To tell how old your Lodge cast iron skillet is, you will need to look closely at the markings on the bottom of the skillet. Look for either a 3, 5 or 8-digit number after the word “Lodge”. If the numbers are 3 digits, then your pan was made between the 1950s and 1960s.
If it has 5 digits, then it was made between the 1960s and late 1980s. And if there is 8 digits, it dates from the late 1980s or after. You can also look for the Lodge logo. An arrow running through a letter L is indicative of cast iron that was made before the 1950s.
A square “L” logo was produced starting in the 1950s and diamond shaped “L” logos started to appear in the 1960s and are commonly seen still today. These logos can help you to identify the general timeframe that your skillet was produced.
It is also important to note that if your pan was purchased as a set, it may not be the same age as the others in the set. It is possible that Lodge could have replaced some pieces with newer models when the older ones were unavailable.
How do you date a cast iron skillet?
Dating a cast iron skillet can be a challenge, as the makers of these skillets often did not put any markings on them to indicate their origin or age. However, there are several ways to try to determine the age of a skillet.
One way to estimate the age of a cast iron skillet is to look at the shape of the skillet. Early skillets were much deeper than skillets made today, which tend to have a flatter shape. If you have a shallow rather than deep skillet, it is more likely to be more modern.
You can also try to identify a manufacturer by looking for any markings on the skillet. The Lodge Foundry is a popular contemporary maker of cast iron skillets, and many of their skillets can be identified by the number “7” which is often stamped onto them.
Griswold and Wagner were two manufacturers that were popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s, and their skillets can often be identified by their branding marks.
Another way to try to date a cast iron skillet is to look for any logos and trademarks. Many skillets that were made in the 1950s or later often had logos or trademarks on them. If you can identify the maker or logo, this may help you to estimate the age of the skillet.
Finally, you can try to estimate the age of the skillet by looking at its general condition and degree of wear. If a skillet has a glossy sheen or is heavily seasoned, it is likely to be more modern.
A skillet that is rather dull or has a rough texture may be more vintage.
Overall, the best way to date a cast iron skillet is to look at all the clues to try to identify the maker and then estimate the age. If all else fails, you can try to find other skillets from the same maker or similar brands for comparison.
What do the numbers on the bottom of a Lodge cast iron skillet mean?
The numbers on the bottom of a Lodge cast iron skillet typically refer to two things: the skillet size and the skillet model. The size is usually noted by the number before the dash (e. g. 10-1/2”). The model number usually follows the dash.
The model number is typically two free-form characters (e. g. SK). The model number is important because it helps the manufacturer distinguish the type and amount of heat treatment that the skillet needs to pass quality tests.
For example, the dash between various sizes may denote the handle type, or may even refer to the grade of iron in the skillet. It can also help identify when the skillet was cast and/or where it was manufactured.
Knowing the model number is especially important if you’re looking for parts or have other questions about the skillet.
How old is Lodge cast iron?
Lodge Cast Iron has been around for over 120 years! Founded in 1896, Lodge has been perfecting cast iron cookware for more than a century. In the late 1800s, Joseph Lodge founded Lodge Manufacturing Company in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
As the oldest family-owned cookware foundry in the United States, Lodge has created generations of heirloom-quality cookware that can be passed down for an incredibly long time. Despite still using traditional sand casting methods, Lodge has paired old-fashioned principles with modern technology and design advancements, resulting in highly functional, versatile, and sustainable cookware.
Today, Lodge continues to develop new products and experiments with exciting ideas, while maintaining its commitment to using the best quality raw materials and providing exceptional customer service.
What is the most valuable cast iron skillet?
The most valuable cast iron skillet depends on a variety of factors. Collectors often look for those produced by specific well-known companies, especially ones that are no longer in production. Look for cast iron skillets with logos from Griswold, Wagner, Wapak and other recognizable names in the industry.
Additionally, skillets made prior to World War II tend to be more valuable than those made afterwards since they may have been produced with higher quality materials and craftsmanship. Further, vintage cast iron skillets with a professional seasoning applied often fetch a higher value than those that have not been properly seasoned.
