Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

[@kyzercube]

I was a pizza driver that worked in the LSU area in 2013. I was heading to the stairs of an apt building delivering a pizza when I found someone had put a cast iron skillet that looks just like the one directly in front of you Kent, right next to the dumpster adjacent to the apt building. I quickly delivered the pizza, went back down the stairs and picked up the slightly rusted skillet and took it home. I got the rust off and put it through several seasoning sessions in my oven and I've had it ever since. I LOVE my free cast iron skillet!!

[@Pals777]

Wow what a score.

[@jdeno76]

Glad you're enjoying your free skillet. In the future, I'd lead test unknown, used cast iron before even cleaning it. If it has traces of lead, you can't cook with it. Lead test kits can be found in most paint aisles.

[@hhjhj393]

It's weird how stuff like that is the stuff we bond to the most lol. I have an old craftsman screwdriver that I found and even though I have nicer tools for some reason that screwdriver always ends up in my hand.

[@sgw7148]

You are such a breath of fresh air Cowboy Kent! Your style and your presence in your videos are so comforting. I’m probably older than you, but I feel like I’m speaking with my grandpa when I listen to you. Sometimes I enjoy when you get off cooking and just comment on life. Appreciate the patriotism, spiritualism, good ‘ol boy attitude. I’m afraid we are losing that spirit in our coming generations. Keep up the good work!

[@ericshaberdashery7893]

I have a couple cast iron skillets from Smithey Ironware. Expensive but absolutely solid. The Company is born and bred in the United States of America!

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Kent...my absolute favorite...from old to new is the Stargazer! Love it...and it's absolutely better than anything I've ever cooked on! Pork belly cook today!! Can't wait!

[@59jkappelman]

I have a 3 notch lodge 12 inch with a #2 on the bottom. I got from my mom, who cooked more fried chicken and potatoes in it than maybe even colonel sanders himself. That skillet is at least 64 years old, cuz i always remember her cooking in it when i wasn't even walking. Now i take the greatest care of it and it still cooks like a dream. To me, it's a priceless piece of cookware. God bless, Ken and Shan

[@oldfarmshow]

The best cast iron skillet is the one that is being used

[@derrickp]

So true

[@sosteve9113]

True,we don't give most of these brands,I use petromax

[@Kokiat-w5d]

​@@sosteve9113 I use petromax too.

[@kbjerke]

I really like my Lodge skillets! I usually browse the flea markets and Goodwill stores for cooking utensils and save a lot of money. Knowing the relative prices now, I'm glad I'm a frugal shopper! Thanks for the video!

[@mchrysogelos7623]

yes, I have several Wagner's that way!

[@bmak76]

All of my best iron was found at flea markets.

[@davestevens4263]

I’ve found probably 4 lodge skillets at the lid home stead’s in the ca. desert & I use most as yard art, & recently sanded & cleaned & seasoned one up for cooling. Free 99 is a great price. The young generation is clueless!

[@rdz-1776]

@@davestevens4263we really aren't.. at least not all of us lol😂

[@HVACRTECH-83]

​@davestevens4263 from the sounds of your comment it seems maybe you are the one who is clueless. And I say that to be nice. You're not making any sense actually. Lodge skillets are one of the cheapest brands you can buy and not very well finished,I never had any luck with them off the shelf. I've bought 3 over the years and gave them all away, the only lodge I have now I grinded smoothe with angle grinder from brand new as an experiment and that one I've had for about 3 years and still using it. It looks and performs perfectly. Off the shelf I think they are one of the worst skillets quite honestly. Idk why everyone talks so highly of them,you can't season them for nothing. Or maybe I'm not patient enough to wait 6 months for a nice smoothe cooking surface that takes re seasoning well

[@allthingsconsidered3211]

The made in america ones are the right ones for me

[@billybatesjr1837]

I have my great grandmothers, and my grandmothers cast iron skillets that was passed down to my mother to me !!

[@travelwithme2022]

What brand

[@TheKhopesh]

Yeah, my grandma still uses an old unmarked mid/late 1800s cast iron skillet that my great great grandma brought with her on the boat to America from Ireland during the potato famine. Even a relatively cheap cast iron pan will last for centuries if you don't abuse it (too much).

[@kurtjohnson6464]

@@TheKhopesh I don't know about Irish pans but most cast is marked in one way or another , a simple number, dots or symbol-not that the company or history can be found. pre 1900s usually have a "gate mark" or seam in the bottom as part of the casting process.

