Good ol' American Iron --- that's Cast iron --- as in pots n pans

[sandlapper]

Nope, this one ain't about L88 blocks or L31 heads.

We all have (or know of) a favorite cast iron pot or pan --- and how they can help produce certain favorites that other vessels are hard-pressed to rival. And we know many of the best cast iron pieces are hand-me-downs. As most of the new pieces are chicom.

Yup there's Tennessee foundry Lodge --- but truth be told, the finish on their cooking surfaces can be rather rough. Sooo, now what ?

There IS another all-USA company --- it's SMITHEY and its foundry, casting, and manufacturing processes are located within what WAS the old Charleston Navy Base at Charleston SC USA (where I was birthed). Their cast iron frying pans' cooking surfaces are POLISHED ! --- Now, these ain't cheap! Their flagship 12" pan commands $200 --- yup $200 !

Perhaps you or a loved one are deserving of the Cadillac of frying pans or Dutch ovens ? Check out SMITHEY site --- everything you might wish to know about cast iron pots and pans, their care, their seasoning, their proper use also Do's and Don'ts. Yes, they're pricey. No, I don't have a financial or familial interest in the company. And No, I don't own a Smithey pan ... YET!

Smithey Ironware Company | Premium Cast Iron Cookware

Smithey Ironware Co. designs and manufactures heirloom quality cast iron and carbon steel cookware in Charleston, SC. From skillets to Dutch ovens, roasters to our hand-forged wok, Smithey crafts tools for your kitchen that will last a lifetime.

smithey.com

 

[Jimmac]

we have a glasstop stove so no cast iron for us. shame too, my mom gave me all her old cast iron when she quit using them. little did I know they are popular, I threw them on craigslist for 5 bucks each, first guy bought all 10 pieces.
I did keep the Dutch oven and hotplates. just recently bought a 10" lodge for 2 bucks at a yard sale. jim

 

[biker]

Interesting. I just bought my son a Lodge pan, says made in USA, and seems to be nicely cast. We will see.

 

[sandlapper]

Lodge is AOK quality and surely USA made in Tennesse --- only gripe I have is the cooking surface is relatively rough which impedes seasoning-in to create that natural non-stick. Smithey surface is ground & polished --- but it costs an arm and a leg. Seems older/ heritage /vintage iron pans were manufactured with a smoother finish on cooking surface --- a better finish than what's typically found today.

Jimmac
don't know why cast iron can't be used on your glass cooktop --- so long as some reasonable care is employed --- cast iron works on my glasstop stove --- don't slide it, don't drop it, let it heat up pan slowly etc

https://www.maytag.com/blog/kitchen/cast-iron-on-glass-top-stove.html#:~:text=Cast%20iron%20cookware%20is%20safe,need%20to%20move%20it%20around.

Can I Use Cast Iron on an Induction Cooktop?

While it’s perfectly safe to use our cookware on these cooktops, they do function differently than gas and electric, so there are a few things to consider before you start cooking.

www.lodgecastiron.com

Cast Iron Myths

Chances are, you've heard a lot of tall tales about cast iron use and care. But we're here to bust the most common misconceptions and get you cooking with confidence.

www.lodgecastiron.com

 

[Jimmac]

I could get away with using cast iron on glass, my wife doesn't have patients or finess around the stove. the glass would be shattered about the 1st time she banged the top with the pan. jim

 

[Phil G]

we have a glasstop stove so no cast iron for us. shame too, my mom gave me all her old cast iron when she quit using them. little did I know they are popular, I threw them on craigslist for 5 bucks each, first guy bought all 10 pieces.
I did keep the Dutch oven and hotplates. just recently bought a 10" lodge for 2 bucks at a yard sale. jim

Odd. I have a Whirlpool Ceran glass top that is 30+ years old. IR heating. Mom used cast iron skillets on it for years. Which I also still have. Only way to get fried okra "just right". Not wet battered. Cut up and shaken in dry cornmeal with a little salt. Crisco shortening. Needs a top cleaning now but still works fine. Just don't drop anything heavy on it.

 

[biker]

Lodge is AOK quality and surely USA made in Tennesse --- only gripe I have is the cooking surface is relatively rough which impedes seasoning-in to create that natural non-stick. Smithey surface is ground & polished --- but it costs an arm and a leg. Seems older/ heritage /vintage iron pans were manufactured with a smoother finish on cooking surface --- a better finish than what's typically found today.

Jimmac
don't know why cast iron can't be used on your glass cooktop --- so long as some reasonable care is employed --- cast iron works on my glasstop stove --- don't slide it, don't drop it, let it heat up pan slowly etc

https://www.maytag.com/blog/kitchen/cast-iron-on-glass-top-stove.html#:~:text=Cast%20iron%20cookware%20is%20safe,need%20to%20move%20it%20around.

Can I Use Cast Iron on an Induction Cooktop?

While it’s perfectly safe to use our cookware on these cooktops, they do function differently than gas and electric, so there are a few things to consider before you start cooking.

www.lodgecastiron.com

Cast Iron Myths

Chances are, you've heard a lot of tall tales about cast iron use and care. But we're here to bust the most common misconceptions and get you cooking with confidence.

www.lodgecastiron.com

Yes. The Lodge looks good, but I'm now interested to find a Smithey distributor in Canadia. I also looked at Paderno, and I like their stuff, but their cast iron is foreign.

 

[SPG]

rough finish on a cast iron doesn't matter after you get a nice seasoning to smooth it out, makes it slick and non stick
takes longer to smooth it out, but it will eventually get there with use

 

[1980RS]

Cast iron pans make the best pancakes in the morning, Ummm..........

 

[dcozzi]

D/A with a flap disc and it's polished.