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Key Specs
Price
$175
Weight
6.5 lbs
Cooking Surface
Factory-smooth (CNC-machined)
Cooking Diameter
9.4"
Stargazer
#2 of 3 cast iron pans tested
What the product listing won't tell you
Know before you buy
Stargazer delivers a meaningfully better cooking experience than Lodge thanks to its CNC-machined smooth surface, lighter weight, and helper handle — all backed by a lifetime warranty and independent lead-safety confirmation. The one gap is a missing California chemical transparency page, which is a documentation issue rather than a safety concern since iron cookware contains no problematic chemicals.
Stargazer
Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Stargazer
Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
$175.00
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You want a smooth, factory-machined surface that makes releasing eggs and delicate foods easier right out of the box.
Lighter weight matters — at 6.5 lbs, Stargazer is more than two pounds lighter than the standard Lodge 12-inch skillet.
Your family has a soy allergy and you need a pre-seasoned pan that uses a non-soy, non-GMO oil.
You want a lifetime-warranted pan and are willing to pay a premium over basic cast iron.
You want independent lead-safety confirmation on your cookware before cooking for children.
You need California AB 1200 chemical disclosure documentation before purchasing cookware.
Budget is a primary concern — Lodge offers comparable performance at a fraction of the price.
You need the ultimate smooth-surface premium and are willing to pay more for Solidteknics or similar.
Specs the product listing doesn't explain
What your food and family come into contact with every use
Ease of use, maintenance, and longevity
3 criteria - open any layer to see exactly what we found
7.7
Safety
Good
8
Efficacy
Very Good
7.9
Usability
Good
“Is this pan safe to cook on, and has anyone independent confirmed that?”
Stargazer earns a perfect score for lead-safety — an independent researcher using an XRF analyzer confirmed no detectable lead in the iron or any hardware. The single meaningful gap is the absence of a California chemical transparency page on Stargazer's website, which is a documentation compliance issue rather than an actual safety concern. Cast iron is fundamentally iron; there are no PFAS, coatings, or concerning additives.
Solid safety profile for families. The lead-safe confirmation is the most important check for cast iron, and Stargazer passes. Publishing a California disclosure page would close the only remaining gap.
Criteria
An independent researcher tested this pan with an XRF analyzer and found no detectable lead. This is the most rigorous safety confirmation available for cast iron cookware.
“Will this pan actually cook food well and be practical to use daily?”
At 6.5 lbs, Stargazer is over two pounds lighter than the standard Lodge 12-inch skillet — a meaningful ergonomic difference during daily use. The CNC-machined smooth surface means eggs and delicate proteins release more easily right out of the box without requiring years of seasoning buildup. The 9.4-inch flat cooking area fits a full family-sized steak or four chicken thighs.
Strong everyday performer. The weight and surface finish are genuine differentiators over mass-market cast iron for buyers who care about daily usability.
“Is this pan easy and comfortable to use and maintain long-term?”
Stargazer scores well across all usability criteria. The helper handle makes two-handed lifting safe with a 6.5-lb pan.
The lifetime warranty means you buy once and never replace it. The pre-seasoning oil is non-GMO, soy-free — an important detail for families managing soy allergies.
Good daily-use experience. The helper handle and lifetime warranty are practical wins that stand out in the cast iron category.
Verified retailer - current pricing
Starting price
$175
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Alternatives that address specific trade-offs
Why this matters: Stargazer scores well across all usability criteria. The helper handle makes two-handed lifting safe with a 6.5-lb pan. The lifetime warranty means yo
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California's chemical transparency law requires cookware brands to publish a disclosure listing any intentionally added chemicals. Stargazer has not published this page. This is a documentation gap — cast iron contains no problematic chemicals — but health-conscious buyers in California or those who cross-check disclosure pages will find nothing.
Criteria
At 6.5 pounds, this pan is noticeably easier to lift, pour from, and maneuver than most 12-inch cast iron skillets. For regular home cooking, the weight difference is felt every single use.
The cooking surface is CNC-machined smooth rather than the pebbly texture found on Lodge. Eggs and fish release more easily right away, without needing years of seasoning layers to fill in the texture.
The flat bottom measures 9.4 inches across — enough room for a full family-sized steak, four chicken thighs side by side, or a batch of cornbread.
Criteria
Stargazer discloses their seasoning oil blend — a canola, grapeseed, and sunflower mix that is non-GMO certified and contains no soy. If anyone in your household has a soy allergy, this is a meaningful transparency win over brands that use undisclosed vegetable oils.
The helper handle opposite the main handle lets you lift and pour with two hands — important when transferring a 6.5-lb pan full of food from stovetop to oven.
Stargazer backs this pan with a lifetime warranty. Cast iron is designed to last generations — the lifetime warranty confirms the brand stands behind that claim.