My love for Griswold cast iron cookware began about 30 years ago. For the longest time I had only the one 6″ skillet. Gradually, it dawned on me that of all my cookware, the Griswold skillet was the one I would grab again and again to cook with.
That first Griswold skillet was seasoned perfectly, so nothing stuck to it. And of course, no other cookware conducts heat as evenly as good cast iron. Whether cooking with gas or electric, I soon learned that all types of Griswold cast iron could be depended on for even cooking. And whether a batch of spaghetti sauce or a large Dutch oven of chili, sticking was never a problem.
Alas, the Griswold Manufacturing Company–an American manufacturer of cast iron home products founded in Erie, Pennsylvania–is no more. It began in 1865 and finally closed in 1957. The company had a world-wide reputation for its high-quality cast iron cookware, which today are collector’s items. A quick search on eBay shows that Griswold items, particular the more desirable or rare ones, can sell for hundreds of dollars each.
Searches at yard sales, flea markets, and such netted me a couple of nice Griswold pieces. But even at estate auctions, people know the value of it and will bid it up. (Unlike many formerly-owned cooking items, the well-seasoned cast iron that has been previously used is prized). It may be difficult to find additional pieces for a reasonable cost. Some say Wagner cast iron is just as good, but I have to disagree.Continue reading“Loving My Griswold Cast Iron Cookware”
