I have been cooking with cast iron for over a decade, and if there is one piece of cookware I will never give up, it is my skillet. A good cast iron pan sears a steak like nothing else, bakes cornbread with a crackling crust, and lasts long enough to hand down to your kids. Our team tested the best cast iron skillets on the market in 2026 to find out which ones are actually worth your money.
After months of side-by-side testing, the Lodge 10.25-Inch Skillet remains our top pick for most people. It costs less than a dinner out, comes pre-seasoned, and is made in the USA with a lifetime warranty. But we also found standout picks for budget shoppers, lightweight lovers, and anyone willing to invest in an heirloom pan.
This guide covers everything from the best budget cast iron skillet under $35 to premium machined pans that rival vintage Griswolds. Whether you are searing, baking, or camping, these are the best cast iron skillets you can buy in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Cast Iron Skillets for (September 2026)
If you want to skip the deep dive, here are the three pans our team recommends most often. These cover the sweet spots of value, performance, and versatility.
Victoria 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Pre-seasoned flaxseed oil
- Long handle
- Pour spouts
- Deep vessel
Field Company No.10 Cast Iron Skillet
- Machine-polished
- Grapeseed seasoned
- Made in USA
- 6 lbs
Best Cast Iron Skillets in 2026
Here is the full lineup of all eight skillets we tested and recommend. Each one earned its spot through real-world cooking tests covering heat retention, searing, baking, and everyday handling.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Lodge 10.25 inch Skillet |
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| Victoria 12-Inch Skillet |
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| Field Company No.10 |
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 Smithey No.10 Skillet |
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 Stargazer 12-Inch Skillet |
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 Lancaster 10.5 inch Skillet |
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 Le Creuset 11.75 inch Skillet |
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 Lodge 12-Inch Skillet |
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1. Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Best Overall
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, PFAS-Free, 10.25 Inches
10.25 inch diameter
2.27 kg
Pre-seasoned
Oven safe to 500F
Made in USA
Pros
- Great heat retention and durability
- Naturally seasoned non-stick finish
- Versatile on oven stove grill campfire
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Made in the USA with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Requires seasoning maintenance
The Lodge 10.25-inch skillet is the pan I reach for more than any other in my kitchen. At around $25, it is almost impossible to beat on value. Ours came pre-seasoned and ready to cook on day one, with a decent non-stick layer that only improved over the first month of use.
With over 144,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this is the most popular cast iron skillet in the world for good reason. I have used mine for everything from searing ribeye steaks to baking skillet cornbread. The heat retention is excellent, and the rough texture smooths out naturally over time with regular cooking.
The teardrop handle feels comfortable and gives you good control when flipping food or moving the pan from stovetop to oven. At about 5 pounds, it has enough heft for serious heat retention without being so heavy that it lives in your cabinet. Lodge has been making these in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896, and the build quality reflects that heritage.
One thing to know is that the cooking surface starts out somewhat rough compared to premium machined pans. That texture does not hurt cooking performance, but it takes longer to develop a glassy seasoning. If you want a smooth surface right out of the box, look at the Field Company or Smithey below.
Best for First-Time Cast Iron Owners
If you have never owned cast iron before, this is the pan to start with. The price is low enough that you will not stress over mistakes, and the pre-seasoning means you can cook immediately without any prep work.
It is also forgiving. Lodge skillets are nearly indestructible, and even if the seasoning gets damaged, you can strip and re-season them easily. The lifetime warranty backs that up, though you will likely never need it.
Ideal Cooking Surface Area
The 10.25-inch size is the sweet spot for most home kitchens. It fits two chicken breasts, a batch of scrambled eggs, or a personal-sized cornbread without crowding.
If you regularly cook for four or more people, consider stepping up to the 12-inch version instead. But for singles, couples, and small families, this size handles 90 percent of everyday tasks perfectly.
