What does the number 8 mean on a cast-iron skillet?

Author: Torrey Williamson  |  Last update: Saturday, March 28, 2026

8 Field Skillet and No. 8 Dutch Oven. Field sizing is based on vintage cast iron conventions, so our No. 8 size means a 10 ¼" width, edge-to-edge.

What do the numbers on old cast iron skillets mean?

Originally, cast iron was made to fit wood stoves that were commonly used for cooking in the 1800s and 1900s. There was an opening at the top that the cast iron pan sat upon, so the number was an indicator of compatibility between the pan and the type of stove it could be used with.

What size is a #8 Griswold cast iron skillet?

This is a Griswold size #8 and it measures about 10.5 inches in diameter. This example is from the large block logo era, and judging from the smooth bottom with no heat ring, it was probably produced sometime in the 1930s.

What size is a number 9 cast iron skillet?

The Cast Iron Skillet (9”) has a height of 1.87” (4.75 cm), total length of 13.75” (34.9 cm), and width of 9.68” (24.6 cm). The skillet diameter is 9.21” (23.4 cm) with a cooking surface diameter of 6.81” (17.3 cm) sized for cooking 4 eggs. The 9" Cast Iron Skillet is ideal for baking pies, stir-frying, and searing.

What is a #10 cast iron skillet?

10 Cast Iron Skillet. A skillet that's large enough to roast a chicken! That's really all you need to know.

Simple rules for cast iron care

How many quarts is a number 8 cast iron dutch oven?

8 Dutch Oven is factory seasoned for a naturally non-stick finish. It holds 4.5 quarts making it the perfect size for everyday baking, braising, and more. And at just 6.5 pounds, it's easy to move from the stovetop to the oven or table.

How do I know what size my cast iron skillet is?

The process is actually fairly simple. To get the measurements, simply place the Frying Pan right side up on a flat surface. Then, stretch the tape measure across the center from one top side to the other. The number that you see is the correct measurement.

Why is Griswold cast iron so expensive?

Griswold Cast iron Is Highly Collectible.

And this makes the ironware fun to collect for collectors and enthusiasts. So when a rare piece or size comes up for sale, it will attract the attention of many buyers and ultimately drive up the price.

What do you use an 8 inch skillet for?

8-inch pans are perfect for cooking small, single portions, or foods such as eggs and small batches of vegetables.

What does 8 mean on cast iron?

Field sizing is based on vintage cast iron conventions, so our No. 8 size means a 10 ¼" width, edge-to-edge. Dimensions: 10 ¼" diameter.

What is the most popular cast iron pan size?

10 to 10.25 inches is the most popular size. Skillets this size can handle one to two steaks at a time, or up to four chicken thighs, ideal for a family of four. They can be heavy, but they're less hefty than larger cast iron skillets.

How big is a number 6 cast iron skillet?

6 Cast Iron Skillet. This 8 ⅜ inch skillet is perfect for scrambled eggs for two, a single grilled sandwich, or a small batch of cornbread.

How can I tell how old my cast iron pan is?

Robert says a quick way to determine if the pan is early or pre-20th century is to look for a gate mark on the bottom side. “A gate mark looks like a slash and was a by-product of older iron casting methods,” he explains.

How big is a #8 cast iron skillet?

Wagner Ware #8 Cast Iron SKILLET 1088F 10" Diameter x 3" Deep Sits FLAT USA Made.

When did Griswold stop making cast iron?

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.

What is the most collectable cast iron skillet?

The most sought after Wapak cast iron are the pans with the “Indian head" medallion on them, which was produced from 1903-1926. The rarest and most collectible is the #4 skillet--until recently.

What is the best cast iron skillet to purchase?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $60. ...
  • Best Budget: SALE. ...
  • Best Enameled: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $220. ...
  • Best Splurge: Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $135. ...
  • Best Set: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set at Amazon $100. ...
  • Most Versatile: ...
  • Best Grill Pan:

Is Griswold cast iron good quality?

Why Griswold is Superior. Griswold pans, like many other vintage cast iron brands, were made with quality craftsmanship. After casting, they went through an additional step called polish-grinding, resulting in a silky-smooth surface. This not only allows for easier seasoning but also ensures an even cooking experience.

How can you tell a good cast iron skillet?

Features to Look for in Cast Iron Cookware
  1. Handles: Check on the cookware's handles. ...
  2. Thickness and weight: In general, with cast iron, the thicker and heavier it is, the better. ...
  3. Quality of enamel coating: If you're buying a cast iron pan that's enameled, make sure that the enamel is high quality.

How big is an 8 inch pan?

They are available in different colors, handles, materials, and make, such as non-stick frying pans. The Frying Pan (8”) has a pan height of 1.75” (4.45 cm), handle height of 2.75” (7 cm), total width of 15.35” (39 cm), and diameter of 8.5” (21.6 cm).

What size is a Griswold 8?

8 Cast Iron Skillet 10.5 Inch Frying Pan 704N 704 N Erie PA 10.5”

What is so special about Dutch Ovens?

A Dutch oven can stand in for a deep fryer when you need a large amount of oil. The pan stays hot so the time it takes to come back to the perfect frying temperature after you drop some food into the oil is shorter than if you were using a thin pan.

Can you put a Dutch oven on the stove?

Traditional cast-iron dutch ovens are sturdy and durable. They should be seasoned before they are used and should only be cleaned with hot water. Just like their enameled counterparts, traditional cast-iron dutch ovens can be used on the stovetop or in the oven.

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