The best cast iron cookware made in the USA is easy and delightful to use. It provides superior performance when compared to other types of cookware, and it lasts forever. Home cooks and chefs alike choose the best cast iron cookware for making fabulous meals.
American-Made Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware is my absolute go-to choice for cooking in my kitchen. Why you may ask? Well, it might be because of the memories I have from my childhood. I grew up in the south where biscuits and fried chicken are sacred rituals performed in the kitchen. Part of those rituals includes baking and frying in cast iron skillets. My mom’s biscuits still rival any others on the planet. She has a gift, I tell you! And my Aunt Frankie’s fried chicken? Virtually everything else pales in comparison.
While I can’t make biscuits or fried chicken like the matriarchs in my family, I have managed to muster up my own specialties when I cook with cast iron cookware, and so can you. The not-so-great news is that cooking with this type of high-quality cookware does require a little patience and learning.
The good news is that once you’ve learned, you’ll find searing, baking, frying, and stewing on this type of cookware is unlike anything you can perform on nonstick or other types of cookware. The more it gets used and the better it is seasoned, cast iron cookware, particularly American-made brands, creates a naturally nonstick finish. This natural, smooth surface is different from certain stainless steel cookware or aluminum products with chemical-based coatings.
But before we go any further, let’s take a quick culinary journey back in time about cast iron.
Related: Cast Iron Cooking: Try This Meaty Dutch Oven Chili Recipe
History of Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware dates back to as early as 220 AD when the Chinese and other Asian cultures discovered they could use something similar to a cauldron to cook over an open flame.
Fast forward to the 1700s, when Abraham Darby discovered a less time-consuming and expensive way of making cast iron through a different process of green sand castings. Darby’s invention made cast iron cookware more available to others.
When stoves were invented in the mid-1800s, cast iron was the go-to method for cooking and remained popular for cooking both inside and outdoors. Then, in the 1960s, non-stick aluminum hit the market. Because these coatings enabled cookware to heat and cool more quickly, they became the new choice for cooking.
Cooking in cast iron continued its decline when much of its production, like so many products, went overseas. Less than stellar cast iron cookware began being produced.
But cooking with cast iron never truly went out of style, nor did a handful of USA companies abandon the making of this cookware. Influenced by chefs, concerned about the chemicals in nonstick coatings, a resurgence of traditional cooking, and a desire to cook more outdoors, cast iron cookware continues to grow in popularity and use.
What is Cast Iron?
Simply put, melted iron, steel, and a few other materials combine to make cast iron. The liquid is poured into a mold made from water, sand, and powder. When the liquid has cooled and the mold is removed, the result is that heavy, beautiful cast iron skillet, dutch oven, griddle, or other cookware.
Reasons for Buying Cast Iron Cookware
Reasons abound for buying and using cast iron cookware. These reasons especially prove to be true when you buy American-made cast iron cookware because of its superior quality.
- Ease of Use: I outline below how to care for your cast iron cookware. Once you have achieved that glorious “seasoned” level, your cookware develops its own non-stick surface. All you do is heat it, cook with it, and clean it.
- Superior Performance: Want the best sear on your salmon or steak? Do you crave a great crunch to your cornbread? Begging for a crispy char on your Brussels sprouts? Pining for pan pizza? (I could keep going, but I won’t). You can get all of this in a single pan made from cast iron.
- Excellent Heat Retention: Whether you’re using a Dutch oven or griddle outside over a grill or direct flame, or you’re cooking on a smooth stove top indoors, you’ll find cast iron keeps its heat like nothing else.
- A Lifetime of Use: I have replaced three cookware sets not made in the USA because they just don’t last a long time as cast iron does.
- “Clean” Cooking: That coating on your cookware might make it easy to flip your eggs, but its production pollutes the planet, and some people are greatly concerned about its safety for your health. Not so much with cast iron.
Proper Care for Cast Iron Cookware
Caring for your cast iron cookware is easy and requires just a couple of added quick steps than regular cookware.
1) As soon as you receive your cookware, season it, even if it comes pre-seasoned from the manufacturer. Wash it with warm water and just a dot of liquid soap. Dry thoroughly.
