Everyone knows cast iron only gets better with age. So it makes sense that vintage cast iron is some of the most sought-after cookware. Heirloom pieces are generally thinner, lighter and smoother than today’s products; that makes them easier to handle and season. Cast from high grade virgin ore, and poured and finished by hand, vintage cast iron had some amazing craftsmanship.
If you want to bring your favorite skillet cobbler or creamy mac and cheese to the next level, try making them in a vintage cast iron skillet. Here’s everything you need to know to get your hands on one.
What is considered vintage cast iron?
Just because you find cast iron in your grandma’s kitchen cabinet, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s vintage. Only cast iron made between the late 19th and mid-20th century is considered “vintage.” That’s basically anything produced before 1957. Most cast-iron goods from this time period were made by just a handful of companies:
- Birmingham Stove & Range
- Griswold Manufacturing
- Lodge
- Sidney Hollow Ware
- Wapak Hollow Ware
If these names are stamped anywhere on the pan, it’s a good sign you’re looking at a vintage piece.
Pro Tip: “Made in the U.S.A.” wasn’t stamped on cast iron pans until after automated manufacturing was the main form of production. If you see this, it’s probably not vintage.
What is vintage cast iron worth?
If you’re familiar with antique shopping, you know there are a number of factors that can affect the worth of any item. Cast iron is no exception.
Things like the rareness of the piece and the condition are factors. But for reference, an early Griswold or Wagner item can bring hundreds, if not more than a thousand dollars, if it’s in near perfect condition! Of course, if you’re a savvy shopper, you can buy pieces at a much lower price point.
Where do you find vintage cast iron?
You’ll find vintage cast iron pretty much anywhere you would look for other antique items. Check out flea markets, garage and estate sales, antique stores, thrift stores, eBay, even Craigslist. As long as you know what to look for, you should be able to find a great vintage piece for a steal.
Plus, the thrill of the search is a big part of what makes vintage collecting fun and rewarding. The same goes for vintage Fiestaware or vintage Pyrex.
What should you look for?
Before you buy a vintage cast iron pan, make sure it is in fact vintage. Look for a stamped trademark or logo of the foundry that made the piece. This might be as simple as the name of the city where the pan was made, or a more elaborate script, logo or symbol.
Another thing to keep in mind is the condition of the piece. Avoid pans with obvious damage like cracks, warping, major rust or pitting.
But don’t shy away from a pan that looks dirty—you can easily restore it using the right cleaning methods.
Recipes for Your Cast Iron Cookware
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Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie
Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, swap out the chocolate chips for an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cup fresh raspberries.—James Schend, Taste of Home magazine Food Editor
One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper
My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we're too tired to prepare a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida
Potato Pan Rolls
My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming
German Apple Pancake
If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington
Homey Mac & Cheese
I also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida
Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler
Crumbled macaroons are a surprising addition to this cobbler’s topping. We love that you can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Honey Walleye
Our state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite recreational activity here. This recipe is a quick way to prepare all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in our family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Chicken Burrito Skillet
We love Mexican night at our house, and I love to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is ready for the table in almost no time! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Cheesy Pizza Rolls
The cast-iron skillet browns these delicious rolls to perfection. My family can't get enough. Use whatever pizza toppings your family likes best. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Skillet Herb Bread
This recipe was one of my mother's favorites. The flavors call to mind the taste of corn bread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California
Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes
I love making breakfast recipes with eggs for dinner, especially this combo with potatoes and cheese that's started in a skillet on the stovetop and then popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona
Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet
We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but the bread isn't diet friendly for me, so I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina M. Howells, Salem, Ohio
Sweet Potato and Egg Skillet
I try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in my meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. This recipe originated with the purpose of feeding my family a healthy, hearty breakfast...and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake
My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I do, I remember his amazing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota
Flavorful Chicken Fajitas
This flavorful recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The chicken fajita marinade in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. They go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie
Apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York
Sweet Potato and Ham Hash
Tender sweet potatoes match up with ham, eggs and zippy seasonings for an impressive breakfast. Or serve it with salad and have an easy breakfast-for-dinner meal. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Turkey Biscuit Stew
This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It'salso a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake
My mom often made pineapple upside-down cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks just like her cake, but gets even tastier as pineapple upside-down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California
Kaiserschmarren
The story goes that when Austrian Kaiser Franz Josef's chef noticed that he always broke his pancake into small pieces before eating it, he began serving it that way. —Erika and Peter Durlacher, Whistler, British Columbia
Skillet-Grilled Catfish
You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. The Cajun flavor is great! —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Butternut Squash Rolls
With their cheery yellow color and delicious aroma, these appealing buns will brighten your buffet table. Plus, I've found this recipe is a great way to use up squash from the garden. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Creamy Salmon Linguine
Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could easily sub in any veggies you have on hand for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza
My Grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband and me and our two young daughters. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio
Deconstructed Pear Pork Chops
You'll be tempted to eat this main dish with all the delicious flavors of a stuffed pork chop straight out of the pan. But save some for your guests—it's sure to wow them at the dinner table! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Homemade Sage Sausage Patties
Oregano, garlic and sage add zippy flavor to these quick-to-fix ground pork patties. I've had this Pennsylvania Dutch recipe for years, and it always brings compliments.
