If you want a really nice cast iron skillet, check out the Smithey Ironware number 12 for $200, or for the best buy, check out the Lodge 12 inch cast iron skillet for just $43.
Cites price
Articles · Where two groups agree
What beginners and professional kitchens both recommend
Beginners and professional kitchens agree on four pans, but Prudent Reviews alone holds 78% of everything said about them.
About Beginners and Professional Kitchens.
We have not used any of these ourselves. We read 32 sources and structured what 9 people said. Of the 30 quotes below, 12 are complaints and 5 come from someone with a declared commercial interest. Every one of them links to the person who said it and the second they said it.
Based on 9 people, 32 sources and 250 recorded claims. A declared interest is labelled beside the quote rather than removed.
The answer
Beginners and professional kitchens converge on four pans, and the clearest picks come from three people speaking for themselves. Julia, of America's Test Kitchen, calls the Lodge the best buy at $43 in 2023; Papa Mau, who owns one, says it cooks fine despite the rough surface; and Uncle Scott, who bought his own All-Clad D3, says he likes it a lot. Prudent Reviews, a cookware reviewer who discloses an affiliate interest on some tests, holds 78% of the claims behind this answer.
The 3 quotes behind this, from 3 people
this cooks perfectly fine. Like needs nothing. It is rough. Yeah, it is.
Cites surface finish (against), non-stick surface
bad is in the pan. It's probably the cook is you.
so guess what i tried a d3 and i like it i like it a lot
Cites build quality, weight
i really do like this all clad d3 stainless steel frying pan been cooking in it heavily for about six months now so it's part of my go-to frying pan rotation it's easy to move around seems to be well made and most importantly it produces a ton of delicious food it gets a thumbs up
| Product | Cited in favour | Cited against | Voices | Declared interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithey cast iron skillet | durability (1), handle (1) | price (2) | 3 voices | none declared |
| Lodge cast iron skillet | durability (2), price (2) | handle (1), weight (1) | 4 voices | 1 of 4 |
| All-Clad stainless pan | build quality (1), durability (1) | handle (1) | 3 voices | 2 of 3 |
| Le Creuset dutch oven | appearance (1), coating (1) | appearance (1), heat retention (1) | 1 voice | 1 of 1 |
Where people disagree
- Prudent Reviews calls the Smithey's handle among the best it has tested, then faults the Lodge's for edges that dig into the hand.
- On price, Prudent Reviews calls the Lodge's cost incredible value, while arguing the Le Creuset's performance is matched by cheaper Dutch ovens.
- On heat retention, Prudent Reviews measured the Lodge's as the best of twelve skillets, and the Le Creuset's as third-worst of the Dutch ovens it tested.
The 6 quotes behind this, from 1 person · 3 objecting
I recently tested six of the highest-rated cast iron skillets on the market, and according to my tests, Smithey is the best overall. It had the best heat retention, the smoothest non-stick surface, the widest pour spouts, and one of the better-designed handles.
Cites base and rim, handle, heat retention, non-stick surface
The biggest issue for me is the handle. It gets very wide where it connects to the skillet, then it narrows toward the end, and the edges feel sharp and dig into your hands.
Cites handle (against)
The Lodge Classic is also a great option if you want something more substantial, and the value is incredible.
Cites price
Although the performance is great, the same could be said for much cheaper Dutch ovens, especially since they’re all made with the materials - cast iron with an enamel coating.
Cites price (against)
Le Creuset Dutch ovens are significantly more expensive than brands like Lodge, Tramontina, and many others. And based on my testing, you’re not getting any meaningful advantages in performance.
Despite the lighter construction, it actually had the best heat retention of all 12 skillets.
Cites heat retention, price
On the lower end, Victoria and Lodge Chef Collection are my two top picks.
Le Creuset was the third worst-performing brand. Although I was not surprised by this since it's the thinnest and lightest.
Cites heat retention (against), lid (against), moisture retention (against), weight (against)
Some brands, like Staub, have dimples inside their lids to encourage a self-basting process, but Le Creuset doesn't.
