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Add to SafariWhen comparing Lodge Cast-Iron with Handle Holder vs Staub Enameled Cast-Iron Skillet, the Slant community recommends Lodge Cast-Iron with Handle Holder for most people. In the question“What are the best skillets around or under $100?” Lodge Cast-Iron with Handle Holder is ranked 2nd while Staub Enameled Cast-Iron Skillet is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Lodge Cast-Iron with Handle Holder is:
The Lodge skillet is perfect for people not familiar with cast-iron cookware because it comes with a layer of seasoning and can be used right away. The non-stick properties improve with further seasoning. This can be done by either cooking greasy foods in it for the first few times or seasoning with oil/lard (see [Care Of Traditional Cast Iron Cookware](http://commonsensehome.com/cooking-cast-iron-get-started/)).
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Comes preseasoned for immediate use
The Lodge skillet is perfect for people not familiar with cast-iron cookware because it comes with a layer of seasoning and can be used right away. The non-stick properties improve with further seasoning. This can be done by either cooking greasy foods in it for the first few times or seasoning with oil/lard (see Care Of Traditional Cast Iron Cookware).
Pro Suitable for all kinds of cooking mediums
This cast-iron skillet can be used with these heat sources: gas/electric/induction stovetops, oven, grill, broiler, and open campfire.
Pro Extremely durable
Metal utensils can be used freely in this frying pan. The skillet will last for generations if treated properly.
Pro An extra handle for easier handling
Since the skillet is heavy, it has an extra handle for added balance when moving the pan.
Pro Comes with a silicone slip-on holder for burn-protection
The silicone handle holder protects from burns, as the short handle of this skillet gets very hot, especially after using in an oven. The holder slips on and off easily, providing a good grip.
Pro Perfect for searing meat
Once hot, the skillet holds heat for a very long time so it is perfect for searing meat.
Pro Very versatile use
This skillet can be used for a wide variety of cooking such as searing, roasting, frying, baking, and one pan stove-to-oven recipes.
Pro No fear of overheating
Cast iron can handle temperatures well above any home oven (melting point above 2000 ºF). This skillet will need to be reseasoned if left on heat, empty, for a long time or if it's often subjected to temperatures around 500 ºF.
Pro Can be used to cook acidic foods
Since this skillet's enamel is non-reactive, nothing from the cooking surface leaches into food, even when exposed to highly acidic foodstuffs. As a result, pasta sauce, chili or anything else can simmer for a long time or even be stored in the pan.
Pro Suitable for various cooking mediums
The enameled Staub skillet can be used with these heat sources: gas/electric/induction stove-tops, oven, broiler, and grill, although using a grill risks damaging the pan's outer glossy enamel layer.
Pro Dishwasher safe
This skillet can be washed or soaked in water without rusting. However, with frequent dishwasher cycles it will need reseasoning and the enamel may wear out.
Pro Very versatile use
This skillet is suitable for a wide variety of uses, for example, searing, roasting, frying, baking, and simmering.
Pro Spouts for easier pouring
This frying pan has spouts on two sides, so it is easy to pour out grease or gravy.
Pro An extra handle for easier handling
Since the skillet is heavy, it has an extra handle for added balance when moving the pan.
Pro Wide range of colors
The skillet comes in 8 colors: matte black, white, sapphire blue, grenadine red, graphite grey, basil green, burnt orange and cherry red. The glossy outside enamel looks appealing and decorative.
Pro Can handle high heat
This Staub skillet can be used in temperatures of up to 500 ºF. However, the manufacturer advises users to use mostly low to medium heat. If high temperatures are needed, it should be heated up slowly.
Pro Comes preseasoned for immediate use
This skillet comes with a first layer of seasoning and can be used right away. The cooking surface of Staub's enamel is a little rough, so it allows for some more seasoning. This can be done by cooking greasy foods for the first few times.
Cons
Con Takes a long time to heat up evenly
For more even heat distribution this skillet needs to be heated in an oven for 20-30 minutes or alternatively on a stovetop for 10 minutes, rotating by 45 degrees every few minutes.
Con Needs to be cleaned and dried immediately after use
After cooking, food should be removed immediately and the skillet should be cleaned. It can be scrubbed with a nylon/plastic brush if needed. Then it should be washed in warm water, dried off completely and wiped down with cooking oil.
Con Very heavy
Weighing in at 7.5 lbs, this skillet might not be suitable for someone with weaker wrists.
Con Heat diffuser needed for small burners
The heat might not transfer evenly if the burner is smaller than the skillet, so an additional heat diffuser might be needed.
Con Can scratch ceramic glass stovetops
This skillet is heavy and might be a bit uneven (pebbly) on the outside. When using ceramic glass stovetops, you must only lift the pan out as sliding it around can damage the surface.
Con Silicone handle holder can slip off
Some users reported that the holder needs to be gripped tight, especially if the cook has difficulty lifting the skillet.
Con Not dishwasher safe, rusts if soaked in water
The Lodge Cast-iron skillet should not be put in the dishwasher or soaked. It will rust and chip if exposed to water for too long. The pan needs to be dried off completely directly after washing.
Con Not suitable for cooking acidic food
When cooking with tomatoes, citrus, pineapple, or other acidic foods, the seasoning can strip away and the pan will need to be reseasoned. Without seasoning, the iron may leach and give food a metallic taste.
Con Rough, pebbled cooking surface
Some users dislike rough cooking surfaces of these skillets, because they take time and frequent use to get smoother.
Con Enamel is not resistant to scratches
Only wooden, nylon or plastic utensils should be used in this skillet, otherwise the enamel might chip. Enamel also may crack if the skillet gets banged against a hard surface.
Con Does not heat up very evenly
The enameled frying pan distributes heat more evenly in comparison to bare-cast iron pans, but preheating is still needed to eliminate hot spots.
Con Very heavy
Weighing 6.6 lbs, this skillet may not be suitable for cooks with weaker wrists.
Con The handle gets very hot
The skillet should not be handled without gloves or potholders, because the handle gets very hot when cooking.
Con Sensitive to sudden changes in temperature
To use with high heat, this skillet should be heated up slowly for 10 minutes. When heated up, it should never be cooled suddenly (such as plunged in cold water), as the enamel coating may crack and come off entirely.
Con Not suitable for using on a campfire
Unlike the bare-cast iron skillets, this enameled skillet should not be put straight into campfires. The temperatures of open flames are hard to control, and if the skillet gets too hot, the enamel can soften enough to get damaged.
Con Expensive brand
The 10'' skillet version is the cheapest, costing $99.95. The next in size 12'' skillet costs double that - $199.95.
