Thanks everyone for watching and your interest in the video. I appreciate the feedback and people's passion for cast iron. As an update and as has been mentioned, the shipping times are completely normal for all of these pans at this point. Stargazer and Field have product on hand and will send them right out to you, so order without hesitation! One other point, if I may... Please stop commenting on the condition of the pans. I've responded to a few people and it's just kind of getting to be too much. I'm not upset by it, but this wasn't a video on how to season your pans and I don't know if it's the lighting or my camera, but they aren't as bad as I guess they appear. They work fine and cook great, so please just leave it alone... I'm chuckling as I type this, and I don't say this in anger, but enough already. I'm no cast iron expert, just a fan. Thanks!
When somebody's showing off their restoration skills, you see a perfect, even seasoning. When you have a workhorse pan, there's often a bit of spottiness. Yours look like workhorses.
I love the Stargazer skillet which I have and it works well on my stove or in the oven. When I ordered it I expected to receive it in a week or two, but it took months and after getting it the quality was great and I love it over the other skillets I have. I too hope their production have caught up to their orders by now. I received word that they are making a smaller skillet and hope it is selling well and if decide to get a smaller one their company will be on the top of my list. I have several Lodge products and love them, but Stargazer have the best quality for the price.
I ordered my Stargazer skillet March 19, 2018 and it shipped April 5, 2018 so the lead time has greatly improved. They also announced that they are launching a 12” skillet this year.
Kim Mullins,Thanks for watching and glad to hear about the lead time being better! Interesting about the 12" pan too, may have to look into one of them... If anyone from Stargazer wants to send me one to review... Hint, Hint... :)
@@JacksonWalter735 I like the handle on the SG better, and they offer a military discount, those two things made the difference to me. My brother has 2 Fields, and I like them. We also own a Smithey or two.. like them very much, but the bottoms work better on a gas cook top vs our smooth top range, so they live in the camper. But don't fret, we camp a lot.. LOL
@@MarkSmith-pd3nt I see. Thank you for your insight. I'm planning to get an expensive cast iron skillet for my mother-in-law as one of her retirement presents (she loves to cook) and I'm currently doing my research. I had no idea Stargazer offers military discounts so that's a huge plus for me.
I like the rougher exterior of the stargazer, as the finish of it has nothing to do with the smooth finish of the cooking area. That being said, I feel like having the texture, aids in being non-slip when being handled, giving your hands an area to bite into the pan without it slipping due to a little moisture or grease .
Exactly. That's not a mistake. That's thoughtful design and that attention to detail only makes it more elegant in my eyes. Multiple functions from a single material and the only difference is surface finishing.
I’ve a few, various sizes, one I’ve had 52 years, now I’m using a Field 8, it’s building nicely. I’ve been using it outside on our pit, I’m sold. @100. And a pan too last. Good metallurgy. The fine grooves on the cooking surface, they aid in building up, soon it’ll shine enough to shave by.
It would have been great to include the Smithey. I own a Smithey and Stargazer and a bunch of Lodge. I totally agree about the Stargazer being the best. I loved it so much I ordered a second one.
Overall good report. I have every skillet Finex makes, along with their grill pans and sauce pan. I have never had a single item stick to the sides of any of my Finex pans so, for me, the rough sides are a no factor. I like my old Griswold pans very much also. Might order a Stargazer in the future as I've been looking at them for awhile too. The rough outside surface on the Stargazer would also be a no factor for me. You were a bit too picky in some parts of your review but that's fine.
I agree with your assessment of the skillets that Finex makes. While I only have one (got it when it was much cheaper through their KickStarter), it's been great after all these years. I can't imagine my life without it.
I ordered my Stargazer around the time their KickStarter ended and it took a year to get here. I think their leeway is now around a month or so, according to the site. One point I think you forgot about the Stargazer is the lip/rim which I think is the best pour "spout" of all 3 skillets. You really got to WORK on getting it to dribble down the side. All-in-all a great CI skillet "shoot-out" video thanks. I personally like the 2 textures going on on this skillet. The rough looking exterior combined with the very smooth interior. That curve in the handle is an awesome place to rest your spatula, mine has a wooden handle.
That's good to hear about the time-frame being better. They make a really nice pan, so that takes away one of the things I would use as a caveat when recommending them. Thanks for watching & the kind words!
A lot people doesn't know, the handle on the Stargazer is curve because it served as a spoon rest. The video also didn't explain, the lip on the Stargazer is smooth because it's design to have less drip. The interior of the pan also curve enough for you to put a spoon in to pick up oil/sauce to baste meat. The Stargazer is a very well thought out design pan. I wish they come out with more size/variation soon.
Great review. The exact three pans I've been mulling over for weeks, and I was already leaning towards Stargazer. Pulled the trigger on a Stargazer 10.5 the moment your review ended. I hope the reps from these companies know the value that your videos provide. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and the kind words... I know you'll love the Stargazer, it's an awesome pan! And wouldn't it be great if the companies noticed little ol' me? 🤔 Lol... I'd love to do a review on any free pan anyone wants to send me (hint, hint everyone)!!! 😎
I own the 10.5 & 12 Stargazer. I also ordered my 10.5 in 2017. It was the second production run...right after the Kickstarter run. Mine took a long time to arrive as well. 8 months. I preordered the 12” before they even started production. I think it arrived around 4 months after I ordered. Both are incredible pans to cook with. I just looked at both pans after watching the video. The 12 seems to have a slightly smoother exterior and the same smooth interior. If you want a premium pan, you can’t go wrong with Stargazer.
I bought a 10.5" Stargazer and a 12" Finex with a lid for my daughter. The Stargazer arrived in 4 weeks and the Finex in 4 days. We both could not be any happier. In the next few weeks I'll be getting myself a Finex and her a Stargazer...lol. Great video I thoroughly enjoyed it.
10 inch skillets...Finex without lid = 160.00, Stargazer 10.5 inch = 88.00 preseasoned, Field #8 which is a 10 inch = 100.00. All good pans, all made in USA. All ship soon nowadays. I have to say for the money Stargazer is the best option to me. Remember weight is relative here. None are "light". Finex = 6.3 lbs, Stargazer =5.2 lbs, Field =4.5 lbs. So between Stargazer and Field most will not have any issues between those two in weight. With heavy full pan you would appreciate the extra handle on it vs Field. All quality made. Just my thoughts. PS Stargazer offers a 10% off military discount all the time and on Veterans Day and Memorial Day it's 30% off. Saw that on their website while looking for numbers above...Just my thoughts..Enjoy whichever fits your wants!
While I appreciate their efforts, I just bought a 10" Lodge at Target, normal every day price $15. After two more additional rounds of seasoning beyond the seasoning already on the skillet I put it up against my 80 year old vintage smooth skillet. It releases just as well and cooked great. I understand the smooth interior is all the rage but honestly, the Lodge cooks just as well. I think that's why they don't go through the additional smoothing step; it's just not needed.
This was a great review. Thanks for helping me make a decision. Well, your wife helped too. I’m going to order a stargazer because of the larger helper on the side and because you said perfect enough times to convince me on the stargazer.
I'm glad you liked the video and good luck with the Stargazer! I would imagine you'll really like it... excellent pans. Thanks for watching and the kind words... I'll let my wife know you appreciated her input! 😎
Oh man....what an excellent review! I give my Lodge's great attention (as they require it). I machine their surfaces so they may perform as great as the ones you show here. I love the process and the result however, a Stargazer sure would be easier! Great job here!
It's funny that you called the Finex a Lodge because Lodge wound up buying them out about a year after you made this video. As a note. Iron is actually a poor conductor of heat. That's why it takes a while to heat up and why it can hold heat for so long.