Since Le Creuset has a domed lid with a smooth interior, the evaporated water collected and ran down the sides of the lid rather than evenly dripping back over the food.
The Smithey cast iron skillet's price is the objection: Hannah, of America's Test Kitchen, says it costs "around $200 compared to the Lodge's, $44 a quarter of the price."
Adam, also of America's Test Kitchen, gave it his top spot in 2023, though he notes it wasn't inexpensive, at $200. Prudent Reviews calls it the best overall handle among six skillets it tested, and says it heated slower than the thinner skillets but retained heat really well.
Prudent Reviews, after more than two years, still reaches for it more than most of what it owns.
The 6 quotes behind this, from 3 people · 2 objecting
This pan by Smithey is around $200 compared to the Lodge's, $44 a quarter of the price.
Cites price (against)
In the end, it was one of these pans from a smaller producer that took the top spot. This is the Smithey Ironware number 12.
It was not, however, inexpensive. It was $200.
Cites price (against)
Because of that, it's the best overall handle.
Cites handle
In my tests, it heated slower than some of the thinner skillets, but it retained heat really well.
Cites heat retention, non-stick surface
The smooth surface also performed perfect in the egg test. The egg released immediately and slid around the pan without sticking.
I've used Smithey for over 2 years, and it's still one of the pans I reach for the most.
Cites durability
Owned 2 years
The Lodge cast iron skillet's handle is the objection: Prudent Reviews says its edges "dig into your hands," and that the same handle feels short and thin under an oven mitt.
Julia, of America's Test Kitchen, calls it the best buy at $43 in 2023, and Adam, also of America's Test Kitchen, found it smooth and stick-resistant by the end of his testing, despite a rougher start. Prudent Reviews, disclosing an affiliate interest, says a Lodge "will last a lifetime for under $30," and separately measured its heat retention best of twelve skillets.
Hannah found it the most durable of the three skillets she compared, calling it basically indestructible, though the heaviest at eight pounds. No one among the 9 people quoted states how long they have owned a Lodge.
The 8 quotes behind this, from 4 people · 3 objecting · 1 with a declared interest
These handles are fine when grabbing them with your bare hand, but they feel short and thin when you're wearing an oven mitt.
Cites handle (against)
Actually, by the end of the testing, even though it was a little rougher at the beginning, it was smooth and stick resistant and well seasoned, and it's $43.
Cites surface finish, non-stick surface, seasoning durability
The best part is that you can get a Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet that will last a lifetime for under $30.
Cites durability, price
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.”
Besides cast iron skillets, they make enameled cast iron Dutch ovens that perform like Le Creuset but cost much less.
Instead of paying over $400 for a Le Creuset Dutch oven, you can get a Lodge that's made of the same materials and is actually thicker for under $100.
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:30.
Cites heat retention, price
This means that of these three, the traditional mass produced lodge model is the most durable. It's basically indestructible
Cites durability
but it's also the heaviest of the three options at eight pounds
Cites weight (against)
The All-Clad stainless pan's handle draws Prudent Reviews' sharpest words: on the newest design, "the edges can dig into your hand and make it very uncomfortable," even though it also locks the pan from rotating.
Uncle Scott, who bought his own D3, says "i like it a lot," and tells other buyers they cannot go wrong starting there. David Chang, speaking under a sponsorship, calls it a workhorse that will "last you your entire lifetime" with basic care. Prudent Reviews, disclosing an affiliate interest, calls the D3 the best option, faster to heat and less costly than the D5.
No one among the 9 people quoted states how long they have owned an All-Clad.
The 5 quotes behind this, from 3 people · 1 objecting · 2 with a declared interest
The handle is the most polarizing of any pan I tested. It has a concave groove on top that locks the pan in place so it won't rotate. And it works really well if you grab the handle with a towel or oven mitt, but since the groove is so deep, the edges can dig into your hand and make it very uncomfortable.
Cites handle (against)
what i said is set your base level at d3 and then go from there kind of as budget and needs dictate and you can't go wrong
Cites price
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 0:30.
