Blog: Cast Iron Basics and Discussions

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Now Exclusively @ castandclarabell.com! Handmade kitchen utensils and accessories!

Now Exclusively @ castandclarabell.com! Handmade kitchen utensils and accessories!

We’re proud to partner with Husted Home, a Pennsylvania maker creating handmade wooden kitchen tools from responsibly sourced salvaged hardwood. Explore our new collection of French rolling pins, chopsticks, pot scrapers, spoons, and turners designed for cast iron cooking, baking, serving, and everyday kitchen use.

Cast & Clara Bell feature in Veranda Magazine's piece on cleaning and maintaining antique cookware

Cast & Clara Bell feature in Veranda Magazine's piece on cleaning and maintaining antique cookware

If you love vintage cast iron as much as we do, you know a good pan deserves better than soap, steel wool, and the dishwasher. In this guide, Phil from Cast & Clara Bell walks you through how to clean cast iron the right wayβ€”removing stuck-on food without stripping seasoning, dealing with rust safely, and bringing heirloom skillets back to life. Whether you just picked up a flea market find or you’re caring for Grandma’s old Dutch oven, you’ll learn exactly which tools to use, what to avoid, and how to protect that glassy black finish for decades of everyday cooking.

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The Restorer's Take: Wagner Cast Iron Skillets

Wagner cast iron skillets have earned their place as kitchen workhorses and collector favorites alike. Made from the 1890s through mid-century, these skillets are known for their elegant simplicity, lightweight design, and ultra-smooth interiors. Whether you prefer the classic heat ring or the later smooth bottom models, Wagner pans deliver reliable performance, easy handling, and a timeless look that fits any kitchen. With a reputation for quality that rivals Griswold but often at a more affordable price, Wagner is the go-to choice for cooks who want vintage charm and everyday usability. Want to learn more or find the perfect Wagner skillet for your home? Reach out to us atΒ restore@castandclarabell.com.

Is cast iron non-stick? Why is my food sticking?

Is cast iron non-stick? Why is my food sticking?

Good article talking about how to properly cook with cast iron to prevent food sticking. Helpful tips include keeping temperature below high, to use a good quality oil, and to keep a journal of best temps for popular foods.
Cleaning cast iron: To Soap or Not To Soap?

Cleaning cast iron: To Soap or Not To Soap?

Will soap ruin your cast iron skillet? Not at all. In this post, we break down common myths around cleaning cast iron with soap, explain what seasoning really is, and share how Grandma Clara Bell might actually agree with us after all.

Why Is My Food Sticking to Cast Iron? The Truth About Non-Stick Cooking

Why Is My Food Sticking to Cast Iron? The Truth About Non-Stick Cooking

Tired of eggs clinging to your cast iron pan like glue? You’re not alone. In this post, we break down what β€œnon-stick” really means with cast iron, why food might be sticking, and the one factor that matters more than seasoning: temperature control.

Martin Stove and Range #3 skillet

"Where do I begin???" Choosing the best first skillet for you!

Beginner Collector & Cook Questions: Where to Start With Vintage Cast Iron When we first started using vintage cast iron, we had a lot of questions. Some were obvious, but...