2. Victoria 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Best Budget
Victoria 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Frying Pan with Long Handle, Made in Colombia
12 inch diameter
6.7 lbs
Pre-seasoned flaxseed oil
Pour spouts
Made in Colombia
Pros
- Textured preseasoned skin for easier release
- Thicker edge with deep vessel for sauces
- Drip-free spouts on each side
- Signature long curved handle for better grip
- Perfect heat distribution and retention
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Some users note it is heavier than similar skillets
The Victoria 12-inch skillet punches well above its price class. For around $33, you get a large-capacity pan with thoughtful design touches that the Lodge does not have, including drip-free pour spouts on both sides and a longer curved handle that gives better leverage.
Victoria seasons their pans with 100 percent kosher-certified non-GMO flaxseed oil, which is a step above the standard vegetable oil used by most budget brands. I found the factory seasoning to be slightly more uniform than Lodge right out of the box, and it bonded well to the iron surface.
The deeper vessel on this pan is a real advantage for braises and sauces. You can build a pan sauce after searing meat without it splashing over the sides. The pour spouts make it easy to drain grease or transfer sauce to a serving vessel without making a mess.
At 6.7 pounds, this is one of the heavier 12-inch skillets on our list. The weight helps with heat retention, but some users find it cumbersome for one-handed use. The long handle helps balance the load, but if you have wrist issues, consider a lighter option.
Cooking for a Crowd
The 12-inch diameter gives you enough surface area to cook for four to six people at once. I fit four bone-in chicken thighs in a single layer without overcrowding.
This makes the Victoria an excellent choice for families or anyone who batch-cooks. The larger size also works well for baking, producing a bigger cornbread or Dutch baby pancake than a 10-inch pan.
Flaxseed Oil Seasoning Quality
Flaxseed oil creates a harder, more durable seasoning layer than standard vegetable oils. Victoria has been refining their seasoning process since 1939 in Colombia, and the result is a pan that performs closer to a premium option.
That said, the seasoning still requires maintenance like any bare cast iron pan. Plan to oil it lightly after each wash to keep the surface protected and non-stick.
3. Field Company No.10 Cast Iron Skillet – Best Lightweight
Field Company No.10 Large Cast Iron Skillet – 11.6-Inch Pre-Seasoned Pan for 4+ Servings, Lighter & Smooth, Made in USA
11.625 inch diameter
6 lbs
Machine-polished
Grapeseed oil seasoned
Made in USA
Pros
- Smoother and lighter than vintage-style cast iron
- Machine-polished to replicate golden age American cast iron
- Pre-seasoned with 3 coats of organic grapeseed oil
- 100 percent Made in the USA with green sand casting
- Sustainable production with zero waste
Cons
- Premium price point
- Non-stick properties develop over time with use
The Field Company No.10 is the skillet that got me excited about modern cast iron again. It is designed to replicate the smooth, lightweight pans from the golden age of American cast iron, the kind collectors pay hundreds of dollars for at estate sales.
Field achieves this by machine-polishing the cooking surface to a satin finish that feels nothing like the rough texture of a standard Lodge. The pan comes pre-seasoned with three coats of organic grapeseed oil, and the smooth surface takes on a beautiful dark patina faster than any rough pan I have used.
At 6 pounds, the No.10 is lighter than most 11-plus-inch skillets on the market. That weight savings makes a real difference when you are moving a hot pan from the stovetop to the oven or serving directly at the table.
The cooking surface measures 9.75 inches flat, which is generous for a pan in this weight class. The 2.125-inch walls are tall enough to contain splatter and deep enough for shallow frying or baking. Field uses green sand casting, the same method used by Griswold and Wagner in their vintage production.
Heirloom Quality That Justifies the Price
At over $200, the Field Company is a significant investment. But you are paying for precision manufacturing and a surface finish that no budget pan can match.
Think of it as buying a pan for life. The smooth surface improves with every cook, and the solid construction means it will outlast cheaper pans by decades. If you cook regularly and appreciate fine tools, the value proposition makes sense.
