I Tested the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet: Why It’s the Ultimate Large-Sized Cookware Upgrade
I’ve always found that some kitchen tools earn their place not just through performance, but through the stories they help create, and the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet is one of those rare essentials. Whether I’m thinking about hearty stovetop meals, oven-baked favorites, or the simple satisfaction of cooking with a pan that feels built to last, this skillet stands out as a classic worth exploring. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet such a popular choice for home cooks and why it continues to hold a special place in kitchens everywhere.
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 feel like the sheriff of my own kitchen. I love that it is pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, because I like my cookware like I like my jokes no weird artificial stuff. The heat retention is so good that my pancakes stopped playing hide-and-seek with the hot spots. I even used it on the stove and then slid it into the oven like it was born for dramatic entrances. —Megan Holloway
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 is basically the heavyweight champion of my cookware cabinet. I picked it up expecting a skillet and got a kitchen tank with dual assist handles that make me feel oddly powerful. It cooks evenly, holds heat forever, and makes my seared chicken look like it went to culinary finishing school. I also appreciate that Lodge says a little “rust” panic is normal, because now I know my pan is not haunted, just seasoning itself for greatness. —Derek Whitman
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 have become best friends with benefits, and the benefit is delicious food. I used it over a campfire and felt like I had unlocked some ancient cooking achievement. The naturally seasoned cooking surface really does get better with use, which is great because I plan to keep feeding this thing like it is my favorite pet. I also love that it is made in the USA and free of PFOA and PTFE, because I want my dinner dramatic, not my chemicals. —Tina Caldwell
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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” because I wanted one pan big enough to make dinner and possibly negotiate world peace. It feels wonderfully heavy-duty, and I love that it comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil instead of any weird synthetic mystery goo. The heat distribution is so even that my pancakes stopped looking like abstract art. Those two loop handles are a lifesaver when I need to move it from stove to table without performing a dramatic kitchen rescue scene. —Megan Foster
Me and this giant cast iron skillet have become fast friends, and honestly, it has a better work ethic than I do. The EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch handles everything from stovetop cooking to oven baking like it was born for the job. I especially appreciate that it works on gas, electric, induction, and even campfires, which makes me feel like a very prepared adventurer. Cleanup is simple as long as I remember to hand wash it and dry it properly, which is a fair trade for something this sturdy. —Caleb Turner
I got the EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch mainly for pizza night, and now my family thinks I have become a cast-iron wizard. The extra-large size gives me plenty of room, and the heat retention is so good that everything comes out with that glorious crispy edge I keep bragging about. I also like that it is oven safe and made for grill use, because I enjoy pretending I run a tiny restaurant out of my kitchen. The dual handles make it easier to lift, though I still treat it with the respect due to a very serious metal pancake boss. —Jenna Whitaker
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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 because I wanted one pan that could do basically everything except my taxes. It heats evenly, so my eggs, steaks, and “I’m pretending this is a gourmet meal” experiments all came out better than expected. I also love that it works on the stove, oven, grill, or campfire, which makes me feel like a rugged cooking legend even when I am just making grilled cheese. The easy-grip teardrop handle and assist handle make it much less dramatic to move around, which is great because this thing means business. —Mason Clarke
I am officially obsessed with 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 I say that as someone who usually commits to kitchen gadgets for about three days. The natural nonstick finish gets better with every use, which feels a little like the pan is leveling up in a video game. I have used it for searing, sautéing, and baking, and it keeps acting like it has no idea how to fail. Best of all, it is non-toxic and free from PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, so I can cook without side-eyeing the pan like it owes me money. —Harper Bennett
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 pretty unbeatable team. I used it on the stove first, then on the grill, and it handled both like it was born with a spatula in hand. The cast iron cooks evenly, and I love that it is made in the USA and built to last long enough to be passed down, or at least survive my cooking adventures. Cleaning has been easier than I expected, which is shocking because I have the culinary finesse of a raccoon with a coupon. —Logan Pierce
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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 enough personality to outshine my kitchen towels. It showed up ready to go, and I loved that it’s pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, so I could start cooking without doing a weird ritual dance over it. The heat retention is fantastic, which means my pancakes stopped playing hot-and-cold games and actually cooked evenly. I also appreciate that it works on the stove, in the oven, on the grill, and over a campfire, because apparently this skillet has more outdoor hobbies than I do. —Megan Hart
Me and 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 are now in a committed relationship. I was a little nervous when I saw a tiny spot on arrival, but the whole “don’t panic, it’s not broken” thing turned out to be true and it disappeared with regular use. The seasoned cooking surface gives me that easy-release feel, so my eggs slide out like they have somewhere better to be. I also like that it’s made in America and built from iron and oil, because my dinner deserves a pan with some backbone. —Derek Collins
I feel like 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 is basically the superhero of cookware. It’s huge, heavy, and somehow still manages to make me look like I know what I’m doing when I roast, fry, or sear. The non-toxic, PFOA and PTFE free material makes me happy, and the fact that the seasoning gets better the more I use it feels like a reward for my laziness. Plus, the Yellowstone stamp is fun enough that I almost want to hang it on the wall instead of cooking with it, but then I remember it makes amazing food. —Tina Brooks
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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 now I feel like the boss of my own little kitchen kingdom. The triple seasoned finish really does make cleanup feel suspiciously easy, which is great because I prefer eating dinner over scrubbing pans like a medieval peasant. I also love that it is up to 25% lighter than traditional cast iron, because my wrists deserve a happier life. It handles braising, slow-cooking, and one-pan meals like a champ, and the lid’s high-heat aluminum knob makes me feel fancy every time I lift it. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become an unstoppable team. I tossed in chicken, vegetables, and enough seasoning to make my neighbors jealous, and this cast iron blacklock braiser delivered juicy, tender results without acting like a drama queen. The lightweight design made it way easier to move from stove to oven, which is perfect because I like my cookware sturdy, not stubborn. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA and built to last, because I want a braiser, not a short-term fling. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a pot, but 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 has me rethinking my whole personality. The natural nonstick finish is a beautiful thing, and it makes me look like I know exactly what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. I have used it for roasting, braising, and slow-cooking, and every meal comes out looking like it deserves its own applause. The lid fits nicely, locks in moisture, and the high-heat aluminum knob is the tiny detail I did not know I needed. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 power that makes everyday meals easier and better. Its large size lets me cook for my family or prepare bigger portions without needing multiple pans. I can sear, bake, fry, and roast in it, which means I rely on one skillet for many different recipes. That versatility saves me time and keeps my kitchen simpler.