Pinwheel Steak Potpie
On cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on top has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore recipes make a good Sunday dinner, since it's so simple to prepare. This recipe is the best because it's loaded with lots of vegetables and is a family favorite. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle
My grandma used to make a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the back yard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apple, pecans, and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Chicken Bulgur Skillet
"This recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I've altered it slightly to suit our tastes," Leann Hilmer from Sylvan Grove, Kansas says of the simple skillet supper. "We like it with a fresh green salad."
Rustic Honey Cake
When my boys were young, they couldn’t drink milk but they could have yogurt. This was a cake they could eat. And it’s one dessert that doesn’t taste overly sweet, which is always a nice change of pace. —Linda Leuer, Hamel, Minnesota
Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Everyone cleaned their plates when my mother made these succulent, tangy-sweet pork chops when I was growing up. Now I get the same results when I serve them to my family alongside applesauce and au gratin potatoes. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread
When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Southwestern Spaghetti
Chili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana
Skillet Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Treat your sweet-salty tooth! Sweet potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Beef & Pepper Skillet
I love Mexican-inspired food. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes like this one and making them as healthy—and downright good!—for my family as possible. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Traditional Funnel Cakes
When I was in high school, I made these funnel cakes every Sunday after church for my family. They are crisp and tender, just like the kind we always ate at the state fair. —Susan Tingley, Portland, Oregon
Spanish Rice Dinner
Spanish Rice Dinner has been a family favorite since I discovered it in our church cookbook. I always have the ingredients on hand, and it reheats very well in the microwave. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota.
Apples 'n' Cream Pancake
This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch—because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples...they make this a true Midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio
Chili Beef Noodle Skillet
A friend gave me this recipe. My husband likes this entree's hearty blend of beef, onion and tomatoes. I like it because I can get it to the table so quickly. —Deborah Elliott, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Enchilada Chicken
We enjoy ethnic dishes and this is tasty and healthy. Per serving: 162 calories, 31g protein, 1 carb, 3 grams of fat and trace of fiber
Saucy Beef with Broccoli
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Confetti Kielbasa Skillet
Here's one of my husband's favorite dishes. When it's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas
Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes
This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Peach Praline Upside-Down Cake
This cake is filled with fresh peaches, roasted Saigon cinnamon, roasted ground ginger and toasted pecans – and that makes it different. — Jeanette Nelson, Sophia, West Virginia
Easy Beef Taco Skillet
Busy day? Save time and money with this stovetop supper the whole family will love. It calls for handy convenience products, so it can be on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia
Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes
A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you’ll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cheese & Mushroom Skillet Pizza
This Italian skillet toss is an awesome way to use up extra spaghetti sauce at the end of the week. It fits right in on Friday pizza night. —Clare Butler, Little Elm, Texas
Fudge Brownie Pie
Here's a fun and festive way to serve brownies. Family and friends will love topping their pieces with whipped cream and strawberries. —Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana
Blackened Halibut
Try serving this spicy halibut recipe with garlic mashed potatoes, hot, crusty bread and a crisp salad to lure in your crew. After trying a few halibut recipes, this one is my family's favorite. —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California
Milk Cake
This is a simple recipe—and especially easy in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. The result is a deliciously light, airy cake. —Suzanne Coelman, Rabun Gap, Georgia
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
Cran-Apple Cobbler
My cranberry-packed cobbler is the crowning glory of many of our late fall and winter meals. My family isn't big on pies, so this favorite is preferred at our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The aroma of cinnamon and fruit is irresistible. —Jo Ann Sheehan, Ruther Glen, Virginia
Gram's Fried Chicken
As a boy, I wolfed down my grandmother's fried chicken. I never knew how she made it, but my recipe using potato flakes is crispy close. —David Nelson, Lincolnton, North Carolina
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake
My grandmother gave me my first cast iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
The post Here’s What You Need to Know About Vintage Cast Iron appeared first on Taste of Home.
Erica Young