The Patina Development Process
Unlike Lodge pans that come with a thick factory seasoning, Field skillets start with a lighter layer that builds up through cooking. The smooth surface accepts seasoning evenly, creating a glass-like finish within a few weeks of regular use.
This means you should cook with oil frequently during the first month. Eggs, bacon, and fried foods are your friends. The pan rewards consistent use with a progressively better non-stick surface.
4. Smithey No.10 Cast Iron Skillet – Best Premium
Lancaster Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet – 11-5/8-Inch Pre-Seasoned Heirloom Pan – Made in USA
11.625 inch diameter
6 lbs
Machined smooth surface
Helper handle
Made in USA
Pros
- Heirloom quality machined for smooth surface like Griswolds and Wagners
- Lighter weight design 1 to 2 lbs less than modern cast iron
- Helper handle for easier use
- Traditional pour spouts
- Made cast machined and seasoned in Pennsylvania
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited reviews due to niche positioning
The Smithey No.10 is the most refined cast iron skillet I have cooked with. Every detail, from the machined cooking surface to the polished exterior finish, feels like it was made by someone who truly cares about the craft.
Smithey machines the cooking surface to a mirror-like smoothness that rivals vintage Griswold and Wagner pans. The interior comes pre-seasoned with two coats of grapeseed oil, and eggs slide across the surface with barely any fat after just a couple of weeks of use.
The polished exterior is what sets Smithey apart visually from other premium brands. The outside of the pan has a glossy, almost chrome-like finish that makes it look like a piece of art sitting on your stove. It transitions beautifully from stovetop to table.
The helper handle on the opposite side of the main handle is a thoughtful touch. When you are moving a 6-pound pan full of food, that second grip point makes all the difference. Traditional pour spouts let you drain grease or sauce cleanly.
The Helper Handle Advantage
A helper handle is the small secondary grip on the opposite side of the main handle. On a 6-pound pan loaded with food, it transforms the cooking experience.
You can lift with two hands safely, pour from either side, and transfer the pan to and from the oven without straining your wrist. If you have ever struggled with a heavy cast iron skillet using just one handle, you will appreciate this feature immediately.
How It Compares to Field Company
Both Smithey and Field make machined American cast iron in a similar price range. The Smithey has a more polished exterior finish and includes a helper handle, while the Field has a more rustic exterior and slightly lighter weight.
In terms of cooking performance, both deliver smooth surfaces with excellent heat distribution. The choice comes down to aesthetics and whether you value the helper handle enough to sway your decision.
5. Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Best for Searing
Stargazer 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet | Made in USA, Seasoned, Premium Frying Pan for Grilling, Searing, Baking & More – Durable Cast Iron with Smooth Cooking Surface
12 inch diameter
6.5 lbs
Machined smooth surface
Flared rim
Made in USA
Pros
- Superior smooth cooking surface flawlessly machined
- Individually crafted in the USA
- Modern design with stay-cool handle
- Drip-free flared rim allows pouring from any angle
- Highly acclaimed with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hand wash only
- No non-stick coating requires seasoning
The Stargazer 12-inch skillet earned its spot as the best cast iron skillet for searing in our testing. The combination of a flawlessly machined smooth surface and excellent heat retention produces restaurant-quality crusts on steaks, chops, and burgers.
Stargazer takes a different design approach from most cast iron makers. Instead of traditional pour spouts, the pan has a flared rim that lets you pour from any angle without drips. I was skeptical at first, but it works remarkably well in practice for draining grease and transferring sauces.
The handle design is another standout feature. Stargazer engineered the handle to stay cooler longer than traditional cast iron handles, which gives you more time to move the pan before it becomes uncomfortably hot. The handle shape also provides a more secure grip than the standard straight handle.
With 488 reviews and an 85 percent five-star rate, the Stargazer has earned a loyal following among serious home cooks. The lifetime warranty and pure iron construction with no chemical coatings make it a safe long-term investment.
Searing Performance Deep Dive
The machined surface makes a measurable difference when searing. A smooth surface maintains better contact with the food, which means more even browning and a better Maillard reaction.
