America's oldest cast-iron cookware manufacturer revitalized its business by adding one step to its 124-year-old process (2024)

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America's oldest cast-iron cookware manufacturer revitalized its business by adding one step to its 124-year-old process? ›

America's oldest cast-iron cookware manufacturer revitalized its business by adding one step to its 124-year-old process. Lodge

Lodge Manufacturing Company is an American manufacturer of cast-iron cookware based in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Founded in 1896 by Joseph Lodge, Lodge Manufacturing is one of America's oldest cookware companies in continuous operation. It is still owned and managed by the descendants of the Lodge family.

The cast-iron manufacturing process originated in China in the sixth century BCE and has barely changed since. Cast-iron skillets are made by pouring molten metal into a sand mold, which is broken apart when the pan cools, allowing the pan to emerge in one piece, handle included.

Griswold Manufacturing (/ˈɡrɪzwɔːld, -wəld/) was an American manufacturer of cast-iron kitchen products founded in Erie, Pennsylvania, in business from 1865 through 1957. For many years the company had a world-wide reputation for high-quality cast-iron cookware.

Myth 6: Vintage is Better Than New

The Reality: The material may be the same, but the production methods have changed. In the old days, cast iron pans were produced by casting in sand-based molds, and then polishing the resulting pebbly surfaces until smooth. Vintage cast iron tends to have a satiny smooth finish.

Lodge Cast Iron. USA Made Cookware, Bakeware, Pans & More.

Produced by Griswold Manufacturing in the late 19th century, according to Gear Patrol, the exceedingly rare skillet can be identified by a stamp of a spider in a web on its base. The origin of the Spider Skillet is unclear, and it is the only Griswold skillet ever to be emblazoned with an arachnid.

Today, many find cast iron to be too daunting—it's heavy, it requires seasoning (the process of heating fat, like oil, over metal to create a protective coating), and it has to be hand-washed. It can't just be chucked in a dishwasher, or it'll rust.

In 1707, Abraham Darby patented the sand casting method, which is similar to the way we make cast iron today. Because of Darby's contribution, the 18th and 19th centuries saw a boom in cast iron cookware.

Griswold diamond logo (1905-1906)

It was in use for only one year, and you can find it on cookware made from 1905 to 1906. Therefore, the items from that period are highly valuable and collectible.

Which brand cast iron is best? ›

Our Favorite Cast Iron Skillets

Our Best Overall winner was the Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, which is no surprise given the brand's reputation for inexpensive, quality cast iron skillets that stand the test of time. We also loved the versatility of the Stargazer 10.5-inch Cast Iron Skillet.

In 1957 Randall's Wagner division acquired Griswold Manufacturing from McGraw-Edison. In 1959 Randall was itself acquired by Textron. Textron sold the Wagner and Griswold lines to General Housewares Corporation (GHC) in 1969. In 1996 GHC sold rights to the Wagner and Griswold lines to Slyman Group.

Famously durable, these pans are often passed down through generations. With proper reseasoning care, years of frequent use can actually improve the pan's “seasoning”—its natural nonstick coating. But sadly, cast iron skillets can indeed break. Here's when to throw away a cast iron skillet.

Non-Toxic Materials

As a safe alternative, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and cast-iron pots and pans are the go-to materials to avoid risky ingredients seeping into your food.

The long lifespan of cast iron along with the growing demand for second-hand instead of new makes vintage cast iron a common find in the antique market. The value of antique cast iron skillets can start at similar to new prices, but a super rare Wagner or Griswold can fetch up to $1,500 apiece.

The Chinese produced cast iron as early as the 6th century bce, and it was produced sporadically in Europe by the 14th century.

The History of Cast Iron Cookware

In 1707, Abraham Darby patented the sand casting method, which is similar to the way we make cast iron today. Because of Darby's contribution, the 18th and 19th centuries saw a boom in cast iron cookware.

purchase Randall (including the rights to Wagner and Griswold) in 1959. Collectors mark this as the end of the official production period of collectible Wagner cookware. Ten years later, Textron sold the Wagner and Griswold lines to General Housewares Corp., which stopped the manufacture of Wagner Ware in 1994.

Lodge Cast Iron has been making heirloom-quality cookware and accessories since 1896. We currently operate two foundries in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, our home since the very beginning. Backed by over 125 years of experience, each piece of Lodge cookware is crafted for durability and versatility.