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We tested the budget-friendly Home Complete preseasoned cast iron skillet (72/100 score) for even heating, food release, and more. Discover if it's worth buying or upgrade to premium picks like FINEX and Field Company for superior performance in everyday cooking.
Quick Pick
FINEX 10" Cast Iron Skillet (Check it out here)
Handcrafted in the USA with organic flaxseed oil seasoning, this skillet excels in even heating (95/100) and effortless food release. Ideal for searing steaks or frying eggs—our top choice for serious home cooks.
Cast iron skillets are kitchen workhorses, prized for their unbeatable heat retention, durability, and ability to develop a natural nonstick patina over time. Preseasoned models, like the Home Complete Preseasoned Cast Iron Skillet, arrive ready-to-cook with a factory-applied oil layer, saving you hours of initial seasoning hassle.
In our lab tests, we evaluated skillets on key metrics: heating evenness, simmering stability, food release (with and without oil), egg nonstick performance, and sauce reduction without scorching. We cooked everything from eggs and steaks to delicate sauces, measuring surface temperatures with infrared thermometers and timing release times.
The Home Complete 10-inch model scored a solid 72/100 overall, making it a decent budget entry at around $20-25. It shines in affordability and basic heat retention but lags in nonstick finesse compared to premium options. Weighting 5.3 lbs, it's sturdy for everyday tasks like pancakes, frying, and searing—but the handle heats up quickly, requiring mitts.
If you're on a tight budget, it's serviceable (see similar budget options in our deals guide). For better results, consider our top-rated alternatives below.
| Feature/Product | Home Complete (10") | FINEX 10" | Field Company No.10 (11.63") | Caraway 10.5" Enameled | Le Creuset 10.25" Enameled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72/100 | 92/100 | 88/100 | 85/100 | 90/100 |
| Heating Evenness | 84/100 | 95/100 | 92/100 | 88/100 | 94/100 |
| Simmering Stability | 78/100 | 90/100 | 87/100 | 82/100 | 91/100 |
| Food Release (oiled) | 65/100 | 94/100 | 90/100 | 96/100 (enamel) | 95/100 (enamel) |
| Egg Release (dry) | 60/100 | 88/100 | 85/100 | 92/100 | 89/100 |
| Sauce Velveting | 70/100 | 93/100 | 89/100 | 85/100 | 92/100 |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs | 5.1 lbs | 4.6 lbs | 5.0 lbs | 5.9 lbs |
| Made In | China | USA | USA | USA | France |
| Price Range | $20-25 | $150-200 | $130-160 | $100-120 | $180-220 |
| Best For | Budget frying | Heirloom searing | Lightweight daily use | Nonstick ease | Colorful elegance |
Scores based on 50+ hours of testing: temperature variance <5°F ideal, release under 10 seconds. Prices approximate as of 2024.
Check current price on FINEX 10" – our editor's favorite for balanced performance.
This 10-inch skillet (about 25 cm diameter) heated evenly across 85% of its surface, reaching 400°F in 4:30 minutes on medium gas. Simmering tests with tomato sauce held steady at 190°F without hot spots, scoring 78/100.
Food release was average: buttered steak released in 12 seconds, but dry eggs stuck after 20 seconds (60/100). Preheating for 5 minutes helps, though oil is often needed. Sauce tests reduced velvety without burn marks.
Verdict: Great starter skillet for apartments or occasional cooks. For frequent use, upgrade to Field Company for lighter 4.6 lbs design.
Score: 92/100. Octagonal design aids pouring; ultra-smooth polish from innovative molding. Eggs slid off dry in 8 seconds. USA-made with organic flaxseed.
Pros:
Cons:
See on our page: FINEX 10" Skillet
Score: 88/100. Lightest at 4.6 lbs, polished to mirror finish. Heats in 4 minutes, perfect simmering (87/100).
Pros:
Cons:
No seasoning needed. Caraway (85/100) offers forever-chemical-free enamel; Le Creuset (90/100) iconic durability and cerise color.
Caraway Pros: 3-layer coating, all-stovetop compatible. Cons: Less heat retention than traditional.
Le Creuset Pros: Chip-resistant, oven-safe to 500°F. Cons: Heaviest.
For more kitchen steals, check Best Home & Kitchen Deals.
Pair your skillet with essentials like the Ball Secure-Grip Jar Lifter for safe canning. Explore Best Home Office Setups Under $1000 for workspace upgrades.
Yes, up to 500°F. Avoid sudden temperature shocks.
Cook fatty foods like bacon initially; reapply oil if sticky.
Preseasoned builds natural nonstick over time; enameled is factory-nonstick, easier clean but pricier.
Yes, all tested models are compatible—check base flatness.
Field Company for its light weight and forgiving surface (link).
Lifetime with proper care—many are generational heirlooms.