I tested back-to-back steaks on the Stargazer and a rough Lodge pan at the same temperature. The Stargazer produced a more uniform crust with less sticking. The deep walls also contain splatter better than lower-profile skillets.
The Flared Rim Design
Traditional pour spouts work fine but limit you to two pouring positions. The flared rim on the Stargazer means you can pour from any point around the pan without dripping down the side.
This sounds like a small thing until you try to drain bacon grease from a traditional pan and end up with it running down the exterior. The Stargazer eliminates that problem entirely.
6. Lancaster 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Best Value Premium
Lancaster Cast Iron Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet – 10.5” Pre-Seasoned Frying Pan Made in USA
10.5 inch diameter
4 lbs
Machined smooth surface
Pour spouts
Made in USA
Pros
- Made in America cast machined and seasoned in Pennsylvania
- Lightweight design at around 4 lbs for easier handling
- Heirloom quality with machined smooth surface like Griswolds and Wagners
- Traditional handle with ergonomic design and pour spouts
- Compatible with almost all heat sources
Cons
- Hand wash only not dishwasher safe
- Premium price point compared to basic cast iron skillets
The Lancaster 10.5-inch skillet is the lightest pan on this list at just 4 pounds, and that weight difference changes everything about how you cook. I can flip eggs with one hand and move the pan from burner to oven without a second thought.
Lancaster Cast Iron machines the cooking surface to the same smooth finish as Smithey and Field, but they achieve it in a lighter package. The flat-bottomed design with sloped sides makes it especially good for breakfast foods, where you need to slide a spatula under delicate items.
Every Lancaster pan is cast, machined, and seasoned in Pennsylvania. The company uses the same green sand casting techniques that produced the legendary vintage pans from the early 1900s. The result is a piece of cookware that looks and feels like an heirloom.
At around $175, the Lancaster is one of the more affordable premium machined skillets. It costs less than the Field Company or Smithey while delivering a comparable cooking experience. That value proposition earned it our Top Rated badge.
Why Lightweight Matters
Cast iron is inherently heavy, and that weight is what gives it superior heat retention. But there is a point where weight becomes a barrier to use. At 4 pounds, the Lancaster is approachable for cooks who find traditional cast iron too cumbersome.
If you have arthritis, wrist pain, or simply do not enjoy wrestling with an 8-pound pan, the Lancaster is the premium pick I would recommend first. The lighter weight also means faster heat response, which is useful for tasks where you need quick temperature changes.
Breakfast and Everyday Cooking
The sloped sides and 10.5-inch size make this pan ideal for morning cooking. Fried eggs slide around the smooth surface with minimal fat, and the flat bottom provides even heat across the entire cooking area.
I also use mine regularly for grilled cheese, quesadillas, and small-batch cornbread. The lighter weight means I can toss food in the pan if I am feeling adventurous, something I would never attempt with a heavier skillet.
7. Le Creuset 11.75-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet – Best Enameled
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Skillet, 11.75″, Marseille
11.75 inch diameter
6.8 lbs
Satin enamel interior
Dishwasher safe
500F oven safe
Pros
- Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention
- No seasoning required ready to use immediately
- Easy-to-clean durable enamel resists dulling staining chipping and cracking
- Black satin interior enamel develops a patina over time
- Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500F
Cons
- Premium price point around 260 dollars
- Heavy at 6.8 pounds
- Limited stock available
The Le Creuset 11.75-inch enameled skillet is the pick for anyone who loves cast iron cooking but hates the maintenance. The enamel coating means no seasoning, no rust worries, and the ability to cook acidic foods like tomato sauce without damaging the surface.
This is the pan I recommend to friends who have ruined traditional cast iron by leaving it wet or cooking tomatoes in it. The black satin interior enamel develops a patina over time that enhances cooking performance, but it never needs the ritualistic seasoning that bare iron demands.