[@ozarks_homesteader]

Your mention of passing down to generations ... memories of spending summers on my Grandmother's Iowa farm, helping her butcher chickens, and then enjoying her perfect fried chicken. My Mom died three years ago at 91 years of age, and I inherited that old Griswold skillet that was passed down to her by her Mom. Not only is it our favorite go-to skillet for most things, but every time I use it I can't help but remember my Grandmother standing over her gas stove and frying up that delicious chicken. Yes, there is more to classic cast iron than just being a kitchen implement.

[@rainriderpnw6259]

I cut a finger off an old welding glove and slid it over the handle of my 8 inch flat lodge oval skillet. makes it friendly to grab when it's hot and easy on the hand.

[@b.m.4066]

I've had great luck at antique stores and flea markets, finding old Wagner and Griswold cast iron for sometimes it's cheap as $20 a pan

[@karenberry7143]

Yard sales for me. Lucked out and got a whole box full ( included 2 corn mold pans for corn bread😊 still trying to get all the rust out of the "kernels" 😢) couple of dutch ovens ..1 with legs plus 4 skillets for $150. The savings were worth removing the rust and re-season time spent.😅

[@b.m.4066]

@@karenberry7143 heck yeah. For trying to get the rust off the kernels you might try something like CLR or EvapoRust and then put it in the oven on self-clean or throw it in a fire or however you want to start re-seasoning it to burn everything out

[@jamesdriscoll_tmp1515]

Garage/yard sales have brought me my favorite little cast iron frypans. Cheap too. Takes some perseverance and luck.

[@mchrysogelos7623]

I got a Dutch Oven for $8 at Goodwill. I was happy.

[@dougrobinson9236]

One thing that was cool when I bought my Stargazer was 15% off for being a veteran. This skillet is really cool. The inside is perfect and so smooth.

[@josephcraig765]

Yep I have one and I learned to season it slowly and thin coats best pan I have.

[@lhernan301]

I have my great grandma's skillet. It was given to her when she married in 1908. It has been her 6 children. My granmas 5 children and my moms five children. I only have one child and 2 granddaughters. I hope it will keep passing through the generations.

[@MariaInIowa]

Time to have seminars on cast iron care for the grandchildren. :)

[@LacRagem]

I use my grandmother's cast iron 3 or 4 times a week. My favorite pan ad I'm a pan fool

[@mda187]

Being in Tennessee, I'm a bit biased, but I love Lodge. One of the advantages of being close by is you can go to the factory and see them being made, and they have a nice little store outside of the factory where you can buy their products for even less than the low prices you already see in stores. You can even get some blemished ones for a better deal if you are willing to put in the work to fix them up and season them yourself.

[@tonyfields8968]

Plan on going back the Lodge store to buy some blemished pieces. Can't beat the price

[@scmsean]

These are pans you will use the rest of your life. I don't think price matters that much. I prefer to pay more and have a lighter smoother pan. Saving $100 for something I use everyday doesn't matter to me.

[@lavelbowlan7903]

I have everyone of my mothers iron skillets. She passed them down to me. Her mother gave them to her. I love them.

[@Bangalangs]

I do love my Lodge. I originally bought two 10” skillets to make deep dish pizzas in. Now own about 5 of their pans in total. One 8”, their 10” flat griddle, and a tiny 6” one that was a gag gift, but I love it for making egg patties for sandwiches.

[@michaelslisher4652]

I have a 12" Lodge that I've been using on a regular basis for 20 years. I remember the bottom of it being rougher than the ones my Mom used or even the set I got for my first marriage in '73. Having said that, it's now nice and smooth from continued use and seasoning.

[@vitalsteve1]

lodge also used to mill the insides

[@Pals777]

Well done sir. WELL done. 🤠

[@seechangenyc280]

Team Lodge. I have five in different sizes. I never understood the need to sand them. My food looks, cooks and tastes the same as smoother and higher-priced skillets. Seasoning has been easy peasy. Food releases like a charm. Great sear. They're youngsters, compared to the vintage pans, but they're growing up just fine. My 10" just went off to Harvard (with me). So proud.

[@johnagen3688]

Say it loud, say it proud!!!!! Couldn't agree more! Absolutely love lodge!!!!!

[@nualanet]

I have a lot of old Lodge, Griswold, and Wagner. I found quite a few at flea markets, where sellers wanted to dump a box-full. I've accumulated myriad frying pans, sauce pans, griddles, Dutch Ovens, crepe pans, a fish/fajita pan, and some odd pieces. Love cooking in cast iron! I really enjoy Cowboy Kent and his comfort recipes.

