Griswold Cast Iron Cookware is a classic American brand that has been around for over 100 years. It’s known for its high quality and durability and is often passed down from one generation to the next.
A Brief History of the Griswold Manufacturing Company
The Griswold Manufacturing Company was founded in 1865 by Samuel Seldon Griswold in Erie, Pennsylvania. The company initially produced doorstops and other cast iron items before eventually branching into cookware. Today, Griswold is well-known for its high-quality cast iron skillets, which are prized by collectors and home cooks alike. Let’s take a closer look at the history of this iconic American company.
The Early Years
The Griswold Manufacturing Company was founded in 1865 by Matthew Griswold and his cousins J.C and Samuel Selden. The company began as a small iron foundry in Erie, Pennsylvania, producing cast-iron skillets, frying pans, Dutch ovens, and other household items.
In the early years, the company’s main competitors were cast iron cookware was heavy and expensive, but it was also durable and easy to clean. As a result, Griswold soon became one of the leading producers of cast-iron cookware in the United States. Today, the company is best known for its collectible skillets, which collectors highly prize. While the Griswold name is no longer associated with new cookware, the company’s products continue to be beloved by cooks worldwide.
Griswold soon gained a reputation for producing high-quality cookware, and demand for the company’s products skyrocketed. In order to keep up with demand, Griswold built a new factory in nearby Apollo, Pennsylvania in 1887. The Apollo factory remained in operation until 1957 when it was closed due to declining sales.
The Decline
The decline of Griswold began in the late 1940s when cheaper, mass-produced cookware became widely available. Faced with increased competition, Griswold was forced to cut corners in order to stay afloat. As a result, the quality of the company’s products suffered, and sales continued to decline.
In 1957, following years of financial struggles, Griswold was sold to the Wagner Manufacturing Company. Wagner quickly phased out the production of Griswold cookware and replaced it with its own line of products. As a result, cast iron skillets bearing the Griswold name are now quite rare and highly sought-after by collectors.
Although the Griswold Manufacturing Company is no longer in business, its legacy lives on through the collectible skillets that bear its name. These timeless pieces of Americana are prized by cooks and collectors alike for their durability, history, and nostalgia value. So if you ever have the chance to purchase a piece of Griswold cookware, don’t hesitate! It’s sure to be a treasured addition to your kitchen (or your collection).
Why Choose Griswold Cast Iron: The Many Benefits of Griswold Cast Iron Cookware
If you’re a fan of cooking at high temperatures, then you need to check out Griswold cast iron cookware. Griswold pans are specially designed to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for cooking tasks like searing and frying. But that’s not all — Griswold pans can also be used on a variety of different cooking surfaces, including gas, electric, and induction cooktops. Plus, Griswold cast iron cookware is incredibly durable and easy to care for. Let’s take a closer look at some of the many benefits of using Griswold cast iron cookware in your kitchen.
- Griswold cast iron cookware is good for cooking at high temperatures.
- • It is also light and practical.
- • Griswold pans can be used on an open fire, electric burner, or old-fashioned wood stove.
Griswold Pans Can Withstand High Temperatures
One of the biggest benefits of Griswold cast iron cookware is that it can withstand high temperatures. This makes Griswold pans ideal for cooking tasks like searing and frying. If you’re looking for a pan that can help you get those perfect sear marks on your steak or chicken, then a Griswold pan is definitely the way to go. And because Griswold pans are so good at retaining heat, they’re also great for slow-cooking tasks like braising and stewing.
Griswold Pans Can Be Used on Various Cooking Surfaces
Another great benefit of Griswold cast iron cookware is that it can be used on a variety of different cooking surfaces. Whether you have a gas, electric, or induction cooktop, you’ll be able to use your Griswold pans without any issues. Plus, Griswold pans can even be used in the oven or on the grill—so no matter how you like to cook, you’ll be able to do it with your Griswold pans.
