Made in USA
Stargazer is the most complete modern cast iron pan we have looked at: machined smooth, sensibly light, and made from raw iron to finished skillet under one roof in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Its long stay-cool handle and drip-free flared rim make it the easiest of these pans to actually cook with every day.
✓ Research & Evidence-Based✓ Manufacturing Verified✓ No Manufacturer Influence✓ Updated July 2026
At a Glance
Made in America Review Score
A Research & Evidence-Based review: scored on the same weighted six-criteria model as every product on this site, using manufacturer specifications, verified manufacturing details, warranty terms, materials, published expert reviews, and long-term owner consensus.
This product has not been hands-on tested. Our rating is based on verified manufacturing information, published specifications, independent reporting, retailer data, and long-term reputation.
We independently verify where each product is actually made and score it on the same weighted six-criteria model. Manufacturers do not pay for placement, and we accept no free products in exchange for coverage. See our review methodology.
American Manufacturing
Verified: July 2026
Stargazer is one of the most fully American-made products in this cluster. Founded in 2015 by housewares designer Peter Huntley, the company runs its own foundry in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where domestically sourced — largely recycled — iron is melted and green-sand cast, then CNC-machined smooth, hand-finished, seasoned, and shipped, all in the United States. There is no overseas step anywhere in the process. We verified this against the manufacturer and independent press, not through hands-on testing.
| Cast in | Allentown, Pennsylvania (own foundry) |
| Machined & finished in | Allentown, Pennsylvania |
| Manufacturing status | Made in USA |
| Company ownership | Independent; founded 2015 by Peter Huntley |
| Materials | Domestically sourced, largely recycled iron; no coatings |
Manufacturing Confidence: High Factory location verified (Pennsylvania) · current US production · independent confirmation (retailer listing) · company confirmation (stargazercastiron.com).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- CNC-machined, micro-textured surface holds seasoning well and releases food easily
- Long, thoughtfully shaped handle stays cooler and gives real leverage
- Drip-free flared rim pours cleanly without dedicated spouts
- Fully made in the USA from its own foundry — no overseas step
- Lifetime warranty; sold seasoned or bare
Cons
- Premium price for a 10.5-inch pan
- At 5.2 lb it is lighter than FINEX but heavier than the Field
- Understated looks — less of a showpiece than the octagonal FINEX
- Sold mostly direct, so you rarely see it in stores
Performance
Surface and seasoning
Stargazer machines the cooking surface to a fine, micro-textured finish rather than leaving it rough. Owners and reviewers widely report that it takes and holds seasoning well and turns reliably nonstick with normal use, while being easy to clean.
Handle and handling
The handle is the headline. It is longer and shaped to stay cooler than a stubby traditional cast iron handle, giving better leverage and often letting you skip a pot holder for shorter tasks. Combined with the flared, drip-free rim, it makes this the most comfortable pan here to lift, tilt, and pour.
Heat and everyday cooking
At 5.2 pounds it sits in the middle on weight, with enough mass for a strong, even sear but not so much that it is a chore to handle. It works across every heat source including induction, plus the oven, grill, and campfire — a true do-everything skillet.
Specifications
The Verdict
Buy this if: you want one modern, smooth-surface American skillet to do everything, and you value a genuinely comfortable handle and a fully domestic supply chain.
Skip this if: you want the lightest option (the Field) or the best value (the Lodge), or you specifically want the octagonal FINEX as a showpiece.
Bottom line: at $155 the Stargazer is arguably the most well-rounded cast iron pan made in America — smooth, balanced, superbly comfortable, and cast and finished start to finish in Pennsylvania.
Products, manufacturing locations, and specifications change over time. If you have spotted an error or have verified information that would improve this review, we would appreciate your help.
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Where to buy
The Stargazer 10.5″ skillet is sold direct by Stargazer, seasoned or bare, with a lifetime warranty.
How It Compares
- Choose Stargazer for a lighter, machined-smooth skillet at a mid-range price.
- Choose Lodge for the best value and rugged durability.
- Choose Smithey or FINEX for a more decorative heirloom finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stargazer cast iron made in the USA?
Yes — Stargazer skillets are cast and machined in Pennsylvania.
What makes Stargazer different?
A lighter body, machined-smooth surface, and an ergonomic handle that stays cooler.
Is Stargazer pre-seasoned?
Yes, it comes pre-seasoned and ready to cook.
Is Stargazer oven and induction safe?
Yes — it works on all cooktops and in the oven.
Stargazer versus Lodge?
Stargazer is lighter and smoother; Lodge is cheaper and more rugged.
Where to buy
Stargazer cast iron is stocked in the Buy American Campaign Store.
Related Guides
Buying Guide
The Best Made-in-USA Cast Iron Skillets
Lodge, Field, FINEX, Smithey, and Stargazer — how to choose your American-made skillet.
