In 2000, both the Griswold and Wagner brands were acquired by the American Culinary Corporation of Willoughby, Ohio. In 2022, the brand was reintroduced to the market by the newly established Wagner Cast Iron. The company manufactures reissues of historic Wagner cookware products.
In March 1957, McGraw-Edison of Chicago, Illinois, acquired Griswold Manufacturing. Later that year the Griswold brand and housewares division were sold to the Wagner Manufacturing Company of Sidney, Ohio. The plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, was closed in December 1957.
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.
Lodge Manufacturing Company is an American manufacturer of cast-iron cookware based in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Founded in 1896 by Joseph Lodge, Lodge Manufacturing is one of America's oldest cookware companies in continuous operation. It is still owned and managed by the descendants of the Lodge family.
In 1957, the Randall Company purchased long-term competitor Griswold from McGraw Edison. The Randall Company sold the cast iron businesses to Textron Corp in 1959. General Housewares Corporation bought Textron in 1969. In 1994, the production of Wagner Ware ended.
In the 1870s, it expanded its product line to include cookware, and quickly became lauded for its high-quality cast-iron pans, skillets, waffle iron, cake molds and bean pots. The company was eventually closed in December 1957.
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.
Where every piece of our seasoned cast iron cookware begins. Lodge Cast Iron is the oldest and longest-running cast iron manufacturer in the United States.
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.
Lancaster Cast Iron's co-owners Brandon Moore (left) and Mark Longenecker inside their factory store along Main Street in Conestoga.
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.
The more you use cast iron, the smoother it becomes. Each time you cook with oil, the seasoning on your cast iron improves, making you cast iron darker and smoother. After a few years of regular use, the finish on your cast iron will be very smooth, similar to cast iron you might find at the flea market.
Yes, Wagner made excellent cast iron cookware that has stood the test of time. And much of the Wagner ironware is now over 100 years old. You have to be selective if you're buying a piece of Wagner cookware, as some ironware is collectible, but the post-1960s ironware is not.
Heat rings helped create a seal when pans were placed over these openings, preventing smoke from drifting into the house. Even with today's modern stovetops, heat rings play an important role in stabilizing cast iron pans.
GRIZZLY Cookware is the toughest cast iron cookware made in America and it's ready to handle the toughest environments. From the unforgiving pace of an industrial kitchen to the unforgiving crowd in your home kitchen or set atop an open flame in the great outdoors, get GRIZZLY to handle it all.
All our domestic as well as imported cookware complies with the FDA Standards. We are also in compliance with California Proposal 65, the world's most rigid standard for lead and cadmium content.
Cast iron seasoning is a layer of carbonized oil.
It gives your cookware that classic black patina. Seasoning forms a natural, easy-release cooking surface and helps prevent your pan from rusting. It may take a little extra care, but a well-seasoned cast iron pan will last for generations.
In 2000, both the Griswold and Wagner brands were acquired by the American Culinary Corporation of Willoughby, Ohio. In 2022, the brand was reintroduced to the market by the newly established Wagner Cast Iron. The company manufactures reissues of historic Wagner cookware products.
Cast iron fell out of favor in the 1960s and 1970s, as teflon-coated aluminum non-stick cookware was introduced and quickly became the item of choice in many kitchens.
Myth 6: Vintage is Better Than New
The Reality: The material may be the same, but the production methods have changed. In the old days, cast iron pans were produced by casting in sand-based molds, and then polishing the resulting pebbly surfaces until smooth. Vintage cast iron tends to have a satiny smooth finish.
Makers like Wagner, Sydney, and Griswold are among the common ones true Cast Iron collectors covet. While Lodge Cast Iron from Pittsburg, Tennessee are today the most widely known and used pans, vintage pieces have their own markings and stories that come along with the pieces.
Magnalite has not been produced since the early 1990s, however Cajun Classic Cookware produces McWare, which has become known as the “new Magnalite” since it's introduction in 1999. McWare was originally produced and distributed by Michael R. McGee from Mamou, Louisiana.
It is making a huge comeback in kitchens nationwide, and chefs are creating new recipes and cookbooks in line with the trend. The reasons for the resurgence of this old-fashioned cooking tool vary from unexpected benefits to delicious inspirations. Looking for ideas of what to make in your cast iron cookware?