Lodge Cast Iron Skillet vs Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (#1, best overall) vs Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (#3): in our Cast Iron Skillets scoring the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet totals 9.8/10 and the Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet 9.5/10. At $20 versus $175, the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet costs $155 less.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Lodge Cast Iron Skillet | Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20 | $175 |
| Material | Cast iron | Cast iron |
| Size | 12 inches | 12 inches |
| Pre-seasoned | Yes (vegetable oil) | — |
| Oven Safe | Unlimited | — |
| Made In | USA | USA |
| Surface | — | Machine-polished smooth |
| Weight | — | 6.5 lbs |
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 Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet made our Top 5 Cast Iron Skillets, at #1 (best overall) and #3. Made in Tennessee since 1896—pre-seasoned and ready to use. Unbeatable value with lifetime durability. Machine-polished smooth surface for naturally nonstick performance. Lighter than most at 6.5 lbs with drip-free flared rim. Made in Allentown, PA.
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 Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet 9.5. The widest gap is Value, where the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet scores 10 against 5 for the Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet — quality per dollar. Handle Design also separates them: 10 for the Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet versus 8 for the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet.
Their published specifications are effectively identical on the points we compare (Material, Size and Made In), so the decision rests on price and the scoring above.
Pricing as of February 1, 2026: $20 for the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet and $175 for the Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, a $155 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 Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet for machine-polished smooth surface and lightweight at 6.5 lbs; the most common complaint is premium price for cast iron.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
- Pre-seasoned
- Made in USA since 1896
- Incredibly affordable
- Lifetime durability
- Heavy
- Rough cooking surface
- Requires maintenance
Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Machine-polished smooth surface
- Lightweight at 6.5 lbs
- Drip-free flared rim
- Stay-cool handle design
- Premium price for cast iron
- Smaller than vintage #10 equivalent
- Still requires seasoning care
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 Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is the better fit for smooth surface priority and those wanting lighter cast iron, 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 $155 cheaper, the Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet only makes sense for smooth surface priority. The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a poor fit for those wanting smooth surface; the Stargazer 12-Inch 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 Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet if
- Smooth surface priority
- Those wanting lighter cast iron
- Nonstick performance without chemicals
Skip it if
- Budget buyers
- Those okay with Lodge texture
Common questions
Is the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet better than the Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet?
In our Cast Iron Skillets ranking the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet scores higher overall, 9.8 to 9.5, with the biggest advantage in Value. The Stargazer 12-Inch 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 Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet cost than the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet?
$155 more as of February 1, 2026: $175 for the Stargazer 12-Inch 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 Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet?
Their published specifications are nearly identical on the points we compare. In use, the gap that matters most is Value (10 vs 5 in our scoring): quality per dollar.