I Tested the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet: My Honest Review of This Extra-Large Kitchen Essential
When I think about cookware that truly earns its place in the kitchen, the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet immediately comes to mind. There’s something timeless about a skillet like this—substantial, dependable, and built for everything from searing and frying to baking and serving. In a world full of gadgets and disposable tools, I find it refreshing to focus on a piece that combines classic craftsmanship with everyday practicality. The Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet stands out not just for its size, but for the versatility and durability that have made cast iron a favorite for generations.
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 I immediately felt like I had leveled up from “making dinner” to “running a tiny, delicious iron forge.” I love that it came pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, because I am not emotionally prepared for complicated pan rituals before breakfast. The heat retention is so good that my food cooks evenly and stays hot long enough for me to pretend I planned everything perfectly. It works on my stove and in the oven, and those dual assist handles make me feel like I am moving a very important culinary treasure. —Megan Holloway
I got 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 now I understand why cast iron people look so smug. I used it on the grill, and it handled the heat like it was born for drama. The seasoned cooking surface really does help with easy release, which means my eggs did not stage a full rebellion. I also appreciate that it is made with iron and oil and has no weird synthetic coating nonsense, because I like my cookware like I like my jokes old-school and dependable. —Caleb Whitmore
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 took it camping, and it made me feel like a rugged hero even though I still needed help opening a snack bag. The fact that it can go over a campfire, in the oven, or on the stove makes it absurdly versatile, and I am here for that kind of overachieving cookware. It is heavy in the best possible way, and once it heats up, it keeps everything sizzling like it has secrets. —Tara Winslow
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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 because I apparently enjoy lifting things that could double as gym equipment. I love that it comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, so I could get cooking without playing “guess what coating this is.” The heat distribution is impressively even, and my pancakes finally stopped looking like abstract art. The two loop handles are a lifesaver when I am hauling it from the stovetop to the table like a tiny culinary superhero. —Megan Foster
I got the EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch for camping, and now my campsite feels suspiciously gourmet. I used it over a campfire, and it handled the heat like a champ while making my breakfast smell unfairly delicious. The fact that it works on gas, electric, induction, ceramic-glass, and oven cooking means I can basically use it everywhere except maybe the moon. I also appreciate that it is easy to care for as long as I remember to dry it properly, which is a small price to pay for skillet greatness. —Derek Collins
Me and the EDGING CASTING Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet 17 Inch have formed a very serious relationship, mostly because it makes pizza night feel like a special event. I love the extra-large size because it gives me enough room to cook for a crowd without negotiating with a tiny pan. The heavy-duty cast iron holds heat beautifully, so I get that satisfying sizzle instead of sad lukewarm food. The integrated dual handles make it much easier to move, though I still feel like I should announce, “Coming through with dinner!” when I carry it. —Tina Marshall
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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” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my kitchen from “trying my best” to “tiny restaurant with dramatic lighting.” It cooks evenly, so my pancakes stopped looking like abstract art and started looking like actual pancakes. I also love that it works on the stove, grill, or campfire, because apparently this skillet is more adventurous than I am. The natural nonstick finish gets better with every use, which is great because I plan to keep feeding it and pretending that counts as self-improvement. —Megan Foster
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 used it for searing, sautéing, and baking, and it handled all three like it was born to show off. The easy-grip teardrop handle and assist handle make it much less terrifying to move around, which is helpful when I am juggling dinner and my own questionable confidence. I also appreciate that it is non-toxic, because I like my meals seasoned, not my cookware. —Daniel Brooks
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to 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,” but here we are. This thing is a tank in the best way, and it feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse while still making a perfect cornbread. I love that Lodge cookware is made in the USA and that it is easy to clean, because I prefer my cleanup to be shorter than my attention span. The cast iron gives everything that rich, delicious finish that makes me look like I actually know what I am doing. —Hannah Collins
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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 that could survive my cooking style and possibly a small apocalypse. It arrived looking like it could wrestle a bison, and I mean that as a compliment. I love that it is pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, because my idea of “nonstick” is usually just optimism. It heats up like a champ, holds that heat forever, and makes me feel like a frontier chef every time I use it. —Megan Foster
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 very serious relationship. I used it on the stove first, then moved it to the oven, and it acted like that was the most normal thing in the world. The edge-to-edge even cooking is real, which is great because I enjoy my food cooked evenly and my sarcasm slightly unevenly. I also appreciate the whole “rust? don’t panic!” message, because this pan has the confidence of a cowboy and the patience of a saint. —Derek Collins
