Best Cast Iron Skillet - Review of Finex, Smithey, FieldCo and Lodge

Detailed comparison of some high end cast iron skillets from makers including Finex, Smithey and Field Company. We compare different elements of the skillets including their finish, weight, handles, lids, design features and of course prices so you can make a more informed decision if you're looking to invest ~$200 into one of these skillets.
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[Layput]

They suddenly become lighter in metric.

Finex 7.7 lbs = 3, 492 grams
Smithey 8.6 lbs = 3, 900 grams
FieldCo 5.6 lbs = 2, 540 grams
Lodge 8.1 lbs = 3, 674 grams

I don't know what kind of conversion was used.

[jernigan]

My eyes are on the Smithey, but my budget says Lodge 😁

[ahill]

The Smithey lid rim also allows placing coals from a fire on top to use as a shallow Dutch oven. So, making corn bread while camping is easier with the Smithey.

[mattamuskeet]

When I have the money, I may get something else, but for me, it's hard to beat Lodge. You can sand it smooth, but you don't need to. In about a year of steadily cooking and re-seasoning each time, they develop a smooth, non-stick surface. Also, Lodge does make and sell glass or cast iron lids for their skillets. The best way to get a cast lid is to buy a Dutch oven that matches pan size, ie. 7 quart = 12" skillet.

[peterl.]

I’m probably one of the rare ones that finds the Finex handle to be an eyesore. I do like the functionality though. If I ever go to that price range for a cast iron pan, I have no idea what I would pick.

[MaximRecoil]

None of those pans are "bespoke". Bespoke means custom made to the customer's specifications. A tailor-made suit is an example of "bespoke". If I bought any one of those pans it would come out of the same mold as the one that you have, or the one that anyone else has, i.e., they are "off the shelf", which is the opposite of "bespoke".

[billwinter]

“You keep saying that word. I do not think that word means what you think it means” - Inago Montoya

[djC]

Only high-end CI I got is Stargazer and that handle rules them all. I do know that brass nut at the end of Finex skillet will get'cha good if you're not paying attention.

[sylviarienzo]

I wish you had chosen to include the Stargazer. I have my eye on it as the best. One big reason is that it has a helper handle. I weigh about 100 pounds and the helper handle is almost essential to my comfort in using it. But it also has a great handle.

[badchippo]

I love these videos, but I cringe everytime he says bespoke. Bespoke is not a synonym for high-end or artisan-crafted. There is some cross-over there to be sure, but something is not bespoke unless you ordered it custom to your specifications from the makers. It refers to customized products only and does not necessarily mean superior quality, as you might request lower quality materials or a less suitable feature. How much customization is required to qualify is up for debate, I suppose. But it really should be a significant amount of specification from the customer to qualify anything as bespoke. The term originated in tailoring and custom footwear.

[oldrustycars]

I don't care for the round handle on the Finex, it's hard to hold level as it can twist in your hand. Cooks Illustrated agrees. I love cast iron, I have several Lodge, Griswold, my great grandmothers Wagner Ware, one Le Creuset Dutch oven, and lots of junk shops finds which I strip, season, and give away.

[gilguzman]

I would like to see a test on thermal spotting and heat transfer. In other words, which pan heats up most evenly and has the least amount of heat spots.

[frankroper]

Lodge is best for the money hands down! They season up well and hold it well! I have a Lodge, Field, Griswold, and a Wagner. That's my opinion! You can buy 4 Lodge 12" pans for what Field and these other Co.s like Smithey charge. Also you can pick up a Lodge #8 griddle and use it for a lid on a #8 pan...Field for sure since I just did it!

[eyeamtheandyman]

Great review but you missed one of the best selling points of the Finex. If you turn the lid instead of lining it up perfectly you have 8 fully adjustable steam vents for even venting. No other lid allows that.

[olil]

I own Finex and Smithey carbon steel farmhouse. I use mostly Smithey. Finex is beautiful and it will grab attention of your guests for sure. It’s super heavy too, I pick it up with both hands🤣

[UnionWireman]

Out of this group I'd definitely go with Field Company. Excellent cast iron....light and nimble skillet 🍳

[TraceySmith]

I have a Finex and a Smithey....love them both.

[Doctorartpt]

The Finex steel coil does indeed get hot. The brass tip at the end is just as hot as the cast iron itself. I find myself having to use a rag to handle it. The thickness of the handle with/without the rag makes the pan feel heavier than it is.

[rybobuno]

How do they compare to Griswold or Wagner?

[jeffreypennington]

I liked lodge and smith and Clark. And old antique cast iron skillet.