If you are looking for an antique skillet, you will come across one name time after time: Griswold. Griswold cast iron is the name to buy among collectors and vintage cast iron cooks. But if you are new to antique ironware, you will not know what to look for when purchasing your first Griswold skillet. So, this article is for those who want to buy their first Griswold skillet and have a few questions before purchasing.
The article is the first in a series to help noncollectors buy, use, and enjoy their Griswold skillets. Click the link below for more articles.
- Where can you find vintage Griswold skillets?
- How do you identify faults in the pan before buying your first skillet?
- Is my skillet worth anything?
- The reasons Griswold cast iron costs so much
- What makes Griswold cast iron so good?
This Article Will Cover The Following Questions.
- Should I buy a Griswold skillet?
- Are Griswold skillets better than other vintage skillets?
- Buying restored cast iron vs. unrestored ironware.
- How much should I pay for a Griswold skillet?
- Heat ring vs. a flat bottom skillet.
- Choosing your favorite logo
- Should I buy online?
- Why you should take your time.
- Should you buy a Griswold skillet? Final thoughts
Should You Buy A Griswold Skillet?
Are Griswold Skillets Any Good?
Buying your first vintage skillet is fun and exciting, and many look to Griswold because they hear it is the best name to collect. Griswold Manufacturing manufactures high-quality ironware. The ironware is lighter than that of large-scale manufacturers, and the cooking surface is smoother.
Many of the pans are over one hundred years old. And are still usable today. If you buy a Griswold, you can expect a quality pan that will last another hundred years with proper care.
Griswold started as a small company but became a manufacturing powerhouse. Click the link to learn more about the history of Griswold.
Are Griswold Skillets Any Good?
Buying your first vintage skillet is fun and exciting, and many look to Griswold because they hear it is the best name to collect. Griswold Manufacturing manufactures high-quality ironware. The ironware is lighter than that of large-scale manufacturers, and the cooking surface is smoother.
Many of the pans are over one hundred years old. And are still usable today. If you buy a Griswold, you can expect a quality pan that will last another hundred years with proper care.
Griswold started as a small company but became a manufacturing powerhouse. Click the link to learn more about the history of Griswold.
Why Buy A Griswold Skillet?
Unlike collectors and enthusiasts, you may want a single pan. So, choosing a Griswold is a fantastic option. You know Griswold is a respected brand to collect and fun to use. And if you want to pass down your skillet to the next generation. Then Griswold skillets and heirloom ironware make great talking points.
Are Griswold Skillets Worth It?
It makes sense if you can pick up a skillet within your budget. And because Griswold made high-quality ironware, it is a safe choice. The cooking surface will be smooth, and food will release more freely on vintage pans.
But prices have risen dramatically over the past few years. And out of reach for many buyers. Sellers have also noticed that Griswold is the name to collect and are asking astronomical prices. In many cases, they are asking above and beyond market value. And you have to ask yourself how much you want to pay for a frying pan.
And there are other brands available if you prefer buying a vintage without paying for the Griswold name.
To become familiar with other vintage ironware, click the link.
Are Griswold Skillets Better Than Other Vintage Skillets?
Griswold has the best reputation when it comes to antique cast iron. And you really can’t go wrong with one of their pans. However, I would not pass up a skillet from another foundry if the opportunity presented itself.
Wagner Ware is an obvious alternative to Griswold. Their cast iron is equally impressive. You can expect the Wagner Ware to be smooth, light, and on par with Griswold.
And you do not need a Griswold to have a great piece of vintage ironware. Many of the manufacturers of the mid-20th century manufactured excellent quality cast iron cookware.
Should I Buy Restored Cast Iron Or Unrestored Ironware?
You will likely see restored and unrestored skillets when shopping for vintage cast iron. And I recommend taking a look at restored skillets. Undoubtedly, restorers make money from selling cast iron they clean and reseason. But they will remove the built-up crud on the pan and are proficient at seasoning cast iron.
Many restorers will set up an electrolysis tank. It is the safest way to restore antique ironware and return the skillet to bare metal. It is a time-consuming process that most of us are unwilling to do.
But it also comes down to your budget and the seller’s asking price. And if you want to find a bargain, it will likely come in as-is condition.
Vintage cast iron is highly sought-after, and there are many places to buy a Griswold skillet. Click the link to find out where you need to start your search.
How Much Should I Pay For A Griswold Skillet?
There is no definitive selling or buying price for any antique. Prices could fluctuate depending on the number of buyers and other pans available.
And I recommend clicking on the eBay sold and completed listing for current Griswold selling prices. Just keep in mind that these are online prices that often run higher than flea markets or garage sales.
Should Buy A Smooth Bottom Pan Or A Skillet With A Heat Ring?
It is really up to you. A skillet with a smooth bottom is just like a modern pan. However, skillets with a heat ring were for coal and wood ranges. Both choices are great and will not affect the results of your meals. However, if deciding which to buy, ask yourself two questions.
- Do you want to collect Griswold cast iron?
- Do you need a skillet to cook great meals?
Griswold skillets with heat rings are more sought-after by collectors, and they command a higher price than skillets without a heat ring. If you want a collectible Griswold, go for a skillet with a heat ring. But if you want a pan for cooking, a smooth bottom pan is a great choice.
What would I do? I’d buy a Griswold skillet with a heat ring if your budget allows. It is just my personal preference. I think skillets with heat rings have more character and that old-world charm.
Choosing Your Favorite Logo
If you rush into purchasing the first Griswold, you risk buying one with a logo you do not like. Griswold skillets are not cheap pans. I recommend you familiarize yourself with the markings and logos Griswold has used. Pans with the Large Block and Slant logos will also sell for higher prices and are more collectible. Skillets with a small logo tend to sell for a lower price.
But both large and small logo pans will cook food equally as well. I have also seen skillets with a small logo and a beautiful cooking surface.
To learn about the Griswold markings and logos, click the link.
Should I Buy Online?
Purchasing a Griswold online is an excellent option. There is usually a wide selection of skillets available. And you can get an idea of the asking prices. But remember to check the description carefully before purchasing, and do not be afraid to ask questions.
After all, a Griswold skillet is a big purchase, and it’s in the buyer’s and seller’s interest to ensure you are happy with your purchase.
One of the most critical questions is whether the skillet sits flat. Some movement is fine, but you don’t want a pan that spins on your stovetop.
Another consideration is buying from a seller that specializes in cast iron. Not only is the description likely to be accurate, but the seller will know the importance of securely wrapping the skillet for shipment.
Take Your Time And Enjoy The Search.
Searching for your first Griswold pan is half the fun. Now, you could be lucky enough to find one in a Goodwill store at a bargain-basement price on your first day of cast iron hunting. And in this case, I recommend jumping at the chance if the pan is in good shape.
However, if you are going to buy online or from a reputable restorer, I recommend taking your time. You will be surprised how many pans are available. And I think one of the biggest mistakes is rushing your purchase. I understand your excitement and thrill when you purchase your first Griswold piece of ironware.
But, I think many collectors would agree that taking your time is the number one tip we can give new vintage cast iron buyers. And this is especially important if you want to buy yourself a Griswold pan.
It would be best to remember vintage skillets will have flaws and faults in the iron. And this will, of course, affect the value of the pan.
Should You Buy A Griswold Skillet?
Hopefully, you now have the confidence to buy your first vintage skillet. Griswold skillets are good pans; you should feel proud to cook with one. Buying a Griswold skillet preserves these old skillets for the next generation. But I recommend you take your time and enjoy learning about these old pans. And by taking your time, you are more likely to find a pan you like and less likely to overpay.
I hope this helps, and enjoy the search.