Great video, I have one question have you tried Lancaster? I am torn between Lancaster, Stargazer and Field. I may even narrow it down to Lancaster and Stargazer. Thank you
I ordered the Stargazer 10.5 during there Kickstarter. Took at least 9 months to get. Ordered the 12” as soon as it was offered. Received it somewhat quickly...maybe 6 weeks. I’m sure their manufacturing processes have been streamlined since I got mine years ago. Just ordered a Finex 10. Don’t really need it, but I got it almost half price. Can’t turn down a Finex 10” for $86.
Lodge lacks the polishing that better pans have. I spent 18 years hunting for and buying Wagner and Griswald pans for my wife. Cast iron is what she prefers to cook with. Once they heat up the heat spreads out evenly. It's great to know that some high quality cast iron pans are being made now! Like this man says, take good care of them and cast Iron pans will last you a lifetime. In our case two lifetimes, maybe more!
I just ordered the new 12.5 inch pan today. i have the ten inch and my wait was not that long and I suspect the pan i ordered today will be reasonable as they are now in their new plant. I have a really large lodge I think 13 “ or so and a smaller one but i just hate the rough surface, I think lodge is lowering their standards. I believe they are successful because of their amazingly low price, but at the sacrifice of quality. Your video was a little long but very informative. Thanks you.
Nicely done. I've been using my two lodge pans for years. Found an amazing vintage pan but it's only 6 inches. But the finish on it is unreal. I think I'll give the stargazer a go. Thanks for the excellent review.
Although you are nic picking the outsides of like the stargazer skillet, I really like the look of leaving the outsides of these pans unfinished. It gives them some character and makes them beautiful. There's even one that I saw that has a hammered outside rim, it's a very beautiful piece of art for sure. They at stargazer are meticulous about the flatness of the skillets. If you hadn't, you should look at the process they go thru, it's on RUclips also. I was impressed with them. I love the Finex too you showed. It's a piece of art in itself. I agree that the inside rim should be sanded better too. I'm torn some between the Finex & Stargazer, but I believe as the are made now, you nailed it on the order of 1-4. My 1stpurchase is gonna be a Stargazer. I own a lodge, you get what you pay for. I wouldn't buy a Lodge, but it was a gift. Great review! Loved it!!!
Thanks for watching and the kind words! It does seem that people have responded well to the video, and that's very gratifying. I do need to put together some more content for cast iron, but first I have a few I've started regarding wet shaving and a pipe tobacco review. Then, I'll have to figure out what cast iron to review next. Thanks for watching and hang in there!😎
Thanks for your review! It has helped me solidify my choice of the Stargazer pan. I watched their production interview with Cook Culture done about a year ago and was very impressed with their inspection and finishing processes. I'm sold!
Nice review. I actually appreciate that you didn’t try do a cooking comparison with new pans like so many do in these tests, because that is so dependent on the pre-seasoning they arrive with - these are not Teflon pans so where you start is not the point. All of these babies will be great once they get a little seasoning, and so other factors are what will differentiate. I have a Field #10, Stargazer 10 1/2”, Smithey 8”, a Lodge 12” and Griswold #3 and #7 from the 1930’s. I love them all. I didn’t consider FINEX because of the weight - Smithey makes a heavy pan too but it’s manageable at 8”. I couldn’t pick a winner between my Field, Stargazer, and Griswolds. The Stargazer is the newest pan so it’s not as far along as the others on seasoning And not quite as slick yet, but you are right about the handles - it’s great to wheel into the oven or bring back inside from the grill. And the Field is as light and slick as the Griswolds.
Thanks for watching and the kind words! Good Luck with the Stargazer and the Field... In their own way, I think they'll both end up being the classics we talk about in the future. Doesn't it seem that in many ways, we're in a new "Golden Age" for cast iron? As for cooking with them for the video.... I'm not that good a cook & so, probably no one would want to watch me!
I just ordered both the stargazer and the field pans. The field was shipped two days later and the stargazer is scheduled to ship in the week after a Thursday order. The inventory problems must be resolved and shouldn’t deter anyone who wants to order.
Every time I see the cooking surfaces of your pans I die a little inside. Do some research and learn how to keep those beauties looking great. Thanks for the video.
This is exactly why i came to the comments!!! It's kind of heartbreaking knowing how nice they can look with just a little care. He's doing something wrong seasoning, cleaning or cooking. =(
I saw that splotchiness too Especially on his Stargazer. Looks like he had excess oil when he seasoned. One guy on RUclips said to take the pan out of the oven after 10-12 minutes and verify that there are no oil splotches, if so wipe off excess oil again I just cook high fat foods like bacon and it forms a good seasoning. I have the original Lodge surface. Love it. Great non stick surface, Easy to clean.
It takes a long time to build up seasoning on the pan, and it won't build evenly. These pans don't come with the fake spray on seasoning that lodge pans have. His pans look like new pans. Only thing he might need to do different is not cook his food in the same spot everytime.
Understood... if you cook with gas, it's not an issue, but I found it takes longer to heat up on our glasstop electric. The Stargazer is flat bottomed... hint hint 😁Thanks for watching!
I use a gas stove, and the handles on the Fenix, and the all of my other pans are too hot to touch by the time you start cooking. I still prefer cooking big meals on my grandma's antique Lodge SK 10. Great reviews sir.
Demand for the Field has definitely caught up. I ordered the NO.8 a few weeks ago and received it in less than a week. The first one i ordered on the other hand took forever to arrive.
Great job! Thank you very much! That's the way utube is with the remarks! They don't realize all the work that goes into making a video! I like both the finex (believe it's pronounced like the city in Arizona) and the Stargazer. Just have two many ten inch pans right now.
Don't have a Finex but have a 12" field and the 10 & 12" Stargazer. The Field is my Swiss Army knife pan....use it for anything and everything. It's fantastic. I LOVE my Stargazers. Since they are "substantial" they're my go to for searing, or baking off int he oven, etc.
I'm not sure... I've heard some people talk about that brand, and usually have good things to say, so I'd bet they make good stuff. I don't have any experience with them, ... yet another brand to look into! So little time, so much cast iron, eh? 😁
After extensive research here in Christmas season 2023, I ordered a 12" Stargazer. It was in stock and ready to ship 2 days ago. It shipped same day. Don't have it yet. But its price is currently lower than the Field and the Finex, and is reported to both take and hold a season better than the other 2. Ergonomics + best reported season / nonstick properties won me over.
Let’s be honest, Lodge used to make skillets like other vintage cast-iron products, smooth. In the 1950s they cheeped out and went full on mass production, and no longer put forth much effort into building their skillets. Hence, they’re so cheap.
Good review. I ordered a Stargazer over memorial weekend. I ordered it on Saturday and was notified today Monday 30 May, 2023 it was shipped. I expect it will be delivered on Thursday. So they seem to have gotten enough inventory and their shipping is fast. Thank you
We have 4, 2 of each Stargazers. Once we bought our first one, we haven't looked back. I donated my lodge collection, and gave my Wagner's and Griswold's to my Dad. We use nothing but Stargazers here. I still have a few odd ball pieces of other cast iron here but they are more unique pieces and I rarely use them but cant get rid of them. Stargazers are our pride and joy around here. I was happy to see your video lead to the same conclusion. We love them and I have bought my family and friends Stargazers for gifts as well. And to let you know, yes, they have fixed that long wait. When we ordered our last 12 it was like 3 weeks. The 10.5 we just ordered for my parents anniversary they were in stock and we have it in like 4 days. Love them, cant say enough about them.
