The Starter Set No.8
Best cast iron starter kit for home cooks seeking heirloom quality.
This starter set provides everything needed to begin cooking with cast iron. It features the original No.8 Field Skillet, a 10 1/4 inch pan known for its vintage-style design and smooth, naturally non-stick surface. The set also includes a natural fiber brush for cleaning, a chain mail scrubber for tough residue, and seasoning oil to maintain the pan. Crafted from recycled iron and made in the USA, this skillet is PFOA and PTFE free, offering a durable and healthy cooking experience that improves with use.
$200.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
288
/ 1802
#288 in Cookware Sets
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Material
100
/ Cast Iron (% Made in the USA)
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking manageable, lightweight cast iron cookware
- Culinary enthusiasts prioritizing easy food release and simple cleanup
- Heirloom seekers wanting durable, high-performance kitchen staples
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level cast iron options
- Busy cooks preferring low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe kitchen tools
- Users with limited wrist strength needing ultra-lightweight pans
Performance breakdown
Surface Smoothness
Polished finish rivals vintage pans for superior non-stick performance.
Weight-to-Utility Ratio
Significantly lighter than standard cast iron for effortless daily handling.
Maintenance Ease
Included cleaning kit makes seasoning and upkeep straightforward for beginners.
Heat Versatility
Compatible with all stovetops including induction for seamless kitchen integration.
Build Longevity
American-made recycled iron construction built to last multiple lifetimes.
Out-of-Box Readiness
Triple-seasoned surface allows for immediate cooking upon arrival.
Key Specs
Material
Cast Iron (100% Made in the USA)
Pre-seasoned with 3 coats of organic grapeseed oil
PFOA and PTFE Free
Top Diameter
10 1/4 inches
Cooking Surface
8 3/4 inches
Total Weight
4.3 lb
Compatible with all stovetop burner types, including induction
Hand-wash only
Features
- Smooth, naturally non-stick surface
- Lightweight for everyday use
- Vintage-style design
- Arrives pre-seasoned and ready to cook
- Durable construction with a lifetime warranty
- Includes essential care tools: brush, scrubber, and oil
- Improves cooking performance with continued use
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of The Starter Set No.8. Many highlight its smooth cooking surface and impressive heat retention, making it a joy to use for various dishes. Users appreciate the pan's lighter weight compared to other cast iron, enhancing its ease of handling. While some consider the initial investment higher, the overwhelming sentiment points to its long term durability and performance as excellent value, suggesting it is a worthwhile heirloom piece. The product is seen as a premium, reliable kitchen essential.
Know before you buy
The No.8 Field Skillet weighs 4.3 pounds, which is significantly lighter than most standard cast iron pans of the same size. This makes it much easier to maneuver for everyday tasks like sautéing or moving the pan from the stovetop to the oven.
The skillet arrives with three coats of organic grapeseed oil, providing a solid foundation for cooking. While it is ready to use immediately, the naturally non-stick surface will continue to improve and become more slick as you build up layers of seasoning through regular use.
Yes, the Field Skillet is compatible with all stovetop types, including induction, gas, and electric. Because it is made of iron, it responds well to the magnetic fields used in induction cooking.
The set includes a natural fiber brush and a chain mail scrubber, which are ideal for removing food residue without stripping the seasoning. Always hand-wash the pan, dry it thoroughly on the stove over low heat, and apply a light coat of the included seasoning oil before storing.
No. The Field Skillet is completely free of PFOA and PTFE, which are commonly found in synthetic non-stick coatings. It relies entirely on traditional seasoning for its non-stick properties, making it a safe, natural choice for your kitchen.
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$200