Finding the best high quality cast iron skillet

[rey k!ng]

I'm looking for a high quality cast iron pan to help me cook healthier meals at home. I want something that is durable and truly built to last a lifetime. I see classic options like Lodge which are affordable and sturdy but I am also looking at premium brands like Field Company or Smithey. These higher end pans are often smoother and lighter which makes them a bit easier to handle every day. I have also heard that enameled pans from brands like Le Creuset or Staub are great if you want the benefits of cast iron without the extra work of seasoning. I just want to find a pan that distributes heat evenly and makes cooking simple and clean.

 

[checkm8]

Do you prefer a traditional rough surface or a smooth polished finish for your cooking?

 

[the plankton]

I'm looking for a high quality cast iron pan to help me cook healthier meals at home. I want something that is durable and truly built to last a lifetime. I see classic options like Lodge which are affordable and sturdy but I am also looking at premium brands like Field Company or Smithey. These higher end pans are often smoother and lighter which makes them a bit easier to handle every day. I have also heard that enameled pans from brands like Le Creuset or Staub are great if you want the benefits of cast iron without the extra work of seasoning. I just want to find a pan that distributes heat evenly and makes cooking simple and clean.

How much are you looking to spend on a pan that you plan to keep forever?

 

[BubblyCat]

Are you looking for a standard pan or an enameled one that does not require seasoning?

 

[trigger02]

@rey k!ng Make sure to check how much the pan weighs. Don't be fooled. some high‑end ones are surprisingly light.

 

[rey k!ng]

How much are you looking to spend on a pan that you plan to keep forever?

I am planning to keep it forever and I don't keep a minimum or maximum budget. When I see one that is of good quality and is of a fair price and I can afford it, I get it.

 

[rey k!ng]

I did some research and I found a lot of folks prefer using the traditional rough surface rather than those with a smooth polished finish. I think I will just go with the lodge.

 

[StaticInTheWires]

I'm looking for a high quality cast iron pan to help me cook healthier meals at home. I want something that is durable and truly built to last a lifetime. I see classic options like Lodge which are affordable and sturdy but I am also looking at premium brands like Field Company or Smithey. These higher end pans are often smoother and lighter which makes them a bit easier to handle every day. I have also heard that enameled pans from brands like Le Creuset or Staub are great if you want the benefits of cast iron without the extra work of seasoning. I just want to find a pan that distributes heat evenly and makes cooking simple and clean.

Ive been using a good cast iron grill pan for a while and it’s been great. Heats evenly sears really well and once it’s seasoned it’s easy to maintain. This is the one I have in mind https://www.allpointsfps.com/69277-10-in-cast-iron-grill-pan-finex-grillet-lodge/

 

[BigBob75]

Lodge cast iron is heavy and the Smithey and other manufacturers skillets are lighter. Lodge does have some lighter weight skillets too you may want to check out. Cost is important, but weight is also a factor. Check them all out before you purchase one as it WILL BE FOREVER.

 

[MaisonF]

Do you prefer a traditional rough surface or a smooth polished finish for your cooking?

Do you mean traditional smooth or modern rough as-cast finish?

Traditionally skillets were machined smooth. Today modern manufacturing has skipped that step for all but the boutique makers.

 

[MaisonF]

I just got in my two Field skillets #12 and #10 from the Father's Day sale and I am very impressed with the weight and quality. I am going a couple manual seasonings just for fun before I put them to use. The #12 on the left has 1 layer seasoning so far, the #10 on the right is just out of the box after a quick oil wipe down. Field comes with more of a matte finish which I expect will hold seasoning better than Smithy, which is machined satin that doesn't hold seasoning that well. The rim is flared so can pour from any angle. I will see how well the flared rim does because pour spouts never really impressed me on any of my older skillets, regardless of spout size.

Overall I am very happy with these two. Vintage #12's are exceedingly rare and expensive, so I could better justify the price of a Field #12 since I have not found a nice #12 in many many years. Then Field had a buy-one-get-one-1/2-off, so 1/2 price for the #10 was too good to pass up.

 

[kacee1958AA]

Lodge cast iron is heavy and the Smithey and other manufacturers skillets are lighter. Lodge does have some lighter weight skillets too you may want to check out. Cost is important, but weight is also a factor. Check them all out before you purchase one as it WILL BE FOREVER.

What you say is absolutely true of most of the modern boutique pans Field, Stargazer, Lancaster etc etc. Smithey and Finex though are very heavy pans. 8-1/2lbs for a 12" Smithey.