Glad to hear you like the Stargazers too! I haven't gotten rid of any of my older/other cast iron, but the Stargazer gets the most use of our full size pans. (We ended up buying our son his own as well) Having said that, I use the small Finex almost everyday. I'd agree with your comment about SG making one(an 8 inch size pan), and indeed, they probably will. But until then, I gotta' say, the Finex is such a nice little pan... love it! Thanks for watching and for your comments!
Go ahead.....say it! Don't buy ANY food utensils from China. Not worth the risk and let's support US fabricators and then Europe second. Don't be so coy.
People crap on lodge... But at the end of the day, they sell American made, quality iron, at the "Chinese" price... Sure it might not be as "smooth" as a stargazer, but it also cost 26 dollars. I'm content with paying the lower cost, and smoothing the pan up myself. It's a 10 minute job, plus the time it takes to re season it... And then it's better than just about anything on the market, for a fifth the price.
Ripper334, Lodge does make good stuff and if you're happy with their pans, it's all good. But think about it this way... if it only takes you 10", how long would it take Lodge to do it on a commercial scale? 10 seconds perhaps? I love Lodge stuff, so why won't they? Thanks for watching and your comments!
Thanks for a actual review....you know about some of the differences, finer details and your opinion on these after using them! Way harder to find than you would think. And looking at getting a whole set and teetering between two out of the three here, you've pretty much convinced me which way I should go! Great review! 👍
When I got my stargazer pants I ordered one the smaller one took about three months to come and the 12 one came almost immediately. I did order the 12 in about a year after I got the 10i Inch my guess is they fixed whatever production issues they had within that time and were able to catch up on their orders.
I don't know if things have changed over time, but my field interior is very smooth. I actually wish the field handle was shorter like vintage pans. I hold the handle right by the pan anyway, and just use a dish towel.
smoothness doesn’t mean your food will or will not stick....it’s the seasoning, and if you do not remove excess, later it will remove in your food, and your cast iron pan will have little bare spots a real bummer , i’ve learned this over several years and pans.
Overall a very good review, but I don't know why you couldn't include approximate price in your review. It's definitely a consideration when choosing a product. Instructing me to go to three different websites is no big deal, but why? You could say the price, and thousands of viewers are spared the, albeit minor, inconvenience.
An 8 inch Lodge fry pan sells for about $9.18 as of this post. The 8 inch Finex sells for 13.62 times the cost of the Lodge, the Stargazer about 8.71 times the cost of the Lodge. I do not believe that a 50 plus year old pan or a small startup has better metallurgy than a modern Lodge. I can strip a Lodge fry pan in my oven using the self cleaning cycle. After one seasoning at 350 degrees for 1 hour using grape seed oil the Lodge is non-stick cooking a 2 egg omelette, preheat the pan and use a mixture of butter and olive oil. Try it!
I appreciate what you've brought up, but a strict cost analysis misses the point to some extent. These are artisinal products essentially and made in smaller volumes. You wouldn't purchase one because it was cheaper, but rather because you had a passion for cooking with cast iron & they represent a different approach. Having said that... the price of an item with an expected life span of 100+ years, at about the cost of a couple going out to a modest supper, (to me) doesn't seem so outrageous. Clearly they won't be for everybody and Lodge makes great stuff... so no worries. Thanks for watching!
You make a valid point however, when I go by a Lodge display I always pick them up and feel the inside of the pans and don't get a nice warm fuzzy feeling. I just bought a 10 in Field and love it, $150 delivered but it's a beauty and hopefully will still be used by my great-grandchildren.
Thanks so much for the video, will help many of us a lot! You forgot to mention the 360 degree pouring lip/ability, the only one and the best. The 12 “ is available and quickly!. For the money...Stargazer looks like the winner.
Thanks so much for this video! Love this comparison. However I am also considering 2 other cast iron and would love to hear your opinion. They are butterpat and Solidteknics.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! I'm not familiar with the Solidteknics brand, so nothing really to offer, but everything I've seen about the Butterpat is very positive. They look like truly well made pans, but fairly expensive. I can't imagine you wouldn't like one though...! Give it a shot... what's the worst that can happen? You have to buy more pans? 😎
Thanks for taking the time to do this for us. I recently bought a very inexpensive Lodge 10" skillet, because I'd been toying with the idea of going to cast iron for awhile now. Unfortunately, on my first cooking try with cast iron, I ended up using a little too much oil, which, unfortunately, burned and left some spots of sticky residue on my pan. Long story short, after seeing what I needed to go through to get a mirror-like finish on my Lodge skillet and after watching your excellent review (which held my interest to the very end), I'm wondering whether or not I should have waited and invested in one of these more expensive cast iron pieces. I only need one piece for now, so I probably will end up buying one of these. Nevertheless, I'm still happy I got the Lodge, because I can start learning about the care and use of cast iron. Again, thank you so much; you have a new subscriber!
Willlabee, thanks for watching and the kind words. Whzt you're describing sounds very much like my journey with cast iron cookware. I think if you decide to take the plunge with one of the pans in this review, you'll have quite a different experience and be very happy with them. All in all, as I continue to cook with them, I still think the Stargazer is the best overall pan (if you're lolking at having just one full sized pan) and the Finex is an excellent smaller pan to add if that size is of interest. Good luck...!
@@debbiegershenson8336 I've spent some hands on time with De-buyer carbon steel, Smithey Cast Iron. I am still waiting on my SG order, it's a 2 month wait on the 12". I have nothing bad to say about the 2 i've tested so far, regarding quality. I plan to acquire a smaller Field for camp site use (probably a #6). I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either Field or SG, SG offers discounts to military personnel and their family. solidstatecitizen.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-covid-cavemans-kitchen-exploring.html
nice video, I ordered the stargazer and it took 3 to 4 weeks to come, love the pan. your right, it looks so good out of the box I almost didn't want to cook with it, wanted to just sit and admire it. i'm thinking I gota order a second one, getting that ci fever
Outstanding you're a real American! I believe about cast iron just like you, the vintage made in USA is the best. I have been searching every where for good pieces, I am also saving up to be able to buy the 13.25 Field skillet. Kent Rollins turned me on to cast iron cookware, check out his channel!!!! :^)
Great review of 3 great skillets. I think Finex is so unique looking but from the first time I saw the Stargazer skillets I've wanted them, not to mention outside of Lodge, Stargazer is the only other modern cast iron company that fits my budget right now. Anyway I enjoyed your review.
I finally got a 12" Stargazer skillet and it's beautiful. I've only had it 2 days and I've added 3 layers of grapeseed oil seasoning and I will soon use it for the first time. Probably just fried potatoes 🥔 that's how I always start out my new Cast Iron out.
Very good video - really nicely done! I am thinking that the raised ring on the bottom of the Field makes it not so good on a glass top stove. The only part that will touch the stove is that ring, and that can't be good - but I don't know for sure. I am leaning towards the Stargazer, but It's pretty expensive to get delivered to Europe from USA. As far as I know it's not available in any European store - but please tell me any of you if you know about one.
Kentchr, Thanks for the kind words and for watching. I have no idea about availability in Europe but good luck with your search... I think you'll find the pan worth it!
I think it could as the handle is quite long. It also takes up a fair bit of space on the stovetop, but the advantage is heat dissipation is improved for regular (not in the oven) use.
I have the 10 and 12 inch stargazer pants I'm pretty happy with the finish and cooking on them. Makes some of the best eggs ever. As it does with just about anything I try to cook in there.
We know you're talking about China. I lived in Japan for 20 years and had knock off cast iron. It was made by NavelGazer. Turned out it wasn't the pan that sucked so much but they designed the stove top to turn off when things got too hot. True story and the battery for the sensor used C cells so no stealing from the remote like ladies did with their vibrators. Anyway, good video and informative too without being boring.
