Griswold No. 8 vs Modern No. 10 Skillets (Size Specs)

A Griswold No. 8, pattern 704, measures about 10⅝ inches across the top and 15⅛ inches from end to end. The Lodge L10SK3, a modern 12-inch skillet sold as No. 10, measures 12 inches across and 18.56 inches overall. The Lodge is wider and longer, but skillet numbers are not standard size grades.

If you are comparing these pans, the key question is not simply which number is larger. It is whether the actual pan fits your burner, oven, storage space, and cooking needs. Both are bare cast iron, but their dimensions differ enough to matter, especially where handle clearance is tight.

I use the maker or pattern number to identify a pan, then compare its measured size. This avoids a common mix-up: “No. 8” and “No. 10” do not mean the same diameter across brands or eras. The Griswold figures below refer to large-logo pattern 704; vintage variants and wear can affect measurements.

The size specifications side by side

These figures compare one identified vintage Griswold with one specific modern Lodge model. The Lodge dimensions come from its product listing, while Griswold dimensions are approximate measurements for pattern 704. They are useful reference points, not universal dimensions for every No. 8 or No. 10 skillet.

The “top diameter” is the width across the upper rim. It does not tell you the exact size of the flat cooking surface. The overall length includes the handle, so it matters when checking an oven, shelf, or crowded stovetop.

Lodge’s 12-inch figure describes the L10SK3, not every skillet sold as No. 10. Likewise, the Griswold measurements should not be applied to every No. 8 pattern. Takeaway: compare the model or pattern and actual dimensions, not just the number stamped on the pan.

What the size difference means in a kitchen

A difference of 1⅜ inches across the top can affect how much room a skillet takes up and how much food you can arrange without crowding. But top diameter alone cannot tell you the usable cooking area. The flat base may be smaller, and it is not given in these reference specifications.

The Lodge also extends about 3.44 inches farther from end to end. That extra length can make a difference in a compact oven, a deep drawer, or a spot beside another pan. Measure from the end of the handle to the far rim, and leave room to lift the skillet safely.

Fit checks before you buy

Use the exact pan’s size when possible. If you are shopping online, check the listed dimensions and ask the seller to measure an older skillet, since pattern, condition, and prior damage may affect its fit.

• Stovetop: Measure the burner and compare it with the pan’s base, not only its rim. A broad pan on a small burner may heat unevenly.
• Oven: Check both the inside width and depth, then allow for the handle and room to move the pan.
• Storage: Compare overall length and height with the drawer or shelf opening.
• Nearby burners: Check whether a long handle will block access to another pan or extend into a walkway.

Example fit check: A cook choosing between these two pans for an oven should check the full 15⅛-inch or 18.56-inch length, not rely on the top diameter. The Lodge needs more lengthwise clearance; whether it fits depends on the oven’s usable interior space.

Takeaway: There is no reliable fit answer from “No. 8” or “No. 10” alone. Measure the pan and the space it must occupy.

Material, stovetop, and oven compatibility

Both reference skillets are bare cast iron. That means there is no nonstick coating to protect from scratches or limit the pan’s use at a set coating temperature. Cast iron works on induction, but its weight and roughness mean you should lift it rather than slide it across a glass cooktop.

The Lodge L10SK3 is listed as oven-safe to 500°F (260°C). Do not apply that rating automatically to every vintage Griswold, or to any wooden or synthetic accessory. Bare cast iron itself has no nonstick-coating temperature limit, but handles, added parts, and the condition of a specific pan still matter.

Cast iron heats and cools slowly. Its cooking surface may be hotter or cooler than the burner, especially before the pan has warmed through. A larger skillet can also extend beyond a small burner, so burner coverage is worth checking alongside diameter.

Takeaway: Both are compatible with induction in material terms, but confirm the complete pan’s condition and any temperature limits for accessories before oven use.

Preheating and cooking with either skillet

Preheating is the gradual warming of the pan before food goes in. Cast iron does not have one validated preheat time that fits every burner, pan, and recipe. Start on low to medium heat, then allow the cooking surface to warm evenly before adding oil or food.

