Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Lodge cast iron cookware is absolutely essential to a well-stocked kitchen. The cookware is a classic item to have at camp, for cooking outdoors, over an open flame, on a woodstove or a stovetop.  They are also useful for everyday cooking in the home, from stews to breads to roasts to desserts. Cast iron comes in many shapes, so there are a few characteristics to consider when choosing a set, or even just one piece to have in your home, such as surface quality, size, and detailing. You should also think about whether you will be using your oven indoors or outdoors.

Cast iron comes in the form of skillets, griddles, Dutch ovens, bakeware, fryers and even grills. Skillets and ovens come in many different sizes, from 6-17” diameters. If you only want one piece in your life, it would be wise to choose a middle range size skillet or oven. But if you think you will ever want a comprehensive set of cookware, cast iron is a great and affordable choice for your fully stocked kitchen. Think about what you will be cooking the most, whether you will usually be cooking inside or out, and whether you will be carrying the oven far. If you are often cooking for large groups of people, consider a larger size, but if you plan to use it often for only yourself, or one other person, you would be wise to go smaller—cast iron is heavy enough that you don’t want to be hefting an oversized skillet onto the stove to cook one egg.

Since the cast iron surface improves through a process of seasoning with oil and heat, you should consider the texture of the original cookware. Though the goal with cast iron is to create a smooth surface, this should be accomplished by building a layer of oils rather than beginning with a smooth metal.  A bit of a rough texture on the iron is actually a good thing, because this means the oil will have pores in which to collect and stay, creating that slick surface that a cook requires.  That said, sharp or large spurs are not desirable features on your cast iron cookware.

Each cast iron form has its own purposes, and thus comes with a variety of features. On a Dutch oven there is the handle, which should be coiled to stay cool enough to lift after the oven is hot, as well as a lid with its own handle, designed with the option of removing it with or without the handle up. Many skillets come with lids, which is great for cooking fish, vegetables, or biscuits. Griddles come round with handles or without. It is up to you to decide what types of cast iron pieces will be most useful to you. Start with something basic, and then covet and collect different varieties as you go.