Great video. Great detail. Another company you should look into is Marquette Castings. Talk about attention to detail. Their pans are a work of art. They manufacture in the states as well as overseas. Stick with the pans they make in the USA.
Thanks for the kind words and for watching. I'm not familiar with Marquette, but I took a quick look and they seem like an interesting product. Are all their items enamel coated? I don't usually cook with that type of pan all that much but have a few LeCreuset which work nice. An American alternative would be great to look into...!
On the web site it appears to be enamel. I tend to it might be the finish from milling or machining. I do know they use a very fine grain of sand like they used to use in the late 1800's to the early 1960's in the cast molds before going to machine made pans.
Here is an update from Marquette Castings .... www.marquettecastings.com/pages/newsupdates?MI+Skillet+Update&EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_01_14&mc_cid=752e2928ce&mc_eid=6c8430d926
Good review, I have been thinking of purchasing one or two modern cast iron pans. I never thought about where the metal may have come from. I can also see why you bought many brands of cast iron pans. It is a hard choice with so many good American Made products out there. Thanks for the food for thought. READING the comments started giving a headache, come on people don't you have something better to do with your time then knit- pick every word.
Your comment about the "comments" had me chuckling! Funny... Thanks for watching and the kind words, and you're right, hard to choose with the different options. They're all good!
If I buy a small skillet it will probably be a Finex brand skillet. I have already ordered a Stargazer brand 10.5 skillet which I am still waiting to receive, and I have two Lodge brand dutch ovens which I will be using in home, and outside on a wood fire. That is about all I need to cook with and I have my grandmother's old skillet since it still works fine and gave her great service, and I have cooked in it many times and love it.
I really love the small Finex, it's the pan I use the most... I'd bet you'd be very happy with it. The Stargazer is an awesome pan, so between that and your vintage, I can see where you'll be all set. Thanks for watching.
I'm thinking of buying a Field skillet, so this review is helpful; thanks! Side question: does anybody else find that heavy cast pans overheat easily? Or is this my "operator error" ?? :)
John Amidon, Thanks for watching and I'm glad it was of some help. : )I don't think what you're describing is "Operator Error" but rather the penchant of cast iron to have what I call "heat momentum". Once you get a pan hot, it takes very little additional heat to keep it cooking. Most items become like cooking eggs... the old adage of "low & slow". (Low temp and take your time.) Cast iron works superb once you get used to how little energy has to be added after it comes up to temp... much less than with other materials in my experience.
I have long experience with a 10.5” Stargazer as well as decades with 10 & 12” Lodge skillets. To be brief, my everyday pan is the Stargazer and I find it without fault, weighs 2.1 kg, but for big group/family dinners the Lodges come out. They all perform well-cooking-it’s about the food not the pan! Handles, weight, rims-c’mon, you will never notice this in the meal will you.
True enough, but some of the design subtleties make a difference for the person cooking. I love to eat, (don't get me wrong...) but cooking is a hobby too, and I find the pans each have a different personality I guess you could say. Thanks for watching and your comments. 👍
Great review.I have been back and forth on buying the stargazer.I currently have 3 lodge I bought 2 months ago and constantly fight with them.Just about the time I get my seasoning at the non stick point ,it starts to flake.I have bought the sanding pads to start the process of smoothing the cooking surface.After watching your video I think I will just break over and buy the stargazer.Thanks for honest review.
I think you'll like it very much. As I eluded to in the video, when you remove the pan from the box for the first time, your jaw will drop and you'll be hard pressed not to hear Handel's Hallelujah Chorus... :)
I noticed that the Field has a ridge on the bottom. I wonder if this is detrimental to induction cooking that requires the surface be in contact with the glass surface. Also, that ridge would be at risk of scratching the glass since it's a narrow surface that bears all the weight. Your thoughts?
I think you're correct. The Field does take longer to heat up on a glasstop stove as most of the effects of conduction are minimized some. I'm not sure about scratching... but perhaps. I think the Field would excel on a gas stove though. Interesting points... thanks.
For me, this is a great review. I'm headed to cast iron too, the same as many others....I appreciate seeing the pans and hearing your thoughts. Leaning toward the Stargazer myself....but why did they name it that? Seems like the name belongs to something you'd find on a Disney shelf.
thinking about buying the field love the light weight and thinness and ill get a stargazer dont like the look of the finex at all thank you for the video ~~~
I've seen a few reviews and they do look like very well made pans, but yeah... the price keeps me from trying one. Thanks for watching and your feedback!
Thanks everyone for watching and your interest in the video. I appreciate the feedback and people's passion for cast iron. As an update and as has been mentioned, the shipping times are completely normal for all of these pans at this point. Stargazer and Field have product on hand and will send them right out to you, so order without hesitation!
One other point, if I may... Please stop commenting on the condition of the pans. I've responded to a few people and it's just kind of getting to be too much. I'm not upset by it, but this wasn't a video on how to season your pans and I don't know if it's the lighting or my camera, but they aren't as bad as I guess they appear. They work fine and cook great, so please just leave it alone... I'm chuckling as I type this, and I don't say this in anger, but enough already. I'm no cast iron expert, just a fan. Thanks!
When somebody's showing off their restoration skills, you see a perfect, even seasoning. When you have a workhorse pan, there's often a bit of spottiness. Yours look like workhorses.
Thanks for the kind words! 👍
The best review I have seen! Love your energy and excitement for all especially the Stargazer! Good a job!
Thanks so much! I truly appreciate the kind words (and for watching)!
I love the Stargazer skillet which I have and it works well on my stove or in the oven. When I ordered it I expected to receive it in a week or two, but it took months and after getting it the quality was great and I love it over the other skillets I have. I too hope their production have caught up to their orders by now. I received word that they are making a smaller skillet and hope it is selling well and if decide to get a smaller one their company will be on the top of my list. I have several Lodge products and love them, but Stargazer have the best quality for the price.
Im 54 and my family had a wood cook stove in our kitchen in 1980. And yes it was our primary cooking source.
I ordered my Stargazer skillet March 19, 2018 and it shipped April 5, 2018 so the lead time has greatly improved. They also announced that they are launching a 12” skillet this year.
Kim Mullins,Thanks for watching and glad to hear about the lead time being better! Interesting about the 12" pan too, may have to look into one of them... If anyone from Stargazer wants to send me one to review... Hint, Hint... :)
Love my two Field skillets. Best bang for the buck and quickly replaced my other daily use pans. Great stuff!
Agreed. I love the two I purchased also.
Ordered a Stargazer on Monday, on my porch Friday. Love it so far.
I'm not surprised... fantastic pans! Thanks for watching.
What made you choose a Stargazer over something like a Field cast iron?
@@JacksonWalter735 I like the handle on the SG better, and they offer a military discount, those two things made the difference to me. My brother has 2 Fields, and I like them. We also own a Smithey or two.. like them very much, but the bottoms work better on a gas cook top vs our smooth top range, so they live in the camper. But don't fret, we camp a lot.. LOL
@@MarkSmith-pd3nt I see. Thank you for your insight. I'm planning to get an expensive cast iron skillet for my mother-in-law as one of her retirement presents (she loves to cook) and I'm currently doing my research. I had no idea Stargazer offers military discounts so that's a huge plus for me.
I like the rougher exterior of the stargazer, as the finish of it has nothing to do with the smooth finish of the cooking area. That being said, I feel like having the texture, aids in being non-slip when being handled, giving your hands an area to bite into the pan without it slipping due to a little moisture or grease .
Exactly. That's not a mistake. That's thoughtful design and that attention to detail only makes it more elegant in my eyes. Multiple functions from a single material and the only difference is surface finishing.