Cites build quality, weight
they're just workhorses they're fantastic you know you don't even have to treat it well if you just clean it it'll last you your entire lifetime
Cites durability, maintenance
David Chang paid by this brand. Stated in the source: “I feel like one of those Hair Club for Men guys it's like not only do I like sponsor this like I use it myself”
For most people, D3 is the best option. It's less expensive, heats up faster, and has that traditional shiny appearance.
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so if you click and buy I'll earn a commission but at no extra cost to you.”
The Le Creuset dutch oven's heat retention is probably the objection: Prudent Reviews measured it "the third worst-performing brand" it tested, for its thinner walls.
Prudent Reviews, disclosing an affiliate interest, still praises its more than 20 color options, though the same reviewer says every imperfection shows on the sand-colored interior. The reviewer doubts the price too, arguing a buyer can find the same performance for less elsewhere, while separately confirming Le Creuset covers chipped enamel for life through customer service.
No one among the 9 people quoted states how long they have owned one.
The 5 quotes behind this, from 1 person · 3 objecting · 2 with a declared interest
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 1:30.
Cites heat retention (against), lid (against), moisture retention (against), weight (against)
you get the same flawless enamel quality as Staub but over 20 color options and a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for
Cites appearance, coating
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.”
a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for
For comparison, every imperfection is clearly visible on this Le Creuset sand colored interior.
Cites appearance (against)
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I’ll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.”
If you're purely focused on getting the most performance for your money, you can find better value elsewhere.
Cites price (against)
After speaking with their customer service, I confirmed that they cover the enamel for life. So, if 10 years down from now under normal circumstances, you see a chip in the enamel they'll replace the Dutch oven for free.
Cites warranty
After posting that video, dozens of people commented that Le Creuset does the same, and as the customer service rep confirmed, they were right.
How long each one lasts
Only one figure here is a person timing their own ownership: Prudent Reviews has used a Smithey for just over two years, in 2026, and still reaches for it often.
Every other duration on this sheet is a prediction rather than a measurement. David Chang, speaking under a sponsorship, predicts an All-Clad pan will outlast a lifetime of basic care; Prudent Reviews says a Lodge will do the same for under $30, and separately notes Le Creuset's own warranty covers chipped enamel indefinitely. None of these speakers report how long they have actually had one.
Papa Mau's ninety-year figure belongs to a piece of steel wool he owns, not to the Lodge he is comparing it against.
The 5 quotes behind this, from 3 people · 1 objecting · 2 with a declared interest
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:31.
Cites durability, maintenance
David Chang paid by this brand. Stated in the source: “I feel like one of those Hair Club for Men guys it's like not only do I like sponsor this like I use it myself”
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:00.
Cites durability, price
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.”
compare that to my 90 years old grease wool. Yeah, massive difference.
Cites surface finish (against)
Who wants what
Papa Mau, a home cook, accepts the Lodge's rough factory surface as part of the deal; Prudent Reviews, testing the same pan, treats the same roughness as a trade-off against how well it holds seasoning. On the All-Clad, David Chang, a chef speaking under a sponsorship, praises it in the language of a lifetime investment, while Uncle Scott, a self-funded reviewer who buys what he tests, gives the plainer verdict that he likes it and would tell others to start there too.
The 5 quotes behind this, from 4 people · 1 objecting · 1 with a declared interest
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 5:01.
Cites surface finish (against), non-stick surface
It's heavier and the surface is rougher, but it holds on to seasoning better and it still passed the egg test with no sticking.
Cites surface finish (against), non-stick surface, seasoning durability, weight (against)
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:31.
Cites durability, maintenance
David Chang paid by this brand. Stated in the source: “I feel like one of those Hair Club for Men guys it's like not only do I like sponsor this like I use it myself”
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 0:30.
Cites build quality, weight
What the evidence suggests
- Choose the Lodge cast iron skillet if price and long-term seasoning matter most: Julia, of America's Test Kitchen, calls it the best buy at $43, and Prudent Reviews says it will last a lifetime for that price.
