Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet | Made in USA, Seasoned, Premium Frying Pan for Grilling, Searing, Baking & More – Durable Cast Iron with Smooth Cooking Surface

This is a wordy review, but since you are thinking of paying a lot for a pan I thought this would be helpful. First, why is the expense justified? The best pans ever are 80-120 years old. They were cast in fine sand molds which resulted in a smooth cooking surface. Unfortunately the process resulted in the workers dying of silicosis. So, thankfully that process is not coming back, ever. These pans are made in the US in a labor intensive process that doesn't kill people but creates a similar smooth surface pan. Some people do OK with the pebbly surfaced pans, but I have never had luck with them, so I gave this a try. I have several vintage pans (Wagner, vintage Lodge) along with some modern pans. The Wagners are great but hard to come by, and a good one will cost you just as much as this new pan. Needed a new pan as the vintage ones had the audacity to warp over their hundred year lifespan. So: Unpacking. The pan was in perfect condition. Perfectly flat with no wobble. No casting imperfections. The seasoning was in perfect condition. Color a bit darker than what I saw online, more of a saddle brown. Seasoning As I said, perfect condition. Fried an egg right out of the box as a test. Did not stick and easily removed with a spatula. Did not slide like a hockey puck, but wasn't expecting that with a new pan. Immediately did three more rounds of seasoning with avocado oil which darkened the pan considerably (which I expected, it's iron after all) Weight. A bit heavier than my vintage pans by about a pound. Takes a bit longer to heat up (5 vs 4 minutes). Handle. Unusual handle. Obviously designed to disperse heat. Less comfortable than a standard handle when cold. However, it also won't sear the flesh off of your hand. I find it perfectly comfortable palm up and less comfortable palm down. Able to pick up a hot pan with just a dish rag--no special silicone cover needed. Rust Obviously none. Have never had an iron pan rust, but I take care of it. 100% certain that if put in the dishwasher it will rust faster than a '72 Datsun. So don't do that. Summary On par with the best of the vintage pans without the warping or other age related issues. Much better than cheaper pebbly pans. Price not out of line given the manufacturing process and what a vintage pan would set you back.

Although not the cheapest cast iron skillet, it feels worth the cost. It is well made, light weight for cast iron, has a very smooth surface and oddly you do not need a mitt to hold onto the handle when hot. Overall it is a well thought out design and execution on a century old design. These are a once in a lifetime purchases so you will enjoy the improvements for decades to come.

The Stargazer 10-inch cast iron skillet is a standout in the world of cast iron cookware. From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell this was a high-quality piece. The sleek, polished cooking surface is a game-changer—it’s incredibly smooth, making it more naturally non-stick compared to traditional rough-surfaced cast iron. This also makes cleaning much easier, as food doesn’t cling as stubbornly. The design is both functional and elegant. The handle is longer than most, which not only provides better leverage but also stays cooler for longer when cooking on the stovetop. The flared sides and curved lip are fantastic additions, allowing for easy pouring without spills—a small detail that makes a big difference. In terms of performance, it heats evenly and retains heat exceptionally well, just as you’d expect from good cast iron. It’s perfect for everything from searing steaks to frying eggs or baking cornbread. Once properly seasoned, it performs like a dream, and the seasoning only improves with use. While it is a bit heavier than some other options, I consider this a fair trade-off for its durability and superior cooking performance. The extra weight feels solid and sturdy in your hands, reassuring you that this is a pan that will last a lifetime. Overall, the Stargazer 10-inch skillet combines modern innovation with the timeless reliability of cast iron. It’s not just a pan—it’s an investment in better cooking. Highly recommended for anyone who loves quality cookware!

The Stargazer cast iron skilled was just what I needed. I had already had an ancient cast iron skillet well seasoned from years of use and smooth on the surface, but it was a 13 inch, very heavy and larger than I needed for cooking a couple of eggs. My husband used it first, without oil (are you kidding? On my new frying pan?) and his eggs stuck. So, I had to clean it with elbow grease and that lifted some of the seasoning. However, after a few additional uses with olive oil, my eggs came out without sticking and I just heated, oiled and wiped it down. It's gorgeous, high quality, and will last forever. It's price point is fair for the durability.

I live this skillet. It is great for cooking so many things, and the gold hue color is beautiful. A new piece of cast iron that will remind you of the great quality of a family heirloom piece. The company even puts the month and year of manufacturing making this a great heirloom piece to pass on yourself (for those of you who may have acquired old Griswold or Wagner ware and tried to look online based on the logo or other markings how old the pan was, may appreciate this).

Excellent skillet smooth pre seasoned love it

I had high hopes for this pan. It should get a 5* as its a beautiful pan but after baking 7 seasoning coats in the oven with various oils such as, tallow, grape seed, avocado oil and then cook only bacon for 1 week in it. And NOT once was it non-stick, eggs, bacon, pancakes all burnt to pan. I gave up trying to season it as it wouldn't stick no matter what I did. I unfortunately had to return pan, we will see if they'll credit the money or charge me the $170 again once they received pan back.

This is an excellent pan. Was a little disappointed with the seasoning as it came. Had to strip with steel wool and redo the seasoning. After doing this it is an excellent cooker.