versatile size at a moderate price, delivering the core benefits of Lodge cast iron without extra accessories. While larger models like the 12‑inch add a silicone handle for convenience, they cost more and may be overkill for everyday meals. For most kitchens, the 9‑inch strikes the best balance of price, performance, and storage.