green light to buy first modern high quality CI skillet.
so I am ordering a skillet on Friday. High quality , but having a tough time deciding which one. Field, Smithey, ButterPAt, Finex.
We are a family of 4 , most times two. Somewhat of a foodie. I would appreciate any guidance , also to size. And I am not going to sand a Lodge, nothing wrong with that just not interested in doing it.
Of the ones on your list, so far I have the Field and the Finex. Both great pans although the Finex is pricier, and justifiably so. It is a great pan. I also have a Stargazer that I really like. the Smithey and Maquette are both on my wish list. If you sometimes cook for four, I would get the larger pan size. Spinaker is probably our resident expert on CI and he will probably chime in soon.
I recently got a Finex 12"...Absolutely love it. Only problem is that it's just so heavy. But as Spinaker pointed out earlier...makes it a great tool for searing.
That being said I use it all the time and have cooked a good variety of things in it. Great investment.
I have the Finex and love it but it is pricey and heavy. My work horse is still my 12" Griswold. Have you checked around to see if you can find a old Griswold or Wagner? You will probably pay the same as you will for the nice new stuff but they are the best you're going to find.
I also happen to think Finex is the best looking of all the new ones. Love the shape and the stainless coil stay cool handle with the gold color tipped end. Every time I use it everyone comments on how nice it looks and asks where I got it.
The wrought iron skillet that was up the other day looked amazing. I already can't find it...
I don't have anything other than Lodge and vintage. And I HATE to say this, but the vintage is all better. Someday the Lodge will be equal - when my grandkids have it.
Always start with the 12â€. It’s the most useful. As far as which one, everyone has their favorite and they are all quite good. I have a finex and while it looks cool, it cooks the same.
I don’t know how helpful Spinaker will be as
Every pan is his favorite :-)
Lonestar Grillz 24x36 offset smoker, grill, w/ main chamber charcoal grate and 3 tel-tru thermometers - left, right and center
Yoke Up custom charcoal basket and a Grill Wraps cover.
22.5 copper kettle w/ SnS, DnG, BBQ vortex, gasket and stainless steel hinge kit.
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I have a ton of Lodge CI. My mom has an awesome old Wagner that will be mine in a few years. I have had my eye on one of the Field Company skillets lately. Seems like they are pretty similar to the older CI. Much lighter than my Lodge and a heck of a lot smoother.
You will be happy with all of these choices. It just comes down to what you like better. Between the pans that you listed above, I would go with Smithey or Finex. I like the handle on the Finex better but the Smithey does have a slightly larger cooking surface. Both of these pans are heavy and retain heat like champions.
I also love the Butter Pat, and they are great pans. But the price is high, especially when you head into the 12" "Lili" pan. I find that my Butter Pat and my Smithey are quite similar, with the Butter Pat being a bit lighter.
You would also be happy with the Field as well. They are cheaper than the others and they have a great cooking surface. Not as flashy but still a great pan, and one that is perfect for smaller folks that don't care to horse around a heavier pan. Their main advantage over the others is weight. I use these for my camp box when I am floating or camping.
For a family of four, a 12" or a 10" would work. I would go with the 12". The 10 maybe a bit small for some dishes and that 12 would be perfect. Plus, a 12" pan works well for searing a couple steaks or a few burgers.
looks like still between Field and Smithey. That ButterPat LILI is real nice but $400, JOAN (10"cooking surface) goes for $295 (maybe). Field no 10 very reasonable $160 (and is 11 5/8 cooking surface). Smithey no 10 $160 is 9" cooking surface. and the no12 is cook surface of 10.5" $200. So the Field No 10 is actually a bigger cooking surface than the smithy No 12?
so there it is. I
ok guys, just ordered me a No 12 Smithey. Any suggestions on seasoning?
YES!!! Welcome to the Smithey Fam! I have found that the Smithey is the best pan right out of the box! I made scallops own the first night! Just be liberal with the oil. There are some solid layers of seasoning that the factory puts on.
If you have-not already checked out this thread, there is a compete guide to seasoning your pan! I am pumped for you, you will be a very happy camper.
In the past year, I have discovered an awesome new hobby. And I wanted to share just some of what it is all about.
I am going to be restoring a few pieces that I recently picked up from a storage unit. The first one that I am doing is a large Lodge Reversible-Griddle. As far as restoration goes, I promise you, this is the best
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