Blog: Cast Iron Basics and Discussions

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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 at restore@castandclarabell.com.

The Restorer's Take: Griswold Cast Iron Skillets

Discover why Griswold cast iron remains a favorite among collectors and cooks alike. From rare Erie skillets to iconic block logos, we break down appearance, design, weight, and performance in this detailed spotlight.

At C&CB, we season all of our cast iron pieces with 100% Organic Beef Tallow...and here's why

At C&CB, we season all of our cast iron pieces with 100% Organic Beef Tallow...and here's why

Why Cast & Clara Bell Uses Beef Tallow to Season Every Pan At Cast & Clara Bell, we believe restoring and seasoning cast iron cookware is an art — and...
’Flatness’: Why is flatness important in choosing your cast iron?

Does Cast Iron need to "Sit Flat"? The Real Scoop on Flatness and Vintage Cast Iron Cookware

Ever seen the words “spinner” or “moves when prompted” in a cast iron listing and wondered what they mean? In this post, we explain why flatness matters for certain stoves — and why it might even save you money depending on your setup.

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.

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...