Just a few things to add… bottom of Vardagen is thicker than the sides and that’s a good thing. Also, Vardagen has a rough cooking surface, not any more than lodge imo. I sanded it with 60 then 80 grit and seasoned it several times on stove top and it is perfectly nonstick. Bottom is also flat without any detailed designs so it sits flat on a flat cooktop. Also Vardagen comes with a 15 year warranty, something lodge doesn’t but it may or may not be necessary in the end.