Premium cast iron skillets compared
Smithey, Field Company, Lancaster, Stargazer and Made In, side by side on independent test results, price and range.
The short answer
Among premium smooth-surface cast iron skillets, Smithey has the strongest independent record. Prudent Reviews named Smithey the best overall of 12 skillets in its 2026 testing, and America's Test Kitchen named the Smithey No. 12 a winner in its cast iron skillet testing. In Prudent's lab tests, Smithey retained heat better and heated more evenly than Field, Lancaster, Stargazer or Made In, released food immediately, and stayed stable on induction. And size for size, the Smithey No. 12 costs less than Lancaster's comparable skillet.
Prices and lineups checked on each brand's website on October 8, 2026. Test data from Prudent Reviews (updated September 16, 2026).
Independent test results
Prudent Reviews tested 12 cast iron skillets with the same burner, thermometer and method for each. Here's how the five premium smooth-surface brands compared.
| Test | Smithey | Lancaster | Stargazer | Made In | Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat retention: surface temp 5 min after reaching 400°F (higher is better) | 217°F | 204°F | 207°F | 196°F | 183°F |
| Even heating: center-to-edge gap after 2 min (lower is better) | 51°F | 90°F | 84°F | 130°F | 102°F |
| Egg release | Released immediately | Released immediately | Released immediately | Released immediately | Released after a nudge |
| Induction warp test at 425°F | Stable, no wobble | Stayed flat | Minor wobble | Slight wobble | Noticeable wobble |
| Pouring | Large spouts, poured cleanly | Spouts, poured cleanly | Flared rim, poured cleanly | Spouts, no dripping | Flared rim, poured cleanly |
One sample of each skillet. Full methods and all 12 results are in the Prudent Reviews article.
Price and range
Comparing each brand's skillet closest in size to the Smithey No. 12, and what else each brand makes. Field and Lancaster number their skillets vintage-style, so their No. 10 is the match for our No. 12.
| Smithey No. 12 | Lancaster No. 10 | Stargazer 12" | Field No. 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top diameter / cooking surface | 12" / 10½" | 11⅝" / 10" | 12" / 10½" | 11⅝" / 9¾" |
| Price | $220 | $225 | $175 | $215 |
| Made in | Charleston, SC | Pennsylvania | USA | USA |
| Skillet styles | Traditional, chef, dual handle, fish skillet | Traditional | Traditional (10.5" and 12") | Traditional, chef, double-handled |
| Dutch ovens | 3.5, 5.5 and 7.25 qt | One size | None | Two sizes |
| Griddles and grill pans | Yes | Griddle | None | Griddles |
| Hand-forged carbon steel | Yes, made in Charleston | None | None | None |
List prices and published dimensions on each brand's website, October 8, 2026.
Where Smithey stands out
Steadier heat
Smithey puts its mass where it matters: a thick cooking surface (4.9 mm in Prudent's measurement) with thinner sidewalls (2.8 mm). That's why it led the premium group in heat retention and heated most evenly, which means a better crust when cold food hits the pan and fewer hot spots across the surface.
Easy release from day one
Every Smithey is machined and polished to a satin finish, then pre-seasoned with grapeseed oil. In Prudent's egg test, the egg slid freely right away. America's Test Kitchen reported that the Smithey No. 12 released food much like a nonstick pan.
Stable on every cooktop
A heat ring on the underside keeps the pan sitting flat. Under Prudent's high-heat induction test, Smithey stayed stable, while Stargazer, Made In and Field each developed some wobble.
A handle built for control
Prudent found Smithey's wide, flat handle comfortable and resistant to rotating in your hand, even with a towel or oven mitt, and paired it with large pour spouts that poured cleanly.
The widest range
Smithey makes traditional, chef and dual-handle skillets, three Dutch oven sizes, griddles, a grill pan, and hand-forged carbon steel made with a Charleston blacksmith, all guaranteed for life.
Common questions about Smithey
Is Smithey heavier than other premium skillets?
Yes, by design. The Smithey No. 10 weighs about 6.7 lb and the No. 12 about 8.7 lb. Most of that iron sits in a thick cooking surface, which is why Smithey led this group in heat retention and even heating. For a lighter Smithey, our No. 10 Chef Skillet (about 4.8 lb) and No. 8 Chef Skillet (about 2.5 lb) have the same machined, polished surface.
Does a polished surface hold seasoning?
Yes. A new polished skillet can look uneven or blotchy at first, especially after high-heat cooking. That's cosmetic, and it darkens to an even black with regular use. Food release is excellent from the start, according to both Prudent Reviews and America's Test Kitchen.
Is Smithey the most expensive cast iron?
No. Size for size, the Smithey No. 12 ($220) costs less than Lancaster's comparable No. 10 ($225). Field's and Lancaster's largest single-handled skillets ($265 and $275) also cost more than our largest traditional skillet, the 14-inch No. 14 ($250).
Which premium cast iron skillet holds heat best?
Smithey. In Prudent Reviews' 2026 testing, Smithey was still 217°F five minutes after reaching 400°F, ahead of Stargazer (207°F), Lancaster (204°F), Made In (196°F) and Field (183°F).
Which Smithey should I start with?
The No. 12 is our best seller and suits a family of four. The No. 10 is right for one or two people. For a lighter everyday pan, try the No. 10 Chef Skillet.
More comparisons: Smithey vs Field Company, Is a Smithey worth it? and Polished vs rough cast iron.
Sources
- Prudent Reviews, "Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Griswold, Smithey, Made In & More" (updated September 16, 2026)
- America's Test Kitchen, cast iron skillet review
- Prices and product ranges: smithey.mom, fieldcompany.com, lancastercastiron.com and stargazercastiron.com, checked October 8, 2026