When searching for a valuable cast iron skillet, pay careful attention to the condition of the skillet. Any cracks, chips, and/or other signs of damage can significantly decrease the value of the skillet.
Lastly, adjust your search for skillets based upon the edition or size of the pan. Skillets that are rare or unique in size or design often hold greater value.
Which brand is the cast iron?
Cast iron cookware is known for its durability, heat retention and variety of uses. It has been around for centuries and is still seen in many commercial kitchens, restaurants and households around the world today.
While there are various brands that make cast iron cookware, some of the most popular brands include Lodge, Le Creuset, Staub and Griswold.
Lodge is a Tennessee-based company that has been making high-quality cast iron since 1896. It is the largest manufacturer of cast iron cookware in the U. S. and is known for its pre-seasoned skillets, Dutch ovens and grill pans.
Le Creuset is a popular French cookware brand that is renowned for its colorful enamel-coated cast iron pots and pans. The thick walls and tight-fitting lids of the brand’s collection of Dutch ovens help to create moist, flavorful meals.
Staub is another French cast iron cookware brand. It is known for its signature cocoa-colored enamel coating and superior heat distribution. Its range of round, oval and rectangular Dutch ovens are perfect for cooking one-pot meals.
Griswold is an American brand of cast iron cookware that has been around since the late 1800s. It has a cult-like following among fans of vintage pieces, as well as modern versions of the brand’s famed skillets, griddles and roasting pans.
What cast iron is collectible?
Collectible cast iron is any form of cast iron that people purchase or collect for its historic, monetary, or aesthetic value rather than for its utilitarian purpose. Common items made of cast iron that are collectible include cookware such as skillets, griddles, Dutch ovens, pots, and pans; kitchen items like grills, kettles, apple peelers, trivets, and biscuit cutters; toys like cars and trucks, banks, figurines, and cannons; doorstops in the shape of animals, flowers, and celebrities; and tools such as scissors, tongs, and chisels.
The cast iron used in the manufacture of these items is generally high-quality, containing 3-4% carbon, which provides an alloy that is strong, hard, and resistant to wear. This high-quality cast iron is highly sought after by collectors because it is easy to recognize, as it has a distinctively striated texture and a glossy “patina”, a thin film of oxidation that forms over time.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, cast iron is a great investment for collectors. Cast iron items tend to hold their value well over time and often increase significantly in value as the item’s rarity or condition improves.
This is one of the main reasons that cast iron is so highly sought after by collectors and antique enthusiasts alike.
Is vintage cast iron better?
The answer to the question of whether vintage cast iron is better than modern cast iron depends on a few factors. If you are looking for a piece of cookware with historical value, then vintage cast iron could be the better option.
Vintage cast iron is also more likely to be more evenly and thickerly cast, leading to better heat distribution and retention when cooking. However, if you are looking for a piece of cookware that requires less maintenance, then newer, modern cast iron could be the better option.
Most modern cast iron uses a different manufacturing process than older cast iron, allowing for an easier-to-care-for, smoother surface. In addition, modern cast iron often has a longer lifespan and is usually cheaper than vintage pieces.
Ultimately, the decision between vintage and modern cast iron comes down to a matter of personal preference.
Does cast iron have value?
Yes, cast iron has value. Cast iron is one of the most durable materials available, making it ideal for use in both art and construction. Its heavy weight and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, and its strong, heat-resistant properties make it suitable for any application that requires intense heat.
As a result, cast iron is often used in cookware, window frames, furniture, art sculptures, as well as railroad equipment, piping and other kinds of manufacturing equipment. Its unique properties also make it popular in ornamental architecture such as gates, window grates, lampposts and more.
In addition, the material can be finished in a number of aesthetic ways, ranging from polished chrome to matte black, giving it even more potential uses. Finally, the historic, traditional character of cast iron pieces can add considerable value to any home or garden.
Is an expensive cast iron skillet worth it?
Whether an expensive cast iron skillet is worth it depends on your preference and cooking needs. Cast iron skillets are known to retain heat well and support very high temperatures, perfect for searing steak, frying bacon, and more.
They’re also incredibly durable and fairly difficult to break or scratch, so you can expect to get years of use out of it.