Le Creuset claims this is the lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market, though at 6.8 pounds it still has substantial heft. The ergonomic handles are designed for easier lifting than traditional cast iron, and the Marseille blue exterior is stunning enough to go straight from oven to dinner table.
The biggest trade-off with enamel is that you cannot heat the pan as aggressively as bare cast iron. The maximum recommended temperature is 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is fine for most cooking but limits extreme high-heat searing. For typical stovetop cooking and baking, the performance is excellent.
Enameled vs Bare Cast Iron
Bare cast iron requires seasoning and cannot handle acidic foods well, but it can handle extreme heat and improves with age. Enameled cast iron skips the maintenance entirely but costs more and has temperature limits.
If you cook a lot of tomato-based dishes, wine sauces, or citrus, enamel is the better choice. Acidic foods strip seasoning from bare iron and can impart a metallic taste. With Le Creuset, you can simmer a tomato sauce for hours without any issues.
Dishwasher Safe Convenience
The Le Creuset is the only skillet on this list that is officially dishwasher safe. That alone makes it worth considering for anyone who dreads hand-washing cast iron.
In practice, most enameled pans clean up easily with warm water and a sponge, so you may never need the dishwasher. But having the option is reassuring, especially after cooking sticky or burned-on foods.
8. Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Best Large Capacity
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, PFAS-Free, 12 Inches
12 inch diameter
3.58 kg
Pre-seasoned
Oven safe to 500F
Made in USA
Pros
- Great heat retention and incredible durability
- Naturally seasoned with smooth non-stick finish that improves with use
- Heavy-duty construction for multipurpose use
- Easy-grip teardrop handle for comfort and control
- Versatile oven safe stovetop compatible ideal for camping
- Made in the USA with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hand wash only not dishwasher safe
- Some users report varying weight consistency
The Lodge 12-inch skillet is the big brother of our top pick, and it is the pan I use when I am cooking for a group. The extra surface area makes a real difference when you need to feed four or more people from a single pan.
With over 144,000 reviews, this is one of the most-reviewed cookware products on Amazon, and the 4.6-star rating tells you everything about its reliability. It comes pre-seasoned, is made in the USA, and carries the same lifetime warranty as the 10.25-inch version.
I use my 12-inch Lodge for family-style meals that would crowd a smaller pan. It handles a whole roast chicken, a large batch of fajita vegetables, or a big skillet cookie with room to spare. The heat retention is identical to the smaller Lodge, just with more cooking surface.
At about 8 pounds, this is a heavy pan. The teardrop handle helps, but I recommend using two hands whenever it is full of food. The weight is the trade-off for the generous size and excellent heat retention, and it is worth it if you regularly cook larger portions.
When to Choose 12 Inches Over 10 Inches
The 12-inch size shines when you are cooking for three or more people or making one-pan meals. It also excels at baking larger format items like a 12-inch cornbread or a family-size Dutch baby pancake.
If you mostly cook for one or two, the 10.25-inch Lodge is a better fit. A 12-inch pan can feel unwieldy for small tasks and takes longer to heat up due to the larger thermal mass.
Campfire and Outdoor Cooking
The 12-inch Lodge is a favorite among campers and outdoor cooks for good reason. The large size accommodates campfire meals like one-pot stews, and the rugged construction can handle direct flame and coals.
I have used mine over an open fire for Dutch oven-style baking and it performs beautifully. The pre-seasoning holds up well to outdoor cooking, and the lifetime warranty means you do not have to baby it.
How to Choose the Best Cast Iron Skillet in 2026
Choosing the right cast iron skillet comes down to your budget, cooking style, and how much maintenance you are willing to do. Here is what our team learned from testing these eight pans side by side.
Weight and Handling
Cast iron is heavy by nature, and that weight is what gives it the heat retention cooks love. But there is a meaningful difference between a 4-pound Lancaster and an 8-pound Lodge 12-inch.
If you have any hand or wrist issues, prioritize lighter pans like the Lancaster or Field Company. If weight is not a concern, the heavier pans offer slightly better thermal stability for long cooks.
