The world of cast iron cookware is as diverse as it is historic, encompassing a range of brands that have stood the test of time. This article offers a panoramic view of these brands, showcasing the evolution of cast iron cookware from rugged, utilitarian kitchenware to coveted collectibles.
We’ll explore both venerable brands that have crafted cast iron for generations and emerging names reimagining this classic material. This guide aims to be your comprehensive resource, whether you’re seeking your first cast iron skillet or looking to add a unique piece to your collection.
An A-Z List of Cast Iron Cookware Brands
Notes:
- Restaurant equipment brands (Valor, American Metalcraft, etc.) were omitted from this list.
- All prices are from February 2024; full prices only. Only cast iron cookware (skillets, Dutch ovens, lids, grills, etc.) were taken into account. Sets and bundles were omitted from this list. I’ll update this periodically.
- More brands will be added to this list as I discover them.
- Brands with the country of origin listed as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and original design manufacturing (ODM) are from China. I’m just not sure which brands are under what basis. (Quick summary: ODM = Designed in the home country, then manufactured in China; OEM = Designed and manufactured in China, then white labeled in the USA)
| Brand Name | Website URL | Headquarters | Country of Origin | Status | Price (Mean) | Price (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Skillet Company | Website | USA | USA | Active | $130.00 | $130.00 |
| Appalachian Cast Iron Co. | Website | USA | USA | Active | $170.67 | $170.00 |
| AUS-ION | Website | Australia | Australia | Active | $260.96 | $239.48 |
| Backcountry Iron | Website | USA | USA | Active | $50.62 | $52.49 |
| Barebones Living | Website | USA | OEM/ODM | Active | $111.74 | $84.99 |
| Bayou Classic | Website | USA | OEM/ODM | Active | – | – |
| Birmingham Stove & Range | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Borough Furnace | Website | Syracuse, NY, USA | USA | Active | $232.14 | $210.00 |
| Butter Pat Industries [1] | Website | Easton, MD, USA | USA | Active | – | – |
| Camp Chef | Website | USA | OEM/ODM | Active | $54.42 | $49.99 |
| Challenger Breadware | Website | USA | USA | Active | $230.00 | $230.00 |
| Chicago Hardware Foundry | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Erie | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Favorite Piqua Ware | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Field Company | Website | New York, NY, USA | USA | Active | $207.86 | $175.00 |
| Finex | Website | Portland, OR, USA | USA | Active | $214.25 | $200.00 |
| Fredericksburg Cast Iron | Website | Fredericksburg, TX, USA | USA | Active | $149.17 | $150.00 |
| Griswold Manufacturing | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Grizzly Cookware | Website | USA | USA | Active | $138.25 | $172.50 |
| Lancaster Cast Iron | Website | Lancaster, PA, USA | USA | Active | $225.00 | $225.00 |
| Le Creuset | Website | Fresnoy-le-Grand, France | France | Active | $277.50 | $225.00 |
| Lodge | Website | South Pittsburg, TN, USA | USA | Active | $51.61 | $34.95 |
| Martin Stove and Range | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Marquet Castings | Website | USA | USA | Active | $88.70 | $87.45 |
| Nest Homeware | Website | Providence, RI, USA | USA | Active | $142.00 | $120.00 |
| Overmont [2] | Website | China | China | Active | – | – |
| Sidney Hollow Ware | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Skeppshult | Website | Skeppshult, Sweden | Sweden | Active | $253.33 | $227.50 |
| Smithey Ironware Company | Website | North Charleston, SC, USA | USA | Active | $200.00 | $215.00 |
| Stargazer Cast Iron | Website | Allentown, PA, USA | USA | Active | $158.33 | $155.00 |
| Staub | Website | Turckheim, France | France/China | Active | $283.01 | $279.99 |
| The Windmill Cast Iron [3] | Website | Netherlands | OEM/ODM | Active | $68.23 | $46.39 |
| Victoria Cookware | Website | Colombia | Colombia | Active | $40.03 | $29.99 |
| Vollrath [4] | N/A | Sheboygan, WI, USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Wagner Ware | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
| Wapak | N/A | USA | USA | Defunct | – | – |
[1] No prices were visible in the Butter Pat Industries website at the time of writing.
