Harbor freight cast iron??

[Xpedition Outfitters]

So I noticed the other day that Harbor freight carries cast iron skillets and a cast iron Dutch oven. Has anyone tried these? Are all cast iron eventually the same once it's been seasoned?

 

[Scott]

They look interesting.. and a little cheaper than lodge stuff.. I've never tried them, but it might be something to look into..

 

[woody]

i'd stick with Lodge, it can be found at garage sales or CL if you're not in a hurry.

 

[BlkWgn]

Stick with a quality brand, the cheaper stuff usually has high tolerance for wall thickness which means you get hot and cold spots. Really worth getting the lodge, camp chef, or other quality oven

 

[Dave]

i'd stick with Lodge, it can be found at garage sales or CL if you're not in a hurry.

Lodge is THE brand IMO. Lifetime quality.

 

[100acre]

I recently read a report about Texsport a Chinese owned company that manufactures cast iron cookware. The report stated that many of their products come covered in cosmoline when they reach the United States. I'm not sure of the validity of the article and I don't remember the source, but I do prefer older cast iron cookware. The makers of such goods in past decades, made everything of much better quality than you will find in most new made products available today. I'd stick with older stuff. My two cents. I don't cook with anything but cast iron when I'm at home. Check thrift stores, craigslist and flea markets. Or look at https://www.lodgemfg.com/mobile.asp
best thing is they're an American company based in Tennessee.

side note, there are some collectors out there and some of it can fetch some good money. Don't be shied away by the high prices on some of it. There are many more affordable ones available. Some old less pricey rusty ones can be brought back to life. It's hit or miss when looking for one with a lid. The Great Wall of China Mart also sells Lodge stuff in their camping section. Expect to pay $50-60 for a new 8inch Dutch oven. Just remember you want quality. You will want to win the Dutch oven contests with food that tastes good, and not like rifles.

 

[Dave]

My grandma had Lodge cast iron when I was a kid, current mfg looks to be carrying on the tradition of quality.