[@andyaskew1543]

I have a Stargazer and love it. I don't ever use any of the dozen or so Lodge I have except for one I use for cornbread....

[@Garth2011]

Truly it is very hard to beat a Lodge with their pricing, availability, choices and quality. If I were to make one improvement on a lodge skillet I would improve the handle as it needs to be a bit longer and wider, especially on the larger skillets.

[@nanachick05]

I agree. Kent was right about how sharp they are too.

[@joshuasteele4498]

Yes, the handle is definitely the low point of their design! Seems like a simple thing to redesign, as well.

[@FiremanFrach]

I think they have a heat resistant rubber handle cover like on their carbon steel skillet.

[@nanachick05]

@@FiremanFrach they do, cotton ones as well, however, the sharp edges can cut the inside of them, plus the handle needs to be longer.

[@smithn.wesson495]

@@joshuasteele4498 Since Lodge bought out and owns Finex for several years already, I am a little bit surprised Lodge - Finex hasn't developed a kind of hybrid pan that has the awesome Finex handle (probably the best handle in the industry) and silky smooth Finex interior and bottom into a classic 10 and 12" Lodge pan. If they would combine the best of both, you would have one hell of a pan and they would sell them like crazy. The traditional Lodge handle and sandpaper rough interior/bottom have been horrible for decades, so it's shocking they haven't changed it to be better, especially with so much competition in the cast iron industry.

[@christopherwilliston1770]

Ya left out Smithey and Butter Pat. I have most of these but prefer the Stargazer as the helper handle holds my coffee cup and keep the Joe hot and in view. So does the Lodge. Mice review Kent.

[@partone709]

Thats a BIG WOW when we found the prices for these pans. I just purchased a lodge 12 inch and yes it is rough so I used my random orbit sander starting with 80 grit and finished with 150 grit reseasoned 4 times and now absoulutely smooth and slick and so much a better value for the average person.

[@gregwillis7767]

I did the same orbital sander trick with a 1950's lodge 2 notch (unmarked). But my big wow was that there were two brands heavier than lodge!

[@randyfrancisco9486]

Did the same thing with my palm sander. Slick. Also a good technique for any skillet refurbish.

[@lisamitchell7070]

I’ve used my grandmother’s No 9 Mclary Drip Top Spider skillet (about 1930) and prefer it over the Lodge Blacklock skillet I’m currently using.

[@erikdeziel8069]

I have a bunch of lodge flats and ovens, in addition to 7 pieces that are older than my departed grandma, who taught me how to cook. I have 4 kids, a wife, and an ever starving labrador. It's MY kitchen and no one complains. I'm a construction contractor. Trust me ANYONE can cook if I can. Try and taste as you go. Can always add salt. Can't remove. Cheers

[@mchrysogelos7623]

but you CAN amend in case of accident! (sometimes!)

[@donaldgoodnight7853]

Mine over a hundred years old.

[@erikdeziel8069]

@@donaldgoodnight7853 betcha you have one that's eggs only that sticks less than pure oil/fat too.

[@donaldgoodnight7853]

@@erikdeziel8069 No, my eggs don't stick. Heat to high, if they do. I use lard to prevent that. Like on my flat top. I am a professional cook. Been so, for decades.

[@erikdeziel8069]

@@donaldgoodnight7853 that's what I meant my man. Btw what's your view on duck eggs in said pan?

[@Keith80027]

Kent and Shannon's first video review of a bunch of cast iron lead me to buy both sizes of Stargazer and I love them both. I used both camping and in the house and even bought one as a Christmas gift for my niece.

[@CowboyKentRollins]

Thanks for watching

[@StormyITO]

I love my Stargazers, the long handle really helps when handling a pan full.

[@sheltonterry6589]

Cowboy Kent, I love your videos. Extremely entertaining and informative. Oh so friendly presentation always. An as an Honorably Retired Veteran your appreciation for the good Women and Men of the Armed Forces is very much appreciated. Thank You for your Support.

[@CorwinBos]

I have a pair of old Griswolds. They are a couple of my favorites and will be given to my kids some someday.

[@oilhammer04]

I bought the Stargazer after watching your reviews. It is a nice skillet.

[@CowboyKentRollins]

Great to hear!

[@OppaGundamStyle]

My lodge 20” is the best thing I’ve ever bought for my kitchen. Works to cook for my entire family and best for one pan meals.