I’ve a few, various sizes, one I’ve had 52 years, now I’m using a Field 8, it’s building nicely. I’ve been using it outside on our pit, I’m sold. @100. And a pan too last. Good metallurgy. The fine grooves on the cooking surface, they aid in building up, soon it’ll shine enough to shave by.
It would have been great to include the Smithey. I own a Smithey and Stargazer and a bunch of Lodge. I totally agree about the Stargazer being the best. I loved it so much I ordered a second one.
Stargazer over Smithey?
@@turtlepowersf By far. I adore my Smithey but at the end of the day, I can't say honestly they are in the same league.
Overall good report.
I have every skillet Finex makes, along with their grill pans and sauce pan.
I have never had a single item stick to the sides of any of my Finex pans so, for me, the rough sides are a no factor.
I like my old Griswold pans very much also.
Might order a Stargazer in the future as I've been looking at them for awhile too.
The rough outside surface on the Stargazer would also be a no factor for me.
You were a bit too picky in some parts of your review but that's fine.
I agree with your assessment of the skillets that Finex makes. While I only have one (got it when it was much cheaper through their KickStarter), it's been great after all these years. I can't imagine my life without it.
@@JacksonWalter735 which Finex do you own?
Stargazer offers discounts for active duty and retired military, worth mentioning. :)
I ordered my Stargazer around the time their KickStarter ended and it took a year to get here. I think their leeway is now around a month or so, according to the site. One point I think you forgot about the Stargazer is the lip/rim which I think is the best pour "spout" of all 3 skillets. You really got to WORK on getting it to dribble down the side. All-in-all a great CI skillet "shoot-out" video thanks. I personally like the 2 textures going on on this skillet. The rough looking exterior combined with the very smooth interior. That curve in the handle is an awesome place to rest your spatula, mine has a wooden handle.
That's good to hear about the time-frame being better. They make a really nice pan, so that takes away one of the things I would use as a caveat when recommending them. Thanks for watching & the kind words!
djC653 did you get the stargazer Bare or preseason
Rico Suave My Stargazer arrived within two weeks.
A lot people doesn't know, the handle on the Stargazer is curve because it served as a spoon rest. The video also didn't explain, the lip on the Stargazer is smooth because it's design to have less drip. The interior of the pan also curve enough for you to put a spoon in to pick up oil/sauce to baste meat. The Stargazer is a very well thought out design pan. I wish they come out with more size/variation soon.
They added a 12" I like my 10.5 so I'd consider picking one up
Jimmy J. Rustle I wish they made a lighter version.
I love my stargazer!
Great review. The exact three pans I've been mulling over for weeks, and I was already leaning towards Stargazer. Pulled the trigger on a Stargazer 10.5 the moment your review ended. I hope the reps from these companies know the value that your videos provide. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and the kind words... I know you'll love the Stargazer, it's an awesome pan!
And wouldn't it be great if the companies noticed little ol' me? 🤔 Lol... I'd love to do a review on any free pan anyone wants to send me (hint, hint everyone)!!! 😎
I own the 10.5 & 12 Stargazer. I also ordered my 10.5 in 2017. It was the second production run...right after the Kickstarter run. Mine took a long time to arrive as well. 8 months. I preordered the 12” before they even started production. I think it arrived around 4 months after I ordered. Both are incredible pans to cook with. I just looked at both pans after watching the video. The 12 seems to have a slightly smoother exterior and the same smooth interior. If you want a premium pan, you can’t go wrong with Stargazer.
I bought a 10.5" Stargazer and a 12" Finex with a lid for my daughter. The Stargazer arrived in 4 weeks and the Finex in 4 days. We both could not be any happier. In the next few weeks I'll be getting myself a Finex and her a Stargazer...lol. Great video I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's funny how many pans you'll actually "need"! 😎 Thanks for the kind words and for watching! Good Luck with the new pans!
I ordered my field skillet Monday. I received it that Thursday! Paid the standard shipping
Received my Stargazer in about a week after ordering it.
Current shipping on the Stargazer is shown to be 3 to 5 business days.
10 inch skillets...Finex without lid = 160.00, Stargazer 10.5 inch = 88.00 preseasoned, Field #8 which is a 10 inch = 100.00. All good pans, all made in USA. All ship soon nowadays. I have to say for the money Stargazer is the best option to me. Remember weight is relative here. None are "light". Finex = 6.3 lbs, Stargazer =5.2 lbs, Field =4.5 lbs. So between Stargazer and Field most will not have any issues between those two in weight. With heavy full pan you would appreciate the extra handle on it vs Field. All quality made. Just my thoughts. PS Stargazer offers a 10% off military discount all the time and on Veterans Day and Memorial Day it's 30% off. Saw that on their website while looking for numbers above...Just my thoughts..Enjoy whichever fits your wants!
While I appreciate their efforts, I just bought a 10" Lodge at Target, normal every day price $15. After two more additional rounds of seasoning beyond the seasoning already on the skillet I put it up against my 80 year old vintage smooth skillet. It releases just as well and cooked great. I understand the smooth interior is all the rage but honestly, the Lodge cooks just as well. I think that's why they don't go through the additional smoothing step; it's just not needed.
This was a great review. Thanks for helping me make a decision. Well, your wife helped too. I’m going to order a stargazer because of the larger helper on the side and because you said perfect enough times to convince me on the stargazer.
I'm glad you liked the video and good luck with the Stargazer! I would imagine you'll really like it... excellent pans. Thanks for watching and the kind words... I'll let my wife know you appreciated her input! 😎
Oh man....what an excellent review! I give my Lodge's great attention (as they require it). I machine their surfaces so they may perform as great as the ones you show here. I love the process and the result however, a Stargazer sure would be easier! Great job here!
It's funny that you called the Finex a Lodge because Lodge wound up buying them out about a year after you made this video.
As a note. Iron is actually a poor conductor of heat. That's why it takes a while to heat up and why it can hold heat for so long.
Review starts at 4:30
Thanks
Ditto - Thanks
Great video, I have one question have you tried Lancaster? I am torn between Lancaster, Stargazer and Field. I may even narrow it down to Lancaster and Stargazer. Thank you
I ordered the Stargazer 10.5 during there Kickstarter. Took at least 9 months to get. Ordered the 12” as soon as it was offered. Received it somewhat quickly...maybe 6 weeks. I’m sure their manufacturing processes have been streamlined since I got mine years ago. Just ordered a Finex 10. Don’t really need it, but I got it almost half price. Can’t turn down a Finex 10” for $86.
Thanks dude! We forgot what cast iron is growing up with aluminum cookware, stargazer looks like a good one!
You wouldn't go wrong with any of them... but I'm very impressed with the Stargazer. Thanks for watching!
Lodge lacks the polishing that better pans have. I spent 18 years hunting for and buying Wagner and Griswald pans for my wife. Cast iron is what she prefers to cook with. Once they heat up the heat spreads out evenly. It's great to know that some high quality cast iron pans are being made now! Like this man says, take good care of them and cast Iron pans will last you a lifetime. In our case two lifetimes, maybe more!
I just ordered the new 12.5 inch pan today. i have the ten inch and my wait was not that long and I suspect the pan i ordered today will be reasonable as they are now in their new plant. I have a really large lodge I think 13 “ or so and a smaller one but i just hate the rough surface, I think lodge is lowering their standards. I believe they are successful because of their amazingly low price, but at the sacrifice of quality. Your video was a little long but very informative. Thanks you.
Nicely done. I've been using my two lodge pans for years. Found an amazing vintage pan but it's only 6 inches. But the finish on it is unreal. I think I'll give the stargazer a go. Thanks for the excellent review.