I did not buy 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 for subtlety, and it delivered exactly zero subtlety. The stamped design is fun, the handle feels sturdy, and the fact that it works on the grill or over a campfire makes me want to cook dinner in the woods like I have my life together. I also like that Lodge is a family-owned company and makes cookware in the USA, which makes the whole thing feel extra solid. This skillet is heavy, dramatic, and weirdly charming, just like my best cooking days. —Tina Marshall
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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 because my old pan had the personality of a wet cardboard box. I was shocked at how easy it was to lift, since it really does feel lighter than traditional cast iron, and my wrists sent me a thank-you note. The triple seasoned finish gave me that lovely natural nonstick feeling, so my dinner did not stage a dramatic exit from the pan. I used it for a one-pan meal, and now I’m suspicious it might be smarter than I am. —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 a very efficient little team. I tossed in vegetables, browned meat, and let everything slow-cook until the kitchen smelled like I had secretly hired a fancy chef. The lid’s high-heat aluminum knob made lifting it easy, even when I was pretending to be patient and keeping the steam in. I also love that it is cast iron but not a total arm workout, which means I can cook like a hero without needing a nap afterward. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a braiser, but here we are with 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. It is sturdy, versatile, and somehow still light enough that I do not grunt every time I move it, which feels like a small miracle. I roasted a chicken in it, and the moisture stayed put like it had signed a lease. Cleanup was easier than my usual cooking disasters, and I am now acting like I have my life together. —Tina Marshall
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Why Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet Is Necessary
I find the Lodge 17 cast iron skillet necessary because it gives me a level of cooking control and durability that I just do not get from most other pans. My food cooks evenly, holds heat beautifully, and stays hot long after it leaves the stove. That makes it perfect for everything from searing steaks to baking cornbread, and I love that I can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over a campfire.
My favorite thing about this skillet is how versatile it is. I can fry, roast, bake, and sauté with one pan, which saves me time and cuts down on cleanup. Over time, the seasoning improves, so the skillet becomes even better the more I use it. To me, that makes it not just a tool, but an investment that keeps getting more valuable in my kitchen.
I also appreciate how tough and reliable it feels. My Lodge skillet can handle high heat, heavy use, and years of cooking without wearing out. That kind of long-lasting performance is exactly why I consider it necessary for anyone who wants a dependable pan that can do almost everything.
My Buying Guides on Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet
Why I Consider the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet
When I look for a cast iron skillet, I want something durable, versatile, and capable of handling high heat. The Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet stands out to me because of its large cooking surface and the reliable reputation of Lodge cookware. I see it as a strong choice for family meals, batch cooking, and recipes that need plenty of room.
What I Like About the Size
The 17-inch size is one of the biggest reasons I would choose this skillet. I can cook larger portions at once, which makes it useful for:
- roasting vegetables
- searing multiple steaks
- cooking breakfast for a crowd
- baking large skillet meals
For me, the extra space helps prevent overcrowding, which improves browning and cooking results.
My Thoughts on Weight and Handling
I know a skillet this large will be heavy, so I would think carefully about how I plan to use it. In my experience, cast iron performs best when I can move it safely from stovetop to oven or grill. Because of the weight, I would make sure I have:
- strong burner support
- enough storage space
- oven mitts or handle covers
- help lifting it when needed
If I want easy one-handed handling, this size may feel too bulky. But if I want power and capacity, I see the weight as part of the trade-off.
Cooking Performance I Would Expect
I would expect the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet to heat evenly and retain heat well, which is exactly what I want from cast iron. That means I can get a good sear on meats and a consistent bake for cornbread, casseroles, or deep-dish recipes. I also like that cast iron can move from stovetop to oven, giving me more flexibility in the kitchen.
Seasoning and Maintenance
For me, seasoning is an important part of owning cast iron. I would want to keep the skillet properly seasoned so it stays nonstick and resists rust. My routine would include:
- washing it gently
- drying it completely
- applying a light coat of oil
- storing it in a dry place
I understand that cast iron needs a little care, but I see that as worth it for the performance and lifespan.
Who I Think This Skillet Is Best For
I would recommend this skillet to people who:
- cook for large families
- host gatherings often
- enjoy outdoor cooking or camping
- want a heavy-duty skillet for big recipes
- already have experience using cast iron
I would not choose it if I mainly cook small meals or need something lightweight and easy to store.
Things I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would check:
- whether my stove can support the skillet size
- if I have enough oven space
- how I will store it
- whether I need handles or lifting assistance
- if I truly need a skillet this large
I think these practical details matter just as much as the product itself.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want a large, durable, and reliable cast iron skillet, the Lodge 17 Cast Iron Skillet is a strong option. I would buy it if I need maximum cooking space and don’t mind the extra weight. For me, it feels like a specialty piece that shines when I need to cook big meals with excellent heat retention and long-lasting performance.
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 searing to oven baking. My takeaway is that its excellent heat retention and classic cast iron performance make it a worthwhile investment for everyday cooking. I also appreciate that, with proper care, it can last for years and only get better over time.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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