About Lodge Cast Iron
Before you start cooking, ensure you have the appropriate cookware for your culinary adventures. Don’t compromise with subpar tools!
Lodge Cast Iron offers a wide range of enamelled and/or seasoned cast iron, carbon steel, heat-treated serveware, and stoneware kitchen essentials that are guaranteed to withstand any kitchen challenges (or aspirations).
The brand has garnered the support of nearly 345k followers on Instagram and close to 770k followers on Facebook. Additionally, they have been highlighted by esteemed media outlets such as the NY Times, NBC News, Today, and many others.
Numerous patents protect Lodge Cast Iron’s signature products, and its original foundry received the Tennessee Governor’s Award for Excellence in Hazardous Waste Reduction in the mid-1990s.
We understand your eagerness to stop using flimsy kitchenware, but before you hit the ‘checkout’ button, take a moment to read our Lodge Cast Iron review. We have ensured it is filled with valuable tips and tricks, answers to frequently asked questions, customer ratings, descriptions of bestsellers, and more. Ultimately, you’ll be equipped to make an informed choice about whether this brand is worth your investment.
Overview of Lodge Cast Iron
In 1896, Joseph Lodge established the Blacklock Foundry in his hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, focusing on the production of cast iron products.
Tragedy struck when the foundry was destroyed by fire in the early 1900s. However, from those ashes, Lodge Cast Iron was born. Since then, it has become a respected and reliable name in the cookware sector. The company continues to operate from its original location in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
While it is not explicitly mentioned on the website, the brand only ships within the United States, although it has distributors worldwide. Before we delve into our comprehensive review of Lodge Cast Iron, consider these pros and cons:
Pros
- Extensive selection of cast iron cookware and kitchen accessories
- A well-established brand with a solid reputation
- Global distributors provide access to Lodge products for customers around the world
- Excellent customer reviews
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Affordable cookware options
- Highly informative website
Cons
- Limited stock availability due to the pandemic
- Restricted shipping options through the website
- No loyalty program or significant discounts available at this time
Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Review
Lodge Cast Iron cookware is among the most durable and reliable cookware available today. Discover the reasons behind the brand's popularity by exploring some of the bestsellers showcased on their website.
Lodge Cast Iron 2 Quart Serving Pot Review
Customers have remarked, "Hit me with your best pot," and Lodge Cast Iron has responded with the 2 Quart Serving Pot, which the brand asserts is perfect for preparing dinner for two. This adaptable model includes dual handles for convenient transport and a robust lid featuring a handle closure.
Regarding the seasoning of Lodge Cast Iron, using pure vegetable oil is sufficient. When maintained correctly, the pot performs exceptionally well on induction cooktops.
This Lodge Cast Iron pot is priced at $40, but it is also offered in sizes 1, 5, and 7 for those needing various options.
Lodge Cast Iron 6 Quart Blue Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven Review
The 6 Quart Blue Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven is perfect for those evenings when you prefer not to use multiple cookware items. This one-pot solution includes a stainless steel knob on the lid and stainless steel handles for safe handling.
Purchase your Lodge enameled cast iron dutch oven in one of seven stunning colors for $90, each accompanied by six pot protectors to keep it free from damage.
Lodge Cast Iron 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet Review
No, we are not referring to the rock band that was formed in 1996 when we mention 'Skillet'. The Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a beautifully crafted product made in the USA, ideal for creating one-skillet meals or cooking the perfect steak.
The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is seasoned with pure vegetable oil, ensuring longevity, even cooking, and a non-stick surface for all your culinary creations. It is available on the brand's website for $28.
Lodge Cast Iron 20 x 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle Review
Are you planning to host a dinner gathering? If so, consider using the 20 x 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle to prepare some succulent meat cuts. This Lodge Cast Iron grill guarantees a restaurant-quality sear thanks to its 20-inch double burner design, which accommodates two stovetop burners.
You can take it along for camping trips or enjoy a barbecue during pleasant weather. Multitasking has never been so appetizing and budget-friendly! The 20 x 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle is priced at $60 each.
Lodge Cast Iron 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Review
One of the most frustrating kitchen experiences is dealing with hot batter or oil splattering everywhere, resembling tiny delicious meteorites intent on burning your sensitive skin.
Lodge Cast Iron’s 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Griddle boasts a smooth, seasoned flat surface that you desire from a griddle, complete with raised edges to keep all the delicious contents contained.
Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill Review
You probably wish you had one of these at your previous cookout. The Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill is the ultimate companion for entertainers and barbecue enthusiasts, featuring a robust charcoal hibachi-style design.
The grill is elevated and includes a built-in draft door to improve and regulate airflow, along with a secure flip-down door for hassle-free charcoal replacement. The next time you’re responsible for the hot dogs, impress your guests with this $150 marvel.
Is Lodge Cast Iron Toxic?
Unlike many other brands that frequently utilize harmful paints to achieve a black, glossy finish on their cast iron cookware, Lodge Cast Iron opts for a method of seasoning their products with baked-on oil. This process results in a glossy carbon layer on the pan once manufacturing is finalized.
