Cast iron frying pan-picking the right one

Hi Paul,
I have purchased the Lodge Logic skillet but I am going to return it based on your article.
So I see that Griswold is the best and Wagner not far behind. Would you say that I should go for Griswold only? Considering that the pan will last me many years.

Most likely I am going to end up with a used one. I do not think that there are that many not used ones around, are there? That being the case should I try to strip the pan even if it is not rusty or has no bits stuck to it? Since I do not know what the people were doing with it. There might also be some residues of dust/dirt on it as well.

You recommend a pan #10. What does it mean?
When I looked around I noticed that there are many different specifications, markings, numbers (6,8,34 etc.)that go with a description. On some of them it says Eria. Some are hammered, some have a porcelain coat, different logos etc. I cannot decipher this stuff. What should I look for when picking the right pan?
What size is best? It will be for 2 people.

I am looking forward to your reply.

Thank you.
Alina

I heard that Griswold and Wagner were the best, too, but they aren't available where I live.

I managed to import a Lodge and, despite Paul's view in his article, it has been fantastic. I don't understand the number system either, but I bought an 8" Lodge frying pan and it's fine for frying eggs, or two pork chops at a time, but too small for family meals. I then bought an 11 1/2 " Lodge, and it's equally fantastic. And then someone gave me a thirty year old 12" Skeppshult frying pan, again totally fantastic but kind of classier looking with a stainless steel handle. I love it, but if I had to buy new I would go for the Lodge as it's about a quarter of the price.

Here's a photo of my son frying eggs in the larger Lodge - better than any non-stick pan I've ever used or even seen.

Alina,

Thanks for sending me an email to come to this thread. You did everything exactly the way I like: post, and then if no response within a few days, email me with the link.

I'm gonna say that the wagner and the griswold are the same in my book. Griswold is older and is gonna have more of a name.

The numbers refer to different sizes. A #10 seems to be the most popular size of skillet for family cooking. A #8 is a bit smaller and good for a couple. A #6 or #5 is a size that might be used for a person cooking for themselves.

Griswold and Wagner have not been made for many years. It would be rare to find a new one - unused. I did get a phone call from the company that makes wagner/griswold and it sounds like they might have a few in production now and they are thinking of putting more into production soon. But I think for your needs right now, you should probably look to ebay or local second hand stores.

I don't worry about "erie" or different shapes of logos and stuff - that is for the collectors. I would not want one with any paint on it.