Question: What To Look For In Antiques Cast Iron?

What is the best antique cast iron?

Griswold, Wagner, And Wapak, Which Is The Best Vintage Cast Iron Brand? Griswold is one of the world’s best -known brands for vintage cast iron skillets.

How can you tell if cast iron is vintage?

However, cast iron skillets with gate marks qualify as vintage pans. They’re centuries old because the gate marks occur based on an old casting technique that was used in the 1800s. This casting method was discontinued in 1890, making cast iron skillets with gate marks rather rare.

What is the most valuable cast iron skillet?

Griswold cast iron skillets are highly regarded and sought after because of their smooth cooking surfaces and lighter weight. Keep an eye out for the first series “Erie” and “Erie Spider” skillets. These two skillets stand out as the most sought after by collectors.

What should I look for when buying a cast iron skillet?

Decide whether you want traditional or enameled cast iron pans.

1. Consider the fact that traditional uncoated cast iron must be seasoned (covered in oil and baked at a high temperature) to create a nonstick surface.
2. Choose enameled cast iron if you want pans that are easier to care for than uncoated pans.

Is vintage cast iron better than new?

However, according to many people who love cast iron, vintage pans are far superior to modern ones ( vintage, in this case, being defined as any pan made pre-1950). Many cast – iron aficionados swear that older is definitely better — better as in more durable, conducts heat more evenly, and withstands arduous conditions.

Is Cast Iron worth money in scrap?

Is Cast Iron worth money in scrap? Cast iron isn’t really worth much as scrap, maybe $100 per metric ton, or about two to four cents per pound. As cookware, it’s awesome, well worth reconditioning, and darned near indestructable.

Do you have to clean cast iron after every use?

Clean cast – iron skillet after every use Wipe interior surface of still-warm skillet with paper towels to remove any excess food and oil. Rinse under hot running water, scrubbing with nonmetal brush or nonabrasive scrub pad to remove any traces of food. ( Use small amount of soap if you like; rinse well.)

How do I know if my cornbread is moldy cast iron?

The most notable identification mark for a BS&R cornbread skillet is the solid center of the pan. On the underside of the pan, there is an indentation to match the center of the pan.

What foods should you not cook in cast iron?

4 Things You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron:

• Smelly foods. Garlic, peppers, some fish, stinky cheeses and more tend to leave aromatic memories with your pan that will turn up in the next couple of things you cook in it.
• Eggs and other sticky things (for a while) Once your pan is well-seasoned, no problem at all.
• Delicate fish.
• Acidic things—maybe.

Are there different qualities of cast iron pans?

In what could be an article all on its own, it’s important to understand that there are two different overall types of cast iron skillets out there —enameled and non-enameled. People love enameled skillets because they need no additional seasoning, require less oil for cooking, and generally hold up better over time.

How do you date a Wagner cast iron skillet?

How to Date Wagner Cast Iron Cookware

1. Turn over your cookware so the bottom is facing up. Make note of all markings on the bottom of the pan and their location.
2. Examine the construction of the pan.
3. Consult a reputable guidebook.
4. Post pictures of your skillet on the forum for Wagner and Griswold collectors.

What does a gate mark look like on cast iron?

A gate mark appears as a raised scar or slash across the bottom of pans. Gate marked pans typically do not have the manufacturer’s name on them. Gate marked pans are the oldest of the old cast iron cookware; almost certainly antique. The gate mark is a remnant of the casting process that was used in the 1800’s.

Why is Lodge cast iron so cheap?

They’re made locally. The fact that Lodge skillets are manufactured in the USA helps, too. Cast iron is heavy and it’s cheaper to ship to stores and shoppers from Tennessee than China. A fun plus to being made in America is that the company creates lots of jobs for locals.

How much should you spend on a cast iron skillet?

The price of the skillets we tested ranged from $18 to $210. Since cast – iron skillets are generally inexpensive, we were curious to see if the extra expense of high-end pans translated into better performance.

Why is Le Creuset so expensive?

Le Creuset’s cast iron is never recycled from other materials and is the highest grade possible. Your bargain manufactured cast iron may come recycled from other metals, which could cause impurities and weaknesses in the material.