How can you tell how old a cast iron skillet is?

It was made after the Year 1960. And if it doesn’t have a made in USA stamp. It was made before the

What is the most valuable cast iron skillet?

With antique cast iron, there are certain numbers that are very common and some that are very rare.
  • Numbers #3, 6, and 8 are not considered collectible. …
  • The most desirable pan is #1 – they’re super rare and worth $1,000 each, despite their small size.

What does the number on the bottom of a cast iron skillet mean?

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. … According to Lodge: “The 10 comes the days from when cast-iron pots and pans were sized to fit on the numbered eyes of a woodstove.

How can you tell if a cast iron skillet is good?

7 Ways You Tell if a Pan Is Made From Cast Iron?
  1. The Surface of the Pan. The color of cast-iron will be black to dark grey and should have a smooth shiny surface (if in good condition) …
  2. The Bottom of the Pan. …
  3. The Handle of the Pan. …
  4. The Spout of the Pan. …
  5. Look for Ghosts.

How do you age a cast iron skillet?

How To Season Your Cast-Iron Skillet:
  1. Scrub skillet well in hot soapy water.
  2. Dry thoroughly.
  3. Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the skillet.
  4. Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.)
  5. Bake 1 hour, let cool in the oven.

What is the rarest Griswold skillet?

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.

Are cast iron pans from China safe?

The cast iron pans made in China, which are sold as “seasoned cast iron” are coated with an FDA-approved bake on paint for seasoning, rather than vegetable oil. The black stuff that is chipping off is the “seasoning” and it is paint. If you are using cast iron that is chipping paint, throw it out.

What does SK mean on the bottom of a cast iron skillet?

It may be marked SK for the skillet, G for griddle, or DO for Dutch oven. These letters are common on vintage Lodge cast iron pieces. Other brands (like Wagner) will sometimes use letters instead, like H. Pans are also sometimes marked with model numbers like 8, 10, or 90.

How do you date a Wagner cast iron skillet?

How to Date Wagner Cast Iron Cookware
  1. Turn over your cookware so the bottom is facing up. Make note of all markings on the bottom of the pan and their location. …
  2. Examine the construction of the pan. …
  3. Consult a reputable guidebook. …
  4. Post pictures of your skillet on the forum for Wagner and Griswold collectors.

What do the numbers mean on a Griswold skillet?

The letters were no indicator of pattern revision, simply a means of identification among a particular set of patterns in use. … For example, a size #6 Griswold skillet has a pattern number of 699 while a #7 is pattern 701 and a #8 is pattern 704.

Can you put butter in a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can cook with butter in your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Keep in mind that butter burns at temperatures above 350°F (177°C), so you shouldn’t use high heat when you’re frying foods with it. Either turn down the heat or substitute it with an oil that has a higher smoke point.

How often should you season a cast iron skillet?

In my experience, it’s reasonable to reseason a cast iron skillet once to 2-3 times per year. If you cook fattier foods in your skillet and avoid cleaning it with soapy water, the seasoning could last for years.

What is the best oil to season a cast iron skillet?

All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

Can you use olive oil to season a cast-iron skillet?

Do not use olive oil or butter to season your cast-iron pan — they’re great to cook with, just not for initial seasoning. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour. … For a seasoning bonus, cook bacon, thick pork chops or a steak in the pan for its first go-round.


Is cast-iron Pipe worth anything?

The only value of cast iron is for scrap metal recyclers – they pay by weight. It’s so heavy and not worth much so I just found someone who would take it away for a nominal fee. Cast iron is known as a quiet piping system – if you enjoy peace and quiet then you may want to rethink tearing out cast iron.

What temperature do I season my cast-iron?

Put the oiled pan in a preheated 450°F oven, and leave it there for 30 minutes. It may get a little smoky, so keep your kitchen well ventilated. It’s during this time that the oil will polymerize and form the first of several hard, plastic-like coatings you’ll be laying down.