One good thing about vintage cast iron, not Lodge, is that it increases in value. You're not really spending anything when you buy it, because you can get the money back in a few years if you want.
Cast Iron Cookware
- Thread starter svk
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Amazon has good pricing on new, Lodge, cast iron.
* If it is listed as ‘used’, it means that it is ‘new’, but was returned, or the packaging was damaged, or there are some cosmetic defects. These can be really good deals.*
If anyone is interested in the more expensive, enameled, French, STAUB cookware, there are some ‘Black Friday’ sales on right now, which really drop the price.
Still pricey, compared to bare cast iron, but if you are going to buy it, now is a good time. I really like mine.
If you are looking for the antique cast-iron, that is sort of ‘hit or miss’, whether on eBay or anywhere.
There are several collectors websites which tell you what types of defects to look for, which might not be revealed in an online ad.
Philbert
When buying a pan, you need to ask the seller if it will spin on a flat surface. If it will, it's warped, so it's not great for smooth cooktops, and the price should be low. It's still fine for gas and coil burners. Small cracks can also be a problem. I got a refund on a griddle with a hairline crack that hasn't given out yet.
You need to check for pits. Some pans have been left in water or with water in them. A hundred-year-old pan should still have an inner surface like glass.
Sometimes you'll see an old pan with markings that seem obscure, and you'll think it's worn or corroded. Baked-on crud tends to fill markings, and when the crud is burned off a pan, you are likely to find out it looks almost like new.
Lodge pans are very heavy, and the casting is rough and crude. The old pans were made much better. They're more pleasant to use. You don't need a ton of mass in a pan. The older pans are actually pretty thin, and they work great. And if you buy a Lodge new, you will never get your money back. I have old Griswolds that sold for around $30 a few years back, and I see similar pans on Ebay for $70+.
If you go with Lodge or some other newer pan, you can sand the inside smooth, but it takes a long time.
You need to check for pits. Some pans have been left in water or with water in them. A hundred-year-old pan should still have an inner surface like glass.
Sometimes you'll see an old pan with markings that seem obscure, and you'll think it's worn or corroded. Baked-on crud tends to fill markings, and when the crud is burned off a pan, you are likely to find out it looks almost like new.
Lodge pans are very heavy, and the casting is rough and crude. The old pans were made much better. They're more pleasant to use. You don't need a ton of mass in a pan. The older pans are actually pretty thin, and they work great. And if you buy a Lodge new, you will never get your money back. I have old Griswolds that sold for around $30 a few years back, and I see similar pans on Ebay for $70+.
If you go with Lodge or some other newer pan, you can sand the inside smooth, but it takes a long time.
Couldn't find an used 2 qt camp oven cheaper than the cost of a new one. So I ordered one from Cabelas. The lid has an inperfection in it though. I don't know if heating the lid with coals will cause abnormal stress due to the thickness of the rim wall being thinner. I don't want it to crack. Is this normal or should I return/exchange it? @svk, have you ever seen anything like this before?
Sidecarflip
Addicted to ArboristSite
I'd return it if it was mine. We only buy Lodge and Cabelas has that as well. We have a store nearby but we rarely buy anything there. Cabelas is way to price proud. Get my hunt tags there and that is about it. Firearms and reloading supplies are also over priced and the clothing is as well and I'm not about to pay extra for anything that is labelled 'Cabelas' on it. Besides, most of the Cabela branded clothing is produced offshore in some sweat shop.
They do have good fudge however.
They do have good fudge however.
I bought it there, because I got $20 off for opening a CC account.
Sidecarflip
Addicted to ArboristSite
I had a Cabelas Black card a while back and used it for business purchases but dropped it when Dick Cabela sold Cabelas to Bass Pro and then sold Foremost Bank and his credit card business to Capital One.
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Couple things... I will not do business with Capital One simply because of their offshore call centers, I cannot understand their broken English and secondly, the Cabelas Rewards card is an extremely weak rewards program. In essence the
rewards' are for overpriced Cabelas merchandise ONLY and I'm not interested in paying inflated prices for their stuff. Why I don't have one and don't want one. I'd have no issue getting one again in as much as my credit score is in the high 800's.
Don't want one, won't have one. never will.
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Couple things... I will not do business with Capital One simply because of their offshore call centers, I cannot understand their broken English and secondly, the Cabelas Rewards card is an extremely weak rewards program. In essence the
rewards' are for overpriced Cabelas merchandise ONLY and I'm not interested in paying inflated prices for their stuff. Why I don't have one and don't want one. I'd have no issue getting one again in as much as my credit score is in the high 800's.
Don't want one, won't have one. never will.
I would dump that thing. Get what you paid for.
I wouldn't worry about that one bit in for strength/durability. Very few pieces of modern iron are picture perfect like the vintage stuff. But I am sure they would work with you if you wanted to exchange.
Scored this at Goodwill the other day. Lodge. Next-to-new. $5 + change.
Philbert
Philbert
Kdavis2685
ArboristSite Lurker
Like Philbert, I have found some very nice vintage cast iron at thrift stores for $5-10. The advantage of much of the vintage is how smooth it is, and many are completely flat bottom allowing use on different cooking surfaces.
But, I also have a Cabelas 16" or 18" skillet because we needed the size. We like it. I did look through the ones in stock and picked mine by hand. They do have variance in surface finish and defects. If you could get to the store, I would exchange and pick the best one they have on hand. If not, I don't think that defect would cause any harm or chance of cracking.