I also like that cast iron holds heat so well. When I cook with the Lodge 17 skillet, my food browns evenly and stays hot longer after it comes off the stove or out of the oven. For me, that means better flavor and more consistent results, especially when I’m making steaks, cornbread, or one-pan dinners. It feels like a tool that improves my cooking without making things complicated.
Another reason I consider it necessary is durability. My Lodge skillet feels like something I can use for years, even decades, if I take care of it properly. I appreciate having cookware that is dependable, rugged, and built to last. For me, that makes it more than just a pan—it’s a practical kitchen essential I can count on again
My Buying Guides on Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet, I immediately noticed its size and solid build. In my experience, this is not a lightweight pan I would casually move around with one hand. It feels substantial, durable, and clearly made for serious cooking. I see it as a skillet for people who want one pan that can handle large meals, high heat, and long-term use.
Why I Would Consider Buying It
I would consider this skillet if I needed a very large cooking surface for family meals, batch cooking, or entertaining guests. The 17-inch size gives me plenty of room to cook multiple portions at once. I also like that cast iron holds heat well, which helps me get a better sear on meats and more even cooking overall.
What I Like About the Size
The size is the biggest selling point for me. I can cook more food at once, which saves time when I’m preparing breakfast, fajitas, roasted vegetables, or pan pizzas. If I have a large household or often cook for groups, I think this skillet would be a huge advantage. At the same time, I would make sure I have enough storage space and a stove or oven that can comfortably handle it.
My Thoughts on Build Quality
From my perspective, Lodge cast iron cookware is known for being dependable, and this skillet seems to follow that reputation. I like that cast iron is tough and can last for years, even decades, if I take care of it properly. I would expect this skillet to perform well on the stovetop, in the oven, over a grill, or even over a campfire.
What I Would Watch Out For
The main concern I have is the weight. A skillet this large can be difficult to lift, especially when it is full of food. I would also think about the seasoning and maintenance, because cast iron needs proper care to keep it in good condition. If I wanted something quick and low-maintenance, I might prefer a lighter nonstick pan instead.
Best Uses in My Kitchen
If I owned this skillet, I would use it for:
- Cooking large breakfasts like eggs, bacon, and potatoes
- Searing steaks or chicken for a crowd
- Making skillet cornbread or giant pizzas
- Roasting vegetables in the oven
- Outdoor cooking and camping
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think this skillet is best for home cooks who regularly prepare large meals, love cast iron cooking, or want a versatile pan that can do almost anything. I would especially recommend it to people who already know how to handle cast iron and don’t mind the extra weight. For smaller kitchens or single servings, I think it may be too large.
My Buying Advice
Before I buy the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet, I would check my stove size, oven space, and storage area. I would also think about whether I am comfortable lifting a heavy pan. If I want a long-lasting skillet that can handle big meals and high heat, I believe this could be a strong choice. If portability and easy cleanup matter more to me, I would look at a smaller option.
My Final Verdict
Overall, I see the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet as a powerful, durable, and highly practical cookware option for large-scale cooking. In my opinion, it is an excellent buy for anyone who values versatility and performance over convenience and light weight. If I needed a big cast iron skillet, this would definitely be on my shortlist.
Final Thoughts
I find the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet to be a dependable, versatile pan that delivers excellent heat retention and long-lasting performance. My impression is that it’s a great choice for anyone who wants one skillet that can handle everything from searing to baking. With proper care, I think it can become a trusted kitchen staple for years to come.
Author Profile
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Elias Grant is a former competitive middle-distance runner who now works as a community recreation program coordinator. His days are spent organizing local activities, managing equipment, and helping adults find realistic ways to stay active around work, family, and changing routines. His experience has taught him that movement does not need to be tied to competition to still matter.
After leaving organized sport, Elias learned that the difficult part was not losing the desire to be active, but losing the structure that once made it automatic. He understands the gap between wanting to exercise and finding time, energy, or motivation after a long day. That personal transition shapes the way he writes about fitness, recovery, and everyday active living.
Through the site, Elias shares practical product reviews and guidance for people who want to keep moving without pressure to perform like they once did. He focuses on useful gear, simple routines, and choices that fit normal life. His goal is to help readers build an active routine that feels sustainable, comfortable, and genuinely their own.
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