[@darrenlowry7477]

Big fan of stargazer cast iron. I've purchased 4 of them 3 as gifts and mine. They are really nice.

[@kylerayk]

I buy Lodge products and then spend some quality time detailing them. A die grinder with a flap wheel and an angle grinder with a grinding disk and a flap disk will make the Lodge into a thing of beauty. You can deburr all the sharp parting lines and casting flash, polish the inside bottom and sidewalls, then season to perfection. I made a universal fixture to hold the skillet during the grinding and polishing process.

[@gamingwithfrodo]

Sounds like a good business idea--supersmooth finishing of Lodge pans for people who don't use/have power tools.

[@billypappyeaton3504]

I Bought a Stargazer last Fall......I really Like it...and it is my first....

[@BuilderBob1]

Griswold pans, hands down, are some of the best pans that were ever produced. Nothing beats an 80 year old Griswold passed down from my great-grandmother!!

[@lyndahammel9502]

I have my grandparent's Griswold and Wagner Ware.

[@Wiencourager]

Many other vintage pans were just as good, including a lot of the older unbranded ones, for a fraction of what one with the griswold or Erie logo will cost you. Many of the Taiwanese pans from the 70s and 80s are top notch too. Many of my favorites are early 1900s Wagner’s, that are basically copied from early Erie pans. Many others copied the same pans, like Wapak.

[@harpintn]

I have an old Griswold #9 Dutch oven. I use mostly when I cook beans.

[@flintdavis2]

Lodge ! It will get the job done. Can always sand it smooth as you like.

[@CarnivoreKipp]

I love the Erie Skillets. They are pre Griswold

[@monkeymangonewild]

So I learned a lesson a few years back. I bought an ozark trail cheap cast iron skillet for $8 and used an angle iron with a flap disk, with enough time I made it perfectly smooth and with time it has become the best pan I’ve ever used. It’s the same exact shape as a lodge and the rubber handles fit perfect. I’m not a believer that one cast iron skillet is better than another, it is all about the level in which it has been finished. So you can buy a rough lodge and turn it into an amazing skillet.

[@jaxhayes4734]

My whole life my papa had so many wagnor skillets and so when i grew up and found out people like lodge more i didnt understand and still dont sometimes growing up it just seems like an average brand and maybe thats why its liked so much because its a crowd pleaser but my papa swears by wagner and ya know i think ill probably do the same

[@rastus666]

My favorite is a 10 inch Birmingham Steel pan with lid. Really smooth, almost non-stick surface. For larger meals, I go to my 12 inch Lodge with lid. For a single grilled sandwich sandwich, I go to my 6 inch Wagner or my no name cast iron griddle. I would like a 14 inch skillet, if I could find one with a lid.

[@commanderosis435]

Im a big fan of lodge. They have been around a long time and still made in the US.

[@THEBIGKAHUNA499]

Just ordered me some by Lodge! Can’t wait to get cooking!

[@commanderosis435]

@@THEBIGKAHUNA499 very nice. I hope it serves you well for years to come

[@johnagen3688]

Yeah buddy!!!! Absolutely love lodge!!!

[@MariaInIowa]

A hundred years ago they made great iron.

[@stevennguyen4993]

​@commanderosis435 from what I've heard, generations. Today's pots and pans can't handle 4 years of a college student's cooking (and there isn't a whole lot) without the screws from the handle loosening up and getting lost

[@delendaestcarthago564]

Great video. I use the Lodge Dutch ovens. I bought my cast iron on clearance; it has the Emeril (one of my other fav chefs). It’s served me well but I’m eye-balling the Marquette as it’s HQ’s nearby. My grandma in Alabama always cooked with cast iron and I never had a bad meal.

[@autk]

Both my grandma's were from Alabama, best cooking you'll ever have in the country rural farm areas. Veggies, veggies, pies cakes, homemade everything, amazing.

[@skipperdabio]

I inherited a small Wagner and a 10” Giswold from my grandparents after they passed away. I have really learned to appreciate those pieces. I’ve pieced together the rest of my set with Lodge skillets. They are great but require some work at first. Like you mentioned you just need to go around them and deburr any spots that were missed. I then take a palm sander and sand down the bottom inside of the pan until it is smooth. Clean, reseason and you will be good to go at a fraction of the price of the other (beautiful but $$$) skillets you featured. Thank Kent!

[@ronschuster8575]

I bought the Field #8 and I absolutely love it. The small handle does get hot but they offer a nice leather cover and it does a great job.

