Articles · Where two groups agree
Chefs and r/buyitforlife split on handles, between who finds them comfortable and who doesn't, across the five products they both back.
About Chef and r/BuyItForLife.
We have not used any of these ourselves. We read 35 sources and structured what 11 people said. Of the 28 quotes below, 9 are complaints and 8 come from someone with a declared commercial interest. Every one of them links to the person who said it and the second they said it.
Based on 11 people, 35 sources and 371 recorded claims. A declared interest is labelled beside the quote rather than removed.
Chefs and r/buyitforlife converge on five products, and the clearest picks come from people speaking for themselves. RRL Reviews, sixteen years into a Vitamix blender, says he would buy another without hesitation; Julia, of America's Test Kitchen, points to the Smithey at $200, or the Lodge for $43, as the best buy; and Cook Culture uses a Field every day and calls it one to cherish. Prudent Reviews, a cookware reviewer who discloses an affiliate interest on some tests, holds 73% of everything said about it.
for me, this wasn't just a blender purchase. It was a long-term kitchen investment. And 16 years later, if this one disappeared tomorrow, I would buy another Vitamix without hesitation. And honestly, that's probably the highest recommendation I could give any product.
RRL Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “As an Amazon associate, we may earn on qualifying purchases.”
If you want a really nice cast iron skillet, check out the Smithey Ironware number 12 for $200, or for the best buy, check out the Lodge 12 inch cast iron skillet for just $43.
Cites price (against)
a pan that i i love and and cherish and use every single day
| Product | Cited in favour | Cited against | Voices | Declared interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge cast iron skillet | durability (1), heat retention (1) | handle (1), seasoning durability (1) | 2 voices | none declared |
| Field cast iron skillet | appearance (1), non-stick surface (1) | maintenance (1), seasoning durability (1) | 4 voices | 1 of 4 |
| Smithey cast iron skillet | base and rim (1), durability (1) | price (1) | 2 voices | none declared |
| All-Clad stainless pan | build quality (2), price (1) | warp resistance (1) | 3 voices | 1 of 3 |
| Le Creuset dutch oven | ease of cleaning (1), handle (1) | heat retention (1), price (1) | 1 voice | 1 of 1 |
I recently tested six of the highest-rated cast iron skillets on the market, and according to my tests, Smithey is the best overall. It had the best heat retention, the smoothest non-stick surface, the widest pour spouts, and one of the better-designed handles.
Cites base and rim, handle, heat retention, non-stick surface
they have the smallest overall depth and length of all Dutch ovens I tested
Cites handle (against), heat resistance (against)
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.”
the knob diameter is also the smallest in the group
One downside is that the lid knob got extremely hot during testing, with the second-highest temperature of all brands.
The Lodge Classic is also a great option if you want something more substantial, and the value is incredible.
Cites price
Although the performance is great, the same could be said for much cheaper Dutch ovens, especially since they’re all made with the materials - cast iron with an enamel coating.
Cites price (against)
Le Creuset Dutch ovens are significantly more expensive than brands like Lodge, Tramontina, and many others. And based on my testing, you’re not getting any meaningful advantages in performance.
Despite the lighter construction, it actually had the best heat retention of all 12 skillets.
Cites heat retention, price
On the lower end, Victoria and Lodge Chef Collection are my two top picks.
But because there's less mass to hold on to that heat, it had the second lowest heat retention in the group.
Cites heat retention (against)
The Lodge cast iron skillet's handle is the objection: Prudent Reviews says its edges "dig into your hands."
Prudent Reviews separately says a Lodge will "last forever, perform really well, and cost under $30," and measured its heat retention best of twelve skillets. Kent Rollins, of Cowboy Kent Rollins, faults the rough factory finish for disappointing him more than any other skillet's seasoning.
No one among the 11 people quoted states how long they have owned a Lodge.
The biggest issue for me is the handle. It gets very wide where it connects to the skillet, then it narrows toward the end, and the edges feel sharp and dig into your hands.
Cites handle (against)
Few products in the world last forever, perform really well, and cost under $30.
Cites durability, price
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:30.
