What is the most valuable cast iron skillet?

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. A mint condition, super rare "spider skillet" made in the 1890s by Griswold is worth up to $8,000.

What is the most expensive cast-iron cookware?

What is this? Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron is some of the most expensive cookware in the world.

What is the oldest cast iron skillet?

The oldest cast iron artifacts date from early 5th century B.C. China, in the Jiangsu province, and such tools were widely used in the region by the 3rd century B.C. Cast iron slowly made its way to Western Europe, likely via the Silk Road, and wasn't an important material until the 14th century A.D.

What cast iron is collectible?

Any pan made before 1957 is considered vintage. There were several major manufactures of cast iron cookware from the 1800s to the early 1900s. These include Wagner, Griswald, Birmingham Stove & Range, and Lodge.

What are vintage cast iron skillets worth?

One of the most surprising valuables around your home may be cast-iron cookware. Worth from $15 to $1,500, this is stuff you rarely want to sell at a yard sale. Fortunately, cookware is usually marked on the bottom with the name of the maker and the catalog or size number.

How to Identify Antique and Vintage Cast Iron Skillets

What is the rarest Griswold?

One of the rarest of all Griswold skillets the Block EPU (BEPU) is the hardest among the 13s to find as so few were made (people tended to buy them less for the fear of unlucky 13). This one is a beauty with a heat ring, glassy cooking surface and nice mill marks. Super collectable.

What is Griswold cast iron worth?

Griswold Cast Iron Price Guide

An antique skillet from the early days of the Griswold iron works can be marketed for more than $3,000, depending on the condition and traceability.

What should I look for in a cast iron skillet?

And you can immediately tell the difference. A newish cast iron pan feels rough to the touch. A well-seasoned one is so slick that eggs will slide around on it just like in a nonstick pan. Though most new cast iron comes pre-seasoned, there are typically only one or two layers of seasoning on there.

What do the numbers on cast iron skillets mean?

Ever wonder what that number on the handle of your cast-iron skillet means? It's not, as you might think, the size of the pan. The number actually refers to the diameter of the pan in inches across the bottom of the pan, not across its flared top, which is the industry standard way to measure skillet size.

What are the four types of cast iron?

How can you tell a Wagner cast iron?

The best way to date Wagner Ware is by carefully examining the Wagner Ware logo on the bottom of your cast iron. The “Wagner,” “Wagner Ware” and “Sidney O” logos appeared and disappeared, were redesigned and repositioned on the bottom of the pan every few years beginning with the company's founding in 1891.

Why are Griswold cast iron so expensive?

Griswold cast iron is highly collectible

And this makes the ironware fun to collect for collectors and enthusiasts. So when a rare piece or size comes up for sale, it will attract the attention of many buyers and ultimately drive up the price.

What is considered high end cookware?

Bottom Line: All-Clad is the best stainless cookware brand money can buy. I use it in my kitchen and highly recommend it if you want to elevate your cooking. It's high-performing, elegant, and built to last. Check out All-Clad stainless steel cookware on Amazon for current prices and offerings.

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive cast iron?

When comparing cast-iron skillets, lighter is typically considered better, even if only from a convenience standpoint; when comparing cast-iron skillets to skillets made of other stuff, the weight is its moneymaker and the reason we still cook with them.

Should you wash cast iron before first use?

Your First Cast Iron Cleaning

When it comes to new and used skillets — a little soap and water is a good thing. This first wash removes factory residue or rust bits. Make sure you rinse and dry the pan well after this first washing.

How can you tell a real Griswold?

Fakes have rough casting, uneven margin below Griswold lettering. Original has finer detail, especially below the eye, and smoother casting. Lettering font on fake handle is sans-serif. The numeral 3 on original has a flat top.

Are all Griswold skillets marked?

Griswold pieces like skillets and dutch ovens are inscribed with their size number and a pattern number. Other Griswold pieces like gem and muffin pans have both an item number and a pattern number inscribed in them. The Griswold pattern number is then appended with a letter unique to each working pattern.

How big is a Griswold #10 skillet?

The base measures approximately 10 1/2" (26.7 cm) wide & the top is 11 11/16" (29.7cm) wide. It is 16 1/2" (41.9 cm) long with the handle. It weighs 5lbs 10oz (2.55 kg).

How can I tell how old my Griswold skillet is?

Look for an apostrophe in the Griswold logo. If you find Griswold spelled Griswold's, you have a skillet that was manufactured between 1884 and 1912.

What is the biggest Griswold skillet made?

The largest skillet with the Griswold Slant logo is #14.

What is a spider skillet?

A spider (also called a spider skillet, spider pan, or iron spider) was an iron vessel with three splayed legs and a long handle used for hearth cooking. The footed skillet or frying pan would be set over a small pile of coals pulled out onto the hearth from the fire.

How can you tell if cast iron is real?

The weight of cast iron is the first give away. If you can comfortably lift the pan in one hand it is not cast iron. An authentic piece of cast iron will have a thick bottom and sides, hence the weight. Next check for markings on the pan manufacturers display with pride their brand, size, or range name on their pieces.