Kitchen

[Mom2Dogs]

I want to purchase a cast iron pan...the nice old black ones are the ones I really like.  

I always undersoodt the Giriswold brand was the best to buy, the vintage ones.....if I cannot find one locally to purchase what is the next best option, which I guess would be new.

thanks

[BeeChee]

As per ATK, their recommendations are:

Traditional...The Lodge Classic Cast Iron Skillet, 12"

Enameled...The Le Creuset Signature 11 3/4" Iron Handle Skillet.

[Thats Me]

There are lots of Griswold pans on eBay. Many have been restored and I don't know anything about the quality of that process, but some others look to be in their original used condition.

I have a Lodge and love it. It has an orange peel type texture which I understand is characteristic of Lodge pans and how they're made; some other makes are smoother surfaced. One brand that is highly rated (and from China!) is Victoria. Apparently those are more smoothe and have great balance and weight. A couple years ago I was researching cast iron skillets and was fascinated by the variations in make and quality and the variety of factors to consider. It was fun!

[deepwaterdotter]

I've used the 12" Lodge skillet for decades, it's a workhorse that just gets better with age.

[SharkE]

I bet his stuff is the best

https://www.qvc.com/kitchen-&-food/cookware/geoffrey-zakarian/_/N-12hlxZ14ark9y/c.html?limit=96&ro=l...

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Get a Lodge. Don’t forget to season it before using the first time and oil it after cleaning.  

[Sooner]

If you want traditional cast iron, only get Lodge pre-seasoned.  It works.

If you want enameled cast iron Le Creuset is the best.  I like their deep skillets a lot!  And yesterday baked a spatchcocked chicken in one of their signature skillets and it was perfect!  The black interior is great.

Call some of the outlet stores and see what they have on sale.  

[Jane Anne]

Lodge is made in America (except for their enamel) and is top notch and has always been affordable.  I use Lodge iron skillets which my great-grandmother used over 100 years ago.  Good as new!

[Othereeeen]

Buy a Lodge 10.25" or 12" skillet.....Walmart and Amazon carry them....

Even though they say they are "pre-seasoned"...you can still season and reseason them over time.....

(NOTE:LODGE enamlelled cookware is made in China. the black cast iron, in Tennessee).

There are  TONS of videos on You Tube on how to care for cast iron pans....cleaning, seasoning, re-seasoning, storing, etc.....

****Kent Rollins on You Tube I find to be the best on advice***

You may want to watch FIRST to see the involvement of proper care of cast iron skillets!!!

You can NOT treat or store NON-enameled cast iron skillets or pots like you would aluminum or non-stick pans....

I love my Lodge cast iron skillets, and I actually like the act of taking care of them. It adds to the experience of cooking all my own food. I even use  mine over and directly on the burned down coals on my frequent stick fires ( I live in a rural area where a lot of little branches drop in storms....I like picking them up because that's great exercise too....!) then I build a small fire, and when it burns down, cook my luncn in the cast iron skillet.

Good luck!

Note: Griswold is out of business. You can get them on E-bay, but if you are just starting out, spend less than 20.00 on a Lodge skillet, learn how to care for and clean it, and good luck!!

Plan to make a big batch of bacon first time use....!!!

[Cats3000]

We've had Lodge for many years.  Made in USA.  Love the stuff.  The traditonal black items are made at their factory in TN.  The enamel coated stuff is made in China; wouldn't touch it.