With all the artifacts on display- I was shocked to see cast iron.
Let me rewind. Do you remember the last time you saw an object of the past that gave you pause?
Maybe it was the National WWI Museum- studying the weapons of war and walking through life size trenches was an experience you’ll never forget. Or perhaps you’ve been awed by the vivid cherry red of Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Model 5B Vega displayed at the Smithsonian.
But I had no idea my favorite piece of pandemic kitchenware had its origins in ancient cast iron history.
Yet in a beautiful exhibit filled with ornate Bronze Age vessels and silk cut tapestries from the Tang Dynasty- there it was:
Cast iron.
Did you know that the earliest use of cast iron dates back as far as 5th Century BCE? Used in the creation of ancient statues and monuments, placed outside of temples and palaces- but also in ancient cookware.
How did this cookware move from ancient China to Europe- to your cooktop in the Bronx?
From Ancient Emperors to the English Kitchen: Cast Iron History
While we’ll never know if Kublai Khan ate meals cooked on cast iron, we do know the material’s trek west began on the Silk Road. The spread was slow. At the time, cast iron was scarce and expensive, rarely used for anything other than artillery. It wasn’t until the 1400s that cast iron made an appearance in Europe.
But in 1709, Abraham Darby began producing cast iron made with coke, a byproduct of coal. This production both fueled the industrial revolution and changed the use of cast iron.
From there, cast iron was used in almost everything- including commercial construction. Churches, warehouses, and bridges all made use of the material. One of the most famous being the Pont des Arts in Paris…the bridge of romance. It’s construction marked the first use of cast iron in bridges in Paris and a boom for the material.
When Abraham Darby revolutionized cast iron he thought beyond its use for construction. He also patented its use in kettles and pots. As kitchen stoves grew in popularity, the cast iron skillet became a household “must”.
Griswold Vs. Lodge: The American Showdown
Next time you see a cast iron at a yard sale or thrift shop, flip it over. Look for a diamond shaped logo or the brand name “Griswold” on the bottom of it. Griswold was the leading manufacturer of cast iron skillets in America. The company stopped production in 1957, leaving the remaining lightweight skillets a coveted find for collectors.
Founded in 1865 in Pennsylvania, Griswold dominated the world of cast iron. Griswold not only introduced Americans to cast iron skillets but secured their place in the American household with a classic marketing technique: the lifetime guarantee. Their handmade skillets were constructed using top-notch craftsmanship, and their quality remained unrivaled for the next 30 years.
Until, in 1896, Southern rival Joseph Lodge released his new line of cast iron skillets. Hailing from Tennessee, Lodge sought to perfect what Grisworld started.
Lodge rose to the top by introducing new products to the American market, thriving through the Great Depression on novelty. Gimmicky cast iron inventions boosted sales. Lodge’s cast iron garden gnomes and animals kept the company buoyant while other companies shuttered their doors.
But for Griswold, the Great Depression was the beginning of the end. The financial difficulties took its toll on the company. In 1957, Griswold was bought out first by Wagner- and then four other subsequent companies. Each buyout brought a drop in quality, securing Lodge’s place as the top producer of cast iron cookware in America. Now, Griswold is just a name in a part of cast iron history.
Lodge continues to innovate. Their collection is so large, they offer a quiz to help customers determine the right cast iron cookware for their needs.
Which is the Better Cast Iron?
The coveted Griswold or the modern Lodge?
If you’re Marg and Larry O’Neil, the answer isn’t as simple. These cast iron enthusiasts are the owners of the world’s largest cast iron collection, featuring over 13,000 pieces of cookware.
The museum in Tacoma, Washington is open to the public, welcoming cast iron enthusiasts and oddity seekers from around the world.
The Best Made in America Cast Iron For Your Home
For the rest of us, one or two cast iron pieces is enough. Whether you’re the proud owner of a family heirloom Griswold, or you just became an enthusiast with your first Lodge (like me!)- once you experience the amazing benefits of cast iron you’ll never want to be without this essential piece of kitchen equipment.
From flash searing skin-on salmon to the best cookie cake I’ve ever tasted in my life, my cast iron was one impulsive pandemic kitchen buy I don’t regret.
One of my favorite cookware combinations is Lodge’s Wanderlust Cabin Combo Cooker. The skillet can be used separately for anything from steaks to cookie cakes. And the stew pot makes the best fall off the bone lamb stew. But when paired together, this two piece set works as a dutch oven, to make the best crispy bread I’ve ever tasted.
My roommates have permanently borrowed an 8 quart dutch oven that works great for easy entertaining. The enameled cast iron set is large enough to make a main dish for 10+ guests at a dinner party. (This coconut braised chicken dish from Alison Roman is a personal favorite!)
New to the world of cast iron? Keep an eye out in RBH’s Home & Living for our best tips for cleaning and caring for your new cookware addition.
Until then, happy cooking!