Cites heat retention, price
now of all the Skillets here the one that probably disappoints me the most in seasoning the way it comes to you or the way you buy it out of the store is Lodge with that rough finish on it
Cites seasoning durability (against), surface finish (against)
The Field cast iron skillet's durability is the objection: Prudent Reviews found that "it warped significantly. The center curved downward," and the pan wobbled on the cooktop.
Cook Culture uses one every day and calls it a pan to cherish, rating it among "the world's highest quality cast iron skillets." Kent Rollins, sent his free, likes the smooth finish and the skillet's old-style look.
Uncle Scott and Kent Rollins each put a month and a half on a Field, the longest ownership stated for it.
During my testing, it warped significantly. The center curved downward, and the pan wobbled on the cooktop.
Cites warp resistance (against)
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 0:30.
field stargazer two of the world's highest quality cast iron skillets
but if you're considering between something is as high quality as a field or stargazer i don't have one particular recommendation because they are both such high quality so it really depends on what you're looking for
but when I run my hand across it it was the smooth finish
Cites non-stick surface, surface finish
Kent Rollins was given the product. Stated in the source: “we got this box in the mail we did an unboxing video on an 8 inch field skillet”
so I fried me some bacon in there without doing a thing to it I just washed it out good with hot water dried it put that bacon in there it wasn't no sticking it wasn't like heated meaning something other ovens where I had to get to a putty knife a chisel and a hammer to knock it off there no it was good
what I put in there a scrambled egg and folks I was amazed there was no sticking like them egg whites will do too to where you can't even get them out of there
when I picked it up the very first time out of the box the thing that I liked about it was it was similar to the design of old authentic cast iron folks this is a pretty good lightweight skill it's sort of like the old stuff was made
Cites appearance, surface finish, weight
getting on down the field I think the thing that really impressed me the most about it was the weight sure but they had such a good machine finish on there to it
I also am having a little trouble getting the seasoning to develop and come in, or what they call the break-in period. At a month and a half in, I am still having trouble getting non-stick eggs.
Cites maintenance (against), seasoning durability (against)
Owned 2 months
I have reseasoned this pan multiple multiple times. I have seasoned it with Crisco, with grape seed oil, with peanut oil. I have seasoned it in the oven. I have done carbon steel type seasonings on a stove top, getting the pan smoking there.
I've been using this skillet for a month and a half every day is it solid black everywhere no it's got some bronze coating to it a little spotted in colored a little motley color
Cites seasoning durability
Kent Rollins was given the product. Stated in the source: “we got this box in the mail we did an unboxing video on an 8 inch field skillet”
Owned 2 months
The Smithey cast iron skillet has no real detractors on this sheet: Prudent Reviews calls it the best overall skillet if price isn't a factor, crediting its heat retention and one of the better-designed handles among six it tested.
Julia, of America's Test Kitchen, points to it at $200 for a reader who wants a really nice skillet, or the Lodge at $43 for the best buy.
After more than two years, Prudent Reviews still reaches for it more than most of what it owns, the longest ownership stated for the Smithey.
If price is not a factor, Smithey is the best overall skillet.
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 5:32.
Cites base and rim, handle, heat retention, non-stick surface
I've used Smithey for over 2 years, and it's still one of the pans I reach for the most.
Cites durability
Owned 2 years
The All-Clad stainless pan's durability is probably the objection: Prudent Reviews found "the bottom warped noticeably" in testing, despite heating fast and evenly.
Uncle Scott, who bought his own D3, says "i like it a lot," and tells other buyers they cannot go wrong starting there. David Chang, speaking under a sponsorship, calls it one of the very few things America produces built to that standard.
No one among the 11 people quoted states how long they have owned an All-Clad.
This pan heated fast and evenly, but the bottom warped noticeably in my testing.
Cites warp resistance (against)
so guess what i tried a d3 and i like it i like it a lot
Cites build quality, weight
i really do like this all clad d3 stainless steel frying pan been cooking in it heavily for about six months now so it's part of my go-to frying pan rotation it's easy to move around seems to be well made and most importantly it produces a ton of delicious food it gets a thumbs up
what i said is set your base level at d3 and then go from there kind of as budget and needs dictate and you can't go wrong
Cites price
what I'm most excited about this pan is that it's an all clad this is one of the very few things that America produces that is like Best in Class
Cites build quality
David Chang paid by this brand. Stated in the source: “I feel like one of those Hair Club for Men guys it's like not only do I like sponsor this like I use it myself”
The Le Creuset dutch oven's price is probably the objection: Prudent Reviews says the same performance can be found in "much cheaper Dutch ovens," since they share cast iron and enamel construction.