Put oil in shortly before cooking and choose one suited to the cooking temperature. Smoke points vary by oil and by how it is refined, so one temperature should not be treated as a universal rule. If the oil smokes heavily, lower the heat and let the pan cool somewhat before continuing.

For foods that need browning, give them adequate contact time before trying to turn them. Moving food too soon can tear it or leave it stuck. When making a quick pan sauce, take the food out first and deglaze with warm liquid. Avoid a long simmer of tomato, wine, or other acidic foods in bare cast iron, especially if the seasoning is thin; acid can wear away seasoning and may leave a metallic taste.

Takeaway: Warm the pan gradually, let the surface catch up with the burner, and avoid prolonged acidic cooking in either skillet.

Cleaning and seasoning care

Seasoning is a thin layer formed by heated oil on cast iron. It helps protect the surface and supports release, but it is not a permanent coating that cannot wear. A vintage Griswold with light or uneven seasoning may need more care than a well-used pan with a stable surface.

After cooking, let the skillet cool gradually. Wash with warm water and a brush or a scraper that will not damage the iron. Dry it fully, including the handle and edges. If the surface looks dry, apply a very thin film of cooking oil; wipe away any visible excess.

Do not put a hot pan under cold water or make other abrupt temperature changes. Sudden temperature differences can create stress and risk damage. Check a used skillet before cooking: look for cracks, rocking on a flat surface, or other signs of damage. Wash it, dry it fully, and add only a thin oil film if seasoning maintenance is needed.

Takeaway: Gentle temperature changes, full drying, and a light hand with oil are useful for both old and new bare cast iron.

Which skillet size should you choose?

The Griswold No. 8 is the smaller of these two examples. Its shorter overall length may suit a tighter oven or storage space, provided its measured condition and fit work for you. The Lodge L10SK3 has the larger top diameter and longer handle-to-rim length, so it needs more room and may be a better fit when you want a larger pan.

Do not treat the Lodge as a universal stand-in for every modern No. 10. Nor should you assume every Griswold No. 8 matches pattern 704. If a listing does not name the exact model or pattern, ask for measurements.

Bottom line: Choose by measured fit and cooking needs, not by the number alone. For these specific examples, the Griswold 704 is about 10⅝ inches across, while the Lodge L10SK3 is 12 inches across and 3.44 inches longer overall.

Frequently asked questions

These quick answers refer to the Griswold pattern 704 and Lodge L10SK3 used above. Other pans carrying the same number may differ, so check the specific model or measure the pan before deciding whether it will fit.

Is a Griswold No. 8 the same size as a modern No. 10?
No. The cited Griswold No. 8 is about 10⅝ inches across the top. The Lodge L10SK3 is a specific modern 12-inch skillet sold as No. 10.

How wide is a Griswold No. 8 pattern 704?
Its top diameter is about 10⅝ inches. Vintage dimensions can vary by pattern variant and condition.

How wide is the Lodge No. 10 skillet?
The Lodge L10SK3 has a manufacturer-listed top diameter of 12 inches. That measurement does not describe every skillet labeled No. 10.

Which skillet is longer overall?
The Lodge L10SK3 is longer. Its listed overall length is 18.56 inches, compared with about 15⅛ inches for the Griswold pattern 704.

Will either skillet work on induction?
Yes. Both are bare cast iron, which is compatible with induction. Lift the pan instead of sliding it on a glass cooktop.

Can I use both skillets in the oven?
The Lodge lists the L10SK3 as oven-safe to 500°F (260°C). Check the condition and construction of a vintage Griswold, and do not assume that accessories share the same rating.

Does the larger top diameter mean more cooking area?
Not by itself. The flat cooking surface can be smaller than the rim, and these top-diameter measurements do not specify its size.

Can I simmer tomato sauce in either skillet?
Avoid prolonged acidic simmering in bare cast iron. Acid may weaken seasoning and can lead to a metallic taste, especially in a lightly seasoned pan.

What should I check on a used Griswold before buying?
Confirm the pattern and measurements, then check for cracks and rocking on a flat surface. Also verify that its length and diameter fit your burner, oven, and storage space.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Michael Harlan. Visit our Meet the Team page.)