Is the Finex Skillet Worth It?
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Jun 2025). How we score
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Why
America's Test Kitchen rated the Finex Recommended with Reservations: its innovative design "had lots of good ideas that didn't always (pardon the expression) pan out." Even with its machine-sanded cooking surface, "fish and eggs stuck a bit," and its 9.25" cooking surface is smaller than the winners'. ATK's winning Smithey No. 12 costs a little less, and its Best Buy Lodge 12" cooked as well by the end of testing at about a seventh of the price.
Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Finex
12" Cast Iron Skillet with Silicone Handle Holder
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
America's Test Kitchen's Best Buy: it "started out with a rougher surface than those of the artisan pans," but it "quickly gained seasoning, and by the end of testing it released food and cleaned up perfectly." A roomier 10" cooking surface than the Finex, and "a great price for a pan that will last forever."
| Criterion | Finex | Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2.5/3 | 3/3 |
| Ease of use | 1.5/3 | 3/3 |
| Cleanup | 2/3 | 3/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cast-Iron Skillets (updated June 24, 2025)
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cast-Iron Skillets (updated June 24, 2025)
No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
America's Test Kitchen's winner: "Silky-smooth from the get-go, this roomy pan didn't let food stick and stayed impressively slick throughout testing." Its bronze color "became blotchy" with use but gains a patina over time. It's the premium pick if you want a smooth, artisan-made pan. Sold only at smithey.com, not on Amazon.
| Criterion | Finex | Smithey |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2.5/3 | 3/3 |
| Ease of use | 1.5/3 | 3/3 |
| Cleanup | 2/3 | 3/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cast-Iron Skillets (updated June 24, 2025)
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cast-Iron Skillets (updated June 24, 2025), Smithey product page (price)
Common questions
Is Finex better than Lodge?
Not in America's Test Kitchen's testing. The Lodge 12" is ATK's Best Buy and was rated Highly Recommended; the Finex was Recommended with Reservations because food stuck a bit and its extras, like multiple spouts and the steel-wrapped handle, "didn't provide extra function."
What's the best premium cast-iron skillet?
America's Test Kitchen's winner is the Smithey No. 12, which was smooth and nonstick "from the get-go" and seared food evenly and deeply.
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cast-Iron Skillets (updated June 24, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