But, I also have a Cabelas 16" or 18" skillet because we needed the size. We like it. I did look through the ones in stock and picked mine by hand. They do have variance in surface finish and defects. If you could get to the store, I would exchange and pick the best one they have on hand. If not, I don't think that defect would cause any harm or chance of cracking.
The nearest Cabelas is like 60 mi away. So, I'll just let them pay for the shipping. I inspected the inside of the rim and there is a small, what appears to be, crack radiating out to the rim. If I can get a replacement at no cost to me, I'll replace it.
I tried to send Lodge the photos and their reply was that it was vegetable oil buildup from seasoning. Clearly they didn't take the time to look at the photos or read my description. Not a highly rated CS in my book. I was hoping to send them the lid and get a placement, saving in shipping. Now, I don't care as long as it doesn't cost me anymore.
I hear you and @svk about not worrying about it, but with my luck it will crack.
Wow, you must be REALLY good.
Credit card scores only go up to 850.
That’s what “they” want the “peasants” to think. Just joking around. I ain’t gots no credit so I wouldn’t know. Cash is king even if “they” are trying to get rid of it.
I had a new lodge Dutch oven for camping and it was rough. Put it on the fire and had no problems, gave it to a buddy that camps way more than I do and he still uses it. I have a large new lodge skillet that I use to fry bacon or ham and veggie pacs in over the fire at camp. Works pretty well so I wouldn’t dream of using a good old skillet at camp. I had one of lodge’s enameled inside and out Dutch ovens and it worked well on the stove for several years until the enamel started cracking and the chipping in the center and not the edge. It went out to the shed and hasn’t been used in a couple years. My dear wife was kind enough to get a 7q Staub Dutch oven for me a couple years ago on a promotion deal at Christmas time and still spent quite a bit on it…. More than I would have for something that wasn’t antique and extremely rare. It is a well made pot and the enamel is very good inside and out. I like it and not just cause the wife bought it for me. It has a drip braising lid that is enameled as well. Staub makes a good Dutch oven, but wow the sticker shock is something, even if you get a promotion price.
BTW: STAUB is having a sale right now on their enameled cast iron dutch ovens (‘cocottes’). On line, and at multiple retailers.
Up to 2/3 off!
Still not cheap, but well made.
I have a 5 quart and a 7 quart, purchased over the years. One was listed as a ‘Blem’, but I could never find it.
P.S. for fun, look up the multiple meanings for ‘cocotte’ on Google!
Philbert
Up to 2/3 off!
Still not cheap, but well made.
I have a 5 quart and a 7 quart, purchased over the years. One was listed as a ‘Blem’, but I could never find it.
P.S. for fun, look up the multiple meanings for ‘cocotte’ on Google!
Philbert
I see those cooking shows and they are using the full set of all Staub and I’m like wow. Honestly I think one good Dutch oven 7 to 9 quart is all a normal person would need. You can cook so many different things on the stove top and in the oven with just one. I do wonder if an oval one would be better for a chicken roaster, but the round one works just fine! I don’t see an extra $150 floating around in that oval shape
Phil, I do have a La Creuset cast iron enameled pan that my wife and I found while we were shopping at a kitchen store for a gift for my mother in law about 9 years ago. That pan was on a clearance rack for $89 and the only “blem” I saw was a little bit of scratching of the clear coat on the lid. Wife wanted to get it and I was in the Christmas spirit so yeah go ahead. Same pan is $300 now with no deals going on. Good pan to make risotto in, enamel inside is perfect. I prefer to search out the old ones in the antique stores as I travel and work across the country. You can always find good deals if you are patient and look.
Sawyer Rob
Addicted to ArboristSite
Phil, I do have a La Creuset cast iron enameled pan that my wife and I found while we were shopping at a kitchen store for a gift for my mother in law about 9 years ago. That pan was on a clearance rack for $89 and the only “blem” I saw was a little bit of scratching of the clear coat on the lid. Wife wanted to get it and I was in the Christmas spirit so yeah go ahead. Same pan is $300 now with no deals going on. Good pan to make risotto in, enamel inside is perfect. I prefer to search out the old ones in the antique stores as I travel and work across the country. You can always find good deals if you are patient
Didn’t know at the time I grabbed it at Wally World years ago on sale for $35, figured lodge good
no china cause it’s merican. I have learned and have went down the rabbit hole of cast iron collecting/ cookware/ of all kinds and all that. Fun hobby getting old stuff cause for me it’s not all the time, just when I go to new areas of the country and look around at antique stores and talk to new people.I may have a few (like chainsaws).
The size is based on how many people you are cooking for, at the time.
Had a couple of inexpensive ones, from garage sales, etc. Then, I bought a STAUB a few years back at a ‘Black Friday’ price.
Really like it, even more than some Le Creuset ones I’ve used. The black, matte, interior coating dies not show scratches or stains like the shiny, white, enamel coatings. I like the found, flat top style.
Said, ‘if the other size ever goes on sale . . . ‘: Labor Day I got an add for the ‘Blem’ sale. Could not justify these at full, retail price, for my use, but appreciate the quality, and a good price.
Some people prefer the oval shape, based on what they cook (e.g.fish, whole bird, etc. ). A friend picked his based on what fit in his compact oven!
Philbert