2) Rub vegetable oil or canola oil all over your pan using a soft cloth or paper towel. Remove any excess oil. Some manufacturers use organic flaxseed oil, but others maintain flaxseed oil flakes. Olive oil has a low smoke point and should not be used.
3) Place the pan in a preheated oven set at high heat, around 450°F, and let it heat for 30 minutes. Remove it from the oven, let it cool, and repeat this process.
4) After cooking with cast iron, wash it with hot water and a drop of liquid dish soap. Dry immediately, and re-season with a layer of oil.
By following these steps, your cast iron cookware will develop a smooth finish and stick-free surface, great for everyday use in your cooking arsenal.
Why Choose Made in the USA Cast Iron?
While several countries make some great cast iron products (think Le Creuset or Staub in France), the United States makes some of the best cast iron cookware on the market. Several other reviews I read seem to confirm this choice, as it appears non-USA sourced cast iron arrives with an overly-rough surface or is cracked.
Check out the video below to learn about Borough Furnace made in USA cast iron manufacturing.
Cooks covet vintage pans from USA companies that once upon a time made high-quality cast iron cookware but are no longer in business. You, too, might just score a Griswold or Wagner cast iron skillet when browsing flea markets, antique stores, or auctions. These brands with their American-made craftsmanship are still considered the best of the best, even though these vintage pieces are no longer made. Be prepared to pay a high price for these amazing but highly sought-after, American-made products.
Best Cast Iron Cookware Made in the USA
Appalachian Cast Iron Co.
Appalachian Cast Iron Company makes jeweled skillets of several sizes in Tennessee. It’s probably best known for its first design, the Great American Waffle Iron which cooks up excellent waffles on gas, coil top, and glass top stoves. Its split sphere design enables the waffle maker to also be used as a sandwich press. Appalachian Cast Iron Company provides a lifetime warranty that covers materials and workmanship. The company is a Veteran-owned and operated business and offers free shipping.
Borough Furnace
Located in the New York Finger Lakes, Borough Furnace is a family-owned business where owners John and Liz actually make their own castings and machine their own tooling to make their cast iron skillets and dutch ovens, with more products on the way. The late Anthony Bourdain gave praise to this company whose products are made in small batches with a contemporary design. The 5.5-quart dutch oven is perfect for making bread. One other notable characteristic of Borough Furnace is that it makes its enameled cast iron dutch ovens in the USA, whereas other companies make them offshore. Shop the Borough Furnace website or Uncrate.
Butter Pat Industries
Butter Pat Industries is located in Maryland and employs foundrymen, designers, artists, and engineers in its home state as well as Pennsylvania and Virginia. Use these lightweight but well-made cast iron skillets and pots on gas, electric, live fire, or on a smooth cooking surface such as induction or ceramic. The handles are designed to place less stress on the wrist and to allow for easy maneuvering. These products are 100% sourced and hand-cast in the USA. Butter Pat Industries offers a 100-year guarantee.
Field Company
Two brothers started on a curiosity quest of trying to figure out what made their maternal grandmother’s cast iron so special. Through several twists, turns, and epiphanies, they found their way, and Field Company was born. Field Company makes skillets (some with double handles), griddles, and dutch ovens. Its offices are in New York City, with production and fulfillment operations in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The company provides free shipping in the continental United States on orders of $150 or more. Shop the Field Company website.
Related article: Made in USA Cookware: Source List for Pots & Pans
FINEX
Finex, based in Portland, Oregon, is a small team of designers, cooks, and craftspeople dedicated to making beautiful cast iron cookware. Its distinctive octagonal design serves both form and function, elevating the look of each piece while also making it easier to pour from or release food. The coiled handles reflect those found on old cast iron stoves but also cool quicker than other handles. Choose from Finex skillets, grill pans, double burner griddles, dutch ovens, and cast iron sets. Shop on the Finex website, or find select products online at Amazon, Sur La Table, and Williams-Sonoma.
Grizzly Cookware
Grizzly Cookware is a female-led, veteran-owned, North Carolina maker of nickel-coated cast iron cookware. These products are 100% made in the USA. The electroless nickel used to coat the cast iron is an alternative to the chip-prone enameled cast iron. It provides a smoother surface and enables the cookware to be cleaned more easily. Note: Currently, Grizzly Cookware is out of stock of its skillets. This entry will be updated when the products become available again. The company does sell gift cards.