Griswold Cast Iron Cookware Is Durable and Easy to Care For
In addition to being versatile and able to withstand high temperatures, Griswold cast iron cookware is also incredibly durable and easy to care for. Unlike other types of cookware that can easily warp or dent, Griswold cast iron pans are built to last. And when it comes to cleaning your Griswold pans, all you’ll need is some hot water and a gentle sponge—there’s no need for harsh detergents or scrubbing pads. Simply rinse your pan with hot water after each use and wash it every few weeks with hot water and a gentle sponge, and your pan will continue to look like new for years to come.
Griswold Cast Iron Product Line
Griswold cast iron pans and skillets are the most popular and widely-spread type of mouth-watering, crispy food. The reason for this is that they can endure high temperatures necessary for frying, making them basically non-stick.
However, Griswold offers more than just pans and skillets; you can also find pots of different sizes, Dutch ovens, grinding mills, and waffle baking irons. All of these items are antiques that people use either for cooking or displaying as exhibits.
Cookware Sizing
Sizing on Griswold cookware is represented by numbers that correspond to the bottom diameter of the pot – a measure used back when wood stoves were mostly utilized (and had openings mainly made to fit this cookware). It is recommended that you use a ruler to detect the actual size of desired pan or pot as they can differ from bottom to top – e.g., the mark for a 12-inch Lodge skillet (L10SK3) should have a 10-inch stove opening according to its manufacturer.
• The Griswold iron cast pans and cooking items changed markings over time.
• Many experts and collectors agreed that they were not essential as they were part of the factory’s molds.
• They were not connected with the quality or uniqueness of the products.
• Marks represented information about manufacturing, such as how many items were made by the same worker, the number of molds, and the makings of different pots.
Griswold Cast Iron Skillet #14 BAILED GRISWOLD LARGE BLOCK TM CAST IRON SKILLET w/HEAT-RING Review
The skillet sits flat on a flat, even, and level surface and has little side wobble detectable in the upper right-side corner. There are some small “salt and pepper” pitting spots that are hard to see around the middle GRISWOLD logo area, and a couple of pea size factory-produced casting flaw “creator” marks on the backside of the skillet, but nothing significant that will affect cooking usage. Overall, this skillet has some imperfections but is still in beautiful shape and structurally sound both for cooking use and collectability/investment quality.
I love my Griswold Cast Iron skillet! It’s a beautiful piece that I’ve restored and seasoned myself. It’s in great condition, with only a few small imperfections here and there. I use it all the time for cooking, and it works great on all oven and stovetop surfaces. It’s a top-quality kitchen tool that I’m very proud to own.
Where to buy Griswold Cast Iron Cookware
Griswold cast iron cookware is available for purchase on a variety of online retail stores, including eBay and Etsy. You can also find Griswold cast iron pans and skillets at antique stores and flea markets, or you can search for individual pieces on online classifieds websites like Craigslist.
How to care for your Griswold Cast Iron Cookware
To care for your Griswold cast iron cookware, rinse it with hot water after each use and wash it every few weeks with hot water and a gentle sponge. This will keep your pan looking like new for years to come.
FAQ
Is Griswold cast iron Any Good?
Yes, it’s one of the best. Griswold cast iron cookware is high quality and durable. It can last for many years with proper care.
Does Griswold still make cast iron?
No, Griswold no longer manufactures cast iron cookware. However, you can still find Griswold cast iron pans and skillets at antique stores, flea markets, and online retailers.
What do the numbers on Griswold cast iron mean?
The numbers on Griswold cast iron cookware to represent the bottom diameter of the pot. This measurement is used because it was common when wood stoves were mostly utilized. It’s important to note that the size of a pan or pot can vary from bottom to top.
How do I know if my cast iron is valuable?
The value of cast iron cookware can vary depending on its age, condition, and brand. Griswold cast iron is typically valuable because it’s an antique and high quality. However, the best way to determine the value of your cookware is to consult with an appraiser or antique dealer.
I’m Michael Barnes and I love what I do. Every day, I get to work with the land and help create something that is essential for life. But it’s not always easy. Every day brings new challenges or unexpected natural disasters in order to produce what we need every day: meat; fruit, juice, and healthy dairy products!
