Polished cast iron skillets have a vintage cast iron nostalgic charm, with their smooth and easy-to-use surface. However, we have found that traditional polished finishes can have some drawbacks. Seasoning doesn't stick as well to polished skillets, which can result in shadows, scratchy patinas, and even flaking when not taken care of properly.

After years of testing in our labs, we developed our own unique finish: the Victoria SIGNATUREsoft finish. This finish is achieved by using a CNC machine to smooth the inside of the skillet, and then sand blasting it to give it a slight texture. This texture allows for more forgiving heat tolerances and better seasoning retention, while still passing the egg and corn bread test as well as a polished skillet.

So which finish is best for you? It really depends on your personal preferences. If you want to build seasoning quickly and don't want to be too precise with heat, we recommend the SIGNATUREsoft finish. If you prefer the polished look and feel, go for the polished finish. Either way, you can trust in the quality and durability of Victoria skillets.