12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

I've been using cast iron to cook for my entire adult life, just like my mother did, and her mother before her. In 2019, my husband gave me a Stargazer 12-inch skillet as a birthday gift, and it's been my favorite present from him in our 24 years of marriage. This skillet cooks everything so well and evenly that I can't even begin to describe how amazing it is. I use it for everything—meats, vegetables, breads, and desserts—you name it.

I also have the 10-inch pan, and I often use them both at the same time to cook different dishes. Sometimes, I'll load them up with halved Brussels sprouts and pop them in the oven to make the crispiest, most delicious Brussels sprouts you could imagine. I highly recommend the 12-inch skillet because it's the perfect size for cooking a meal for the whole family. With three kids, it easily makes enough for all five of us.

**Pro Tip:** You don’t need to season these pans. If you cook regularly like I do, I actually suggest not seasoning them. The surface of Stargazer cast iron is so smooth, naturally non-stick, and well-crafted that seasoning can actually take away some of the magic. I've included a photo of my two pans to show that they're not seasoned, and they still perform beautifully.

Don't hesitate—buy one!

These are great pans. I’ve been using cast iron and carbon steel pans for a long time. I’ve used many different brands and Stargazer has become my favorite. I feel like they are easier to season than other cast iron pans. I also like that the cooking area is smooth. I believe this helps with seasoning and makes cleaning easier. I also enjoy many design features such as the handle and curved lip which makes pouring easy.

Honestly this one was a stupor. Not my first foray into cast iron but I really wanted to treat myself and got me a nice stargazer. Let me tell you it is just beautifully crafted. I’ve so far noticed no burs or rough spots from the casting. They seem to have a very good QC. I wish I could have figured out what they use as a seasoning blend to keep that beautiful bronze gold hued color they come in. I’m not gonna lie to you guys it wasn’t a walk in the park for me to season this thing. I usually use a crisbee stick to season my cast iron griddle and that has always worked for me. But the stargazer not so much. After trying and trying the season would always come off with even a very gentle wash. So I asked some questions on Reddit cast iron sub ( a Godsend). And was suggested to use avocado oil as the crisbee stick has a fair amount of beeswax in it. So I did a simple strip boil on my stargazer and started anew. This time I did a stove top instead of oven seasoning round. Put about 4 layers of season and now it finally seems to be holding well. If you’re on the fence I’d buy it. Heck I plan on buying the 10” skillet and Dutch oven too. I’ve got my stainless steel for acidic foods and my cast iron for everything else.

It’s my go too pan love it!!

By now I'm definitely biased towards Stargazer and the brand.
Best Cast iron cookware out there by my books. By design, performance price.
Smooth to the touch, easy to clean, heavy but not too heavy (cast iron, what did you expect?), well thought out handle and design.
They're so good I bought many for friends and family!
Like any Cast Iron they do get better with age and use.
To all those who say it doesn't take seasoning well, just give it time and cook in it! It will happen!
You will know!
There comes a point where you suddenly notice that you don't need much butter or oil at all for your eggs, they just release like it where nothing!

By now after years of use I couldn't be more happy!

Yup...
I'm biasesed and for good reason!
You got a well thought out product!
For that price?
Have you seen the competition?
It's a bargain!
I know they aren't cheap, but I mean look at the cost of other height end Cast iron, it goes as high as 300$ just for the pan not even counting the lid.

Buy one, you won't regret it.

I bought stargazers 10 inch cast iron pan years ago when they first started with pre-orders. It is a fantastic pan. Since then I have collected many other phenomenal pans, some being much more expensive, and I finally pulled the trigger to buy the 12-in stargazer with the long handle. I cook on glass for hours at a time and the handle never gets hot. Then I can throw it in an outdoor oven that I have and smoke a roast inside the pan. Finally, it makes a great table setting piece.