ConsFirst / Cast-iron skillets / Compare
Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch vs Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on cooking surface & seasoning, weight & handling, easy care. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch wins on searing & heat retention, value.
The biggest complaint about the Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch is expensive; for the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch it's food sticking; seasoning uneven at first. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cast-iron skillets | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $ |
| Type | Bare cast iron | Bare cast iron |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Searing & heat retention | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Cooking surface & seasoning | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Weight & handling | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Easy care | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Value | 2.5 | 5.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
- Expensive
Serious Eats calls it pricey at about $165. Wirecutter enjoyed the #10 but found its $215 price hard to justify. Amazon owners are divided on whether it is worth the money.
- Wobbles on glass tops; no spouts
Serious Eats says, being light, it is prone to spinning and wobbling when heated empty on a glass-top stove. Good Housekeeping lists the lack of pour spouts as its con.
Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping - Blotchy seasoning, some sticking
Wirecutter saw blotchy stains after searing steak and says it is shallower than its picks. Amazon's summary says some owners report food sticking.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
- Food sticking; seasoning uneven at first
Amazon's review summary says non-stick performance gets mixed feedback, with some owners reporting food sticking even with oil. Good Housekeeping found the preseasoning uneven for eggs (it improves with use), and Serious Eats' cornbread stuck a little until it rested for a minute.
- Heavy
Serious Eats weighed its 10.25-inch pan at 5 lb 7 oz, on the heavier side of its winners. Wirecutter says the 12-inch version is about 8½ lb and hefty to maneuver.
Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter - Smoke, smell and early rust
Serious Eats says it gave off an asphalt-like smell and quite a bit of smoke the first couple of times it was heated. Amazon's summary says several customers report the skillet rusting after first use.
Who should pick which
Pick the Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch if
The lightest full-size skillet
A smooth, vintage-style surface
Cooks with wrist or strength concerns
Skip it if: You're on a budget; You cook on a glass-top stove (it can wobble when empty); You want pour spouts
Pick the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch if
Searing steaks and burgers on a budget
First cast-iron pan
Stove, oven, grill or campfire
Skip it if: You want a light pan you can lift one-handed; You want a smooth, polished surface; You won't dry and oil it after washing
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.