Lancaster Cast Iron No. 4 Skillet - 7" skillet for eggs, desserts, sides, and more - Made in the USA

The saying "cry once when you buy it or cry every day when you use it" definitely comes to mind with this pan. Like spending extra on tools that are a joy to use and function flawlessly, or saving a bit up front and struggling during each use, this pan is not for everyone. In 20 years, I doubt the cost will even be remembered, but the countless meals that this heirloom quality pan produces certainly will.This has an old school vibe, but the performance of a nicely seasoned carbon steel pan from a manufacturer like Mauviel.One does not always get what they pay for, but in this case, the pans are well worth the money. Since trying this pan, I have purchased the number 10 skillet as well.

It is expensive for size, but high quality product

Wrote this already but will try this again ;-)This pan is truly a quality product! Will try to attach photos again but posting this on my laptop for efficiency (typing).... The pan comes in a quality box even- and has been custom made for this pan specifically to nicely nest in it and is well protected... there is a booklet for care/use info...I LOVE that it's made in the USA and that it has the quality I would expect for something in this price point- def pricey!! But I suppose you have to look at it as an investment- hopefully this will be around LONG after me ;-) passed on to family members to enjoy!Also love that it's so pretty I almost want to hang it on my backsplash wall in the kitchen!! There is a pretty wagon imprinted as well as the Lancaster name and Pennsylvania and the number of the pan-"4" and just unreal! But even more is that it's PRESEASONED!!! Love that I don't have to deal with that whole process OR take quite some time to get it anywhere near this nice- never had one feel like glass on the bottom of the pan!! It's unreal- very nice!!

I own many cast iron skillets. I am not crazy about Lodge because they do not finish their skillets with a smooth surface and the preseasoning isn't close to nonstick. I generally find Griswold skillets in antique stores and use those instead.Lancaster comes very close to my Griswold skillets. The preseasoning does not leave it black, but it is nonstick out of the box. I tested it by making scrambled eggs and then just wiping out the pan with a paper towel. To my surprise, the pan wiped clean! (See pictures) The eggs tasted like they were made on a Blackstone, which is a huge improvement over my everyday carbon steal pans.To further test this skillet, I cooked a 12-ounce filet mignon. The sear was perfect and the skillet retained heat as expected. If you are willing to pay for quality, Lancaster is worth every penny!The seasoning is getting darker the more I use it, and I'm sure it will perform even better as the seasoning builds.I received this product for free as part of the vine program, but if you look at my reviews, you'll see 1-star reviews for other products I received through the program. This is the best new skillet I have ever used and I highly recommend it!

I used to hate cast iron because it is so heavy and seemed difficult to care for. Then a friend turned me on to vintage cast iron (pre-1960s) that was hand made with thinner and smoother cast iron, and now I love to cook in my old Wagner Ware skillets that I look for at thrift stores. They sear and brown perfectly, and are nonstick when seasoned correctly. I love that I can start them on the stove top and then move them to an oven.When it comes to modern cast iron, it's affordable but very heavy and has a rough surface. I can't even pick up a 9" skillet with one hand if it's a post 1970's cast iron pan. EXCEPT FOR THIS LANCASTER PAN. When I saw the price, I was aghast. But then I read cooking websites, and they said Lancaster was handmade in the USA and used the old techniques to make it thinner and smoother. It truly deserves all the accolades! It's already seasoned and when I fried potatoes and then eggs (with a tad bit of oil), they didn't stick at all! Honestly, it's nonstick properties are even better than my other cast iron, and more on par with Teflon (but without all the toxic materials).This pan is pretty small. It's more appropriate for cooking for one because of the 7" size. I could fit 2-3 eggs in there, and it would work for a quiche for 1 or 2. It's also pretty expensive for such a small pan, but I do think you get what you pay for -- this pan is definitely superior to a modern Lodge with its lighter weight and nonstick properties.