Buyer question · Cast iron skillet

How big is the cooking surface on the Lodge 8 inch cast iron skillet?

By Smoov Discovery · Updated November 2, 2026

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Lodge 8 inch seasoned cast iron skillet, SKU L5SK3

Our pick

Lodge 8 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (L5SK3)

Maker SKU L5SK3Any stovetop incl. induction, per LodgeSeasoned with vegetable oilMade in the USA
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Short answer

Lodge lists the cooking surface of its 8 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (SKU L5SK3) at 7.93 inches long and 8.31 inches wide. Those numbers come from the dimensional drawing Lodge publishes for the 8 inch size. The same drawing gives the flat base, depth, handle and overall size, which are set out below so you can compare the pan with your burners and storage space.

At a glance

Best for

  • Shoppers who want the maker's exact measurements before choosing a Lodge skillet size
  • Cooks who want cast iron cookware made without PFAS
  • Cooking eggs or searing, two jobs Lodge's product page names for this skillet

Skip it if

  • You need a pan that can go in the dishwasher: Lodge says its cast iron should be washed by hand, and a dishwasher will remove the seasoning and likely cause rust.

What we like

  • Lodge says it is compatible with any stovetop, including induction, plus the oven, grill or campfire.
  • Nontoxic cookware made without PFAS, per Lodge.
  • Lodge says this skillet is loved for its great heat retention and incredible durability.

Good to know

  • Lodge says a skillet that is too small for the burner may not signal an induction cooktop to heat up.
  • Lodge notes that the seasoning starts to break down at sustained temperatures of around 650°F.

What the 8 inch size means in practice

The flat base is narrower than the top

Lodge's drawing for the 8 inch skillet gives a flat bottom width of 5.87 inches and a total width of 8.68 inches.

It is 1.87 inches deep

Lodge lists the depth of the cooking surface at 1.87 inches, which is also the height it gives for the skillet.

The handle adds length

Lodge gives a full length of 12.75 inches, with a handle 4.56 inches long. That full length is the number to check against a shelf, drawer or small oven.

Pick a burner to match

For induction cooking, Lodge advises choosing cookware that is closest to the size of the burner you are using, to ensure even heating.

How to use it

  1. Add oil and preheat the skillet slowly.
  2. Start cooking when the oil shimmers and ripples. If the oil begins to smoke, the pan is too hot: remove it from the heat for a minute or two.
  3. After cooking, wash with warm, soapy water and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush or scrubbing pad.
  4. Dry it completely with a paper towel or lint-free cloth.
  5. Add a thin layer of oil, using a paper towel to spread it over the entire surface.

Steps 1 and 2 follow Lodge's article on using cast iron on an induction cooktop; steps 3 to 5 follow Lodge's cast iron cleaning guide.

Key details

Maker SKU
L5SK3
Size
8 in
Cooking surface
7.93 in long, 8.31 in wide
Depth of cooking surface
1.87 in
Flat bottom width
5.87 in
Overall length
12.75 in
Overall width
8.68 in
Handle length
4.56 in
Weight
3.44 lb

Measurements as listed by Lodge for the 8 inch size (SKU L5SK3), including its dimensional drawing.

Questions buyers ask

Do I need to season it before the first use?

Lodge says it seasons its cookware at the foundry with 100% vegetable oil, and that you don't need to do any at-home seasoning before using it for the first time.

How much does the 8 inch skillet weigh?

Lodge lists the weight at 3.44 lb.

What other sizes does Lodge make in this skillet?

Lodge's Classic Skillet page offers 3.5, 5, 6.5, 8, 9, 10.25, 12, 13.25 and 15 inch sizes.

Is dish soap okay on it?

Lodge says soap is totally okay. It warns that soaking cast iron in water is a recipe for rust.

Where is it made?

Lodge says the skillet is made in the USA and describes it as cast to last for generations.

The bottom line

Lodge's own dimensional drawing for the 8 inch skillet (SKU L5SK3) answers the size question in full. Use the measurements above to compare it with your burners and kitchen space before you buy.

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How this page was made

Smoov Discovery wrote this page from the maker's own product information, listed below. We did not test the product ourselves. Nothing here comes from Amazon.

Sources

Photos: Lodge (lodgecastiron.com).

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