Lancaster Cast Iron
Lancaster Cast Iron's new cast iron skillets just might bear the closest resemblance to the vintage Griswold skillet, and for good reason. Co-founder Mark Longenecker used his dad's Griswold as inspiration for a Lancaster Cast Iron skillet that's lighter in weight than other cast-iron cookware. Known as the “Lancaster No. 8” and “Lancaster No. 10,” these skillets also have large pour spouts and are completely made in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Shop on the Lancaster Cast Iron website, or find the 10-inch and 10.5-inch skillets on Amazon.
Lodge Cast Iron
Lodge Cast Iron has two Tennessee facilities where it makes its seasoned cast iron, carbon steel, and heat-treated cast iron products. Named after its founder, Joseph Lodge, the company has been in business since 1896, making it the oldest cast iron cookware company in the industry. It’s also probably the best-known of all the companies since its products are sold seemingly everywhere, from big box stores to mom-and-pop camping supply retailers. Lodge Manufacturing Company makes a heavy skillet that comes in numerous sizes, along with dutch ovens, griddles, grill pans, and much more. A personal favorite is the Lodge Camp Dutch Oven that’s offered in several sizes and comes pre-seasoned. All you need to add is the open fire and ingredients! Note: Lodge Cast Iron’s enameled cast iron IS NOT MADE in the USA. Shop on the Lodge Cast Iron website, onAmazon or local retailers such as Walmart, Target, Cabela’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Nest Homeware
Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Nest Homeware makes cast iron cookware with ergonomically-shaped handles that look like beautiful tree branches. These longer handles remain cooler to the touch. These artfully-designed skillets, dutch ovens, braising pans, and self-basting lids come pre-seasoned. Buy one or buy the full set. The products are machined in Pennsylvania. Shop online at Nest Homeware, Weston Table, or Huckberry
Smithey Ironware Co.
Isaac Morton founded Smithey Ironware Co. by studying classic vintage brands. Calling his products “Modern heirlooms” (I agree with his terminology), this Charleston, South Carolina-based small business makes a number of cast iron Smithey skillets, along with a grill pan, two sizes of dutch ovens, and a carbon steel wok (which I’m currently swooning over!). Buy an entire set for a reasonable price! Some products are engravable, making great gifts or heirloom pieces. Smithey offers free shipping on orders of $250 and up, and special pricing to active duty service members and veterans. Shop on the Smithey Ironware Co. website or on Huckberry
Stargazer Cast Iron
Peter Huntley founded Stargazer Cast Iron in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, when he couldn’t find a cast iron skillet from American manufacturers to his liking. Huntley applies modern technology to his new cast iron cookware. These are lighter than their vintage counterparts, and they have a micro-textured surface. They’re also made with a drip-free flared rim that allows for easier pouring. Pictured is the 13.5-inch cast iron braiser. Stargazer Cast Iron employs sustainable production practices in order to minimize its environmental footprint. The skillets are 100% made in the USA.
Have you visited our Made in USA Shopping District? It is the place to start your shopping when you want to find the best of American-made.
Check out these other great articles from USA Love List!
- Made in USA Cookware: Source List for Pots & Pans
- Mushroom Stuffed London Broil Cast Iron Recipe
- American Made Appliances: A Made in USA Source List of Kitchen Appliances & Household Appliances
- Kitchen Utensils Made In USA: A Source List
- Toasters Made in the USA: The Search Continues
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I Can’t Believe LODGE Even Made This List !! Are You Just Pandering to Those Who Know Nothing of Iron ?
What’s wrong with Lodge? They are a solid source for made in USA cast iron pans and they are available in major stores. If there is more we should know or if there are other brands you love, please do share in the comments here. The articles on this site are updated at least a couple of times a year so the editors will see your notes. Thank you for helping us all!
Lodge manufacturers their seasoned skillets in the USA. I do believe some of their stuff may be made in other countries such as their enameled cookware is made in China – but that definitely shouldn’t exclude them. They are apart of what’s keeping cast iron affordable to many individuals!
My company Cookware Care is launching a new patent pending product that aims to make seasoning cast iron & carbon steel cookware incredibly easy and convenient while producing a higher quality seasoned layer. We are expecting to launch our innovative product in Q1 2024.