Excellent pan that is worth the price.
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.SeasoningAs 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.RustObviously 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.SummaryOn 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.
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KIM BYUNG JONG
January 14, 2026
Smooth Seasoning Over Time, Rock-Solid on Gas and Induction
I’ve mainly been using Lodge and Korean-made cast iron, and I finally picked up a Stargazer that I’d been considering for a while when I found a good deal.The factory pre-seasoning does wear off fairly quickly at first, but after using it a few times, it develops a beautifully smooth, personal seasoning layer. It just keeps getting better with use.I mostly cook on a gas cooktop, and I’ve also used it on induction with no wobbling at all, which is a big plus.The handle and helper handle are generously sized and very comfortable—one of my favorite features.This is the kind of pan you buy once and use for years, so I definitely recommend it.
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Great cast iron pan
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!
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E. Barton
November 06, 2025
Geeked about this pan!
Welp. What would you like to know about an expensive cast iron pan? How about weight? Cast iron is heavy. Even this pan takes two hands to pour liquid out. The handles work very well for that. I love the finish on the inside of the pan. It is just as good as the finish of an 80 year old pan that belonged to my grandmother. Cleanup isn't a pain either. As long as you don't let the food sit in it overnight. I'm very happy with my purchase. It's a great pan and well worth the expense. I don't have 80 years to season a pan properly and this pan gets me there much quicker. Treat your cast iron with love and care and you'll never regret it. Something about cast iron just make food taste better.
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Lisa Friedlander, LiCSW
September 06, 2025
The last forever kind
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.
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The perfect pan
This is my family's main skillet. It's more non-stick than the rougher cast iron pans and easy to take care of. We wash it with dawn powerwash after every use and it doesn't seem to affect it's seasoning.
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Best pan
Nice pan, deep sides, tough, doesnt stick, and looks good!
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