Seasoned Cast Iron
Enameled Cast Iron
Stainless Handles
Wood Underliners
Product Help Q & A
The Following are some commonly asked questions the Lodge Customer Service staff receives frequently about our products.
Click on a question to view the Answer:
Why should I choose Lodge cookware over other brands?
Why should I choose cast iron?
How is the diameter measurement of Lodge Cookware determined?
What type oil is used to season Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron?
What type utensils are recommended to be used with Lodge products?
Why should soap or detergent not be used to clean cast iron cookware?
Can Lodge products be used with a variety of heat sources?
Are there any types of food not recommended to be cooked in cast iron cookware?
How do I remove rust from my Lodge cookware?
My new Lodge Cast Iron pan feels rough in some areas, is this normal?
Are Lodge products made in the USA?
Are Lodge Enamel products tested for lead safety?
What is the recommended maximum temperature for Lodge Enamel?
What is the best way to remove a tough stain or baked on food from my Lodge Enamel cookware?
Where can I purchase Lodge products?
Why should I choose Lodge cookware over other brands?
For over 112 years, Lodge has provided quality cast iron cookware and accessories, with a broad and innovative assortment. Our continued commitment to quality enables Lodge to offer a “superior” product line.
Why should I choose cast iron?
Cast iron cookware is best known for its heat retention and even cooking properties. It is a home staple and with proper care can become a family heirloom, lasting generations.
How is the diameter measurement of Lodge Cookware determined?
We measure from outside rim to outside rim across the top of the cookware, not the bottom.
What is seasoning?
Seasoning (or curing as some people call it) is a necessary step in using cast iron cookware. Oil is baked into the pores of the iron to prevent rusting and to eventually provide a natural, non-stick cooking surface. Unlike synthetically coated cookware, it is possible to restore the cooking surface of cast iron.
REMEMBER: It is very important to replenish the seasoning of your cast iron cookware by applying a thin layer of oil after each cleaning. Seasoning is an on-going process. The more you use cast iron, the seasoning is improved.
What type oil is used to season Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron?
We use a proprietary soy-based vegetable oil to season our cookware. This oil has been Orthodox Union Kosher certified. The oil contains no animal fat or peanut oil. The seasoning is functional application and slight inconsistencies may appear in the seasoning finish. The inconsistencies will not affect cooking performance.
There is an area of the cookware that does not seem to be seasoned and is beginning to flake. What is this and is it normal?
The area of concern is most likely caused by a seasoning bubble. (CLICK ON SEASONING BUBBLE TO VIEW LETTER). A seasoning bubble may appear during the seasoning process and is not a cause for concern. Additionally, flaking and slight discoloration or a rusty color may appear. The flaking is carbonized oil and the rusty color is the first layer of seasoning. Rubbing oil into this area will improve appearance and seasoning.
What type utensils are recommended to be used with Lodge products?
We recommend using wood or silicone utensils to avoid scratching.
Why should soap or detergent not be used to clean cast iron cookware?
Soap and detergent are used to break down and remove oils. Since the seasoning of your cast iron consists of oil, cleaning with soap will strip or remove the seasoning from cookware.
Can Lodge products be used with a variety of heat sources?
Lodge products may be used on various heat sources including gas, electric, induction and ceramic/glass top stoves and ovens. Seasoned cast iron can also be used on the grill or for camp cooking. Do not to drop cookware on the stovetop or slide across the surface. Begin heating cookware on low and slowly bring heat up to medium or medium/high. Always remove cookware from the stovetop after cooking. We recommend that you refer to your stove/range manufacturer’s owner manual for more information regarding ceramic/glass top stovetop requirements.
Are there any types of food that are not recommended to be cooked in cast iron cookware?
Foods which are very acidic (i.e. beans, tomatoes, citrus juices, etc.) should not be cooked in a cast iron utensil until the cookware is highly seasoned. The high acidity of these foods will strip the seasoning and result in discoloration and metallic tasting food. Wait until cast iron is better seasoned to cook these types of foods.
How do I remove rust from my Lodge cookware?
Rust on Lodge Cast Iron Cookware indicates the seasoning needs to be replenished, or in some instances completely replaced. Three types of rusting can occur:
Flash Rusting: Usually, rust on a new piece of cookware is flash rusting. Rubbing vegetable oil briskly with a cloth on the affected area can remedy this type rust.
Profile Rusting: This is rust is seen and felt on the cookware. To remove this type rust use a very fine grade of steel wool or an abrasive soap pad, such as SOS, Brill, etc. to scrub the affected area. When the piece is scrubbed down to raw cast iron it should be re-seasoned immediately.
Severe Rust: If rust is covering the majority of the cast iron is considered severe. Perhaps the item has been in a state of neglect. No amount of hand scrubbing will remove this rust. To salvage the cookware take it to a local machine shop or auto/body shop and have it sandblasted, returning to its raw form. The cookware should then be seasoned IMMEDIATELY.
My new Lodge Cast Iron pan feels rough in some areas, is this normal?
Yes. With use and replenishment of the seasoning, the pan will become smoother. Unlike other types of cookware, Lodge Cast Iron only gets better with use. For concerns about roughness, it is OK to use a fine grade of sandpaper to smooth out the rough areas. Make sure to re-season the item before using.
Are Lodge products made in the USA?
All of our foundry seasoned cast iron products, including the Signature Series, are manufactured in the USA. Our Lodge Enamel items are imported from China.
Are Lodge Enamel products tested for lead safety?
Lodge utilizes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Test Procedure 7.5.1.4a Leachability of Lead and Cadmium for Glazed Ceramic Surfaces. The FDA Division of Compliance Programs uses ASTM-C738 as the Standard Method of Test for glazed ceramic. In addition to information provided by vendors, Lodge Manufacturing Company uses third party testing to ensure that products with the Lodge name comply with standards set forth by the United States Food & Drug Administration. All our domestic as well as imported cookware complies with the FDA Standards. We are also in compliance with California Proposal 65, the world’s most rigid standard for lead and cadmium content.
What is the recommended maximum temperature for Lodge Enamel?
For best performance, keep oven temperature below 400 degrees F.
What is the best way to remove a tough stain or baked on food from my Lodge Enamel cookware?
For persistent stains, soak interior of the cookware for 2 to 3 hours with a solution of bleach, consisting of one teaspoon of bleach per pint of water. To remove baked on food residue, boil a mixture of 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in the cookware.
Is Lodge Cookware guaranteed?
There is not a written warranty for Lodge Cast Iron Cookware, however, we do stand behind every product manufactured. For product problems, please contact Lodge Customer Service and we will solve the problem to your satisfaction. Lodge Enamel Cookware is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Where can I purchase Lodge products?
Lodge products are available in numerous retail stores, catalogs and e-stores. Check with your favorite housewares, gourmet, mass merchant, sporting goods, hardware, catalog and e-stores for the best prices and selection.