[2] The Overmont website was not reachable at the time of writing.
[3] Prices for The Windmill Cast Iron are in Euros (€). For simplicity, I converted them to USD ($) at the rate of €1 = $1.08
[4] Vollrath ceased production of cast iron products in the 1960s, but the company itself is still in operation. Today, the company has shifted its focus on manufacturing aluminum and stainless steel products.
Which Cast Iron Brands Are Collectible?
More than likely, extant pieces of the following defunct brands are highly sought after by collectors. However, vintage pieces of established brands that are still in the market, like Lodge and Le Creuset, are also highly priced by connoisseurs.
- Griswold Manufacturing: Griswold pieces are highly prized by collectors. The brand’s skillets, waffle irons, and Dutch ovens, especially those with the large block logo, are among the most sought after.
- Wagner Ware: Collectors often look for older pieces marked with “Sidney -O-” or those with the Wagner Ware logo.
- Erie: Preceding the Griswold brand, Erie skillets are among the oldest and most collectible cast iron pieces. Their age and rarity make them particularly valuable to collectors.
- Favorite Piqua Ware: This brand is known for its high-quality cast iron products and unique logo. Pieces from Favorite Piqua Ware, especially those in good condition, are collectible.
- Wapak: Recognizable by its Indian head logo, Wapak cast iron is known for its smooth interior surfaces and is highly collectible. The “Z” marked pieces are particularly rare and sought after.
- Lodge: Older Lodge cast iron pieces, especially those made before the introduction of automated processes in the 1950s, can be collectible. These include items with the “Lodge Cast Iron” logo in a single circle, which indicates manufacture before the mid-20th century.
- Le Creuset: Older Le Creuset items, especially those in colors that have been discontinued or were produced in limited quantities, are highly collectible. Vintage pieces with the original Le Creuset logo or unique shapes not currently in production also attract collectors.
Should You Buy OEM/ODM Cast Iron Products?
There is nothing wrong with buying OEM or ODM cast iron products, but you must exercise caution when choosing a budget brand.
Quality can vary widely among OEM and ODM cast iron products. Some manufacturers produce high-quality items that rival or even surpass brand-name counterparts, while others may cut corners to reduce costs. Moreover, established brands often have strict quality control processes to ensure each product meets their standards. With OEM and ODM products, quality consistency might not always be guaranteed unless the manufacturer has a robust quality control system.
Personally, my rubric regarding this is: bare OEM/ODM cast iron is okay, but enameled OEM/ODM cast iron is a no-go. Here’s why:
Iron is iron. Bare cast iron, whether it is made in China or any other country, will still be durable, more often than not. My daily pan is a cheap, made in China piece, and it has not given me any headaches since I’ve bought it. In contrast, enamel coatings are not made equal, and some brands are better at manufacturing it (and controlling its quality) than others. I should know, because I own an enameled Dutch oven (from the same brand as my daily, by the way), and it has some minor dings and chips, but is mostly still useable. It is quite annoying though.
Conclusion
The world of cast iron cookware is vast and varied, encompassing a wide range of brands, both active and defunct, each with its unique heritage and product offerings. From the meticulous craftsmanship of vintage brands like Griswold and Wagner Ware to the innovative designs of modern manufacturers like Lodge and Le Creuset, cast iron cookware remains a beloved choice for chefs and home cooks alike. Understanding the nuances of cast iron quality, care, and the collectibility of certain pieces can enhance your cooking experience and add value to your kitchen arsenal. As we continue to appreciate the durability, versatility, and timeless appeal of cast iron, it’s clear that these culinary tools are more than just cookware—they’re heirlooms in the making.
If you’re eager to level up your cast iron cookware game, look no further than the Cult of Cast Iron! We’ve got all the tricks, handy tips, and practical advice to turn you into a cast iron master. Need a review, a guide, or the hottest recommendations? We’ve got your back! Explore our blog and join the Cult of Cast Iron today!
Miguel is a cast iron enthusiast from Cavite, Philippines. He works in the digital marketing field as a content marketing strategist. On the side, he manages a small online bookstore and tends to his plants.