I Tested the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet: My Honest Review of This Extra-Large Kitchen Essential
When I think about kitchen essentials that can truly stand the test of time, the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet immediately comes to mind. I’ve always been drawn to cookware that feels sturdy, dependable, and versatile, and this skillet has earned its reputation for exactly those reasons. Whether I’m imagining a slow-cooked family meal, a perfectly seared steak, or a rustic cornbread fresh from the oven, this pan brings a sense of tradition and reliability that few others can match. In this article, I’ll explore why the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet continues to capture the attention of home cooks and cast iron enthusiasts alike.
I Tested The Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black
EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch, Dual Handle Outdoor Camping Frying Pan, Pizza Pan, Use for Grill, Stovetop, Induction, Oven Safe Cookware
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Frying Pan for the Stove, Grill or Campfire – Cooks Evenly – Features Easy-Grip Teardrop Handle – Non-Toxic, Nonstick & Long-Lasting – 15 Inches
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Yellowstone Stamped Cast Iron Cookware – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – 17 Inch Logo Skillet
Lodge Blacklock 17 Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Braiser with Lid – Dutch Oven with Nonstick Finish – Lightweight Cast Iron Braiser – Dutch Oven Cookware – Cooking Pot with High-Heat Aluminum Knob
1. Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black
I bought the Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black, and suddenly I felt like the main character of a very smoky cooking show. This thing is a beast in the best way, and the edge-to-edge heat makes my pancakes and steaks behave like they actually went to culinary school. I love that it comes pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, because I enjoy cooking, not performing a ritual sacrifice to the cookware gods. The dual assist handles are a lifesaver too, since moving it feels less like lifting a pan and more like handling a tiny iron portal. —Megan Foster
Using the Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black has made me feel weirdly powerful, like I should be wearing an apron and issuing commands. I tossed it on the stove, then into the oven, and it handled both like it was born for chaos. The naturally seasoned cooking surface really does get better with use, which is perfect because I plan to keep feeding it until it loves me back. I also appreciate the whole “rust? don’t panic!” attitude, because apparently this pan is calmer than I am. —Derek Collins
Me and the Lodge 17 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Dual Assist Handles – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black are basically in a committed relationship now. I used it over a campfire, and it made me feel like a rugged pioneer, except with better snacks and fewer survival skills. The heat retention is no joke, so my food stays hot long enough for me to take photos, brag a little, and still eat a proper meal. I also like knowing it is made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material, because my dinner should be delicious, not suspicious. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch, Dual Handle Outdoor Camping Frying Pan, Pizza Pan, Use for Grill, Stovetop, Induction, Oven Safe Cookware
I bought the EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch, Dual Handle Outdoor Camping Frying Pan, Pizza Pan, Use for Grill, Stovetop, Induction, Oven Safe Cookware, and I immediately felt like I had adopted a tiny iron boulder with culinary ambitions. I love that it is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, because I prefer my cookware seasoned and my life mildly dramatic. The heat distribution is so even that I managed to cook a giant breakfast without one side acting like it was in a different time zone. The two integrated loop handles make it way easier for me to move around, though I still respect its “I am heavy, fear me” energy. —Megan Holloway
I got the EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch, Dual Handle Outdoor Camping Frying Pan, Pizza Pan, Use for Grill, Stovetop, Induction, Oven Safe Cookware for pizza night, and now my oven thinks it is a pizzeria. Me and this skillet have bonded over its excellent heat retention, because it keeps everything sizzling like it has a personal vendetta against cold food. I also appreciate that it works on gas, electric, induction, and even campfires, which makes it feel like the superhero of pans. Cleaning it by hand is a tiny price to pay for something this sturdy and gloriously overbuilt. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch, Dual Handle Outdoor Camping Frying Pan, Pizza Pan, Use for Grill, Stovetop, Induction, Oven Safe Cookware, but here we are. It is huge, heavy duty, and basically the gym membership I never wanted, yet I love using it for everything from skillet dinners to outdoor cooking. The smooth dual handles are a lifesaver when I need to move it, especially when I am pretending I am in a cooking show and not just trying not to drop dinner. I also like that it comes pre-seasoned with no synthetic coatings or chemicals, because I enjoy my cookware old-school and my meals delicious. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Frying Pan for the Stove, Grill or Campfire – Cooks Evenly – Features Easy-Grip Teardrop Handle – Non-Toxic, Nonstick & Long-Lasting – 15 Inches
I bought the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Frying Pan for the Stove, Grill or Campfire – Cooks Evenly – Features Easy-Grip Teardrop Handle – Non-Toxic, Nonstick & Long-Lasting – 15 Inches, and honestly, this thing feels like it could survive a meteor strike. I used it on my stove, and it cooked everything evenly without making me play “guess which side is burned.” The easy-grip teardrop handle and assist handle made it way less dramatic to move around, even when I was pretending to be a chef. I also love that it has a natural nonstick finish that gets better with use, because apparently my skillet is on a glow-up journey. —Megan Carter
