what are cast iron pots worth

Cast iron cookware can be some of the most inexpensive tools you can buy for your kitchen, especially when you consider their long lifetime of 150 years and beyond. You can find new cast iron skillets for as little as $40 per piece which makes them an excellent investment for the future.

Before we go into details, we have to warn you that vintage cast iron is so valuable that there are a lot of fake ones in the market. Take this quiz to find out if your cast iron pan is real or not:

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.
what are cast iron pots worth

How can you identify your cast iron?

The best way to quickly narrow down your cast iron cookwares origins is by checking the bottom for the insignia from a manufacturer. Some of the most popular and quality vintage cast iron makers of the last two centuries were as follows:

  • Griswold Manufacturing
  • The Vollrath Company
  • Wagner Ware
  • Favourite
  • Atlanta Stove Works
  • Wapak

These companies were founded in the late 1800s and early 1900s by blue-collar Americans throughout middle America (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin), providing families with high quality cast iron cookware that lasts.

The Griswold name is well-renowned as the cream of the crop when it comes to vintage cast iron. They were especially well-crafted and the manufacturer paid extra attention to detail.

You must pay attention to the sizes and shapes of logos and properly research the particular one youre dealing with. These logos often changed throughout the years and are a great indicator of the age of the cast iron. For example, there are two Griswold logos – a newer one that is about 2 inches wide, and an older logo which is much larger at 4 inches wide. The new pans with the small logo dont have any real collectible value yet while the old logo pans can fetch a pretty penny.

Why is vintage so valuable?

Vintage cast iron was manufactured very differently than its modern counterparts. It was all made by hand. The cast iron/steel was hand-poured into sand molds which gave the maker more control. The result was lighter cookware which was then ground down with stone to make the pans surface smooth and flat.

The long lifespan of cast iron along with the growing demand for second-hand instead of new makes vintage cast iron a common find in the antique market. 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.

Maybe you are lucky enough to have inherited some cast iron from a relative or you want to shop for antique cast iron but dont know where to start or what you should look for. If your pan was made before 1957, its considered vintage cast iron. Weve created a guide for you to learn how to tell how old a cast iron skillet is, differentiate brands and pan types, and figure out how much each piece is worth.

But! Whats for sure wont be valuable for the future is the trash! Especially the ones that can be recycled! A great example of this could be beverage cans. And, you must know how fast they could pile up at home. But theres an amazing solution to that!

Have you heard about can crushers? Can crushers are an incredible addition to your kitchen! Using this tool you can effortlessly smash cans, save a lot of space, and make fewer trips to the recycling center. This Soda can crusher is also available in Canada.

If you want your cast iron last forever, check out this step-by-step cast iron care guide:

Don’t Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

FAQ

Are old cast iron pots worth anything?

The long lifespan of cast iron along with the growing demand for second-hand instead of new makes vintage cast iron a common find in the antique market. 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.

What is the value of cast iron?

(Last Modified: April 5th, 2024, 2:41 pm)
Metal/Material
Current Price
Light Iron
$125/GT
Cast Iron
$190/GT
Power Supplies (w/ wires)
$0.25/lb

Is cast-iron cookware worth the money?

Is a cast iron pan worth it? That depends on your cooking habits. For most people, cast iron pans are worth it because they don’t cost much and are incredibly durable. If you don’t fry, braise, roast, or slow-cook often, you probably don’t need a cast iron pan.

Can I sell my cast iron?

Scrap Mart Metals will pay good hard cash at top dollar for your cast iron cast offs, and you get them out of your way.

How much is a cast iron skillet worth?

Most are 8-9 inches wide, but you get 10-15 inch models as well! But bread skillets are difficult to clean and coat. They rust with time, lowering the value to $100 – 120. Now that you know the basic value of your cast iron skillet, let’s break it more! Here, we’ll value antique skillets based on their age, brands, colors, shapes, and more! 1.

Are Wagner cast iron skillets worth it?

Wagner cast iron skillet #13 Not sure why, but getting an iron cast skillet in size #13 is really hard, no matter which brand you choose. The Wagner skillets are very valuable and appreciated, but they are a bit heavier than the Griswold models.

Can you buy vintage cast iron?

Here’s our guide to buying vintage cast iron. What Is Vintage? 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.

How much is a Griswold cast iron skillet worth?

This vintage cast iron skillet was produced in the United States by Griswold. The black skillet is still in excellent condition and does not show significant warping signs or rust. This piece is currently listed on eBay for $1,250. It boasts a heat ring that makes it perfect for modern cooking on gas and electric cookers. 4.

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