My Father-in-Law Is Ditching Toxic Cookware, so I’m Getting Him This Skillet Instead

A few weeks ago, my father-in-law declared that he was ditching his toxic nonstick cookware for good. After years of holding onto Teflon pots and pans that are flaking, he’s finally ready to replace them with non-toxic cookware that’s easy to use and clean, and while he loves his cast iron skillets, they’re just too unwieldy for everyday use in his kitchen. That’s why I was so thrilled to discover Lodge’s carbon steel skillet, which delivers the same flavor when cooking yet is 2 pounds lighter — a big difference when it comes to maneuvering cookware on the stovetop. When I tried it for the first time during a weekend away in Vermont, I knew I had to get one for him as a holiday gift (and possibly one for myself). Right now, it’s on sale for only $40 so I might as well grab a pair.

Lodge 10-Inch Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet

Lodge already makes our favorite cast iron pan, and the brand’s craftsmanship translates to its carbon steel skillet, another tested favorite of ours. The pan comes pre-seasoned and ready to use out of the box. Its consistent heating produces evenly cooked crepes without any sticking, while the long handle is comfortable to grip.

Thanks to its heat retention and pre-seasoning, the carbon steel delivers the same flavor as cast iron but is far lighter. Whereas a 10-inch cast iron skillet weighs 5 pounds, this 10-inch carbon steel pan weighs only 3 pounds. I can’t even begin to imagine lifting up my 10-inch skillet with one hand to swirl around crepe batter, but the same feat is doable with the carbon steel skillet, which we experienced during our tests.

I had the pleasure of trying out the Lodge carbon steel skillet recently during a trip to Vermont when a good friend brought his own pan to our weekend festivities. (Who doesn’t love a prepared friend?) The skillet, which he’s had for over five years, became the hero of our dinners that entire weekend. It churned out golden brown grilled cheeses and pierogies that were crispy on the outside yet chewy on the inside. 

At the end of each night, my friend simply washed the pan with some warm water and gently scraped off any lingering charred bits. Clearly, it’s made an impact on me as I’m still thinking about it months later; so, while it’s on sale, I’m taking the opportunity to grab one for my father-in-law and one for myself this holiday season. My trusty cast iron skillet will always be one of my favorites, but there’s always room for more cookware in my heart (and my cupboards).

Shop More Cookware Gifts at Amazon

Tramontina Stainless Steel Skillet

Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok

Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet

Lodge Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Sauté Pan