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Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) 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
Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) ranks higher (#2 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.
The biggest complaint about the Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) is heavy, and the long handle shifts the balance; 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
| Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) | Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cast-iron skillets | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $ | $$$ |
| Type | Bare cast iron | Bare cast iron |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | 11% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Searing & heat retention | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Cooking surface & seasoning | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Weight & handling | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Easy care | — | 4.0 |
| Value | 5.0 | 2.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $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
Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned)
- Heavy, and the long handle shifts the balance
Serious Eats calls it one of the heavier skillets it tested (5 lb 8.9 oz). Wirecutter says the longer stick handle on the 12-inch throws off the weight distribution and makes it feel heavier, even though it weighs a pound less than the Lodge.
Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter - Smoke and smell when new
Serious Eats says the pre-seasoned surface gave off an asphalt smell the first few times it was heated.
Source: Serious Eats - Some cornbread sticking
Good Housekeeping saw some sticking in its cornbread test with the 12-inch pan.
Source: Good Housekeeping
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 Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-Seasoned) if
Budget buyers who want a Lodge alternative
Pouring off fat cleanly (large spouts)
A cheap 12-inch family-size pan
Skip it if: You want a light pan; You dislike a long handle that shifts the balance; You want a 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
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.