I think you'll like the Stargazer, good luck and thanks for watching!
Watched your review the day my Stargazer arrived. Like the verdict! Ordered February 15 (2018), delivered to Australia 9th of March.
Although you are nic picking the outsides of like the stargazer skillet, I really like the look of leaving the outsides of these pans unfinished. It gives them some character and makes them beautiful. There's even one that I saw that has a hammered outside rim, it's a very beautiful piece of art for sure. They at stargazer are meticulous about the flatness of the skillets. If you hadn't, you should look at the process they go thru, it's on RUclips also. I was impressed with them. I love the Finex too you showed. It's a piece of art in itself. I agree that the inside rim should be sanded better too. I'm torn some between the Finex & Stargazer, but I believe as the are made now, you nailed it on the order of 1-4. My 1stpurchase is gonna be a Stargazer. I own a lodge, you get what you pay for. I wouldn't buy a Lodge, but it was a gift. Great review! Loved it!!!
Many people seem to like the character of the outside of the Stargazer too. Great pans no matter what. Thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked it.
Loved your review, very well done! Please MORE CI reviews! Judging by your view count on this video, I'm not the only Sub that wants more.
Thanks for watching and the kind words! It does seem that people have responded well to the video, and that's very gratifying. I do need to put together some more content for cast iron, but first I have a few I've started regarding wet shaving and a pipe tobacco review. Then, I'll have to figure out what cast iron to review next. Thanks for watching and hang in there!😎
I talked to Stargazer today and the shipping is now less than a month.
Thank you for creating that review, it's the best I've seen and was the one that led me to a decision on the best cast iron for me. Great work....
Wow... Thanks very much! That's kind of you to say and I'm glad I was able to help. Thanks for watching and the kind words!
Thanks for your review! It has helped me solidify my choice of the Stargazer pan. I watched their production interview with Cook Culture done about a year ago and was very impressed with their inspection and finishing processes. I'm sold!
You'll love the pan!! Thanks for watching. 😃
Ordered my Field #10 a week before Christmas and it arrived 2 days prior...they seem to be fully up and running.
Nice review. I actually appreciate that you didn’t try do a cooking comparison with new pans like so many do in these tests, because that is so dependent on the pre-seasoning they arrive with - these are not Teflon pans so where you start is not the point. All of these babies will be great once they get a little seasoning, and so other factors are what will differentiate.
I have a Field #10, Stargazer 10 1/2”, Smithey 8”, a Lodge 12” and Griswold #3 and #7 from the 1930’s. I love them all. I didn’t consider FINEX because of the weight - Smithey makes a heavy pan too but it’s manageable at 8”. I couldn’t pick a winner between my Field, Stargazer, and Griswolds. The Stargazer is the newest pan so it’s not as far along as the others on seasoning And not quite as slick yet, but you are right about the handles - it’s great to wheel into the oven or bring back inside from the grill. And the Field is as light and slick as the Griswolds.
Thanks for watching and the kind words! Good Luck with the Stargazer and the Field... In their own way, I think they'll both end up being the classics we talk about in the future. Doesn't it seem that in many ways, we're in a new "Golden Age" for cast iron? As for cooking with them for the video.... I'm not that good a cook & so, probably no one would want to watch me!
I just ordered both the stargazer and the field pans. The field was shipped two days later and the stargazer is scheduled to ship in the week after a Thursday order. The inventory problems must be resolved and shouldn’t deter anyone who wants to order.
Every time I see the cooking surfaces of your pans I die a little inside. Do some research and learn how to keep those beauties looking great. Thanks for the video.
This is exactly why i came to the comments!!! It's kind of heartbreaking knowing how nice they can look with just a little care. He's doing something wrong seasoning, cleaning or cooking. =(
I saw that splotchiness too Especially on his Stargazer. Looks like he had excess oil when he seasoned. One guy on RUclips said to take the pan out of the oven after 10-12 minutes and verify that there are no oil splotches, if so wipe off excess oil again I just cook high fat foods like bacon and it forms a good seasoning. I have the original Lodge surface. Love it. Great non stick surface, Easy to clean.
@@Mote78 that's cowboy kent rollins
It takes a long time to build up seasoning on the pan, and it won't build evenly. These pans don't come with the fake spray on seasoning that lodge pans have. His pans look like new pans. Only thing he might need to do different is not cook his food in the same spot everytime.
also a update am loving the Stargazer ordered on a thursday night was at my door the following wednesday
should include handle accessories to deal with the heat of the handle. i've seen some that include a rubber handle too.
Awesome I'd buy the field if it didn't have that shut off ring on the bottom of the Pan
Understood... if you cook with gas, it's not an issue, but I found it takes longer to heat up on our glasstop electric. The Stargazer is flat bottomed... hint hint 😁Thanks for watching!
@@MrConcrt The stargazer is an awesome Pan but it is out of my price range for a cast iron Pan Thank you and God-bless
My Stargazer took only 7 days to ship - from PA to SC in Oct 2018...
I use a gas stove, and the handles on the Fenix, and the all of my other pans are too hot to touch by the time you start cooking. I still prefer cooking big meals on my grandma's antique Lodge SK 10. Great reviews sir.
Demand for the Field has definitely caught up. I ordered the NO.8 a few weeks ago and received it in less than a week. The first one i ordered on the other hand took forever to arrive.
Great job! Thank you very much! That's the way utube is with the remarks! They don't realize all the work that goes into making a video! I like both the finex (believe it's pronounced like the city in Arizona) and the Stargazer. Just have two many ten inch pans right now.
Thanks for watching and your comments!
Don't have a Finex but have a 12" field and the 10 & 12" Stargazer. The Field is my Swiss Army knife pan....use it for anything and everything. It's fantastic. I LOVE my Stargazers. Since they are "substantial" they're my go to for searing, or baking off int he oven, etc.
Yeah, I have many pans and love Lodge, but I always reach for the stargazer for its subtle superiority.
Me too...!
Which Is Better? Stargazer Or AUS-ION? AUS_ION Is Made In Australia...
I'm not sure... I've heard some people talk about that brand, and usually have good things to say, so I'd bet they make good stuff. I don't have any experience with them, ... yet another brand to look into! So little time, so much cast iron, eh? 😁
Very informative with great details, I found your video very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to review all of these pans! :)
You're welcome & thanks for watching.
I never knew Joel Quenneville was into cast iron. Go Blackhawks!
Haha
After extensive research here in Christmas season 2023, I ordered a 12" Stargazer. It was in stock and ready to ship 2 days ago. It shipped same day. Don't have it yet. But its price is currently lower than the Field and the Finex, and is reported to both take and hold a season better than the other 2. Ergonomics + best reported season / nonstick properties won me over.
Let’s be honest, Lodge used to make skillets like other vintage cast-iron products, smooth. In the 1950s they cheeped out and went full on mass production, and no longer put forth much effort into building their skillets. Hence, they’re so cheap.
Good review. I ordered a Stargazer over memorial weekend. I ordered it on Saturday and was notified today Monday 30 May, 2023 it was shipped. I expect it will be delivered on Thursday. So they seem to have gotten enough inventory and their shipping is fast. Thank you
Very good comparison review, thanks for sharing.
We have 4, 2 of each Stargazers. Once we bought our first one, we haven't looked back. I donated my lodge collection, and gave my Wagner's and Griswold's to my Dad. We use nothing but Stargazers here. I still have a few odd ball pieces of other cast iron here but they are more unique pieces and I rarely use them but cant get rid of them. Stargazers are our pride and joy around here. I was happy to see your video lead to the same conclusion. We love them and I have bought my family and friends Stargazers for gifts as well. And to let you know, yes, they have fixed that long wait. When we ordered our last 12 it was like 3 weeks. The 10.5 we just ordered for my parents anniversary they were in stock and we have it in like 4 days. Love them, cant say enough about them.
