Lodge Cast Iron Skillet vs FINEX Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (#1, best overall) vs FINEX Cast Iron Skillet (#2, best premium): in our Cast Iron Skillets scoring the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet totals 9.8/10 and the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet 9.6/10, the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet leading on Value and the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet on Handle Design.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Lodge Cast Iron Skillet | FINEX Cast Iron Skillet | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20 | $199 |
| Material | Cast iron | Cast iron |
| Size | 12 inches | 12 inches |
| Pre-seasoned | Yes (vegetable oil) | — |
| Oven Safe | Unlimited | — |
| Made In | USA | Portland, USA |
| Surface | — | Hand-polished |
| Handle | — | Stainless steel spring |
How they differ in real use
Built from our cast iron skillets scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet and the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet made our Top 5 Cast Iron Skillets, at #1 (best overall) and #2 (best premium). Made in Tennessee since 1896—pre-seasoned and ready to use. Unbeatable value with lifetime durability. Hand-polished smooth surface with stainless steel spring handle. Artisan quality from Portland, Oregon.
We score cast iron skillets on Heat Retention (30%), Seasoning/Finish (25%), Build Quality (25%), Handle Design (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet totals 9.8 out of 10 and the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet 9.6. The widest gap is Value, where the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet scores 10 against 6 for the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet — quality per dollar. Handle Design also separates them: 10 for the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet versus 8 for the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Made In — USA on the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet versus Portland, USA on the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet. They match on Material and Size.
Pricing as of February 1, 2026: $20 for the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet and $199 for the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet, a $179 difference in the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet's favor. Owners praise the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet for pre-seasoned and made in USA since 1896; the most common complaint is heavy. Owners praise the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet for hand-polished smooth surface and stainless spring handle (cool); the most common complaint is very expensive.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
- Pre-seasoned
- Made in USA since 1896
- Incredibly affordable
- Lifetime durability
- Heavy
- Rough cooking surface
- Requires maintenance
FINEX Cast Iron Skillet
- Hand-polished smooth surface
- Stainless spring handle (cool)
- Octagonal design (pour spots)
- Made in Portland, USA
- Very expensive
- Heavy
- Octagonal shape unusual
Which should you buy?
The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is the better fit for value seekers and cast iron beginners — it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Value. The FINEX Cast Iron Skillet is the better fit for cast iron enthusiasts and smooth surface preference, and the stronger choice if Handle Design matters more to you than the overall score. Since the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is both the higher scorer and $179 cheaper, the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet only makes sense for cast iron enthusiasts. The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a poor fit for those wanting smooth surface; the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet is a poor fit for budget buyers.
Choose the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet if
- Value seekers
- Cast iron beginners
- American-made preference
Skip it if
- Those wanting smooth surface
- Lightweight needs
Choose the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet if
- Cast iron enthusiasts
- Smooth surface preference
- Heirloom piece seekers
Skip it if
- Budget buyers
- Traditional round preference
Common questions
Is the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet better than the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet?
In our Cast Iron Skillets ranking the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet scores higher overall, 9.8 to 9.6, with the biggest advantage in Value. The FINEX Cast Iron Skillet is stronger on Handle Design, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
How much more does the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet cost than the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet?
$179 more as of February 1, 2026: $199 for the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet against $20 for the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
What is the main difference between the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet and the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet?
The headline spec difference is Made In: USA on the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet versus Portland, USA on the FINEX Cast Iron Skillet. In use, the gap that matters most is Value (10 vs 6 in our scoring): quality per dollar.