Prudent Reviews, disclosing an affiliate interest, praises its handles for having the widest openings of any Dutch oven it tested. The same reviewer, also disclosing an affiliate interest, separately measured its heat retention third-worst among the ovens it tested, for its thinner walls.
No one among the 11 people quoted states how long they have owned one.
Along with Misen, Le Creuset handles have the widest openings.
Cites ease of cleaning, handle, heat resistance, lid, weight
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.”
Because of that and the lightweight design, it's by far the easiest Dutch oven to pick up, wash, and store.
The lid has ridges that prevent a spoon from slipping off
the knob has a wide top and a thick stem, which makes it easy to grip and control
In my test, both knobs stayed cooler than most other brands, but the plastic knob barely heated up at all.
the plastic knob barely heated up at all
I love Le Creuset's color options, lightweight design, and large handles.
Le Creuset had the third-worst heat retention, likely due to the thinner walls
Cites heat retention (against)
Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.”
RRL Reviews' sixteen years on a Vitamix blender, since 2010, is the longest figure here, used almost every day and worth buying again without hesitation. Kent Rollins and Uncle Scott each put a month and a half on a Field, the shortest figures on this sheet.
Prudent Reviews has used a Smithey for just over two years, and Chef Kevin Riese put two years on a Staub, cooking in it about twice a week.
No one among the 11 people quoted names a duration for the Lodge, the All-Clad or the Le Creuset.
I have owned this Vitamix 5200 since 2010. Not 6 months, not a year, not even 5 years. I've owned it for nearly 16 years, and the crazy part about it is that I use it almost every single day.
Cites durability
RRL Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “As an Amazon associate, we may earn on qualifying purchases.”
Owned 16 years
I've gone through coffee makers, air fryers, vacuums, and countless other appliances over the years, but my Vitamix is one of the few purchases that has simply stayed. It still works exactly like it did when I bought it.
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 3:00.
Cites seasoning durability
Kent Rollins was given the product. Stated in the source: “we got this box in the mail we did an unboxing video on an 8 inch field skillet”
Owned 2 months
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:31.
Cites maintenance (against), seasoning durability (against)
Owned 2 months
here but there are no stains no chips no scratches i don't use metal i always use wood or plastic like they want you to and it's it's pretty much the same as i got it two years ago
Cites coating durability, maintenance, scratch resistance, surface finish
Owned 2 years
too worried about that and the top same thing looks pretty much brand new inside and outside
RRL Reviews, sixteen years into a Vitamix, still uses it almost every day and says he would buy another without hesitation, the longest account on this sheet by a wide margin. Chef Kevin Riese, two years into a Staub, reports no stains, chips or scratches.
Kent Rollins and Uncle Scott each put a month and a half on a Field and read it differently: Kent Rollins likes the smooth finish his came with, while Uncle Scott is still troubleshooting the seasoning break-in. Prudent Reviews, two years into a Smithey, still reaches for it more than most of what it owns.
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 0:00.
Cites durability
RRL Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “As an Amazon associate, we may earn on qualifying purchases.”
Owned 16 years
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:00.
RRL Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “As an Amazon associate, we may earn on qualifying purchases.”
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:04.
Cites coating durability, maintenance, scratch resistance, surface finish
Owned 2 years
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 1:00.
Cites non-stick surface, surface finish
Kent Rollins was given the product. Stated in the source: “we got this box in the mail we did an unboxing video on an 8 inch field skillet”
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:31.
Cites maintenance (against), seasoning durability (against)
Owned 2 months
Two more products are named on this sheet without enough behind them for their own sections: the Staub dutch oven, resting on three recommenders, and a Vitamix 5200, resting on two. Thin coverage is not a verdict against either; it is simply what these 35 sources can carry.
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 0:00.
Cites durability
RRL Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “As an Amazon associate, we may earn on qualifying purchases.”
