Cast iron skillets are made from the kind of stuff that just holds up over time. Chemically, cast iron is comprised of a group of iron-carbon alloys with a carbon content of more than 2%, which makes it highly conducive to cooking with a low melting point, good fluidity, castability, and resistance to wear.
As opposed to other types of pots and pans that are made with toxic or extremely sticky material, cast iron is a favorite among those who take cooking seriously. With a little bit of fat (like butter), a cast iron skillet is both safe and non-stick, and will last in the kitchen for something like 150 years – outliving its owner!
Stay right here as we explore some of the oldest known cast iron skillets in existence. We’ll explore brands and individually-made skillets alike. The findings are downright fascinating!
1950s – Enamel ware discontinued. 1960s – Cast iron production ceased.
Lodge Cast Iron
[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1504985542516{background-color: #dadada !important;}”] Location: Tennessee, USA Founded/discovered: 1896 Sold or excavated?: Sold Currently in use?: Yes [/vc_column_text]
photo source: Lodge Cast Iron
Lodge is one of the most well-known names in the world of cast iron, and for good reason – the company produces pre-seasoned skillets that ensure proper heat distribution, versatility, and durability, all for a more affordable price than many competing brands.
A Tennessee-based company, Lodge was established by Joseph Lodge in 1896 – arguably when cast iron production was at its best. Since that time, the business has survived one burn-down, the Great Depression, and many pivots in production. All of it has resulted in the great name and legacy that remains to this day!
Did You Know?
In 1994, Lodge was awarded the Tennessee Governor’s Award for Excellence in Hazardous Waste Reduction thanks to its electro-magnetic induction melting system. This technology would replace the less-sustainable coal-fire cupola furnace.
Butter Pat Industries Skillets
[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1504985542516{background-color: #dadada !important;}”] Location: Los Angeles, CA Founded/discovered: 2013 Sold or excavated?: Sold Currently in use?: Yes [/vc_column_text]
photo source: Butter Pat Industries
Butter Pat Industries, a Los Angeles-based cookware company, specializes in cast iron. Actually, their story began when founder Dennis Powell cracked his grandmother’s iron skillet, which had been of the extremely high quality of 1800s cast iron. It was after that incident that he began asking the question, “Why is there no cast iron cookware that’s so well-made anymore?”
Flash forward to today, and Butter Pat Industries has grown significantly since its 2013 origins. Their cookware is focused on “the best uses of the thermodynamic properties of cast iron.”
Among the company’s products are not only cast iron skillets, but glass lids to fit a variety of pans.
Did You Know?
Just one 12” cast iron skillet from Butter Pat costs $295 – a splurge, but a worthwhile (and durable) one if a person plans on using the pan every day!
[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1504985542516{background-color: #dadada !important;}”] Location: France Founded/discovered: 1949 Sold or excavated?: Sold Currently in use?: Yes [/vc_column_text]
photo source: Krampouz
…Does that look a bit more like a record to you than a cast iron skillet?
That’s because the above photo from the Krampouz website is actually a cast iron plate for gas crepe makers. The inside rim and molded mounds beneath the plate increase overall heat exchange and reduce the amount of heat loss.
Since Krampouz was founded in France is 1949, the company has specialized in cast iron cookware, including everything from crepe makers to waffle irons. They currently only deliver within France, but their items can be ordered internationally via third-party vendors, such as Webstaurant.
Did You Know?
Krampouz is the official inventor of the crepe-maker, which is different from pancake-makers, cones, or other similar baked goods. The cookware brand was born out of the need for a proper fireplace to heat cast iron plates for crepes.
135 Years of Vollrath
FAQ
When was Vollrath cast iron made?
What is the oldest brand of cast iron cookware?
How can I tell how old my cast iron skillet is?
When did Vollrath become a company?
In 1904 Vollrath earned top honors for “Excellence in the Production of Colored and Plain, Stamped Steel and Cast Iron Enameled Wares” at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. In February 1908, the need for a shorter company name was realized and a new corporation, the Vollrath Company, was organized.
What did Jacob Vollrath make?
Jacob Vollrath began building farm implements, steam engines, cast iron ranges and cooking utensils in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He manufactured porcelain enameled pots, pans, plates, cups and other kitchenware by coating cast iron with ceramic glaze.
Who makes Vollrath stainless steel?
The Vollrath Company is an American company based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin that manufactures stainless steel and aluminum equipment and smallwares (utensils etc.), and deep draw stainless steel items, for commercial and institutional foodservice operations. This section does not cite any sources.
When did Vollrath sinks come out?
Already manufacturing enameled cast iron sinks, stove reservoirs, refrigerator tanks, and water cooler tanks, Vollrath added bathtubs to the product line in 1895, although they weren’t included in a catalog. At the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Jacob died in May 1898, passing the company on to his children.