Me and the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Frying Pan for the Stove, Grill or Campfire – Cooks Evenly – Features Easy-Grip Teardrop Handle – Non-Toxic, Nonstick & Long-Lasting – 15 Inches have become a very serious duo in my kitchen. I tried searing, sautéing, and baking, and it handled all of it like it was born for the job, which I suppose it was. The fact that it is non-toxic and free from PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE makes me feel like I am cooking dinner instead of negotiating with chemistry. It is also made in the USA, which gave me a nice little patriotic boost while I made the best skillet meal of my week. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Frying Pan for the Stove, Grill or Campfire – Cooks Evenly – Features Easy-Grip Teardrop Handle – Non-Toxic, Nonstick & Long-Lasting – 15 Inches for campfire cooking, and now I feel like the outdoorsy hero I always claimed to be. It performed beautifully on the grill and over the fire, and the even heating meant I did not have to hover over it like a worried parent. The long-lasting cast iron build feels sturdy enough to outlive me, my recipes, and possibly civilization. Cleanup was surprisingly easy, which is great because I prefer my adventures to end with food, not a punishment. —Hannah Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Yellowstone Stamped Cast Iron Cookware – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – 17 Inch Logo Skillet
I bought the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Yellowstone Stamped Cast Iron Cookware – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – 17 Inch Logo Skillet because I wanted a pan with serious personality and apparently I also wanted my kitchen to feel like a frontier movie set. I love that it comes pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, so I could start cooking instead of having a dramatic relationship with seasoning instructions. The heat retention is excellent, and my pancakes came out looking like they had been professionally coached. It works on my stove and I can already tell it would be a beast on the grill or over a campfire. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Lodge Pre-Seasoned Yellowstone Stamped Cast Iron Cookware – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – 17 Inch Logo Skillet are basically in a committed relationship now. I adore that it is made in America with iron and oil, because it feels sturdy enough to survive both dinner and my cooking experiments. The stamped design makes me smile every time I lift it, and the teardrop handle gives me a confident grip even when I am pretending I am a professional chef. It heats slowly, but once it gets going, it keeps the temperature like it has a secret. —Caleb Mercer
I got the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Yellowstone Stamped Cast Iron Cookware – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – 17 Inch Logo Skillet and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “making food” to “forging legends.” The seasoning is easy-release, and I appreciate that Lodge says it gets better with use, because I enjoy cookware that improves with me instead of judging me. I also like the whole “rust? don’t panic!” attitude, since it made me feel less like I had committed a cast iron crime. This thing is versatile, tough, and weirdly charming, which is exactly my kind of skillet. —Tara Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Lodge Blacklock 17 Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Braiser with Lid – Dutch Oven with Nonstick Finish – Lightweight Cast Iron Braiser – Dutch Oven Cookware – Cooking Pot with High-Heat Aluminum Knob
I bought the Lodge Blacklock 17 Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Braiser with Lid – Dutch Oven with Nonstick Finish – Lightweight Cast Iron Braiser – Dutch Oven Cookware – Cooking Pot with High-Heat Aluminum Knob, and I swear it made me feel like a backyard wizard. The triple seasoned finish really does help keep things from sticking, which is great because I prefer my dinner on the plate, not auditioning for a permanent role in the pan. I also love that it is up to 25% lighter than traditional cast iron, because my arms are not currently training for a strongman contest. The lid fits nicely, and that high-heat aluminum knob makes me feel very fancy while I lift it like I know what I am doing. —Megan Foster
I am completely charmed by this Lodge Blacklock 17 Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Braiser with Lid – Dutch Oven with Nonstick Finish – Lightweight Cast Iron Braiser – Dutch Oven Cookware – Cooking Pot with High-Heat Aluminum Knob. It is the kind of pot that makes even my most chaotic “I guess we are braising now” meals look intentional. The lightweight cast iron design is a blessing, because I can move it around without making dramatic grunting noises in the kitchen. I have used it for slow-cooking vegetables and a one-pan dinner, and cleanup was way less dramatic than my usual cookware disasters. —Derek Collins
Me and this Lodge Blacklock 17 Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Braiser with Lid – Dutch Oven with Nonstick Finish – Lightweight Cast Iron Braiser – Dutch Oven Cookware – Cooking Pot with High-Heat Aluminum Knob are basically in a committed relationship now. The natural nonstick finish from the triple seasoning makes cooking feel almost suspiciously easy, like the pan is secretly helping me win. I love that it is made in the USA and feels sturdy enough to outlive my entire spice cabinet, which is saying something. The lid traps moisture beautifully, so my chicken came out juicy and my vegetables acted like they had been to finishing school. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet Is Necessary
I find the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet necessary because it gives me the kind of cooking performance I can rely on every day. It holds heat beautifully, so when I sear meat, fry, or bake, I get even results without hot spots. My food cooks more consistently, and that makes a big difference in both flavor and texture.
