We Tested Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet & Here’s Our Honest Review 

We tested the Lodge Blacklock because we needed a cast iron skillet that didn’t feel like a relic. Most pans are either too heavy or too fussy. 

This one claimed triple-seasoning, lighter build, and everyday ease. So we dropped it into rotation…eggs, steak, breakfast hash, campfire tests. 

Nothing fancy, just honest cooking in real kitchens. If you’re deciding between Blacklock, standard Lodge, or nonstick backups, our review might save you a return trip.

Lodge Blacklock Skillet – Build & Features

The Lodge Blacklock 12-inch skillet stands out for one key reason: smart design meets cast iron tradition. 

Here’s what sets it apart:

🔩 Lightweight Cast Iron Construction

Most cast-iron pans feel like lifting dumbbells. Not this one. Lodge re-engineered the Blacklock using thinner walls, shaving off 25% of the weight compared to standard cast iron. You get the heat retention without the wrist strain.

🔥 Triple-Seasoned Cooking Surface

It arrives ready to cook. Lodge applies three rounds of seasoning with natural vegetable oil, giving it a solid head start.  Out of the box, it already resists sticking. Still, performance improves after the first few uses.

👋 Redesigned Handle for Real Control

The raised, elongated handle stays cooler longer and gives more leverage when flipping or pouring. A helper handle on the opposite side makes it easier to move from the stove to the oven.

🛠️ Safe, Non-Toxic Materials

There’s no chemical coating, no Teflon, no PTFE or PFOA. It’s just pure cast iron, seasoned and sealed with oil. This pan is built for cooks who care about clean materials and long-term use.

🔥 Built for High Heat & Versatility

Oven, grill, gas, electric, induction…this skillet handles it all. It’s rated safe for any cooking method short of the microwave. Made proudly in the USA and built to last for generations.

Seasoning & First‑Use Experience with the Lodge Blacklock Skillet

Even though the Blacklock comes triple-seasoned, we didn’t rely on that alone. To see how much the seasoning mattered, our LivegreensPDX team tested both right-out-of-the-box and reseasoned versions side by side.

What Our Cooks Did to Improve the Surface

The Lodge Blacklock comes triple-seasoned, but our cooks still noticed a performance boost after a quick at-home reseasoning. We wiped it down with avocado oil, heated it on medium-high until it smoked, and repeated twice. By the third round, the surface turned darker and noticeably slicker.

One pan handled scrambled eggs better by day three…less sticking and easier cleanup.

How It Performed on First Use vs After Reseasoning

Out of the box, it’s usable…but not flawless. Our first test with eggs showed slight sticking unless butter or oil was added generously. After reseasoning and 2–3 meals, the surface improved significantly. Pancakes browned evenly. Chicken releases more easily after searing.

The triple-seasoning does help, but expect to do your part in the first week. The more you use it, the better it performs.

Cooking in Real Kitchens with the Lodge Blacklock Skillet

Our cooks at LivegreensPDX cooked across gas stoves, campfires, and oven racks to see if the Blacklock skillet lives up to its legacy. Here’s what stood out in real-world use:

• Searing meats, bacon, and burgers:

Steaks browned with ease and left a rich fond for pan sauces. Bacon crisped without curling. Smash burgers cooked evenly and released cleanly…no sticking or tearing after basic reseasoning.

• Eggs, pancakes, and cornbread:

Fried eggs slid better by the second day. Pancakes were cooked without scorching, and the edges were browned just right. Cornbread baked in the oven had a golden crust and came out in one piece.

• Oven, grill, and open flame cooking:

Roasted chicken stayed juicy inside and browned on top. On the grill, the skillet handled direct flame without warping. Campfire hash held heat and flavor, even with uneven firewood heat.

Once broken in, this skillet turns into a multi-surface workhorse…equally reliable on a campfire as it is on a gas burner. We wouldn’t pack for a weekend trip without it.

Lodge Blacklock vs Traditional Cast Iron vs Non‑Blacklock Lodge

We tested the Lodge Blacklock alongside both standard Lodge skillets and older cast iron pans. The difference shows up fast in weight, handling, and how ready it is out of the box. Here’s a practical comparison for anyone deciding which cast iron skillet to buy:

Go with the Lodge Blacklock if you want cast iron performance without the bulk. It’s easier to lift, comes better seasoned, and handles daily cooking without constant upkeep. Traditional cast iron still works…but only if you don’t mind the weight and time needed to bring it up to speed.

Cleaning, Handling & Long‑Term Care for Lodge Blacklock

Cast iron needs care. Here’s what to know about cleaning, handling heat safely, and keeping your Lodge Blacklock skillet in top shape for decades.

Handle With Caution

The long, elevated handle on the Blacklock stays cooler longer than most, but it still conducts heat, especially over open flames or in the oven. 

