When comparing Field Skillet vs Lodge Cast-Iron with Handle Holder, the Slant community recommends Field Skillet for most people. In the question“What are the best cast iron skillets?” Field Skillet is ranked 2nd while Lodge Cast-Iron with Handle Holder is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Field Skillet is:
Most cast-iron skillets made today have a pebbly surface on the inside as well as on the outside. This skillet is polished to a very fine grain, so the outer surface doesn't scratch ceramic glass stovetops.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Safe for ceramic glass stovetops
Most cast-iron skillets made today have a pebbly surface on the inside as well as on the outside. This skillet is polished to a very fine grain, so the outer surface doesn't scratch ceramic glass stovetops.
Pro Environmentally friendly
Made out of 75-90% recycled iron.
Pro Much easier to handle than other cast-iron skillets
Weighing only 4.5 lbs it is easy to lift with one hand, in comparison to most of the other cast-iron skillets, that weigh anywhere from 6.5 to 8 lbs. The handle is ergonomic, long and provides a good grip.
Pro Comes preseasoned for immediate use
The Field Skillet comes with two layers of grapeseed oil seasoning for immediate use. The non-stick properties improve with further seasoning, achieved by frying food in oil or fat.
Pro Suitable for all kinds of cooking mediums
The Field skillet can be used with these heat sources: gas/electric/induction stovetops, oven, grill, broiler, and open campfire.
Pro Comes preseasoned for immediate use
The Lodge skillet is perfect for people not familiar with cast-iron cookware because it comes with a layer of seasoning and can be used right away. The non-stick properties improve with further seasoning. This can be done by either cooking greasy foods in it for the first few times or seasoning with oil/lard (see Care Of Traditional Cast Iron Cookware).
Pro Suitable for all kinds of cooking mediums
This cast-iron skillet can be used with these heat sources: gas/electric/induction stovetops, oven, grill, broiler, and open campfire.
Pro Extremely durable
Metal utensils can be used freely in this frying pan. The skillet will last for generations if treated properly.
Pro An extra handle for easier handling
Since the skillet is heavy, it has an extra handle for added balance when moving the pan.
Pro Comes with a silicone slip-on holder for burn-protection
The silicone handle holder protects from burns, as the short handle of this skillet gets very hot, especially after using in an oven. The holder slips on and off easily, providing a good grip.
Pro Perfect for searing meat
Once hot, the skillet holds heat for a very long time so it is perfect for searing meat.
Pro Very versatile use
This skillet can be used for a wide variety of cooking such as searing, roasting, frying, baking, and one pan stove-to-oven recipes.
Pro No fear of overheating
Cast iron can handle temperatures well above any home oven (melting point above 2000 ºF). This skillet will need to be reseasoned if left on heat, empty, for a long time or if it's often subjected to temperatures around 500 ºF.
Cons
Con Expensive
The Field Skillet costs a whopping $100. Other raw cast-iron skillets on the market cost $15-30, so you need to decide whether the lesser weight and smoother surface is worth the upcharge.
Con No pouring spouts
This skillet has no spouts to help in pouring out the oil or gravy.
Con Comes in only one size so far
The No. 8 is the only size for this skillet available today, though the manufacturer promises to add a larger diameter No. 10 in the near future.
Con Takes a long time to heat up evenly
For more even heat distribution this skillet needs to be heated in an oven for 20-30 minutes or alternatively on a stovetop for 10 minutes, rotating by 45 degrees every few minutes.
Con Needs to be cleaned and dried immediately after use
After cooking, food should be removed immediately and the skillet should be cleaned. It can be scrubbed with a nylon/plastic brush if needed. Then it should be washed in warm water, dried off completely and wiped down with cooking oil.
Con Very heavy
Weighing in at 7.5 lbs, this skillet might not be suitable for someone with weaker wrists.
Con Heat diffuser needed for small burners
The heat might not transfer evenly if the burner is smaller than the skillet, so an additional heat diffuser might be needed.
Con Can scratch ceramic glass stovetops
This skillet is heavy and might be a bit uneven (pebbly) on the outside. When using ceramic glass stovetops, you must only lift the pan out as sliding it around can damage the surface.
Con Silicone handle holder can slip off
Some users reported that the holder needs to be gripped tight, especially if the cook has difficulty lifting the skillet.
Con Not dishwasher safe, rusts if soaked in water
The Lodge Cast-iron skillet should not be put in the dishwasher or soaked. It will rust and chip if exposed to water for too long. The pan needs to be dried off completely directly after washing.
Con Not suitable for cooking acidic food
When cooking with tomatoes, citrus, pineapple, or other acidic foods, the seasoning can strip away and the pan will need to be reseasoned. Without seasoning, the iron may leach and give food a metallic taste.
Con Rough, pebbled cooking surface
Some users dislike rough cooking surfaces of these skillets, because they take time and frequent use to get smoother.
