Aldi Just Released a $13 Version of a Fan-Favorite Cast-Iron Skillet

I always keep a cast iron skillet on my stovetop, which is saying a lot, because I’m the type of person who likes to minimize visible clutter in the kitchen. We frequently use ours, a 12-inch Lodge skillet, to fry bacon for breakfast, but we always end up with grease splattered all over the glass cooktop. I’ve pretty much accepted bacon-frying as a messy task, but I recently learned that simply using a deeper skillet could help prevent this annoying problem. 

A deeper skillet, specifically this one from Lodge, has been on my to-buy list, if only to minimize oil splatter. But I may reconsider my plan now that there’s a dupe being sold at Aldi for less than half the price.

The Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet Dupe

In addition to groceries, Aldi sells home goods, many of which go viral and sell out quickly. Right now, the retailer is selling a 10.25-inch deep cast iron skillet for just $13, and many buyers are comparing it to the $35 Lodge deep skillet.

Like the Lodge skillet, the Crofton pan is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. The ad says it’s 10 inches in diameter, but you can see in the product dimensions that the interior is actually 10.25 inches, just like the smaller Lodge skillet.

The One Product That Makes Deep-Frying Less of a Pain

But Is the Skillet Any Good?

In a thread about skillets from the same brand, Redditors mostly have good things to say. “I’ve had my 12” for about 3 years,” one person said. “It’s my most used pan.” Another Redditor agrees, adding that the finish is a little rough compared to Lodge’s pans. “But once you use it enough, it’ll get the job done,” they said. 

Along with preventing grease clean-up around your stovetop, the deep skillet is great for deep-frying, and the high sides prevent oil from spilling over. It’s worth noting that deep-frying is a great way to season a pan, so even one that’s a bit rough will eventually get smoother with use. You can also use this Crofton deep skillet as a standard pan for everyday recipes, whether cooking on the stovetop or in the oven (it’s oven-safe up to 500 F). 

The skillet may not be in stores long, especially as word gets out about the price — so if you have an Aldi location near you, it may be worth making a special trip to see if you can add this dupe to your collection. Happy frying!

Our Favorite Skillet Recipes

Crispy Home Fries

Pan Seared Salmon

Buttery Southern Fried Corn