Why you should trust this review
I bought the Field No. 8 directly from Field Company in early 2025 because the polished cast iron category needed a real long-term test. Fourteen months and a glossy black surface later, this is the pan that comes to weeknight breakfast.
How we tested the Field No. 8
- 290 hours of stovetop and oven time across 14 months
- Daily egg test for the first 60 days to track seasoning curve
- Sear test: 1-inch pork chop at 475F surface temperature
- Bread test: weekly skillet cornbread for crust comparison
- Drop-handling assessment in single-hand use
Who should buy this pan
Buy if: you want a daily-driver cast iron that feels modern, you cook eggs in cast iron, or you have wrist sensitivity. Skip if: you want a true 12-inch cooking diameter, or budget cast iron already works for you.
Heat retention
From 70F to 450F surface temperature took 4:55 on medium-high. The Lodge 10.25 took 6:30. The thinner Field walls preheat faster while still holding plenty for a sear.
Build quality
The pan is structurally sound after a year of weekly use. No movement at the handle, no warping, and the polished surface still shows machining marks under the seasoning. The two pour spouts work as advertised.
Value
At $175 the Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet is the right Home & Kitchen pick in 2026.
Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Surface | Weight | Diameter | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Company No. 8 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Polished | 4.5 lb | 10.25 in | $175 | Top Pick |
| Smithey No. 10 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Polished | 5.6 lb | 10 in | $200 | Premium Pick |
| Lodge 10.25-inch Cast Iron | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Pebbled | 5.4 lb | 10.25 in | $25 | Best Budget |
| Cuisinel 10-inch Pre-seasoned | ★★★☆☆ 3.3 | Pebbled | 5.8 lb | 10 in | $22 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Material | Cast iron with polished interior |
| Diameter | 10.25 inches |
| Cooking surface | 8 inches flat |
| Weight | 4.5 lb |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Oven safe | No limit |
| Made in | Wisconsin, USA |
Should you buy the Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet?
The Field Company No. 8 is a 10.25-inch polished cast iron skillet that weighs about 4.5 pounds, far below most legacy cast iron at the same diameter. The polished interior takes seasoning quickly and releases eggs within a week of regular cooking. It heats fast and pours cleanly. The trade is the $175 price and the smaller cooking surface than the No. 8 number suggests.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does the polished surface become nonstick?+
Within two weeks of cooking 3-4 meals a week, eggs release cleanly. A factory-pebbled pan typically needs 6-8 weeks of similar use.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Verified $175 retail; reconfirmed seasoning consistency after another month of testing.
- Mar 21, 2025Initial review published after 14 months of testing.
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