Griswold Manufacturing, known for its high-quality cast iron, was acquired by competitor Wagner Manufacturing in 1957, leading to the closure of its original Erie, Pennsylvania plant. Production moved to Sidney, Ohio, and the brand was gradually phased out by the late 1960s/1970s following further corporate acquisitions, making authentic vintage pieces highly collectible today.
Yes, vintage Griswold cast iron is highly valuable. Pieces generally range from $100 to $500 for standard skillets, but rare or highly coveted items can sell for thousands of dollars. The brand is considered the "Cadillac" of vintage cookware due to its smooth finish, light weight, and high-quality craftsmanship.
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. Today, Griswold pieces are collector's items.
Wapak cast iron might be lesser known compared to the Griswold and Wagner brands, but it is just as collectible. 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.
Vintage Griswold cast iron (produced from 1865 to 1957) is widely considered superior to modern cast iron because of its exceptionally lightweight build, silky-smooth cooking surface, and superior thermal balance. These historical pieces are prized by chefs and collectors for several key traits:
The "Holy Grail" of Griswold collecting is the Erie #8 Spider Skillet, produced between 1890 and 1891. Featuring a spiderweb logo borrowed from Scottish folklore, it was pulled from production almost immediately, making original survivors incredibly scarce and highly prized.
Whether Griswold is better than Lodge depends on what you value most. Griswold is superior for its lightweight design and polished, non-stick surface, while Lodge excels in heat retention, durability, and budget-friendly value.
Wagner is often the cast iron choice for everyday cooks who want heritage, performance, and affordability all in one. While Griswold gets much of the collector hype, Wagner stands strong as a beautifully made, reliable skillet brand that still performs just as well today as it did 100 years ago.
A Favorite Piqua Ware skillet made by Favorite Stove and Range.
In the context of cookware, a "#1 cast iron" typically refers to two different things depending on whether you are looking at modern or vintage pans:
Lodge Cast Iron is the oldest and longest-running cast iron manufacturer in the United States. Originally called Blacklock, founder Joseph Lodge fired up a long-dormant railroad foundry in South Pittsburg, Tennessee in 1896.
Throughout the lifetime of your skillet, you may choose to reseason your cookware at home. We recommend choosing a neutral oil with a high smoke point. In the Lodge Test Kitchen, we often reach for vegetable or canola oil. Both are affordable and work great for at-home seasoning.
Because Griswold Manufacturing ceased production decades ago, you can only buy authentic Griswold cast iron through vintage and antique channels. Prices generally range from $90 to over $600 depending on the piece's condition and rarity.
A vintage Griswold No. 8 cast iron skillet generally ranges in value from $100 to $250, depending heavily on the specific logo, condition, and rarity.
"The 'Griswold' name and the 'ERIE' or 'USA' marking are common on their pans, with the 'ERIE' indicating it was made in Erie, Pennsylvania." • "The block logo with 'Griswold' in it is a classic marking, and the number below it can indicate the pan's size."
Yes, old cast iron can be highly valuable, particularly as collectible cookware. While raw scrap iron is only worth about $0.06 to $0.08 per pound, well-maintained antique and vintage pieces—especially those made by sought-after makers—routinely sell to collectors for anywhere from $𝟓𝟎 to over $𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎.
Yes, Griswold skillets are highly valuable. While standard, everyday sizes typically range from $𝟕𝟎 to $𝟐𝟎𝟎, exceptionally rare sizes, old logos, and pristine pieces frequently sell for thousands of dollars.
The best oil for seasoning cast iron is one that is refined, neutral, and has a high smoke point (above 400∘F400 raised to the composed with power F400∘F / 204∘C204 raised to the composed with power C204∘C). Top choices include grapeseed oil, avocado oil, and canola oil. These oils polymerize effectively into a durable, non-stick layer without leaving a sticky residue.
The "best" cast iron brand depends on your needs, but Lodge is the undisputed top pick for affordability and durability. For premium unseasoned pans, Smithey Ironware and Lancaster Cast Iron are leading choices. If you want low-maintenance enameled cast iron, Le Creuset and Staub set the gold standard.
Griswold cast iron pans are expensive due to their finite supply, high collector demand, and superior craftsmanship that modern manufacturing. The brand represents "American history," and prices routinely soar based on rarity and brand recognition.
Tramontina's cast-iron Dutch ovens are now available at Costco in a budget-friendly bundle—two sizes for just $70. With enameled interiors, oven-safe construction, and rave reviews, they offer a great alternative to pricier brands like Le Creuset.
Field Company and Lodge represent two distinct philosophies of cast iron. Field pans are expensive, lightweight, and smooth, designed to mimic vintage, mid-century cookware. Lodge pans are heavy, affordable, and durable, serving as the modern workhorse of cast iron.
The most sought-after cast iron skillets fall into three distinct categories: premium modern artisan pans, luxurious enameled options, and elusive vintage "holy grail" collectibles.
Are Lodge products made in the USA? All of our foundry Seasoned Cast Iron and our Seasoned Carbon Steel products are manufactured in the USA and always will be. All Enameled Cast Iron products are made in China to our strict quality standards and overseen by an American owned 3rd party inspection company.
Lodge is highly affordable compared to boutique cast iron brands because of their highly automated, domestic manufacturing and minimalist, mass-market approach.