Discover the Benefits of the Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet

I purchased a Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet seven months ago and have been using it almost daily since. Today, I’m going to share my thoughts about it and whether it’s worth the price tag!

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About Lancaster Cast Iron 

Lancaster Cast Iron was born from a deep-rooted passion for revitalizing traditional cookware. Founders Mark Longenecker and Brandon Moore, friends from Grove City College, embarked on an epic road trip in 2018 that led them to brainstorm the revival of high-quality, lightweight cast iron skillets. 

By 2019, they launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund their first product, the No. 8 skillet. Based in Conestoga, Pennsylvania, their company now produces a range of skillets, combining old-world techniques with modern design to create heirloom-quality cookware.

These guys are true artisans and are really passionate about bringing that timeless American cast iron tradition back into our kitchens. They’re not just making cookware; they’re crafting heirlooms that are meant to last and perform like a dream. It’s like they’re pouring a piece of history into every skillet they make!

My Thoughts Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet 

I ordered the Lancaster No. 8 skillet in October 2023 and received it within a week. I was quite impressed with how quickly I received it. My initial reaction when I opened the package was the care they took in presentation and packaging. The Lancaster skillet was packaged securely and was well protected.

I loved the quote on the box, “ Welcome to the Lancaster Family. Use your new skillet often, share it with loved ones, and create traditions that will carry on for generations.” They even included a note and information on how to care for your cast iron skillet. I don’t know about you, but I love little details like this when I make a purchase.

First Impressions 

First off, let me tell you that when I ran my fingers across this skillet, I was shocked at how smooth it was. 

Then, I lifted it out of the box and was surprised at how lightweight the skillet was. I would definitely consider this a lightweight skillet. We all know cast iron skillets have some heft to them, but this skillet weighs over one pound less than my Lodge.

I also appreciated the larger pour spouts compared to the Lodge. It makes pouring much easier and less messy.

My son and I noticed that the sides of the Lancaster skillet go straight up rather than angle out. We love this feature.

Another big factor for me was that it is a made in USA skillet as I love supporting USA manufacturers.

I also want to highlight the stunning design on the back of the skillet. Not only does the skillet function brilliantly, but if you enjoy displaying your cookware, this skillet doubles as a decorative piece. Hanging it up in your kitchen? It’s sure to draw compliments and spark conversation.

Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet Products

Lancaster Cast Iron offers three sizes of skillets—No. 8, No. 10, and No. 12—and they’re planning to introduce more sizes soon. These numbers are a nod to an old-school American sizing system from the 1800s, based on the “eye” sizes of antique wood stoves, not the actual diameter of the skillet. For instance, the No. 8 isn’t 8 inches; it actually measures 10.5 inches across the top.

Lancaster Cast Iron also offers accessories for skillets, leather goods, wooden utensils, and cutting & serving boards.

Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet  VS. Lodge Skillet

Let’s take a closer look at the Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet and the Lodge Skillet. It’s a battle of tradition versus modernity as we explore how each skillet performs in various kitchen tests.

 We’ll compare their heating times, how well they retain heat and their overall weight and handling ease. 

Additionally, we’ll examine the smoothness of their surfaces, the design of their handles and pour spouts, and, of course, the impact on your wallet. 

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First, let’s talk about the Lancaster Skillet. If you look at the left side of the photo, you’ll notice how much thinner it is compared to the Lodge. Weighing in at 4.30 pounds, the Lancaster is a breeze to maneuver. This thinness makes it significantly lighter and easier to handle, which can be a real game-changer especially when you’re moving it from stove to oven. The thinness doesn’t sacrifice durability, though – Lancaster skillets are known for being both sturdy and lightweight.

Now, turning our attention to the Lodge Skillet on the right, you’ll see it has a pebbled surface. This texture is one of Lodge’s trademarks and it helps with seasoning adherence over time. The Lodge is noticeably heftier, weighing 5 pounds 4.9 ounces, which many cooks appreciate for its excellent heat retention. The added weight can be a bit of a workout,

The Lancaster’s sleek, smooth cooking surface is almost velvety to the touch, making it perfect for delicate tasks like flipping pancakes or cooking eggs. Check out how well my omelette cooked up in the Lancaster cast iron skillet! I also baked a skillet cookie in it. It was delicious. Everything I have cooked and baked in the Lancaster skillet has turned out fantastic.

Both skillets feature pour spouts, but the Lancaster’s are a bit more pronounced, making it easier to drain off excess fat or pour out sauces without making a mess.

Heat Test

To really get a sense of how the Lancaster and Lodge skillets perform in the kitchen, I decided to run a little experiment with my trusty heat gun. Now, before we dive into the results, a quick disclaimer: this was done right in my own kitchen. The heat gun isn’t a precision instrument, and I did my best to keep the conditions consistent, but there might be slight variations in how I held the gun and the exact flame on my burner. That said, I think we can glean some pretty useful insights from this test.

First up, the heating test. I cranked up the heat and let both skillets warm up for five minutes. The Lancaster skillet hit a sizzling 526.6°F, while the Lodge skillet reached 445.8°F. This aligns with what we know about the Lancaster’s thinner build – it heats up more quickly, which can be a real advantage when you’re in a hurry to get dinner on the table.

Next, I let both skillets cool down for 20 minutes. After this time, the Lancaster had dropped to 121.1°F, and the Lodge was right there with it at 122.0°F. This tells us that while the Lancaster heats up faster, both skillets cool down at a similar rate. This can be helpful to know if you’re considering how long you’ll need to let your skillet sit before it’s safe to handle or store away.

While these numbers might not be lab-accurate, they give us a rough idea of how these two skillets compare in terms of heat management. The Lancaster, with its thinner walls, heats up more quickly but cools down just as fast as the Lodge. The Lodge, on the other hand, heats up a bit more slowly but retains heat just as well.

Final Thoughts on the Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet

The Lancaster cast iron skillet is undoubtedly a premium product. Its lightweight design, smooth cooking surface, and rapid heating capabilities make it a joy to use, especially for everyday cooking tasks that require a bit more finesse. However, with these premium features comes a higher price tag compared to more traditional options like the Lodge.

Is it worth the extra money? If you value ease of handling, a smooth cooking surface that mimics non-stick properties, and faster heating times, then the Lancaster skillet is a worthy investment. It’s particularly beneficial for those who cook frequently and want a skillet that offers both performance and convenience.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer the robustness and heat retention of a heavier skillet, the Lodge remains an excellent choice. It may not heat up as quickly or be as smooth, but its durability and performance over time are well-proven.

In the end, the Lancaster skillet’s value lies in its unique blend of lightness, smoothness, and efficiency. If these qualities align with your cooking needs and you don’t mind the extra cost, the Lancaster skillet could be a fantastic addition to your kitchen collection.