P.S. I wish they would make a smaller one but give them time I am sure they will. They do listen to their follwers.
Glad to hear you like the Stargazers too! I haven't gotten rid of any of my older/other cast iron, but the Stargazer gets the most use of our full size pans. (We ended up buying our son his own as well) Having said that, I use the small Finex almost everyday. I'd agree with your comment about SG making one(an 8 inch size pan), and indeed, they probably will. But until then, I gotta' say, the Finex is such a nice little pan... love it! Thanks for watching and for your comments!
Go ahead.....say it! Don't buy ANY food utensils from China. Not worth the risk and let's support US fabricators and then Europe second. Don't be so coy.
People crap on lodge... But at the end of the day, they sell American made, quality iron, at the "Chinese" price...
Sure it might not be as "smooth" as a stargazer, but it also cost 26 dollars.
I'm content with paying the lower cost, and smoothing the pan up myself. It's a 10 minute job, plus the time it takes to re season it... And then it's better than just about anything on the market, for a fifth the price.
Ripper334, Lodge does make good stuff and if you're happy with their pans, it's all good. But think about it this way... if it only takes you 10", how long would it take Lodge to do it on a commercial scale? 10 seconds perhaps? I love Lodge stuff, so why won't they? Thanks for watching and your comments!
Great review. Been using cast iron for several years now. Ordered my first Field No.8 today! Thanks for the review.
You've welcome... glad to hear you liked it! Thanks for watching and the kind words!
Thanks for the review.
You are welcome, Thanks for watching!
Thanks for a actual review....you know about some of the differences, finer details and your opinion on these after using them! Way harder to find than you would think. And looking at getting a whole set and teetering between two out of the three here, you've pretty much convinced me which way I should go! Great review! 👍
Wow... Thanks so much for the kind words! It's much appreciated. I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching!
When I got my stargazer pants I ordered one the smaller one took about three months to come and the 12 one came almost immediately. I did order the 12 in about a year after I got the 10i Inch my guess is they fixed whatever production issues they had within that time and were able to catch up on their orders.
So... can I get a 12" pan with the Finex Handle, Field thin walls and Stargazer interior finish and Helper Handle? K' Thanks.
Sounds like a business plan for a successful new cast iron pan company... I'd buy one!
I don't know if things have changed over time, but my field interior is very smooth. I actually wish the field handle was shorter like vintage pans. I hold the handle right by the pan anyway, and just use a dish towel.
smoothness doesn’t mean your food will or will not stick....it’s the seasoning, and if you do not remove excess, later it will remove in your food, and your cast iron pan will have little bare spots a real bummer , i’ve learned this over several years and pans.
Thanks for the review; I really enjoyed watching it and the detail you provided.
Overall a very good review, but I don't know why you couldn't include approximate price in your review. It's definitely a consideration when choosing a product. Instructing me to go to three different websites is no big deal, but why? You could say the price, and thousands of viewers are spared the, albeit minor, inconvenience.
Because prices can change by the time some one sees the video. Just go the the website and find out for yourself what the current price may be.
An 8 inch Lodge fry pan sells for about $9.18 as of this post. The 8 inch Finex sells for 13.62 times the cost of the Lodge, the Stargazer about 8.71 times the cost of the Lodge. I do not believe that a 50 plus year old pan or a small startup has better metallurgy than a modern Lodge. I can strip a Lodge fry pan in my oven using the self cleaning cycle. After one seasoning at 350 degrees for 1 hour using grape seed oil the Lodge is non-stick cooking a 2 egg omelette, preheat the pan and use a mixture of butter and olive oil. Try it!
I appreciate what you've brought up, but a strict cost analysis misses the point to some extent. These are artisinal products essentially and made in smaller volumes. You wouldn't purchase one because it was cheaper, but rather because you had a passion for cooking with cast iron & they represent a different approach.
Having said that... the price of an item with an expected life span of 100+ years, at about the cost of a couple going out to a modest supper, (to me) doesn't seem so outrageous. Clearly they won't be for everybody and Lodge makes great stuff... so no worries. Thanks for watching!
You make a valid point however, when I go by a Lodge display I always pick them up and feel the inside of the pans and don't get a nice warm fuzzy feeling. I just bought a 10 in Field and love it, $150 delivered but it's a beauty and hopefully will still be used by my great-grandchildren.
Thanks so much for the video, will help many of us a lot! You forgot to mention the 360 degree pouring lip/ability, the only one and the best. The 12 “ is available and quickly!. For the money...Stargazer looks like the winner.
Thanks so much for this video! Love this comparison. However I am also considering 2 other cast iron and would love to hear your opinion. They are butterpat and Solidteknics.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! I'm not familiar with the Solidteknics brand, so nothing really to offer, but everything I've seen about the Butterpat is very positive. They look like truly well made pans, but fairly expensive. I can't imagine you wouldn't like one though...! Give it a shot... what's the worst that can happen? You have to buy more pans? 😎
I could care less about the outside of the pan, I'm not cooking on the outside.
Thanks for taking the time to do this for us. I recently bought a very inexpensive Lodge 10" skillet, because I'd been toying with the idea of going to cast iron for awhile now. Unfortunately, on my first cooking try with cast iron, I ended up using a little too much oil, which, unfortunately, burned and left some spots of sticky residue on my pan. Long story short, after seeing what I needed to go through to get a mirror-like finish on my Lodge skillet and after watching your excellent review (which held my interest to the very end), I'm wondering whether or not I should have waited and invested in one of these more expensive cast iron pieces. I only need one piece for now, so I probably will end up buying one of these. Nevertheless, I'm still happy I got the Lodge, because I can start learning about the care and use of cast iron. Again, thank you so much; you have a new subscriber!
Willlabee, thanks for watching and the kind words. Whzt you're describing sounds very much like my journey with cast iron cookware. I think if you decide to take the plunge with one of the pans in this review, you'll have quite a different experience and be very happy with them. All in all, as I continue to cook with them, I still think the Stargazer is the best overall pan (if you're lolking at having just one full sized pan) and the Finex is an excellent smaller pan to add if that size is of interest. Good luck...!
The Lodge is fine. I have an 80 year old smooth skillet and a Lodge and both cook the same.
Some owners of field complained it warped.
E-Nonymouse really? I haven’t seen these reviews yet. Trying to make up my mind between field and SG
@@debbiegershenson8336 I've spent some hands on time with De-buyer carbon steel, Smithey Cast Iron. I am still waiting on my SG order, it's a 2 month wait on the 12". I have nothing bad to say about the 2 i've tested so far, regarding quality. I plan to acquire a smaller Field for camp site use (probably a #6). I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either Field or SG, SG offers discounts to military personnel and their family.
solidstatecitizen.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-covid-cavemans-kitchen-exploring.html
nice video, I ordered the stargazer and it took 3 to 4 weeks to come, love the pan. your right, it looks so good out of the box I almost didn't want to cook with it, wanted to just sit and admire it. i'm thinking I gota order a second one, getting that ci fever
That "fever" tends to draw many of us in... just go with it! Thanks for watching!
Outstanding you're a real American! I believe about cast iron just like you, the vintage made in USA is the best. I have been searching every where for good pieces, I am also saving up to be able to buy the 13.25 Field skillet. Kent Rollins turned me on to cast iron cookware, check out his channel!!!! :^)
Thanks for the kind words and for watching! Both are much appreciated!
