Lodge
Lodge Manufacturing is one of America's oldest cookware companies in continuous operation. Founded by Joseph Lodge in 1896, the company remains family-owned and operates from the same Tennessee town where it started over 125 years ago. Lodge offers the best value for BIFL cast iron cookware.
Quick Facts
Founded
1896
Headquarters
South Pittsburg, Tennessee
Country
USA
Warranty
Lifetime
Why Lodge is Buy It For Life
A Lodge skillet takes about 2.5 hours to manufacture and lasts a lifetime, only getting better with use. The company has cast iron skillets still in use from over 100 years ago. In 2002, Lodge became the first to pre-season their products in the foundry. Their 10.25" skillet is the best-selling cast iron pan in America.
Brand Story
Joseph Lodge built the Lodge Manufacturing Company foundry in 1896 in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. The town's location near iron ore and limestone made it ideal for iron casting. Today, the company is run by the 5th generation of the Lodge family. In 2002, they pioneered factory pre-seasoning, making cast iron accessible to beginners.
Warranty Details
Lodge offers a lifetime warranty on all cast iron and carbon steel products against manufacturing defects. The warranty covers cracking, warping from normal use, and defects in the iron. It does not cover rust (which is user-correctable) or damage from misuse. Lodge enameled products have a limited lifetime warranty.
Repair Program
Cast iron doesn't need traditional repairs - it's virtually indestructible. If your Lodge develops rust, it can be fully restored with steel wool and re-seasoning. Lodge provides detailed care instructions on their website. For warranty claims on defective products, contact their customer service with photos for replacement.
Sustainability
Lodge manufactures all cast iron and carbon steel products in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, USA. Their foundry uses recycled scrap iron, including old Lodge cookware. The company installed solar panels and focuses on energy efficiency. Cast iron's extreme durability means less cookware in landfills.
Notable Products
10.25" Cast Iron Skillet
Combo Cooker
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Double Burner Griddle
Carbon Steel Skillet
Enameled Dutch Oven
More Kitchen Brands
View All BrandsLe Creuset
Le Creuset is a French cookware manufacturer known for its colorful, enameled cast-iron cookware. Founded in 1925 by Armand De Saegher and Octave Aubecq, the company has been producing its signature Dutch ovens (cocottes) at the same foundry for nearly 100 years, backed by a lifetime warranty.
All-Clad
All-Clad was founded by metallurgist John Ulam, who held over 75 metal crafting patents. He applied his knowledge of bonding metals to cookware, creating the signature cladded construction where metals are sandwiched together for superior heat distribution.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid was born from Hobart Manufacturing when engineer Herbert Johnston watched a baker mixing dough by hand and believed there was a better way. The stand mixer was named when an executive's wife said "it's the best kitchen aid I ever had."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lodge cast iron good quality?
Yes, Lodge cast iron is excellent quality and represents the best value for BIFL cast iron. While the surface is slightly rougher than vintage or premium cast iron, this has no impact on cooking performance once seasoned. Lodge skillets have been passed down through multiple generations and can literally last forever with basic care.
How do you season a Lodge cast iron skillet?
Lodge skillets come pre-seasoned and ready to use. To maintain or build up seasoning: wash with hot water (minimal soap is fine), dry completely, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil, and heat in a 450F oven for one hour. Cooking with oils and fats builds seasoning naturally. Avoid soaking in water or putting in the dishwasher.
Is Lodge cast iron made in America?
Yes, all Lodge cast iron and carbon steel cookware is made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, USA. The same foundry has been in operation since 1896. Lodge is one of the last remaining American cast iron manufacturers. Their enameled cast iron line is made overseas, but traditional cast iron is 100% American-made.
Lodge vs Le Creuset: which should I buy?
Lodge and Le Creuset serve different purposes. Lodge makes traditional bare cast iron that requires seasoning but costs $20-40 for a skillet. Le Creuset makes enameled cast iron that doesn't need seasoning but costs $200-400. For skillets and daily frying, Lodge is the better value. For Dutch ovens and braising, both work well - Le Creuset offers easier cleanup while Lodge offers better value.
How long does Lodge cast iron last?
Lodge cast iron lasts indefinitely with proper care - essentially forever. The company has documented skillets from the early 1900s still in regular use. Cast iron can be fully restored from rust or neglect through stripping and re-seasoning. Unlike non-stick pans that need replacement every few years, a Lodge skillet is a one-time purchase for life.
Explore Related Guides
Looking for More BIFL Recommendations?
Explore our guides for detailed product reviews and recommendations across all categories.