VICTORIA Seasoned Cast Iron Induction Frying Pan, 25 cm, Suitable for Stovetop, Barbecue, Oven, Ceramic Hob, Gas, Skillet Free of Toxic Substances, withoVut PTFE or PFOA

This cast iron skillet is just the best! At least that we can get in the UK without going well into three figures for an import. It's considerably less expensive than the usual name brand competitor, even though it is imported from the USA on order. It's also better. The finish on this pan is less sandpaper-like than many, although not a smooth finish that only the premium pans sold in the USA have. It still has a graininess to it, but more like fine sand than broken glass. A tell is trying to wipe the pan with a paper kitchen towel when spreading oil. Do that to some cast iron pans (like my grill pan), and the surface shreds the paper all over the pan and you end up having to clean the paper off. With this pan, as long as you don't wipe too hard, the paper stays intact. Still better to use a cloth though (the paper was mostly just a test, and to quickly spread a pool of oil for seasoning). I did one seasoning cycle after washing the pan as per instructions when it arrived, and used it the next morning to cook bacon. No sticking at all. Even the gluey gunk that cooks out of cheap supermarket bacon, that tries to glue itself even to my non-stick pans, cleaned off with just a minute's wipe with a sponge and hand-hot water afterwards. I guess Victoria knows how to season a pan for sale. It's a heavy pan of course, but no heavier than any other *good* cast iron pan of this size. For me it hits the perfect balance between being thin enough to heat up quickly, but massive enough to distribute and hold that heat, and thus cook well. The weight helps it stay still and safe on the hob while I move the food around in it, without having to hold onto the pan. I'm cooking sous vide steaks for new year's eve, and this pan will be perfect for that final sear to get a good crust and a pan sauce. I can't wait!

The 8-inch pan measurement refers to the diameter of the rim. The diameter of the flat base is actually more like 6 inches. It is flat enough to use on a glass hob. The handle could ideally be a little longer. Otherwise great, heavy-duty, and will last a lifetime. Please note that iron pans are not suitable for dishwasher use (this removes the oil layer) but otherwise they are great because of their durability, oven-safe nature and non-stick qualities. Good value.

Great little skillet, perfect for some sausages or similar.

Nice good size pan sticking abit at first but this will hopefully sort as to season and use the pan. Nice addition m

Watch you tube videos about how to use these pans,do you research and you will love this pan. There heavyweights in the pan world for a reason and that's because there built to last. When it comes to cooking with it ,it's a different level, for cooking steaks, chops and fish the sear you get is restaurant quality, you want crispy bacon this is the pan.

I have been meaning to buy some black iron skillets for some time now to use on the Weber Kettle Grill and indoors. I started with the 8 inch, which is a handy size for smaller portions. On receiving mine the seasoning looked good but just to make sure I give it a further 10 coats in the oven. I have just made a bacon sandwich, the pan did not stick and the bacon was the crispiest I have had. Clean up was a breeze, I just poured in some boiling water whilst the pan was still warm and agitated with a basting brush. It was clean in no time, wiped out with a paper towel and put away for the next time. I intend to get the 10 and 12 inch. The shipping cost to the UK is reasonable considering the weight of these items. On the down side, having looked at the medium and the large size pans over the period of a week the price has been up and down like a yo yo. One day they are £20 to £21 and then up to near £30 and then down then up. ??? I have now got the 10 inch too. The pan is lovely and smooth, slightly smoother than the 8 inch but the seasoning on this one was a lot less finished. The 8 inch came jet black but the 10 inch was very much silver/ grey. However, that was not an issue as I have completed the seasoning myself and it is good to go.

Finish is definitely a level up from my Lodge pan. Factory seasoning is fine to get you started. I added a few extra layers using grape seed oil and my pan has been doing great. I’ve not long had it and have already done many cooks with it with not sticking issues and will only get better over time. For those new to cast iron just be aware there can be a little learning curve in using and caring for your cookware. But you will be rewarded with a non stick pan for life and other benefits cast iron cooking brings.

Really heavy and durable. Used it to slow cook Welsh cakes on the gas hob. You need to really preheat the pan for a few minutes as to ensure there are no hot spots. Gets hotter the more you leave. It. Would defo recommend and buy again.