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Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet vs Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on searing & heat retention, value. Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch wins on cooking surface & seasoning, weight & handling, easy care.
The biggest complaint about the Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is shallow for frying and braising; for the Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch it's expensive. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet | Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cast-iron skillets | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $ | $$$ |
| Type | Bare cast iron | Bare cast iron |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 11% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Searing & heat retention | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Cooking surface & seasoning | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Weight & handling | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Easy care | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Value | 5.0 | 2.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $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
Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Shallow for frying and braising
Wirecutter says it holds about 2 cups less than the classic Lodge, making braising harder and frying chicken riskier for oil overflow; its lighter weight could also give less second-side browning on very thick steaks.
Source: Wirecutter - Cooking area feels cramped
Serious Eats says the smaller bottom diameter and curved sides of the 10-inch version make it feel cramped.
Source: Serious Eats - Sticking and weight split owners
Amazon's summary says some owners report food adhering to the surface and some struggle with seasoning; weight feedback is mixed, with some calling it too cumbersome for one hand.
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.
Who should pick which
Pick the Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet if
Searing and sautéing with less weight
Flipping and stirring (sloped sides)
Best value overall pick
Skip it if: You deep-fry or braise in your skillet; You want the largest flat cooking area; You want a smooth, polished surface
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
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