Here’s what we recommend:

• Always use a towel, silicone grip, or mitt when cooking over medium-high or open flame.
• Avoid gripping bare metal when transferring from the stovetop to the oven.
• The helper handle makes a big difference…use both for better balance when pouring or carrying.

Tip: Unlike most cast iron skillets, the handle design on the Blacklock feels more ergonomic, but you’ll still need heat protection every time.

How to Clean It Right

Forget soap and steel scrubbers. The Blacklock rewards gentle, smart cleaning. After each use:

• Rinse with hot water while the skillet is still warm (not piping hot).
• Use a non-metal brush or pan scraper to loosen bits.
• Avoid dish soap…occasional use is fine, but regular soap can strip seasoning.
• For stuck-on food, simmer water in the pan for 30–60 seconds, then scrape and rinse.

Note: Light gray or white marks from hard water are normal. Buff gently with steel wool or Bar Keepers Friend if needed.

Re-seasoning: When & How

Even though Blacklock comes triple-seasoned, it benefits from periodic touch-ups. Especially after acidic foods or deep scrubbing, re-seasoning restores the slick surface.

Here’s how to re-season:

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Wipe a thin layer of neutral oil (like grapeseed or flaxseed) over the cooking surface.
• Place the skillet upside down on the oven rack with foil underneath.
• Bake for 1 hour, then let cool inside the oven.

Do this every few months or when food begins sticking again. The more you use it, the better it performs.

With just a few simple habits, your Lodge Blacklock skillet becomes nearly nonstick, naturally. Handle it right, skip the soap, and season it like you mean it—and it’ll outlive most of your kitchen.

Pros & Cons of the Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet

After weeks of hands-on testing, here’s what stood out…the good and the not-so-good about the Lodge Blacklock skillet. These points reflect actual use, not marketing fluff.

✅ Pros of the Lodge Blacklock Skillet

• Lighter than traditional cast iron: At about 25% less weight, it’s easier to lift, tilt, and control…especially helpful for older users or those with wrist strain.
  
• Triple-seasoned surface cooks clean: Out of the box, eggs and pancakes release better than typical cast iron. Less time spent building up a base layer.
  
• Ergonomic handle stays cooler longer: The raised handle design helps manage heat better than flat cast iron grips.
  
• Great for high-heat and open-flame cooking: Performs well on gas, grill, oven, and even campfires. Won’t warp or crack.
  
• Made in the USA with no toxic coatings: No PTFE or PFOA. It’s safe, clean, and designed to last decades.

❌ Cons of the Lodge Blacklock Skillet

• Not as smooth as enameled or high-polish skillets: The interior has slight texture. Some users may notice this when flipping delicate foods like crepes.
  
• Still requires seasoning upkeep: Even with triple seasoning, re-seasoning is needed for long-term slickness.
  
• Handle gets hot over high or extended heat: You’ll still need a towel or sleeve.
  
• Costs more than regular Lodge skillets: Double the price of their classic line—but not double the performance for every user.

If you want cast iron power without the bulk, the Lodge Blacklock skillet gives you that. But if you’re looking for a zero-maintenance pan or expect it to match nonstick ease, be ready for a small learning curve.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet

Not every cast iron skillet is for everyone. Based on real testing and user reviews, here’s who will benefit from the Lodge Blacklock—and who might be better off with something else.

✅ You Should Buy This If:

• You cook several times a week and want a pan that sears, bakes, and grills with serious heat.
  
• You want cast iron benefits without cast iron weight. At 25% lighter, it’s easier to manage.
  
• You appreciate natural nonstick that improves over time and doesn’t rely on coatings.
  
• You don’t mind simple upkeep like handwashing and occasional seasoning.
  
• You want a pan that works on all heat sources—gas, oven, grill, and open flame.

❌ You Should Skip This If:

• You want zero-maintenance cookware. This skillet needs occasional seasoning and can’t go in the dishwasher.
  
• You rarely cook or only make simple meals. You may not need this level of performance or price tag.
  
• You expect it to behave like Teflon. Even well-seasoned, it won’t match the glide of PTFE pans.
  
• You dislike handwashing or using oil. Seasoned pans thrive with manual care and regular oiling.

This skillet is made for committed home cooks, not for those looking for a set-it-and-forget-it pan. If you enjoy cooking and want long-term quality, it’s one of the best upgrades you can make.

Final Take: Why the Lodge Blacklock Might Be the Last Skillet You Ever Buy

Most cast iron pans are built to last. The Lodge Blacklock is built to last and be used daily. Its lighter body, triple seasoning, and smart handle design fix what used to make cast iron a chore. 

You get the durability of a 100-year heirloom with the ease of a modern kitchen tool.

If you want to skip synthetic coatings, upgrade your stovetop performance, and pass down a skillet your kids will still want—this one’s it.

👉 Buy the Lodge Blacklock Skillet 

You Might Have These Questions About  Lodge Blacklock Skillet