When I’m searing salmon and I want skin so crispy it could shatter with the slightest touch, I use my favorite stainless steel pan. When I’m craving fluffy scrambled eggs with heaps of sharp Cheddar cheese and a hefty dose of black pepper, I grab my trusty nonstick. But when I’m making almost anything else, I heat up my reliable Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet, which happens to be 40% off at Amazon right now.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 12-Inch 

This workhorse of a pan can do it all. Cornbread? No question. Pork chops? Of course. A huge porterhouse steak? You better believe it. I was using it so often, I finally made one of my burners its permanent home after years of schlepping it from my cabinet to my stove. I think we can all agree this prime placement is the highest achievable honor for any kitchen product. 

I’ve owned this skillet since 2020, and I’m constantly impressed by its unbeatable heat retention, durability, and versatility. It can go from oven to stove, stove to grill, grill to campfire (this part is theoretical since camping isn’t my version of fun), and back again. 

According to its website, Lodge has been in the cast iron business since 1896, making it the oldest manufacturer in the country. With so many decades under its belt, the company has mastered its art and built a following of devoted shoppers who find its products to be “perfect for everything,” “high quality,” and “a real value for the money.” 

Over the years, cast iron has acquired an unfair reputation for being fussy and high maintenance. While it’s certainly true that these pans need a little TLC to maintain their nonstick coating, the reality is that Lodge makes it incredibly easy for customers to use and care for its products. With a handy silicone sleeve that protects against burns and easy-to-follow instructions detailing how to season the skillet, I think that the price is well worth the minimal effort needed to prep it. I took the time to season mine when I got it over four years ago, and it’s been nonstick ever since.  

I’m not the only one who appreciates the quality of Lodge’s work. The skillet has nearly 20,000 ratings at Amazon. While one shopper can’t believe “how easy these are to cook with and maintain,” another customer describes the pan as the “best tool in my kitchen next to the wooden spoon.” They also love the 12-inch version, as do I, because it’s the ideal size for “everyday needs.” 

Whether you’re searing steaks or baking brownies, the Lodge 12-inch skillet is a worthy investment. Don’t miss grabbing it on sale now at Amazon for $30. 

Shop More Lodge Cookware Deals at Amazon: 

Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet 

 Lodge Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle 

Lodge Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle 

 Lodge 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Round Griddle 

At the time of publishing, the price was $30.