[@jeantarwater2606]

The Field #8 is my daily go-to. Love it!!

[@LoriL010]

My favorites are those my grandmother gave me years ago that are probably 100 years old by now...

[@jayjenkins4721]

Great video for new skillets. I think the "newest" cast iron I have is an "Avid Outdoors" that I use for frying potatoes and sausage. I think I bought it at Walmart or somewhere about 25 years ago for maybe $20, and I love it even though it's a cheaper brand. My pantry is full of very old cast iron I bought from estate sales and had to knock the rust and junk off and reseason. I have some awesome 75-100+ year old BSR, WagnerWare, and even a very old Lodge with a single notch in the heat ring. Paid anywhere between $5 to $20 for each, but there was a lot of work to do to them to make them nice...and now I use them all the time.

[@juliehenry5353]

I have my great grandmother's cast iron skillet - it's 130 years old - the best thing in my kitchen - I also just won 4 older Wagner skillets at a local thrift store's silent auction 2 are 4" and the other 2 are@8"

[@MrShooter4]

After watching your playlist on cast iron a few weeks ago I went ahead and ordered myself a Smithey No.12 and the glass lid for it. Couldn't be happier!

[@CowboyKentRollins]

Glad you are enjoying

[@ColeenCarswell]

What was I thinking when I gave away all of my cast iron cookware because I was afraid it would scratch my new glass top stove? Stargazer’s online FAQs page confirms that cast iron CAN SAFELY be used on glass top stove tops; we just need to be careful not to drag it around by lifting it to move it instead. I just purchased a Stargazer skillet based on this review - thank you!

[@johnbush2811]

I have the same 12” Lodge as the one in the video. Yes it is heavy and I have sanded and reseasoned it. My wife much prefers using the #9 Griswold or the #10 Wagner because they are lighter, but I like that extra handle on the Lodge to help control it. Thank you Kent and Shannon.

[@mchrysogelos7623]

Same here with preferring the 10" - although I do have a larger one, and also a much smaller one which is really nice. A couple different -sized Dutch Ovens too.

[@dougwebster8868]

Like how your wife thinks. 😊

[@ghw7192]

I have over 50 pieces of cast iron cookw😮are and rotate it out so that everything gets used. A while back, I picked up four 10 inch skillets--a Lodge, a Wagner and two Birminghams--for $3 each. I refuse to pay collector prices for Griswold. One restored Wagner has not had anything in it but cornbread since I got it.. I like to restore the pieces and give them as gifts. Another good video, Kent!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

I've been cooking cast for nearly 50 years and learned a lot here - handle design, spout and side handle. Thanks Kent.

[@kooziesan]

I have the 10.5 and 12 stargazer, and also use a field griddle and love them. However, my daily driver is a Wapak 6. Old iron just hands down takes the cake.

[@minuteman4199]

I have a Lodge skillet that I use everyday. The thing I like about it is that it is big enough that when I use it on my gas stove it has hot spots and cooler spots so I can fry bacon, add potatoes and then push it all aside and have room to try eggs. I was disappointed with it when I first got it , but then I took a sander to the inside and polished it smooth before re-seasoning it. I don't do any maintenance on it anymore, I just use it every day.

[@delxlup]

I happened to be in Tennessee a while back and drove past the Lodge foundry. Picked up a good selection of seconds at a very reasonable price. First thing when I got home was to re-watch the video on smoothing and grab my sander. They have preformed very well and I use them daily. Thanks Kent for all the great content!

[@dennisseverns4014]

Great information on these new skillets, I bought a five piece set of Lodge Cast Iron, when I was moving and had the choice between taking the new cast iron and taking the older stuff. I left the he new set behind at my brother's house for him and his wife to use.

[@ironoutrigger1]

I just pulled the trigger on the Field #12. All your reviews were an immense help. What really stood out and set Field apart from all other brands was the much broader range of products that they make and that they also make the #12 matching cast iron lid. And with no pour spouts, that lid, i expect , will be a snug fitting feller. I should be able to throw the whole mess in the camp fire and walk away worry free.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks Kent and Shannon for this great review of your cast iron cookware. It was very well thought out. I have a bunch of Lodge products and will be handing them down to someone who will use them after I'm gone. You all stay safe and keep up the good videos and fun around there. Fred.

[@jimmcgee3111]

I took a flap disc on my grinder to my lodge pre-seasoned skillets after a few years of using them. Reseasoned them and much more satisfied now.