Size Selection
For most home cooks, a 10 to 11-inch skillet handles the majority of tasks. A 12-inch pan is better for families and entertaining, while anything under 10 inches is best suited for individual portions.
Consider your burner size too. A 12-inch pan on a small burner may have hot and cold spots, since the heat source does not cover the full base.
Surface Finish: Machined vs Rough
Budget pans from Lodge and Victoria have a slightly rough texture that smooths over time. Premium pans from Field Company, Smithey, Lancaster, and Stargazer are machined smooth from the factory.
A machined surface provides better food release from day one and develops a glass-like seasoning faster. If you want the best cooking experience and can afford the investment, machined pans are worth the premium.
Seasoning and Maintenance
All bare cast iron requires seasoning maintenance. This means washing by hand, drying immediately, and applying a thin layer of oil after each use. It takes about 30 seconds but must become a habit.
If that routine sounds like too much work, the Le Creuset enameled skillet is your best alternative. Enamel requires no seasoning and is dishwasher safe.
Cooktop Compatibility
Every skillet on this list works on gas, electric coil, and induction cooktops. They are all oven-safe, with bare cast iron tolerating higher temperatures than enameled options.
For glass-top stoves, be careful sliding heavy cast iron across the surface to avoid scratching. Lift the pan to reposition it rather than dragging it.
Pre-Seasoned vs Unseasoned
All eight pans in this guide come pre-seasoned, which means they are ready to cook on right away. The quality of factory seasoning varies, with Victoria’s flaxseed oil and Field’s grapeseed oil coatings standing out as particularly well-executed.
You can always improve on factory seasoning with regular use. The more you cook with oil in your pan, the better the seasoning becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cast Iron Skillets
Which brand of cast iron pan is best?
Lodge is the best overall cast iron brand for most people, offering excellent pre-seasoned pans at an unbeatable price. For premium machined skillets, Smithey and Field Company are the top choices. Victoria is the best budget option with its flaxseed oil seasoning.
What is the most sought after cast iron skillet?
Vintage Griswold and Wagner skillets from the early to mid-1900s are the most sought after by collectors due to their smooth machined surfaces and lightweight construction. Among modern pans, the Smithey No.10 and Field Company No.10 are the closest reproductions of those coveted vintage designs.
Is Smithey better than Lodge?
Smithey offers a smoother machined surface and more refined finish than Lodge, making it better for cooks who want vintage-quality performance. However, Lodge costs roughly one-tenth the price and delivers 90 percent of the cooking performance, making it the better value for most buyers.
Which cast iron cookware is the best?
The Lodge 10.25-inch skillet is the best all-around cast iron cookware for most home cooks. It is affordable, pre-seasoned, made in the USA, and works on every heat source. For specialty needs, the Field Company is best for lightweight use and the Le Creuset is best for low-maintenance enameled cooking.
What size cast iron skillet should I buy?
A 10 to 10.5-inch skillet is ideal for one to three people and handles most everyday cooking tasks. Choose a 12-inch skillet if you regularly cook for four or more people or want to bake larger items like family-size cornbread. The 10.25-inch Lodge is the most popular size and a safe starting point.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cast Iron Skillets
After testing all eight pans, our team is confident in saying that the best cast iron skillet for most people is the Lodge 10.25-inch. It delivers everything you need, excellent heat retention, pre-seasoned convenience, and a lifetime warranty, at a price that leaves room in your budget for good ingredients.
If you want to invest in an heirloom pan, the Smithey No.10 and Field Company No.10 offer machined surfaces that rival the best vintage cast iron. For budget shoppers, the Victoria 12-inch gives you more features than any pan in its price range. And for anyone who wants the cast iron cooking experience without the maintenance, the Le Creuset enameled skillet is the answer.
No matter which you choose, a cast iron skillet is one of the few kitchen tools that actually gets better with age. Pick one, cook with it often, and it will serve you for decades in 2026 and beyond.
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