A real cast iron skillet should be all one piece - no seams and no screwed on handles. Check the pan's surface. It should look the same as the rest of the pan with no other materials. A raw cast iron pan will have a dull black/dark grey color and be slightly rough to the touch.

How can you tell if the pan is a real cast iron?

Examine the surface inside of the pan. If the surface has a shiny, silver Teflon-like or non-stick coating, it isn't cast iron. Real cast iron has either an imperfect surface that's dark silver, dull and slightly rough, or a layer of slick, black seasoning.

Is there a fake cast iron?

If you can comfortably lift the pan in one hand it is not cast iron. An authentic piece of cast iron will have a thick bottom and sides, hence the weight. Next check for markings on the pan manufacturers display with pride their brand, size, or range name on their pieces.

How is a cast iron supposed to look?

If you're new to cast iron cooking and used to non-stick or stainless steel pans, you may not know how your cast iron should look and feel. A well-seasoned cast iron pan should be dark black, shiny, and smooth to the touch. Unseasoned cast iron has a rough look and feel until it is properly seasoned.

What does the number on a cast iron skillet mean?

Ever wonder what that number on the handle of your cast-iron skillet means? It's not, as you might think, the size of the pan. The number actually refers to the diameter of the pan in inches across the bottom of the pan, not across its flared top, which is the industry standard way to measure skillet size.

REAL OR FAKE??? Learning to Spot Fake Vintage Cast Iron!

What do letters on cast iron mean?

Small Raised Letters or Numbers. There is a case in which you may see a small raised number, letter, or group of letters on a pan. These were added to the mold at the time of the casting, and are known as "molder's marks" (as opposed to "maker's marks" which were incised).

What is number 8 cast iron?

Why the number "8"? - Our cookware uses traditional American cast iron sizing metrics dating back to the 1800's. The numbers correlate to the size of eyes on antique wood stoves as cast iron cookware and wood stoves often went hand in hand. The number 8 is traditionally a top diameter 10.5" skillet.

Should cast iron be matte or shiny?

Ideally it should be matte to just-slightly-shiny black and very smooth.

Is cast iron black or silver?

Many people think of cast iron as being black in color, but cast iron actually begins its life the metallic gray color you associate with silver or stainless steel. For those of you who order a bare Stargazer skillet, you'll see it arrive in this gray color.

Is cast iron magnetic?

Most metals with magnetic properties are ferrous: metals and alloys that contain iron. These ferrous metals include mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.

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.

Does cast iron stick?

Cast iron is a natural non-stick surface and if your pan is seasoned correctly it WILL NOT stick! Always preheat your cast iron frying pans before frying in them. Water droplets should sizzle, then roll and hop around the pan, when dropped onto the heated surface.

Does cast iron have a coating?

Cast iron is often called the original nonstick pan. And it makes sense. Well-seasoned cast-iron skillets have a naturally formed coating that is created when fats are heated to a certain point that causes them to reorganize into something resembling a plastic coating and bond to the metal.

What cast iron is valuable?

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. A mint condition, super rare "spider skillet" made in the 1890s by Griswold is worth up to $8,000.

What cast iron is collectible?

Any pan made before 1957 is considered vintage. There were several major manufactures of cast iron cookware from the 1800s to the early 1900s. These include Wagner, Griswald, Birmingham Stove & Range, and Lodge.

What is the oldest cast iron brand?

Lodge Cast Iron has been making cast-iron cookware at its Tennessee foundry since 1896, making it the country's oldest surviving cast-iron manufacturer.

Can you ruin cast iron?

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.

What is the best oil to season cast iron?

All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

How can you tell if cast iron is seasoned?

An easy way to test a skillet's seasoning is to fry an egg (heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, then add egg). If your pan is well-seasoned, you should not experience any major sticking.

Is vintage cast iron better?

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.

How do I identify an old cast iron bell?

Wear

1. The edges of the bell will have become soft and irregular over time.
2. The edges will show heavy wear and the rest of the bell will also look worn and seasoned.
3. Antique bells will not have a casting or parting line. The new bells are typically cast in two pieces, whereas antique farm bells were cast as one piece.

How do you age cast iron?

Paint with a crackle finish directly onto the surface where you want cast iron to look antiqued. Crackle finish gives cast iron an aged appearance when dry. Lightly sand the surface with sandpaper, apply primer and let it dry. Use acrylic crackle paint made for metal, and follow the instructions on the bottle.

Can you use butter on cast iron?

Yes, you can cook with butter in your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Keep in mind that butter burns at temperatures above 350°F (177°C), so you shouldn't use high heat when you're frying foods with it. Either turn down the heat or substitute it with an oil that has a higher smoke point.