Cast Iron Skillet 12-Inch

Score: 8.5/10 | Finex is artisan cast iron for enthusiasts who appreciate superior heat retention and American craftsmanship. The octagonal design is distinctive and functional, while the spring handle stays cooler than traditional cast iron handles. Premium pricing reflects Portland manufacturing.

This review uses the R3 Cookware Methodology v1.0.0, which evaluates cookware across six pillars: Safety (35%), Efficacy (30%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), Sustainability (5%), and Suitability (5%).

Finex cast iron offers the same fundamental safety as all cast iron:

• 100% cast iron - no coating, no chemicals
• PFAS-free by nature - just iron
• Naturally nonstick when properly seasoned
• Adds dietary iron to food (beneficial for many)
• No degradation concerns at any temperature
• Generational durability - lasts 100+ years

Cast iron remains one of the safest cookware materials available - nothing to worry about, nothing to leach.

Finex distinguishes itself through engineering improvements:

• Thicker walls (3/16") than Lodge for superior heat retention
• Octagonal shape provides eight pour spouts
• Extra-long handle keeps hands away from heat
• Stainless steel spring handle stays cooler than solid cast iron
• Pre-seasoned and ready to use out of box
• Hand-finished cooking surface (not machined smooth)

The thicker construction makes a noticeable difference for searing - it holds temperature better when cold food hits the pan.

At $175-225 for the 12-inch skillet:

• Made in USA (Portland, Oregon)
• Artisan quality with hand-finishing
• Lifetime warranty typical of quality cast iron
• Heavy-gauge construction exceeds Lodge thickness
• Premium aesthetics for kitchen display

Finex costs 5x more than Lodge. The question is whether the engineering improvements and American craftsmanship justify that premium.

Finex represents a broader revival of American cast iron manufacturing:

• Portland-based small batch production
• Engineering innovations not found in mass production
• Premium materials and hand-finishing
• Collector appeal among cast iron enthusiasts

For families who view cast iron as an heirloom investment, Finex offers genuinely superior construction.

The 12-inch Finex weighs approximately 8 lbs - heavier than Lodge due to thicker walls. The stainless steel spring handle stays noticeably cooler than traditional handles. The octagonal shape provides convenient pour spouts at any angle. The extra-long handle helps with leverage when lifting.

Finex is for cast iron enthusiasts who want American-made artisan quality with engineering improvements. The thicker construction, spring handle, and octagonal design are genuine innovations. For families on a budget, Lodge provides 85% of the performance at 20% of the price. For those who appreciate craft and want the best, Finex delivers.

Score: 8.5/10 | Finex is artisan cast iron for enthusiasts who appreciate superior heat retention and American craftsmanship. The octagonal design is distinctive and functional, while the spring handle stays cooler than traditional cast iron handles. Premium pricing reflects Portland manufacturing.

This review uses the R3 Cookware Methodology v1.0.0, which evaluates cookware across six pillars: Safety (35%), Efficacy (30%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), Sustainability (5%), and Suitability (5%).

Finex cast iron offers the same fundamental safety as all cast iron:

• 100% cast iron - no coating, no chemicals
• PFAS-free by nature - just iron
• Naturally nonstick when properly seasoned
• Adds dietary iron to food (beneficial for many)
• No degradation concerns at any temperature
• Generational durability - lasts 100+ years

Cast iron remains one of the safest cookware materials available - nothing to worry about, nothing to leach.

Finex distinguishes itself through engineering improvements:

• Thicker walls (3/16") than Lodge for superior heat retention
• Octagonal shape provides eight pour spouts
• Extra-long handle keeps hands away from heat
• Stainless steel spring handle stays cooler than solid cast iron
• Pre-seasoned and ready to use out of box
• Hand-finished cooking surface (not machined smooth)

The thicker construction makes a noticeable difference for searing - it holds temperature better when cold food hits the pan.

At $175-225 for the 12-inch skillet:

• Made in USA (Portland, Oregon)
• Artisan quality with hand-finishing
• Lifetime warranty typical of quality cast iron
• Heavy-gauge construction exceeds Lodge thickness
• Premium aesthetics for kitchen display

Finex costs 5x more than Lodge. The question is whether the engineering improvements and American craftsmanship justify that premium.

Finex represents a broader revival of American cast iron manufacturing:

• Portland-based small batch production
• Engineering innovations not found in mass production
• Premium materials and hand-finishing
• Collector appeal among cast iron enthusiasts

For families who view cast iron as an heirloom investment, Finex offers genuinely superior construction.

The 12-inch Finex weighs approximately 8 lbs - heavier than Lodge due to thicker walls. The stainless steel spring handle stays noticeably cooler than traditional handles. The octagonal shape provides convenient pour spouts at any angle. The extra-long handle helps with leverage when lifting.

Finex is for cast iron enthusiasts who want American-made artisan quality with engineering improvements. The thicker construction, spring handle, and octagonal design are genuine innovations. For families on a budget, Lodge provides 85% of the performance at 20% of the price. For those who appreciate craft and want the best, Finex delivers.