[@cedaroakfarm8596]

Based on your prior reviews, I bought the stargazer, and am totally satisfied. It is a superb skillet and they offer a veteran's discount which is always appreciated. I then bought Lodge serving platters, again a great investment and work perfectly for serving hot meals, on custom made wooden trivets for the farm. I had to re-season all of them again, when done right they perform much, much better.

[@RYTF5]

I'm happy Stargazer forced Kent to change his views on soap. I'm glad a manufacturer set his straight finally.

[@richarddavidson447]

I have 5 cast iron skillets. One vintage lodge I got from a thrift store. One 10 inch chicken fryer that was my grandma's. One 6 inch skillet from my great grandma Era 1950s. Two modern lodges a 10 inch and 14 inch. All from lodge. I use the modern ones the most in the kitchen and also over a campfire when camping. We love your videos, thanks.

[@susancorvalan6765]

Lodge 12" skillet and a 4qt dutch oven. Love them both. I have a few tri-ply stainless saute pans, well seasoned. These are great too.

[@abbracia]

I'm so happy with my new Stargazer cast iron skillet. I've used it every day for the past month I've owned it. I bought the pre-seasoned version. It is evenly heated and easy to handle.

[@thisolesignguy2733]

I love my Lodge skillets, but my dutch oven is a marquette and that thing is just amazing. I can use the lid as a skillet and the deep dish as a chili cooker, plus they have nice weight and handles. It's a bit heavier then my Lodges but it's my #1 goto for camping.

[@lyndahammel9502]

I have my grandparent's Griswold number 6 and their Wagner Ware flat skillet. Recently I've learned how to use them.

[@StealthySpace7]

Perfect timing. I just started using my old cast-iron pan again and I was looking to get something new. Great video as always

[@rickgroshong250]

Have you had any experience with Birmingham Stove and Range? I have two of them: a ten inch and a seven inch. The ten inch belonged to my Grama Fredrickson, and then my mom, who gave it to me because it was too heavy for her. It's well seasoned, and I love the history of this particular skillet.

[@MariaInIowa]

They made good (though heavy) skillets.

[@cindybraxton3742]

I absolutely love my cast iron cookware!

[@rumblehotep4589]

Someday when I trip over a bucket of gold I will get a big Smithey dutch oven because those are one of the prettiest pieces of metal I've ever seen. For now, I'm happy with my Lodges. With a 12'' skillet and an enameled dutch oven I feel I can cook just about anything. Your tips on sanding and seasoning care were invaluable for turning an affordable piece of cookware into a personalized daily workhorse. Thank you for all your work!

[@kriskabin]

I like my little 8" Lodge. The short handle is perfect for car camping & cooking in small areas. Can't beat the new price of this US made pan, $11 @ Walmart. That rough pan surface bugged me though, so I sanded it smooth & reseasoned it. I always used to camp cook with titanium pots, but they lost heat way too fast. **My little Lodge is HEAVY, but my meal stays warm long after it's off the flame! Good old cast iron.👍

[@FiremanFrach]

Hi Kent. Lodge owner here. Love ALL your videos, but especially your cast iron reviews/how-to videos. Thank you for these.

[@Mr.Bobcat1776]

As long as Lodge keeps making American made iron, I'll back them up. 🇺🇸

[@FiremanFrach]

@@Mr.Bobcat1776 💯🇺🇸

[@chunkyd5880]

I had a Lodge skillet that I fought with to get a good seasoning on. I finally got tired of fighting and took a jitterbug sander and some 60 grit paper to it. 20 minutes later I had a smooth skillet and after a few pounds of bacon, the seasoning is coming along nicely. Dollar for dollar, the Lodge can't be beat if you're willing to work with it a little bit more.

[@patcavasin5947]

I'm hooked on my Lodge skillet....I've made all sorts of things including eggs, bacon, steak, chicken AND pizza, bread, scones, biscuits and a large chocolate chip cookie ....very versatile.

[@jhaas68865]

Everyone should start with a lodge. You get that non stick you can get any other pan the same way. My one issues with the lodge 12” is the handle needs to be longer for that size. You don’t have the leverage to lift with one hand when loaded. For a smaller pan that little handle may work but the 12 is just too heavy for that little thing.

[@vauxy308]

I own a Stargazer, but 90% of the time I have a vintage piece setting on my stove. Especially the ones from the 19th century.. Flea markets, and antique stores are the best places to look for them.

[@IntenseAngler]

Great video as always Kent! Very comprehensive look/discussion at what to consider when picking up some good cast iron 👍 Mighty fine array of examples on show here by the way 👍 Thanks for taking the time to pass along your knowledge my friend.

