Take a look at the first photo of the Lodge skillet and then look at the photo of the cooking surface of the Field Company skillet. You'll notice that the Lodge's cooking surface is a lot "rougher" than the Field Company's No. 8 skillet.
Lodge claims that they need this rough surface so that their pre-applied seasoning can adhere to the surface to prevent any rusting of the skillet before it is purchased. You can start cooking on that surface too and eventually your own seasoning will adhere to it.
The Field Company skillet is very smooth... very similar to the smoothness you will find on vintage skillets from companies like Griswold or Wagner. In fact, it is probably even smoother than these old vintage skillets as you can see a very fine circular pattern on the cooking surface from the extreme milling / polishing they do to the skillet's cooking surface and side walls. The underside is rough however, but it's still not as rough as on the Lodge. And, they also pre-season their skillets with grapeseed oil.
So if Field Company is able to apply a seasoning coat to their skillets before selling, why can't Lodge do the same? Why do they need to have the rough surface? In older vintage Lodge skillets, they were smooth as well. Why don't they offer a smooth option for those who want a modern day Lodge?
There is a huge price difference between the skillets however. The Lodge skillet can be purchased for $14.88 on Amazon.com but the Field Company No. 8 skillet costs $125. Is it worth it? Well, to me, I can't cook on a skillet that is rough very easily. But I can cook easily on one that is smooth. I think each person needs to decide if paying $110 more is worth it to him/her.
I enjoy good cookware. To me, it's just fun. But I tend to like better gear in general whether it's cookware, cameras or guitars!
Check it out yourself and decide.
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