The company guarantees that even if you notice flakes or color transfer over time, these are entirely non-toxic and safe.
Who Is Lodge Cast Iron For?
Anyone who is capable and of the appropriate age (sorry kids) to cook can utilize a cast iron pan. A more pertinent question might be, ‘What can I use my cast iron pan for?’ This is where it becomes intriguing.
As a general rule, since cast iron tends to heat up and retain heat exceptionally well, it is ideal for recipes that require high temperatures. Some foods that excel in cast iron cookware include meats, cornbread, eggs, stir-fries, and fried dishes.
However, if you are preparing overly acidic foods like tomatoes or craving a delicate piece of fish for dinner, a cast iron pan may not be the most suitable choice. Additionally, it is important to remember that cast iron is more prone to absorbing flavors from foods compared to other cooking surfaces. If you frequently use your pan for savory dishes, switching to bake sweet items in the same pan may not yield the best outcomes.
Comparison: Lodge Cast Iron vs. Caraway
Caraway is a brand that produces non-toxic, visually appealing, and user-friendly cookware and linens tailored for the modern kitchen enthusiast. Founded in 2018 by Jordan Nathan, the company is based in New York City, where all its cookware designs originate.
The manufacturing of Caraway products takes place in facilities that are consistently monitored to ensure compliance with ethical manufacturing standards in China and India.
In contrast to Lodge Cast Iron sets, which are primarily recognized for their cast iron products, Caraway's pots and pans are crafted from aluminum and come with stainless steel bases and handles. The non-stick feature of each pot and pan is achieved through a glossy ceramic coating, which is devoid of numerous harmful chemicals unsuitable for kitchen use. A quick look at the products available online reveals that their cookware is very affordable and accessible to a wide audience.
Caraway ships directly to locations within the US from its website (with free shipping on orders over $90), but customers in Canada, the UK, and the EU can also enjoy the brand’s extensive range of essentials through its retail partner Goop.com. As noted in the previous Lodge Cast Iron review, our featured brand has a similar shipping policy.
Additionally, Caraway offers some interesting features such as a recycling program and a ‘refer a friend’ initiative, which allows customers to provide their friends with a 10% discount in return for receiving a complimentary linen gift.
Lodge Cast Iron Reviews: Customer Opinions
This review of Lodge Cast Iron would not be thorough without examining the opinions of customers and culinary experts regarding the brand. We gathered insights from Amazon, New York Times Wirecutter, Epicurious, and Serious Eats.
To begin, let’s look at the Amazon customer ratings for the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – 12 Inch Ergonomic Frying Pan with Assist Handle, which boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,840 reviews worldwide.
One customer enthusiastically shares their thoughts on the skillet's versatility: “I love it. Whether on the stove, in the oven, on the grill, or nestled in the coals of a campfire…nothing heats as well and evenly as cast iron. This 12-inch skillet can accommodate six quarter-pound burgers, lumberjack-sized pancakes, a couple of trout or bass, and it’s deep enough to bake an upside-down cake for dessert.”
Reviewers from New York Times Wirecutter discussed the Lodge Chef Collection 12 Inch Skillet in late 2020. They highlighted its lightweight design and affordability as its standout features. The reviewers also commended its versatility, noting its ability to produce crispy cornbread, juicy bacon, and evenly browned steaks.
In an article published by three critics in Epicurious, the Lodge Blacklock 96 model was recognized as the best 10-inch cast iron skillet of 2021. Their review stated, “We appreciated how easy the pan was to clean, likely due to the seasoning that effectively repelled stuck-on food better than other models. For a smaller 10-inch pan, we believe it’s the best available.”
A review from Serious Eats in 2021 named the Lodge 10.25-Inch Skillet as the best everyday cast iron skillet, while the Lodge Blacklock 10.25-Inch Skillet was recognized as the best lightweight option. Gritzer commended the brand for its quality products, established reputation, and long-standing history.
Is Lodge Cast Iron Worth It?
This review of Lodge Cast Iron highlights the benefits of durable cookware. After preparing your first steak in a quality cast iron skillet, you’ll find it hard to revert to a standard non-stick frying pan.
The primary drawback of this cookware is its relatively high cost; however, Lodge Cast Iron offers users affordable and long-lasting options of these cherished products.
One suggestion for improvement in this Lodge Cast Iron review is for the brand to include a list of authorized retailers on its website to enhance the shopping experience. Additionally, offering more detailed shipping information could assist customers in finding answers more swiftly. Nevertheless, these are merely minor issues when considering the multitude of positive reviews surrounding the brand and its offerings.
Where to Buy Lodge Cast Iron
Lodge Cast Iron provides various retail options for customers in the US. To start, it operates four physical locations in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, as well as one in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Interested in the Lodge Cast Iron muffin pan? You can also purchase cookware directly from lodgecastiron.com.
Furthermore, Lodge Cast Iron has distributors in numerous countries worldwide, including Argentina, Barbados, Canada, China, the UK, Sweden, Spain, Russia, and many others. While some products may be available on Amazon, the brand does not specify any authorized retailers. Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain items may be limited on both US and international sales platforms.
