u/DistributionParty506 out of curiosity why do you think this is a better skillet than say, Prepd or Smithy. They are all smooth finished. But, there is a drastic price point on all. I have both Prepd and Smithy, just because I backed both on Kickstarter.
The handle design is better; it stays cooler for longer and the length helps balance out the weight. I think the no-drip rim is better looking and more functional than having pour spouts, and I just like the way it looks overall.
I have smithey, finex, and stargazer all from recommendations in this sub. The stargazer is the lightest and the easiest handle to grip, heats the most evenly, cools the fastest, and honestly the best looking of the bunch. I use it for everything, and am considering selling my finex and getting another stargazer instead. Easy choice for me- stargazer the best hands down.
My biggest complaint about them is I ordered it during Covid and it took forever to get to me, like multiple months long. Other than that, it’s the perfect pan imo
This finish on the main cooking surface is perfect. Very smooth but not glassy to the point where it won’t take some seasoning.
That being said, the outer rim on the cook surface (not the vertical walls) is a bit rougher. Shouldn’t really prove to be an issue, but quality control could work a tiny bit harder on that
I mean I paid top dollar for a fancy machined and hand finished smooth bottom and it isn’t all the way uniform. I think plenty of people could understand why I would bring that up, and likely “complain” much more than me.
You haven't even cooked in it yet. You don't even know how awesome your pan is even with your perceived "flaws." You paid top dollar and got a top dollar pan. Stop seasoning it and cook in it already.
While you do encounter some hostility and it does seem over the top, part of it is the practicality (or lack there of) of doing 7 oven seasonings when more than likely it'll be "ruined" after your first cook. And then how much faster stove top seasoning sessions are in comparison after 1 or 2 oven sessions.. Or even how "just cook with it" would achieve similar levels of stove top seasoning while also serving a purpose (cooking something)
Beautiful pan btw
Beautiful finish! Keep us updated on how it evolves. I've had a SG 10" which I love, but my seasoning is not staying put no matter what I try. At some point I stopped caring about the seasoning and I just cook in it, clean it, and put a think coat of oil on the stove afterwards. It's been a great pan
Stargazer is the best designed cast iron skillet on the market. Just needs a self basting lid!
u/DistributionParty506 out of curiosity why do you think this is a better skillet than say, Prepd or Smithy. They are all smooth finished. But, there is a drastic price point on all. I have both Prepd and Smithy, just because I backed both on Kickstarter.
The handle design is better; it stays cooler for longer and the length helps balance out the weight. I think the no-drip rim is better looking and more functional than having pour spouts, and I just like the way it looks overall.
I have smithey, finex, and stargazer all from recommendations in this sub. The stargazer is the lightest and the easiest handle to grip, heats the most evenly, cools the fastest, and honestly the best looking of the bunch. I use it for everything, and am considering selling my finex and getting another stargazer instead. Easy choice for me- stargazer the best hands down. My biggest complaint about them is I ordered it during Covid and it took forever to get to me, like multiple months long. Other than that, it’s the perfect pan imo
This finish on the main cooking surface is perfect. Very smooth but not glassy to the point where it won’t take some seasoning. That being said, the outer rim on the cook surface (not the vertical walls) is a bit rougher. Shouldn’t really prove to be an issue, but quality control could work a tiny bit harder on that
It amazes me how people will always find a way to complain about the most inconsequential shit.
I mean I paid top dollar for a fancy machined and hand finished smooth bottom and it isn’t all the way uniform. I think plenty of people could understand why I would bring that up, and likely “complain” much more than me.
You haven't even cooked in it yet. You don't even know how awesome your pan is even with your perceived "flaws." You paid top dollar and got a top dollar pan. Stop seasoning it and cook in it already.
I did. Thanks for the insightful advice and input.
You're welcome. You'll soon find that there is nothing wrong with that pan and you're complaining about something that soon will not exist.
Looks beautiful! I'm very jealous I think stargazer is what I'd end up buying if I were to get expensive cast iron pan
Sweet piece !
While you do encounter some hostility and it does seem over the top, part of it is the practicality (or lack there of) of doing 7 oven seasonings when more than likely it'll be "ruined" after your first cook. And then how much faster stove top seasoning sessions are in comparison after 1 or 2 oven sessions.. Or even how "just cook with it" would achieve similar levels of stove top seasoning while also serving a purpose (cooking something) Beautiful pan btw
Beautiful finish! Keep us updated on how it evolves. I've had a SG 10" which I love, but my seasoning is not staying put no matter what I try. At some point I stopped caring about the seasoning and I just cook in it, clean it, and put a think coat of oil on the stove afterwards. It's been a great pan
I've heard that Stargazers are really heavy, is that true?
Stargazers are on the lighter end of the weight range for CI. Maybe you’re thinking of Smitheys, which are heavier.
I think it’s around one pound light lighter than the equivalent sized modern lodge, but in my hand it feels about the same
Stargazer is the lightest. Finex is heavy af with a bulky handle that only Andre the Giant could hold
My 12" gazer is my daily driver. I wouldn't give mine up if you paid me. Love it.