[@laurasavage1528]

Watching Kent Rollins always puts me in a better mood. 😊

[@larryduttry9400]

I have a lot of vintage Iron from Wagner, Griswald, Sydney Hollow ware, Favorite Piqua ware, BSR.. but my most used larger pan is the lodge deep skillet, (1/2 of the combo). I don’t worry about the weight of Lodge because I’m not carrying a cast iron pan with me to different rooms of the house or taking it grocery shopping or taking it on walks with the dog. It hangs by the stove or sits in the oven. It’s a tremendous value for what you get. Yes the more expensive stuff is nice, but is it 10 times the money.. or more better? My finest cooking skillet is a BSR #3 that I use for eggs. They literally float in it and there is no build up of seasoning but that inside is black and shiny but you can see the iron. It looks blued. Paying more doesn’t make it better, albeit you might get some nicer handles, etc. For my money I can buy a whole lot of lodge and work on it a tiny bit and still have a completely serviceable pan that will very easily take a great seasoning and last for generations. Lodge is the last of the old company’s and a shining example of Blue collar cook ware, without overly inflated prices that capitalize on catch phrases like “small batch” “Heirloom quality”. They are all sand cast iron pans, but it is very interesting to see them all compared side by side. I can’t fault anyone for paying the premium price for a fine quality American made product, Even if I defend lodge. Sometimes pride of ownership is a valid reason to pay more if that’s what you want. They are all tremendously useful. Great video as always Kent and Shannon! May God bless you.

[@mickeydavis4204]

I am a Lodge fan...I have 10" & 12" skillets.......I smoothen the finish on each.... have a Lodge enameled Dutch oven...love it. A longer handle would help with heat...could use 2 hands to pick it up...but ...the longer the handle the heavier the skillet would feel...put a 3 ft. handle on a skillet & you will see what I mean....Lodge also sells some really nice silicone handle covers that work quite well. I love your videos.

[@Bushy_P]

Great video Kent. I love my Star Gazer. For the price that’s a hard pan to beat, that said it is difficult to keep a seasoning on it some times. That said it always takes new seasoning well. I’m looking forward to the video that you hinted at.

[@kentcostello5286]

I got 2 lodge from my mother and I thank she got them from my grandmother. I love using them.

[@GrampsInTexas]

Excellent review Kent. I do a lot of dutch oven cooking and have enjoyed some great tasty food. Thanks for all you do and your recognization of our service members past and present is awesome. at the end of your videos. Thank you!

[@Rebel-Rouser]

I have an old Lodge. From the numbers in the back it was made between 67 and 87.. I followed your seasoning instructions and have this thing in fine shape now, and use it daily... And re season every time.

[@MariaInIowa]

Glad you love it -- but that's not old Lodge. :) Old Lodge is like 100 years old. They made some really good iron in their day.

[@timwright297]

I like Lodge, and I do agree with everything you have said in your review. For me, Lodge wont break the bank to purchase and it does the same thing a more expensive brand will do. Did listen to your advice and sanded the inside and did some grinding on the handle. Helped a lot with the skillet accepting seasoning. The other thing that Shannon said is true, use it often as it gets better the more you do.

[@laurabelk7873]

Shortly after my husband and I got married, we went to a farm auction.. we were looking for furniture. I ended up with several pieces of Wagner and Griswold! I love them!

[@ericsoderquist3969]

The Stargazer is my favorite of all of them. It is lighter weight and less expensive. Mine took seasoning very well. Finex is the most expensive and heavy. My least favorite is the loge , It has a very rough surface and hard to cook with. Stargazer for the win !! 😁

[@janiesoito4494]

Great episode. LUCKY ME that I get to cook in my Mom's Griswold that was given to her for a wedding present about 75 years ago. It is unlike any other skillet I have ever seen; it has a griddle lid. The griddle handle fits right down onto the skillet handle. Mom cooked a lot of pancakes or eggs in the griddle while cooking sausage or potatoes in the skillet. With the griddle lid, it makes the very best short ribs on the stove top with the fire turned way down. My "daily cooker" though is my 11" Lodge. We bought it before all that bumpy stuff. I love to cook bacon in it because the press fits right down in the pan and I don't have to fight with curling bacon. We bought another Lodge with the "bumpy" bottom. My husband got so annoyed with it that he took an emery wheel and smoothed all that stuff out. When we reseasoned it, we had no more trouble with it. A scan through eBay today shows that Griswold had "held it's value!"

