Spotlight on Griswold Cast Iron

Appearance

Grade: A+
Griswolds are well-loved for both their cooking performance and visual appeal. The earlier “Erie” models, made in the late 1800s, are particularly rare. Their minimal, clean design gives them a humble elegance. The iconic Griswold block logo is what most collectors seek out. While we’re not saying Griswold is the absolute best, they’re certainly one of the most popular—for both looks and legacy.

Design

Grade: A

Griswold skillets feature a beautifully hand-finished surface with consistent casting quality. Issues like pattern errors or blemishes are rare in the smooth bottom lines. That said, some Slant Logo skillets (especially #8s) show sandshift artifacts. Most heat ring models (Erie, Griswold’s Erie, Slant Logo, and Block Logo) sit flat. However, smooth bottom Griswolds can vary—patterns marked “D,” “S,” and “P” tend to sit flatter, though it’s not guaranteed.

Weight

Grade: A-

Griswold skillets are noticeably lighter than modern cast iron. A typical #8 weighs around 3–4 lbs depending on the model. They’re slightly lighter than Wagner heat ring skillets, but heavier than ultra-light pans like Victor or National short-wall skillets.

Durability

Grade: B

Older heat ring models have thinner walls and medium-thick bases, offering a good balance of weight and strength. However, this also makes them vulnerable to cracks—especially at the handle base and 12 or 3 o’clock points—if dropped. Later smooth bottom versions were thicker and less prone to damage. With proper care, cracking shouldn’t be expected, but it’s a known risk in older models.

Cooking

Grade: A

Griswold skillets are a joy to cook with. Ergonomic handles, great weight distribution, and smooth cooking surfaces make them reliable performers. If your skillet spins or moves on a glass top, that could cause uneven heating—so those with glass or induction stoves should watch for flatness. For gas or electric coil tops, this isn’t a concern.

Price

Grade: B+

Griswolds are by far the highest-priced skillets on the vintage cast iron market — and for good reason. As we’ve detailed above, their handcrafted quality, iconic branding, and collector demand drive those prices up. We also cover cast iron pricing trends and what affects value in our blog. While Griswold commands a premium, its consistent A- grade across key categories shows why it remains one of the most sought-after brands.