Choosing between a Field skillet vs. a Stargazer? Both brands are popular for their quality and craftsmanship. This in-depth comparison helps you find the perfect cast iron skillet, exploring everything from weight and cooking surface to seasoning, maintenance, available sizes, and price.
Cast iron skillets are kitchen staples, prized for durability and heat retention. There’s been a resurgence in these pans, with companies like Field Company and Stargazer offering modern takes on classic cookware. These brands have captured the attention of home cooks and chefs, leading many to consider buying a new cast iron skillet.
Table of Contents:
- The Rise of Boutique Cast Iron Brands
- Design and Aesthetics: Form Meets Function
- Weight and Maneuverability: A Key Consideration
- Cooking Performance: The Heart of the Matter
- Versatility: From Stovetop to Oven
- Price Point: Investment in Quality
- Customer Experience and Support
- Environmental and Ethical Considerations
- FAQs about field skillet vs stargazer
- Conclusion
The Rise of Boutique Cast Iron Brands
Before comparing the Field skillet vs. Stargazer, let’s acknowledge the growing trend of boutique cast iron manufacturers. These companies focus on craftsmanship, design, and performance. They offer an alternative to mass-produced pans. Unlike long-standing brands like Lodge (founded in 1896), Field Company (2016) and Stargazer (2015) are relatively new. However, they aim to create cast iron skillets that blend the best of vintage and modern manufacturing.
Design and Aesthetics: Form Meets Function
One key difference between a Field skillet vs. a Stargazer is the design. Each company thoughtfully considered aesthetics and ergonomics. This careful consideration becomes apparent when evaluating a Stargazer cast iron skillet or Field Company butter pat skillet.
Field Skillet’s Minimalist Approach
The Field Company skillet has a sleek, minimalist design reminiscent of vintage cast iron’s smooth surfaces. Its simple, elongated handle lacks pour spouts, offering a clean look. The company offers various sizes, including a 12-inch skillet that’s ideal for families. The inch cast iron skillet from Field Company makes an ideal cooking tool.
Stargazer’s Innovative Features
The Stargazer skillet has a more elaborate design with a flared rim for drip-free pouring. It also has a longer, stay-cool, forked handle for an enhanced cooking experience. Stargazer offers 10.5-inch and 12-inch skillets in seasoned and bare finishes, making their skillets more than just affordable skillets.
Weight and Maneuverability: A Key Consideration
Weight is a major factor in the Field skillet vs. Stargazer debate. Cast iron is heavy, but both brands made their skillets more manageable. This can be noticed especially when evaluating whether to buy Lodge cast iron or one of these premium brands. Both are great options.
| Brand | 12-inch Skillet Weight |
|---|---|
| Field Company | 6.5 lbs |
| Stargazer | 6.5 lbs |
| Lodge (for comparison) | 8 lbs |
Both 12-inch skillets weigh 6.5 pounds, lighter than Lodge’s 8-pound skillet. This makes them easier to handle, especially when moving a full pan from stove to oven.
Cooking Performance: The Heart of the Matter
While looks and weight matter, cooking performance is key. Both Field and Stargazer skillets excel, but with subtle differences. Understanding these cooking experiences help inform the buyer as to which is the good cast-iron option for them.
Heat Distribution and Retention
Both offer excellent heat distribution and retention. However, the Field skillet heats up faster due to its thinner walls. The Stargazer’s thicker base takes longer but holds heat extremely well, an important consideration regarding cast iron skillets and iron pans.
Cooking Surface and Seasoning
Both cooking surfaces are machine-smoothed for a non-stick finish. The Field skillet is slightly smoother initially. While pre-seasoned options are available, many prefer seasoning their own over time, considering grapeseed oil a great option for achieving the desired results.
Proper seasoning is vital for cast iron performance. It creates a protective layer by coating the pan with oil and heating it. Field and Stargazer offer instructions for maintaining and improving seasoning, making this an important consideration among iron cookware and those seeking to become an iron cook.
Versatility: From Stovetop to Oven
Cast iron’s versatility is a huge plus. Both Field and Stargazer transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven, accommodating dishes that need searing and baking. Their helper handles further increase versatility.
The Field skillet’s oven-safe handle withstands 500°F (260°C). The Stargazer handles 600°F (315°C). This allows for searing steaks, baking crispy cornbread, and trying various other recipes. Whether looking for iron skillets, inch skillet, or just a quality inch cast iron skillet, both are a good cast-iron option.
Price Point: Investment in Quality
Both Field and Stargazer skillets are premium, costing more than mass-produced ones. Their prices reflect their craftsmanship and materials.
The 10.5-inch Stargazer costs $115, while Field Company’s comparable #8 (10.25 inches) costs $145. Larger sizes have slightly higher prices. They’re both more expensive options.
Customer Experience and Support
Field Company and Stargazer are known for excellent customer service, providing care instructions, responsive support, and warranties. Field Company offers a lifetime warranty, while Stargazer has a 30-day trial with free returns.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Both brands prioritize sustainability. They use recycled iron and create durable products. The longer handles can be helpful when moving the pans.
Both also manufacture in the USA. Field Company manufactures in Wisconsin and Indiana. Stargazer makes their pans in Pennsylvania.
FAQs about field skillet vs stargazer
What is a field skillet?
A field skillet is a premium cast iron pan by Field Company. It’s known for its light weight, smooth surface, and minimalist design. Field skillets are made in the USA and come in several sizes.
Which cast iron brand is best?
The “best” brand depends on individual needs and preferences. Field Company and Stargazer are known for quality. Traditional brands like Lodge are also reputable. Consider weight, design, cooking surface, skillet features, and price when choosing. Lancaster Cast Iron offers another option with varying skillet features. Borough Furnace and other brands, while expensive options, offer their own signature pans. Be sure to carefully research which skillet features meet your cooking style and needs.
What skillet does Ina Garten use?
Ina Garten has used various brands, including Le Creuset enameled cast iron skillets, as seen on her shows and in cookbooks. It’s important to do your own research into brands of cast iron cookware you’re considering and which of their products is best for you.
Why is Field Company so expensive?
Field Company skillets cost more due to high-quality materials, specialized manufacturing for a smooth finish, and a lightweight design. They’re made in the USA, use sustainable practices, and have excellent customer support.
Conclusion
In the Field skillet vs. Stargazer debate, both offer exceptional quality. The best choice depends on design preference, cooking nuances, and budget. Choosing an inch cast iron skillet, or larger sizes are all possibilities depending on the specific skillet features.
The Field skillet suits those wanting a lightweight, minimalist design and a smooth surface. The Stargazer is better for those who like a flared rim, longer stay-cool handle, and inch cast iron skillet. Both can be good cast-iron cookware additions to any kitchen. Some cooks might also be looking at dutch ovens or other pans by Lancaster cast and other manufacturers.
Both skillets represent quality craftsmanship, upgrading from mass-produced options. They’re long-lasting tools for home cooks and professionals. Choosing either is an investment in cookware that blends traditional cast iron with modern techniques.