- Choose the Smithey cast iron skillet if a smoother finish and better heat retention are worth roughly four times the cost: Prudent Reviews, over two years in, still reaches for it more than most of what it owns.
- Choose the All-Clad D3 if you want a mid-priced stainless pan and can live with a handle some testers find uncomfortable: Uncle Scott, who bought his own, says you can't go wrong starting there.
The 6 quotes behind this, from 3 people · 1 objecting · 2 with a declared interest
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:00.
Cites durability, price
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.”
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 4:37.
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so if you click and buy I'll earn a commission but at no extra cost to you.”
What the evidence doesn’t tell us
Prudent Reviews alone holds 195 of the 250 claims in these 32 sources, 78% of everything in scope, so most of what these four pans' cases rest on is one reviewer's testing. None of the 9 people quoted claims to have owned anything longer than the 24 months behind the Smithey account. Three of the four products, the Lodge, the All-Clad and the Le Creuset, have no ownership duration behind them at all; only the Smithey does.
The quote behind this, from 1 person
Who says so
Authority here is scoped to the subject, never to how large someone’s audience is. Where we hold no domain expertise for a person, the page says so rather than implying one.
Prudent Reviews
Our mission at Prudent Reviews is to help you find the best products for your home. We take the stress out of shopping by testing, analyzing, and comparing the top products. Our reviews, comparisons, and product guides are in-depth, carefully researched, and completely unbiased. Since launching, we've helped millions of people across the globe find the best products and improve their lives at home. If you have questions or want to partner with Prudent Reviews, email Andrew@PrudentReviews.com. As an Amazon Associate Prudent Reviews earns from qualifying purchases.
Papa Mau
Cooking with Healthy and Durable Cookware: Cast Iron, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, etc I’m PapaMau, a dad with roots in Argentina, living in Australia for the past 15 years. I’m here to inspire families to choose healthier, long-lasting, and undeniably cooler cookware that's making a massive comeback. Specializing in cast iron and carbon steel, I create How-To and Tutorial videos to help you care for your cookware, master cooking techniques, and replace Teflon with sustainable, durable alternatives. I share cooking tips, tools, and recipes to help home cooks impress family and friends—whether in the kitchen or around the fire pit. Together, let’s cook better, eat healthier, and make the world a better place, one meal at a time. Join me on this journey to make cooking an adventure and forge unforgettable memories with cookware that’s built to last! 🔥
Uncle Scott
Our Motto: You can never have too much great cookware and kitchen gear. Our Philosophy: If you have great equipment and great ingredients, with a little practice you can cook any dish in the world. At USK, we make recipes, review frying pans, deep fryers, knives, grain mills, gadgets, pots and pans, and anything else you might find in a high-end kitchen. We teach people how to season carbon steel and cast iron pans, show people the proper way to cook eggs, tell a few jokes, and cook delicious meals. We really like high quality brands such as De Buyer, Falk, Matfer, Lodge, Smithey, Mauviel, Le Creuset, live, Staub, Breville, and others. And, importantly, Uncle Scott buys all of the products he reviews with his own money, and unlike many cookware channels, no free items are accepted for review. This keeps Uncle Scott's reviews genuine, trustworthy, and unbiased. Any sponsored videos or affiliate sales links are clearly labelled.
David Chang
What this piece cites evidence about
Every product, brand and category named in a claim behind this article, not only the ones with a section of their own above. Where we hold a full page for one, it is linked; the rest are named as text because the evidence has not cleared that bar yet.
Sources
Short quotes and deep links only. We publish no transcripts, and every quote above opens the original at the second it was spoken.
- All-Clad D3 vs. D5: Six Key Differences and How to Choose
- All-Clad D3: As good as they say?
- Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon
- Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
- Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More
- Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads
- Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)
- Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
- I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst
- I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst
- Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ
- Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
- The Best Cast-Iron Skillets
- The Uncomfortable Truth Behind Lodge Cast Iron Pans
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Verified 2026-09-17
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When someone quoted here was paid, sponsored, sent the product free or works for the brand, the quote says so and, where they said it themselves, gives their own words about it. We keep those quotes rather than dropping them: a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.