Owned 16 years
Kent Rollins, a chef, likes the Field's old-style look and the smooth finish it came with; Prudent Reviews, testing the same pan, measures its warp under heat and its heat retention against a dozen others. Uncle Scott, a self-funded reviewer, judges the All-Clad by whether he would buy it again, where David Chang, a chef speaking under a sponsorship, praises it in the language of national pride.
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 1:30.
Cites appearance, surface finish, weight
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 6:02.
Cites warp resistance (against)
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 2:00.
Cites build quality
David Chang paid by this brand. Stated in the source: “I feel like one of those Hair Club for Men guys it's like not only do I like sponsor this like I use it myself”
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 10:33.
Cites durability, price
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 0:30.
Prudent Reviews alone holds 269 of the 371 claims in these 35 sources, 73% of everything in scope, so most of these five products' cases rest on one reviewer's testing. None of the 11 people quoted claims to have owned anything longer than the 192 months behind RRL Reviews' Vitamix. Three products carry no ownership duration behind them at all.
Quoted earlier on this page. Hear it at 0:00.
Cites durability
RRL Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “As an Amazon associate, we may earn on qualifying purchases.”
Owned 16 years
Authority here is scoped to the subject, never to how large someone’s audience is. Where we hold no domain expertise for a person, the page says so rather than implying one.
Our mission at Prudent Reviews is to help you find the best products for your home. We take the stress out of shopping by testing, analyzing, and comparing the top products. Our reviews, comparisons, and product guides are in-depth, carefully researched, and completely unbiased. Since launching, we've helped millions of people across the globe find the best products and improve their lives at home. If you have questions or want to partner with Prudent Reviews, email Andrew@PrudentReviews.com. As an Amazon Associate Prudent Reviews earns from qualifying purchases.
Love outdoor cooking? Want to learn more about Dutch oven cooking, cast iron or grilling? Then you've saddled up to the right place. I've been cooking outdoors over live fire for over 34 years as a chuck wagon and cowboy cook. We have a new series on the Outdoor Channel "The Cst Iron Cowboy" You may have also seen me on Chopped Grill Masters, Chopped Redemption or Beat Bobby Flay. Stick around and be sure to subscribe for tips, tricks and recipes. Keep the fire hot and the wood dry... Kent
Our Motto: You can never have too much great cookware and kitchen gear. Our Philosophy: If you have great equipment and great ingredients, with a little practice you can cook any dish in the world. At USK, we make recipes, review frying pans, deep fryers, knives, grain mills, gadgets, pots and pans, and anything else you might find in a high-end kitchen. We teach people how to season carbon steel and cast iron pans, show people the proper way to cook eggs, tell a few jokes, and cook delicious meals. We really like high quality brands such as De Buyer, Falk, Matfer, Lodge, Smithey, Mauviel, Le Creuset, live, Staub, Breville, and others. And, importantly, Uncle Scott buys all of the products he reviews with his own money, and unlike many cookware channels, no free items are accepted for review. This keeps Uncle Scott's reviews genuine, trustworthy, and unbiased. Any sponsored videos or affiliate sales links are clearly labelled.
We are a small kitchenwares business based in Vancouver Island, Canada. We specialize in lifetime cookware and tools, We believe that the one thing that everyone can make in the kitchen is a better life.
RRL Reviews helps you make confident buying decisions through honest product reviews, real-world testing, and practical conversations about the products and challenges that affect everyday life. We cover home, health, wellness, caregiving, travel, technology, and more. As an Amazon associate we earn on qualifying purchases. #earnscommissions
Every product, brand and category named in a claim behind this article, not only the ones with a section of their own above. Where we hold a full page for one, it is linked; the rest are named as text because the evidence has not cleared that bar yet.
Short quotes and deep links only. We publish no transcripts, and every quote above opens the original at the second it was spoken.
The prose above was written by a model from a fact sheet assembled out of the evidence, then checked line by line: every quote verbatim against the evidence table, every name against a claim, every number against the sheet. Prose that fails is not published. It is derived data, not testimony. The testimony is the quotes.
Verified 2026-09-17
When someone quoted here was paid, sponsored, sent the product free or works for the brand, the quote says so and, where they said it themselves, gives their own words about it. We keep those quotes rather than dropping them: a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.