Field Cast Iron Review: Why These Skillets Are the Smoothest, Lightest, and Best You Can Buy

Hey there, fellow home cooks and cast iron lovers! If you‘re anything like me, you appreciate the joy of searing a juicy steak, baking a skillet cornbread, or braising a flavor-packed stew in a trusty cast iron pan. But let‘s be real – traditional cast iron can be heavy, rough, and a pain to maintain. That‘s why I‘m excited to share my in-depth review of Field Company, a brand that‘s reimagining cast iron cookware with a vintage-inspired spin.

What Is Field Company?

Founded in 2016 by brothers Stephen and Chris Muscarella, Field Company is a small team obsessed with crafting the perfect cast iron pan. Their mission? To create smooth, lightweight skillets and Dutch ovens reminiscent of the antique cast iron passed down in their family for generations.

But Field isn‘t just another cast iron brand. They‘ve cracked the code on how to combine the best qualities of vintage cookware – like a glassy-smooth finish and lightweight feel – with the quality control and consistency of modern production. The result is a line of cast iron pans that look great, perform beautifully, and feel like a dream to use.

Why Vintage-Inspired Cast Iron?

So what‘s the big deal about vintage cast iron anyway? As Stephen and Chris Muscarella discovered, antique pans from the early 20th century were thinner, smoother, and lighter than the heavy, rough-textured skillets you typically find today.

Vintage cast iron was prized for its smooth finish, which allowed for better food release and easier cleaning. It also heated up more quickly and responded faster to temperature changes due to its thinner walls. However, many of those old foundries went out of business or switched to making thicker, cheaper pans to meet the demands of the post-war era.

The Muscarella brothers saw an opportunity to bring back the best qualities of antique cast iron with modern manufacturing processes. After studying vintage pans and testing hundreds of prototypes, they launched Field Company on Kickstarter with a reimagined cast iron skillet that blew past its funding goal.

Today, Field offers a full line of lightweight cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens, all featuring a uniquely smooth finish and ergonomic design. But how do they actually perform in the kitchen? Let‘s dive into the details.

Field Skillet Review

The Field Skillet is the brand‘s signature product, designed to be smoother, lighter, and more comfortable to use than a traditional cast iron pan. It comes in 5 sizes, from the adorably mini 6.75 inch No.4 to the extra-large 13.375 inch No.12.

I‘ve been cooking with the No.8 Field Skillet (10.25 inch diameter) for the past year, and it‘s hands-down my favorite everyday pan. At just 4.5 pounds, it‘s nearly 50% lighter than my old Lodge skillet, making it so much easier to lift, maneuver, and clean.

The first thing you‘ll notice when you pick up a Field Skillet is how smooth the surface is. Unlike most modern cast iron, which has a rough, pebbly texture, Field pans are polished to a glassy smoothness that feels amazing to the touch. Food glides across the surface like a dream, and sticky foods like eggs slide right out.

That smooth finish also makes the Field Skillet exceptionally easy to clean. I rarely need more than hot water and a quick scrub with a chainmail scrubber to get mine looking like new. And because the pan is pre-seasoned with multiple coats of grapeseed oil, you can start cooking right out of the box.

But the most impressive thing about the Field Skillet, in my opinion, is how well it performs. These pans heat up quickly and evenly, with excellent heat retention for searing and browning. The No.8 is my go-to for everything from frittatas to roasted veggies to cast iron pizza.

The longer handle and larger assist handle also make the Field Skillet much more comfortable to grip and pour from compared to traditional skillets with stubby handles. I can easily lift a full skillet with one hand, even when wearing bulky oven mitts.

Of course, no pan is perfect, and there are a couple of trade-offs with Field‘s lightweight design. Because the walls are thinner than a traditional cast iron skillet, the Field pan does tend to develop hot spots more easily and loses heat a bit faster. But in my experience, the difference is minimal and easily managed with proper preheating and temperature control.

Here‘s what some other Field Skillet fans have to say:

"The Field Skillet is the best piece of cast iron cookware I have ever used. It is lightweight, smooth as glass, and virtually non-stick. I‘ve cooked everything from fried eggs to steak to cornbread in mine and it never disappoints. Worth every penny!" – Jennifer K.

"I own several vintage cast iron pans, but I reach for my Field Skillets most often. They have the same great qualities I love in antique cookware – lightweight, smooth finish, quick heating – but with the added bonus of modern consistency and quality control. These are heirloom-quality pans." – Mark D.

"As a professional chef, I‘m picky about my pans. The Field Skillet has quickly become a favorite for its versatility, heat retention, and ease of use. The fact that it‘s lighter and smoother than any other cast iron skillet I‘ve used is a huge bonus when I‘m cooking all day." – Chef Michael S.

Field Dutch Oven Review

If you love making soups, stews, braises, and breads, the Field Dutch Oven is a game-changer. This 4.5 quart enameled cast iron pot is designed with the same smooth finish and lightweight construction as the Field Skillet, but with the added versatility of a tight-fitting lid.

At just 6.5 pounds (not including the lid), the Field Dutch Oven is significantly lighter than my old Le Creuset, which weighs nearly 12 pounds empty. That means I can actually lift and carry the Field pot from stove to oven to table, even when it‘s full of chili or boiling water for pasta.

The smooth enamel coating on the Field Dutch Oven is a dream to cook with and clean. It resists sticking and staining, and cleanup is as easy as a quick soak and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. The light cream color of the interior also makes it easy to monitor browning and caramelization.

