All Lodge Cast Iron Products

About Lodge Cast Iron

Lodge Cast Iron was founded in 1896 in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and remains family-owned and operated from the same location over 125 years later. It is the oldest continuously operating cast iron cookware manufacturer in the United States. Lodge produces its cookware from 100% freshly mined iron, not recycled industrial scrap, and seasons every piece with a proprietary vegetable oil coating before it leaves the foundry. The result is a naturally non-stick surface that improves with every use. Lodge's range spans pre-seasoned cast iron, enamelled cast iron, carbon steel, and bakeware, including pieces made specifically for the Canadian market.

The Lodge Cast Iron Range

Lodge produces several distinct product lines, each suited to different cooking styles and preferences:

1. Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron

   • Lodge's core line of cast iron cookware and bakeware arrives factory-seasoned and ready to cook. The natural vegetable oil seasoning builds with use, creating a surface that releases food cleanly and becomes more non-stick over time. Compatible with gas, electric, induction, and open flame, and oven-safe with no temperature limit.

2. Enamelled Cast Iron

   • Lodge's enamelled cast iron line brings the heat retention and durability of cast iron with a smooth porcelain-enamel interior that requires no seasoning and won't react with acidic ingredients. Ideal for braises, soups, and slow-cooked dishes. Available in a range of colours.

3. Carbon Steel

   • Lodge carbon steel is lighter than cast iron with similarly excellent heat retention and a naturally non-stick seasoned surface. It heats and responds faster than cast iron, making it well-suited to high-heat searing, sautéing, and wok-style cooking. Like cast iron, it improves with every cook.

4. Canadiana Collection

   • Lodge produces limited-edition cast iron pieces for the Canadian market, featuring Canadian-themed designs pressed directly into the cooking surface. These function identically to Lodge's standard cast iron cookware and are available at Williams Food Equipment while supplies last.

What Makes Lodge Cast Iron Different

Several characteristics set Lodge apart from other cast iron cookware brands:

• Freshly mined iron. Lodge casts from virgin iron ore, not recycled industrial scrap. This matters because reclaimed iron from old machinery can carry contaminants. Lodge's raw material is clean from the start.
• Factory seasoning. Every piece of Lodge seasoned cast iron is finished with a proprietary vegetable oil coating baked into the surface before shipping. No prep required. It is ready to cook the day it arrives.
• Exceptional heat retention. Cast iron holds heat far longer than stainless or non-stick pans. This gives you a consistent cooking surface, essential for a proper sear, a golden crust, or maintaining frying temperature when food hits the pan.
• Versatile cooking range. Lodge cast iron moves from stovetop to oven to campfire without issue. There are no plastic handles, no non-stick coatings that degrade at high heat, and no temperature restrictions on the seasoned line.
• Built to last generations. With basic care, washing, drying, and a light oil after each use, Lodge cast iron will outlast non-stick cookware many times over and can be passed down in excellent condition.

Caring for Your Lodge Cast Iron

Lodge cast iron is low-maintenance, but it does need a few specific steps to stay in good shape:

1. Wash by hand

   Rinse with hot water and use a stiff brush or chain mail scrubber to remove food residue. A small amount of mild soap is fine. The idea that soap ruins cast iron is a myth when used occasionally. Never put Lodge seasoned cast iron in the dishwasher.

2. Dry immediately and thoroughly

   Towel dry right after washing, then place the pan over low heat on the stovetop for a minute or two to drive off any remaining moisture. Water left on cast iron causes rust.

3. Apply a light coat of oil

   While still warm, rub a very thin layer of neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or flaxseed) over the entire surface with a paper towel. This protects the seasoning and keeps the surface building toward non-stick with every use.

4. Store in a dry place

   Store uncovered or with a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture. Avoid sealing cast iron in airtight containers or stacking without protection, which can trap humidity and cause rust over time.

Lodge enamelled cast iron is easier to maintain. Hand wash with warm soapy water and no seasoning is required. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as placing a very hot pan under cold water, which can crack the enamel.

Lodge Cast Iron at Williams Food Equipment

Williams Food Equipment has carried Lodge Cast Iron for years as part of a curated selection of professional-grade kitchen equipment trusted since 1968. We stock Lodge's full range of seasoned cast iron, enamelled cast iron, and carbon steel cookware, including Lodge's limited-edition Canadian pieces while available.

FAQs

Where is Lodge Cast Iron made?

Lodge Cast Iron is made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, USA. The company has operated from the same foundry since 1896 and remains one of the few cookware manufacturers still producing in America.

Does Lodge cast iron come pre-seasoned?

Yes. All Lodge seasoned cast iron arrives factory-seasoned with a vegetable oil coating baked into the surface. It is ready to cook immediately and no initial seasoning is required.

Is Lodge cast iron induction-compatible?

Yes. Lodge cast iron and carbon steel are both compatible with induction cooktops. Lodge enamelled cast iron is also induction-safe.

Is Lodge cast iron oven-safe?

Lodge seasoned cast iron has no stated maximum oven temperature and can handle anything a standard oven will produce. Lodge enamelled cast iron is oven-safe to 260°C (500°F). Always check the specific product listing to confirm.

Can I use Lodge cast iron on a campfire or BBQ?

Yes. Lodge seasoned cast iron is designed for open-flame and outdoor cooking. It performs equally well over a campfire, on a gas grill, or on a stovetop burner.

What is the difference between Lodge cast iron and Lodge enamelled cast iron?

Lodge seasoned cast iron has a natural iron cooking surface that requires seasoning and ongoing oiling but builds a progressively better non-stick layer. Lodge enamelled cast iron has a porcelain enamel coating, requires no seasoning, and is safe for acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus. Enamelled pieces are ideal for braises, soups, and sauces. Seasoned cast iron excels at searing, frying, and baking.

How do I remove rust from Lodge cast iron?

Scrub the rusted area with steel wool or a chain mail scrubber and hot water until the rust is gone, then dry the pan thoroughly over heat. Apply a thin coat of oil and bake the pan in the oven at 230°C (450°F) for one hour to restore the seasoning. Rust does not ruin cast iron and it can almost always be fully recovered.

Is Lodge cast iron worth it?

Lodge cast iron offers one of the best value propositions in cookware. A well-maintained piece will last decades and perform better over time, unlike non-stick pans that degrade within a few years. For anyone who cooks regularly, especially at high heat or outdoors, Lodge is a long-term investment that pays off quickly.

Does Lodge make cast iron for the Canadian market?

Yes. Lodge periodically produces limited-edition cast iron cookware designed specifically for Canadian customers, featuring Canadian-themed designs pressed into the cooking surface. Williams Food Equipment carries these pieces while stock is available.