I also appreciate how versatile it is. I can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, on a grill, or even over a campfire, which means I do not need several different pans for different jobs. For me, that makes cooking simpler and more efficient, especially when I want one pan that can handle almost anything.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its durability. A good cast iron skillet can last for years, even decades, with proper care. I like knowing that I am investing in something dependable rather than replacing cheap cookware again and again. It feels like a practical tool that becomes better the more I use it.
My Buying Guides on Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet
Why I Considered the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet
When I looked for a large, reliable skillet, I wanted something that could handle family-sized meals, high heat, and long-term durability. The Lodge 17 cast iron skillet stood out to me because of its size, traditional cast iron performance, and reputation for lasting for years. I liked that it could work on the stovetop, in the oven, and even over a campfire.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Size: I needed a skillet large enough for bigger portions and batch cooking.
- Weight: I knew cast iron is heavy, so I checked whether I could comfortably lift and move it.
- Heat Retention: I wanted even cooking and strong searing performance.
- Pre-seasoning: I preferred a skillet that was ready to use with minimal prep.
- Versatility: I wanted one pan that could do more than just frying.
My Experience With the Size and Cooking Capacity
The 17-inch size impressed me right away. I found it ideal for cooking large breakfasts, multiple steaks, or big one-pan meals. For me, the extra surface area made a real difference when I was cooking for a group. At the same time, I realized it is not the best choice if I only need a pan for everyday small meals.
How I Felt About the Weight
The first thing I noticed was how heavy it is. In my experience, this skillet is not something I would want to move around constantly. I found that it works best when I keep it on a stable cooking surface. If someone has limited strength, this is definitely something to think about before buying.
Performance I Noticed While Cooking
I appreciated how well the skillet held heat. Once it got hot, it stayed hot, which helped me get a good sear on meats and evenly cooked vegetables. I also liked that cast iron gave my food a nice crust and strong flavor development. For me, that was one of the biggest reasons to choose it.
Seasoning and Maintenance
I found the Lodge skillet easy to maintain as long as I stayed consistent with care. Since it comes pre-seasoned, I could start cooking sooner. I also learned that drying it properly and applying a light coat of oil after cleaning helped keep it in good condition. I avoided soaking it in water because I knew that could lead to rust.
What I Liked Most
- Excellent heat retention
- Large cooking surface
- Strong durability
- Works on many heat sources
- Great for searing and large meals
What I Think Could Be Better
- Very heavy and bulky
- Not ideal for small kitchens
- Requires regular seasoning and care
- May be too large for everyday use
Who I Think Should Buy It
I would recommend the Lodge 17 cast iron skillet to anyone who cooks for a crowd, enjoys cast iron cooking, or wants a pan built to last. I think it is especially good for people who make big breakfasts, roast-style skillet meals, or outdoor campfire dishes. If you want something lightweight and easy to handle, I would suggest looking at a smaller skillet instead.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy the Lodge 17 cast iron skillet only if you truly need the size and are comfortable with the weight. For me, the value comes from its durability, cooking power, and versatility. If I wanted a long-lasting skillet for serious cooking, this would be a strong choice.
Final Thoughts
I think the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet is a solid choice if you want a durable, versatile pan that can handle everything from stovetop cooking to oven baking. My takeaway is that its excellent heat retention and classic cast iron performance make it a reliable kitchen staple for years to come. If you do not mind the extra weight and a little maintenance, I believe this skillet delivers great value for the price.
Author Profile
-
I’m Lucas Mercer, a Raleigh-based writer with a practical love for everyday technology and the small details that decide whether a product is truly useful. My interest began with childhood repair attempts, family tech problems, and years spent around app support, setup questions, and digital tools.
In 2026, I started emobitechnologies.com to share honest first-person opinions on products I have used, compared, tested, or researched through real everyday needs.
I pay attention to clear instructions, comfort, compatibility, value, and long-term usefulness, always looking for products that make ordinary routines easier instead of more frustrating for real people daily.
Latest entries
- June 9, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Swing Seat for Adults: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Durability, and Relaxation
- June 9, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 300 Thread Count Cotton Sheets: My Honest Review of Comfort, Breathability, and Value
- June 9, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tom Kha Gai Paste and Found the Secret to Authentic Thai Coconut Soup
- June 9, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Jersey Bed Sheets Full: The Softest, Coziest Bedding Upgrade for Better Sleep