One of my favorite features of the Field Dutch Oven is the domed lid, which locks in moisture for braises and stews while providing plenty of clearance for oven-spring when baking bread. The oversized lid also makes it easy to check on your food or rotate it mid-cook.

In terms of performance, the Field Dutch Oven delivers even heating and excellent heat retention, as you‘d expect from a quality enameled cast iron pot. It‘s great for low and slow cooking, high-heat searing, and everything in between. I‘ve used mine for everything from sourdough to shawarma to seafood cioppino.

Here‘s what other Field Dutch Oven users have to say:

"I was hesitant to spend so much on a Dutch oven, but the Field No.8 has been worth every penny. It‘s the perfect size for most recipes, heats evenly, and cleans up beautifully. The best part is being able to lift and move it easily, even when full. I use it nearly every day!" – Emily L.

"As someone with arthritis in my hands, I struggled with my heavy Le Creuset Dutch oven. The Field No.8 has been a total game-changer. It‘s so much lighter and easier to handle, but still has the same great performance I expect from enameled cast iron. I can‘t recommend it highly enough!" – Susan G.

Pros and Cons of Field Cast Iron

So is Field‘s vintage-inspired cast iron right for you? Here‘s a quick rundown of the pros and cons, based on my experience:

Pros

• Lightweight design is easier to handle and store
• Ultra-smooth finish for superior food release and simple cleaning
• Comfortable handles for ease of lifting and pouring
• Factory pre-seasoning allows you to cook right away
• Excellent heat retention and even heating
• Versatile for stove, oven, grill, and campfire cooking
• Heirloom-quality craftsmanship backed by lifetime warranty

Cons

• Higher price point than generic cast iron
• Smooth finish can take longer to build up a non-stick seasoning
• Thinner walls may develop hot spots more easily
• Not dishwasher-safe and can‘t be soaked for long periods
• Requires maintenance to prevent rusting

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your cooking needs, preferences, and budget. If you appreciate the craftsmanship and performance of a premium pan and don‘t mind investing more upfront, Field cast iron is tough to beat. The lightweight feel and glassy-smooth finish make cooking a joy, and these pans only get better with age.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more rugged, low-maintenance skillet and aren‘t bothered by the weight, a cheaper brand like Lodge may be a better fit for you. You can also hunt for a vintage pan at thrift stores and estate sales, if you‘re willing to put in the elbow grease to restore it.

Field Cast Iron vs. Other Brands

If you‘re considering Field cast iron, you may be wondering how it stacks up to other premium brands on the market. Here‘s a quick comparison:

Brand	Weight (12" Skillet)	Smoothness (1-5)	Price (12" Skillet)
Field Company	6.5 lbs	5	$195
Stargazer	6.2 lbs	4	$115
Smithey	7.1 lbs	4	$200
Finex	8.5 lbs	3	$250
Lodge	7.8 lbs	2	$30

As you can see, Field offers the lightest weight and smoothest finish of the bunch, but at a higher price point than brands like Stargazer and Lodge. Smithey and Finex are more comparable in price, but with a rougher finish and heavier weight.

Of course, weight and smoothness aren‘t the only factors to consider. Each brand has its own unique design features, such as Finex‘s octagonal shape and coiled handles or Stargazer‘s flared rim for drip-free pouring. And some cooks prefer the rugged, rough surface of a Lodge or Finex pan for certain recipes.

Ultimately, the best cast iron pan for you is the one that fits your cooking style, budget, and aesthetic preferences. If a lightweight, ultra-smooth pan is a priority, Field is hard to beat. But there are plenty of great options out there to suit every taste.

The Bottom Line

So, is Field cast iron worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely. These skillets and Dutch ovens are a joy to cook with, offering the best qualities of vintage cast iron with the convenience and consistency of modern production. They‘re incredibly smooth, lightweight, and comfortable to handle, with performance that rivals pans costing twice as much.

If you‘re willing to invest in a premium cast iron pan that will last a lifetime (or longer), I highly recommend giving Field a try. These skillets and Dutch ovens are heirloom-quality tools that only get better with age and use. With proper care, they‘ll become the pans you reach for every day, whether you‘re searing a steak, baking cornbread, or braising a pot roast.

Yes, Field cast iron costs more than a basic Lodge skillet. But for me, the superior craftsmanship, lightweight feel, and smooth finish are well worth the investment. These are the kind of pans that make cooking a pleasure, elevating even the simplest recipes into something special.

Don‘t just take my word for it – check out the glowing reviews from other Field customers and professional chefs. People rave about the quality, performance, and joy of cooking with these pans. And with Field‘s lifetime warranty and responsive customer service, you can feel confident in your purchase.

So go ahead and treat yourself to a Field skillet or Dutch oven. I promise, once you experience the smooth, lightweight cast iron difference, you‘ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!

To learn more and purchase your own Field cast iron, visit fieldcompany.com. And if you have any questions or want to share your own Field stories, drop me a line – I‘d love to hear from you.

Happy cooking!

This in-depth Field Cast Iron review was written by Mallory Kitching, a passionate home cook, recipe developer, and cast iron collector. Mallory has used and reviewed dozens of cast iron pans over the years, from antique Griswolds to modern artisan brands. Her goal is to help home cooks find the best tools to make cooking a joy. All opinions are her own.