Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I purchased this skillet after reading every review here, believing that the negative reviews were probably due to a lack of understanding how to work with cast iron.
At first, I did like the skillet. I took it through my own seasoning process (even though it was pre-seasoned) and was happy with both the appearance and (more importantly) the cooking qualities the first couple of times I used it.
I have been using it 1-2 times daily for the two weeks I've had it. A cast iron skillet is supposed to become better and more seasoned the more you use it. This one, however, is becoming worse. It doesn't heat as evenly as my other cast iron pieces, and no matter how carefully I clean and re-season it (I clean with kosher salt and a lint-free cloth, rinse with hot water, towel-dry then heat-dry it, then re-season with oil), the "seasoning" is becoming more and more uneven.
I had hesitated to buy this skillet since it's made in China and I don't want even the smallest chance that there is lead in this skillet. I should have gone with my hunch because now, more than ever, I'm upset at the idea of unknown elements being in this skillet, especially since the skillet isn't up to par with my other cast iron. I've also heard more and more stories of Emeril cast iron cracking... which I had thought initially due to too-rapid heating or cooking, but now I'm wondering if the Chinese cast iron itself is an inferior compound with sub-par "filler" material.
By point of comparison, four days ago I bought two Lodge 8" skillets. Of course, after my Emeril pre-seasoning experience, I had low expectations. But I was amazed as I gently washed them for the first time and water actually beaded on the surface and rolled right off. I decided to do something bold and daring, and cooked some eggs in the Lodge -- only the second time I cooked with it. Amazingly, those eggs slid right out as if the pan were Teflon -- a minor miracle with cast iron.
I can't return this skillet since I've used it, but I will be buying a Lodge 12" skillet instead. I'd rather waste my money and KNOW that I'm buying a safe, time-tested, made-in-the-USA item from a company with a longstanding reputation. The Lodge skillet is much less expensive, yet worth so much more... the superior pre-seasoning and the highly reputable manufacturer make Lodge the better deal even if it were higher-priced. Sorry, Emeril, but my vote is with Lodge.
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Emerilware Cast Iron 12 Inch SkilletEmerilware12" Cast Iron is a kitchen staple, this skillet stays put on the stovetop.Won't warp or chip. And are naturally non-stick. A cook's essential for searing, sauteing and deglazing. Excellent heat retention - keeps food warm at the table. Pre-seasoned pan surface.Thick base and sidewalls ensure no warping or chipping and Lifetime Guarantee.
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