On the other hand, buying an expensive cast iron skillet does not guarantee that your food will cook better. This also applies when trying to buy a non-stick skillet – it’s about the quality of the seasoning/oiling, not necessarily the cost.
Depending on the brand, expensive cast iron skillets may also be slightly lighter weight than cheaper ones, but that’s not always the case.
Ultimately, if you do a lot of high-temperature recipes or you particularly appreciate having quality cookware, then an expensive cast iron skillet may be worth it. However, if you don’t cook those types of meals often and you’re looking for a reliable and durable skillet, a cheaper option could suffice while still providing you with years of quality service.
What are the 5 types of cast iron?
The five types of cast iron are: gray cast iron, white cast iron, malleable cast iron, ductile cast iron, and compacted graphite iron.
Gray cast iron is a type of cast iron that is composed of carbon, silicon, and small amounts of manganese. Gray cast iron is characterized by its relatively low melting point, excellent machinability, and relatively low cost.
Applications for gray cast iron include engine blocks, automotive components, machine tools, and castings for valves and pipes.
White cast iron is composed of carbon and iron with a small amount of silicon. White cast iron is typically used for castings that are subject to abrasion such as grinding balls, dredge and pump parts, and impellers.
White cast iron is also commonly used for applications that require good wear resistance, such as rock crushing and mining equipment.
Malleable cast iron is produced by heat treating gray cast iron, which removes some of the carbon and graphite flakes. Malleable cast iron is less brittle than gray cast iron and has a higher ductility.
Common applications for malleable cast iron are furniture, architectural applications, and electrical components.
Ductile cast iron, also known as nodular or spheroidal cast iron, is produced by adding magnesium and other alloying elements to gray cast iron. This changes the metallurgical properties of the iron and increases its strength, ductility, and resistance to wear.
Applications for ductile cast iron include automotive components, machine frames, and agricultual equipment.
Compacted graphite cast iron is a form of gray or ductile cast iron where the graphite is in the form of compacted nodules in the iron matrix. This increases the strength and wear resistance of the material and allows for lighter components to be produced.
Common applications for compacted graphite cast iron include diesel engine blocks, brake rotors, and oil filter housings.
When did they stop making cast iron?
Cast iron production was at its peak in the 19th century and declined in the early 20th century as steel production increased. In the United States, production of cast iron for commercial and industrial purposes ended around 1970.
Today, cast iron is still used in some industries, such as automotive, construction, and agricultural equipment. However, the primary use of cast iron is now in the form of cast iron cookware.
What does the number 8 mean on cast iron?
The number 8 stamped onto cast iron cookware typically indicates the size of the pan. It is usually the diameter of the pan measured in inches. However, the number 8 could also be referring to the weight of the pan in terms of how many pounds it would take to fill the pan with a certain amount of liquid.
There are other numbers used on cast iron cookware such as 3, 6, 7, 10, and 12, and these numbers all refer to the thickness of the piece of kitchenware and the weight of a full pan. Generally speaking, the number 8 is the most common size and the most popular choice for many cooks.
When did Lodge start using the egg logo?
Lodge began using their distinctive egg logo in 2008 as part of a rebranding effort. The logo was designed by an Asheville, North Carolina based graphic designer, Brian Teasley. Teasley created the logo to represent Lodge’s commitment to quality, consistency, and integrity.
The logo features a black cast iron skillet with a white egg in the center, representing Lodge’s focus on cooking with cast iron cookware. The logo has become iconic in the cast iron cooking world, and Lodge continues to use the logo today.
Why cast iron is not good for cooking?
Cast iron is not a good material for cooking because it can react with acidic foods and leach out some of the iron content into the food. This can produce an off-tasting, metallic flavor and make the food unhealthy to consume.
Cast iron is also slow to heat and cool, making it difficult to adjust the temperature while cooking, and it is porous, so it can be difficult to keep clean and properly seasoned – this can leave food tasting rancid.
If left untreated, cast iron can rust and corrode, further increasing the likelihood of the leaching of iron particles into food. In addition, due to its density, it is also very heavy, making it difficult to handle and store.