Vintage Cast Iron Cookware

How to inspect a Griswold cast iron skillet?

After deciding to buy your first Griswold skillet, it starts to get exciting. You can walk around flea markets and garage sales looking for those hidden treasures. But before you purchase the skillet or begin the negotiation process, you want to inspect the pan for any flaws and other negatives to avoid overpaying.

In this article, you can learn how to inspect a Griswold cast iron skillet. So you feel comfortable talking to sellers and buying your first vintage frying pan. I also hope the article prevents you from overpaying for your first Griswold pan.

This article is the third in the series for noncollectors to enjoy Griswold skillets. Below are more informative articles in the series.

Should I buy a rusty Griswold?
Here are the pros and cons of purchasing a rusty skillet.
Carefully inspect the pan for cracks.
The Griswold logo matters for asking prices.
Does the pan rock or wobble?
Are there indentations on the back?
Should I buy a Griswold skillet with utensil scratches?
The benefits of buying a restored Griswold pan.
Check the skillet for defects to avoid overpaying.

Inspect Griswold skillets — Before you buy an antique Griswold skillet, you need to inspect the condition of the pan.

How to check a Griswold cast iron skillet for defects before purchasing?

Should I buy a rusty Griswold?

Try not to look past a skillet if it has rust, especially if it’s a Griswold. Often you can pick up a rusty skillet at a much lower price. And you can remove the rust with some know-how. And many informative youtube videos can give you step-by-step instructions if you want to take this route.

However, rust can hide problems that even the most experienced collector what not be able to see. And it may cost you more money in the long run. So it could make more sense to purchase a restored pan.

Here are the pros and cons of purchasing a rusty skillet.

Rust can hide problems such as hairline cracks.
Rust can hide a scarce logo.
You can often purchase a rusty skillet a lot cheaper.
It will take time and know-how to restore a cast-iron skillet.

Carefully inspect the pan for cracks.

Checking the pan for cracks is the most important thing you do before purchasing. It is a lot easier to inspect the pan when you can pick it up with your hands. Unfortunately, you can not check the pan if you are purchasing online. And it is best practice to contact the seller and ask them if the skillet has any cracks.

Griswold skillets are highly collectible. But if it has a crack, I wouldn’t buy it. And here’s why.

It may not be safe to fry food. And the pan could be a fire risk if oil dips into an electric element or gas burner.
A hairline crack will also reduce the collectibility of the skillet.
Hairline cracks negatively impact the value of the skillet.

Check to see which Griswold logo is on the skillet.

When you inspect a Griswold skillet, you need to recognize the logo and markings to avoid overpaying. A skillet with a large block or slant logo will cost more than a small block logo.

Some sellers may not know the difference, so it’s good for you to be aware of the different logos to avoid overpaying.

But just keep in mind a Griswold cast iron skillet with a small logo will cook just as well as one with a large block logo. And the cooking surface is just as smooth. So if you see a Griswold skillet at a fair price, go for it.

Learn how to tell the age of a Griswold skillet by clinking the link.

Does the pan rock or wobble? Then the skillet is warped.

When you inspect a skillet, you want to check for movement in the pan. Often buyers want a pan that sits completely flat, but many Griswold pans will have some rock on a flat surface.

And the seller may be open to more negotiation if the skillet is not flat. And a small rock will not affect the usability of the frypan.

However, if the pan spins on the flat surface, it could render the pan unusable or dangerous on the stovetop. In this case, the skillet has a downward bow and is impossible to fix without extreme measures.

Should you buy a Griswold with sulfur pitting?

The indentations on the base of antique cast-iron cookware is known as pitting. Pitting is more of an issue on older pans such as early Wagner and Erie skillets. But on any vintage skillet is not unusual to see some pitting.

Pitting does not affect the pan’s cooking performance. But again, buyers and collectors want the logo in perfect condition. So this could present you with an opportunity to purchase an excellent quality pan at a slightly lower price.

Should I buy a Griswold skillet with utensil scratches?

Often people hear Griswold skillets are the best, but they are disappointed when they see the cooking surface. On most Griswold pans, there will be some utensil scratches or pitting on the cooking surface.

After decades of use, you have to expect some utensil scratches and other wear and tear. I have found this be on the case on many number 5 pans. And I think this is from owners cutting pies or cornbread while still in the pan.

Seasoning will likely fill in light utensil scratches over time. And you can remove scratches with some elbow grease. Therefore do not expect the seller to budge too much to the initial asking price.

Should I buy a restored Griswold skillet?

Buying a Griswold skillet in the restored condition is the most expensive way to purchase a pan. But it’s often the most practical way of buying a vintage skillet.

The restorer removes any rust and buildup from the pan and applies a fresh layer of seasoning. So you can check for any defects and faults in the skillet like the ones mentioned above. And cracks should be more visible.

Griswold skillets are excellent pans to use and collect. To learn about the best vintage cast iron skillets, click the link.