Most people have one skillet that they use for almost everything that gets cooked on the stovetop.
Your skillet may seem the right size but you don’t know until you measure it.
Doing that sounds easy enough but there is a correct way to measure a skillet.
Credit: Carson Downing
We asked experts to explain how it’s done.
A simple ruler or tape measure will do the job.
Meaning the base measurement could differ from the rim to rim measurement.
Credit: Blaine Moats
The L10SK3 measures 12 inches across the top and, hence, is a 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
So yes, you might measure cast-iron skillets the same way.
“Skillets are measured across the top of the cookware, not including handles.
Lodge’s skillets are measured across the top from outside rim to outside rim,” says Stubblefield.
What’s a Large Skillet, Extra-Large Skillet, etc?
It varies a bit from brand to brand here.
“Lodge’s two most popular skillet sizes are our beloved 10.25-inch and 12-inch skillets.
I would consider both of these skillets large.
Extra-large would be anything north of 12 inches,” Stubblefield says.
And our Test Kitchen agrees.
A 10-inch pan offers more room without overcrowding and minimal sacrifice of heat retention.
It really all comes down to how full the pan will be with all your ingredients added.
Burner size is also a consideration in choosing the best skillet size.
“If the skillet is too large for the burner, you are likely to see uneven heating.
Conversely, if the skillet is too small, you’re wasting energy,” says Stubblefield.