Great review of 3 great skillets. I think Finex is so unique looking but from the first time I saw the Stargazer skillets I've wanted them, not to mention outside of Lodge, Stargazer is the only other modern cast iron company that fits my budget right now. Anyway I enjoyed your review.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the review! Thanks for watching and good luck with the Stargazers.... you'll love them!
I finally got a 12" Stargazer skillet and it's beautiful. I've only had it 2 days and I've added 3 layers of grapeseed oil seasoning and I will soon use it for the first time. Probably just fried potatoes 🥔 that's how I always start out my new Cast Iron out.
@@bingster-223 You will love the pan! Great choice, and good luck with it! Bacon is my ceremonial first thing... well, that and eggs.😎
Very good video - really nicely done! I am thinking that the raised ring on the bottom of the Field makes it not so good on a glass top stove. The only part that will touch the stove is that ring, and that can't be good - but I don't know for sure. I am leaning towards the Stargazer, but It's pretty expensive to get delivered to Europe from USA. As far as I know it's not available in any European store - but please tell me any of you if you know about one.
Kentchr,
Thanks for the kind words and for watching. I have no idea about availability in Europe but good luck with your search... I think you'll find the pan worth it!
Seems like that stargazer would be tough fit inside the oven.
I think it could as the handle is quite long. It also takes up a fair bit of space on the stovetop, but the advantage is heat dissipation is improved for regular (not in the oven) use.
I have the 10 and 12 inch stargazer pants I'm pretty happy with the finish and cooking on them. Makes some of the best eggs ever. As it does with just about anything I try to cook in there.
I agree! The finish is better than the other pans and just works great... you're going to love them! Thanks for watching... 👍🏻
We know you're talking about China. I lived in Japan for 20 years and had knock off cast iron. It was made by NavelGazer. Turned out it wasn't the pan that sucked so much but they designed the stove top to turn off when things got too hot. True story and the battery for the sensor used C cells so no stealing from the remote like ladies did with their vibrators. Anyway, good video and informative too without being boring.
Laughed at your comment... thanks for watching. No comment about which country I meant... 😜
@@MrConcrt 👁👃
Great video mate. Probably gonne order me a stargazer myself. Dont let all the negative get too you. You use your skillets and they look great mate 🙂
Great video. Great detail. Another company you should look into is Marquette Castings. Talk about attention to detail. Their pans are a work of art. They manufacture in the states as well as overseas. Stick with the pans they make in the USA.
Thanks for the kind words and for watching. I'm not familiar with Marquette, but I took a quick look and they seem like an interesting product. Are all their items enamel coated? I don't usually cook with that type of pan all that much but have a few LeCreuset which work nice. An American alternative would be great to look into...!
On the web site it appears to be enamel. I tend to it might be the finish from milling or machining. I do know they use a very fine grain of sand like they used to use in the late 1800's to the early 1960's in the cast molds before going to machine made pans.
Here is an update from Marquette Castings .... www.marquettecastings.com/pages/newsupdates?MI+Skillet+Update&EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_01_14&mc_cid=752e2928ce&mc_eid=6c8430d926
Do you own this one? www.marquettecastings.com/products/no-10-skillet
Good review, I have been thinking of purchasing one or two modern cast iron pans. I never thought about where the metal may have come from. I can also see why you bought many brands of cast iron pans. It is a hard choice with so many good American Made products out there. Thanks for the food for thought. READING the comments started giving a headache, come on people don't you have something better to do with your time then knit- pick every word.
Your comment about the "comments" had me chuckling! Funny...
Thanks for watching and the kind words, and you're right, hard to choose with the different options. They're all good!
If I buy a small skillet it will probably be a Finex brand skillet. I have already ordered a Stargazer brand 10.5 skillet which I am still waiting to receive, and I have two Lodge brand dutch ovens which I will be using in home, and outside on a wood fire. That is about all I need to cook with and I have my grandmother's old skillet since it still works fine and gave her great service, and I have cooked in it many times and love it.
I really love the small Finex, it's the pan I use the most... I'd bet you'd be very happy with it. The Stargazer is an awesome pan, so between that and your vintage, I can see where you'll be all set. Thanks for watching.
Best cast iron review yet! Thank you for being so detailed
Thanks for watching and your kind words! I'm glad you liked it!
I'm thinking of buying a Field skillet, so this review is helpful; thanks! Side question: does anybody else find that heavy cast pans overheat easily? Or is this my "operator error" ?? :)
John Amidon, Thanks for watching and I'm glad it was of some help. : )I don't think what you're describing is "Operator Error" but rather the penchant of cast iron to have what I call "heat momentum". Once you get a pan hot, it takes very little additional heat to keep it cooking. Most items become like cooking eggs... the old adage of "low & slow". (Low temp and take your time.) Cast iron works superb once you get used to how little energy has to be added after it comes up to temp... much less than with other materials in my experience.
MrConcrt: Yes, it's like overshooting the mark, especially w/ heavier CI pans. Might try using med. heat throughout. Thank you!
Yes absolutely, you should never use above medium heat with CI unless searing a steak or similar.
I have 2 Fields, #10 & #8. Greal skillets. The smaller handle also fits in the oven well for reverse searing or cornbread.
FYI...Got the Field 10"....to my door less than 2 weeks....
I have long experience with a 10.5” Stargazer as well as decades with 10 & 12” Lodge skillets. To be brief, my everyday pan is the Stargazer and I find it without fault, weighs 2.1 kg, but for big group/family dinners the Lodges come out. They all perform well-cooking-it’s about the food not the pan! Handles, weight, rims-c’mon, you will never notice this in the meal will you.
True enough, but some of the design subtleties make a difference for the person cooking. I love to eat, (don't get me wrong...) but cooking is a hobby too, and I find the pans each have a different personality I guess you could say. Thanks for watching and your comments. 👍
Could you tell me what’s the weight difference between the no 8 field vs no 8 Wagner?
Great review.I have been back and forth on buying the stargazer.I currently have 3 lodge I bought 2 months ago and constantly fight with them.Just about the time I get my seasoning at the non stick point ,it starts to flake.I have bought the sanding pads to start the process of smoothing the cooking surface.After watching your video I think I will just break over and buy the stargazer.Thanks for honest review.
I think you'll like it very much. As I eluded to in the video, when you remove the pan from the box for the first time, your jaw will drop and you'll be hard pressed not to hear Handel's Hallelujah Chorus... :)
Great review! Thank you!
I ordered a Field No8 yesterday, shipped today so no more long wait with them.
I noticed that the Field has a ridge on the bottom. I wonder if this is detrimental to induction cooking that requires the surface be in contact with the glass surface. Also, that ridge would be at risk of scratching the glass since it's a narrow surface that bears all the weight. Your thoughts?
I think you're correct. The Field does take longer to heat up on a glasstop stove as most of the effects of conduction are minimized some. I'm not sure about scratching... but perhaps. I think the Field would excel on a gas stove though. Interesting points... thanks.
For me, this is a great review. I'm headed to cast iron too, the same as many others....I appreciate seeing the pans and hearing your thoughts. Leaning toward the Stargazer myself....but why did they name it that? Seems like the name belongs to something you'd find on a Disney shelf.
thinking about buying the field love the light weight and thinness and ill get a stargazer dont like the look of the finex at all thank you for the video ~~~
You're welcome... thanks for watching!
Trash your cast iron skillet, not worth the sticky mess.
Great video, thanks for the information!
You are most welcome! Thanks for watching and the kind words!
Very thorough and great review!
I will only suggest you look at the Butter Pat. Very expensive though. My favorite is still the Stargazer also
I've seen a few reviews and they do look like very well made pans, but yeah... the price keeps me from trying one. Thanks for watching and your feedback!