[@mytoolz]

The only good thing my mother in law ever did for me was buy me a cast iron Pan. I said what I said😂

[@johnlivesay5110]

Nothing like a good ole cast iron frying pan!

[@COWELLGIRL]

🤣

[@mematoseven8709]

The only good thing my MIL did for me was birth my husband. He is a jewel. Been friends since we were toddlers, dated 2 years, married 52 years this year.

[@mchrysogelos7623]

@@mematoseven8709 well she also helped raise him (your husband) I am assuming - making him the great man he is today!

[@tommiller9743]

My mother in law was awesome and I miss her!

[@toddshook1765]

I have inherited my grandfathers cast iron and use it everyday. One of them is Griswold 12” and a Lodge 8” by 3 1/2” deep. I have found other no name cast iron at thrift stores or Craigslist. Love my cast iron.

[@PennyRoyal666]

Great breakdown on a variety of cast iron! I have a 12in Lengend cast Iron that I love but it's HEAVY. Looking for a smaller, lighter skillet and this video was a great place to start.

[@Flexin010]

I love my stargazer. I use it camping and at home.

[@chrissewell1608]

I have used Lodge skillets (and other gear) for years. They are the oldest company, in this group. But I think they are beginning to see the competition and starting to make new and improved designs to stay current! But for the price, you can never go wrong with Lodge cookware. And if kept up, it will last for generations.

[@nunya4732]

Are cast iron skillet from china hood like goodcook cast iron I have one and when ever I clean it and season it with a white rag the rag gets all black from the skillet is that a bad sign makes me not wanna use it because every time I season it my rag gets all black

[@dougbish5533]

I have a big lodge that I bought at a yard sale years ago. I went at it with a palm sander and several different grits of sandpaper until it was slicker than goose grease then reseasoned it. Best dang skillet ever.

[@randy-9842]

Great recap of cast iron and addition of the Marquette to your mix. I sure love the Field skillets I bought after you recommended them a few years ago! I appreciate ALL your videos!!

[@CowboyKentRollins]

Thanks so much

[@BrianKFranks]

My mother in law and her husband live right near the Lodge factory and they've got a great restaurant next door so we've been there a couple times recently. Love your videos, commitment to our service men and women, God, and country. Lodge has a nice company store there and so many options on pans that you don't find in the stores.

[@CowboyKentRollins]

That is awesome!

[@philipstaite4775]

I've had a Lodge skillet and dutch oven for years. 100% used over open fires while camping. It took a few outings but they developed a nice smooth seasoning. If I had it to do over again I might go for maybe two smaller skillets rather than one big one. My fire grate is big enough and it would give me a little more versatility. Plus I'm almost always only cooking for two. I'd also probably take a long hard look at Field. I got into Lodge primarily because, well, that's what's around. However I like the design of the Field and the Marquette. A pour spout isn't as important to me as it might be for others.

[@AJ-yx7cq]

I’m proud to only cook on cast iron. I bought a set of Lodge 15 years ago and love them.

[@zed625]

I feel like something that's important to mention is why you should buy US made cast iron. Usually manufacturers use local cast iron because it's expensive to ship, and US cast iron is less brittle than what they use in much of China/Asia. So a US made pan is less likely to crack and will likely be a similar price (at least in regards to the price and quality of lodge pans vs chinese pans), which is why you should get US made pans over the Chinese ones

[@jalleman61]

Why not buy American?

[@donaldeugenealford4080]

​@@jalleman61😂😂😂😂

[@jalleman61]

@@donaldeugenealford4080 that's the issue

[@bonniereich9932]

Buy American

[@donaldeugenealford4080]

@@jalleman61 Kent Rollins is saying exactly what u said these are made in USA,Kent don't need your verification on anything

[@bcpd2010]

Our #12 Griswold from my great grandmother is the most used pan in our kitchen. Can’t beat cast iron.

[@SVMSICE]

Love the cast iron videos Kent! I been a cast iron user for a good long while now and don't learn all that much from them anymore. That being said in the beginning of my cast iron journey you were my go to and for newbies searching around for info, I want them to find you!

[@CowboyKentRollins]

Thanks for watching

[@davejohnsen8540]

@@CowboyKentRollins By

[@senshibat8920]

Received a pair of heirloom wedding gifts from a friend they aren't that big but the sentiments strong. has ring bottoms and a good handle slot to hook on a wall. but the pineapple upside down always pleased the parents.