The earliest cast-iron artifacts date to the 5th century BC, and were discovered by archaeologists in what is now Jiangsu, China. Cast iron was used in ancient China to mass-produce weaponry for warfare, as well as agriculture and architecture.
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.
V-2 (class 40) Gray Iron, ASTM B48:
V-2 is ideally suited for straight wear applications and possesses the highest strength, hardness, resistance to wear and heat treat response for an unalloyed gray iron.
#1) Gray Cast Iron
Gray cast iron isn't as strong as steel, nor is it able to absorb the same shock as steel. With that said, gray cast iron offers similar compressive strength as steel. As a result, it's become a popular choice of metal for applications involving compressive strength.
Smooth Cooking Surface
Food does seem to release better on an old pan. A cast iron pan with a smooth finish is particularly beneficial for cooking omelets and scrambled eggs over the pebbly finish on new pans.
White Cast Iron
Characterized by its unique crystalline matrix, this variant boasts exceptional hardness and abrasion resistance, setting it apart from its counterparts.
Cast iron is a class of iron–carbon alloys with a carbon content of more than 2% and silicon content around 1–3%. Its usefulness derives from its relatively low melting temperature.
The long lifespan of cast iron along with the growing demand for second-hand instead of new makes vintage cast iron a common find in the antique market. 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.
With proper care, a good cast iron pan can last for generations, becoming even better with age. Whether you're new to cast iron or just need a refresher, this care guide will help you keep your pan in top shape.
ASTM A48 Class 20 (Related Standards – ISO 185/JL/150, SAE J431, EN-GJL-150) is a gray cast iron. Gray iron has a long history, and is one of the most widely used metallic materials. This is due to its low cost, ease of production, and unique, beneficial characteristics.
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.
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.
As of 2022, the brand was reintroduced to the market by Wagner Cast Iron with guidance from the Wagner family. The company produces reissues of vintage designs, beginning with the Long Griddle No. 1148.
Here are some ways to tell if cast iron is real: 1. Appearance: Genuine cast iron typically has a rough surface texture, often with visible casting marks or patterns. It may have a slightly uneven or bumpy surface due to the casting process.
There are different types of cast iron, and it's useful for metal workers to know which variation they will work with. We'll give a brief overview of the four cast iron types, which are gray, white, malleable, and ductile.
But the quality of iron released in food from iron cookware is more due to its pure nature. Cast iron contains alloys, so the quantity of iron released in food is slightly lower. Not only Anaemic people, but iron-rich food is beneficial for everyone because iron plays an integral role in blood cell formation.
The price of the skillets we tested ranged from $18 to $350.
Why is Le Creuset cookware so expensive? The short answer is: because you get what you pay for. Le Creuset makes some of the best cast iron cookware on the market, including the best Dutch oven money can buy.
On the other hand, stainless steel is a great choice for durability and even heat distribution and is one of our favorite skillet materials. Carbon steel is another excellent choice for these properties and is a lightweight alternative to cast iron. Like cast iron, though, it will need to be seasoned and maintained.
Gray iron, or grey cast iron, is a type of cast iron that has a graphitic microstructure. It is named after the gray color of the fracture it forms, which is due to the presence of graphite. It is the most common cast iron and the most widely used cast material based on weight.