Stargazer Cast Iron 13.5 Inch Braiser

I love this pan, the only negative is I had to search high and low to find a glass lid to fit this pan. I did not like the cast iron pan that is made to fit it, and finding a 13.5” lid was very challenging. And, I couldn’t find one with brass handles and trim. So I got silver which is just okay. But this pan cooks wonderfully! It is replacing my Caraway pan that sucks. I babied that stupid pan and it still lost its non stick qualities. Besides, I couldn’t heat the Caraway enough to get a good crust on meat, this pan I get it seared hot and my meat is amazing. Clean up is a breeze with the polished cast iron. I do take very good care of it to prevent rusting and I heat it up slowly to make sure it gets “non stick”. It’s quite heavy, but that is expected with cast iron and especially with a huge pan like this one. I expect this pan to last a very long time!

It’s been a few months now and I absolutely love this skillet. It’s a nice weight and beautiful. It took me a minute to get used to it and a few seasonings. Now, I use it almost daily. It does seem like it’s the tiniest bit high in the center when heated up, but nothing I can’t work with. Just follow the directions on seasoning and caring for it after use. I would buy it again.

Oh my! This is not your great grandma’s pan!!!

Works great. Made a fantastic steak on it that was better than all of our local steakhouses. Had to replace the first one I got because it had a concave bottom and didn't sit flat. This is a known, possible defect. Quick and easy replacement.

Years ago I found a rusty 1950s Griswold #9 in a local antique store for $25. I restored it and have been cooking with it ever since. Cooking with and caring for my iron skillet is something I enjoy. I purchased this 13.5 braiser for the added size. Though I bought it seasoned I decided to season it an additional four times (see photos) my final seasoning was done with bacon. I’m pleased with the process and the overall craftsmanship of the Stargazer. It is a beautiful braiser/skillet that will see many years and possibly generations of use. Yes, a Stargazer lid would be nice and I imagine it may be in the works if the company continues to experience success. It is much lighter than my old Griswold and just as smooth. I know with continued use, it will be just as easy to cook with. Very pleased with this purchase. Update. Three cooks this weekend. Fantastic non-stick cooking. Proper seasoning and care is the key.