Side by side
Griswold vs Stargazer
Griswold
55 positive (86%) · 6 mixed (9%) · 3 negative (5%)
Trust + time weighted: +81%
AI summary — not a quote
Griswold is a highly coveted vintage cast iron brand, frequently cited as the gold standard for its smooth, mirror-like cooking surfaces and significantly lighter weight compared to modern cast iron. While the brand is no longer in production, its pans are prized by enthusiasts for their superior casting quality and longevity, often outperforming contemporary brands in non-stick performance once properly seasoned.
Pros
- Significantly lighter weight than modern cast iron pans like Lodge
- Smooth, mirror-finish cooking surface that provides excellent non-stick properties
- Exceptional casting quality that many users consider superior to anything produced today
- Extreme longevity, with many 80-100 year old pans still in daily use
Cons
- High market prices on platforms like eBay, often ranging from $100 to $200
- Vintage pieces are prone to warping, leading to 'wobble' or 'spinning' on flat surfaces
- Often requires restoration (stripping and re-seasoning) when found at thrift stores or flea markets
Top excerpts
I have a collection of Griswolds ranging from a slant logo to the most modern SBL (1957). None of them came up positive for lead, which greatly relieved me.
I had a pretty decent cast iron selection and have found some pieces. Griswolds, lodges, older pieces etc. what would people recommend for a restoration.
The rust looks superficial, great find.
I turned it over, thinking, "Surely this isn't anything..." and nearly peed my pants, not because it's particularly old or rare (at least to my knowledge), but because it was FIVE DOLLARS & FIFTY CENTS.
I was it's keeper for more than 20 years. It was the first pan I owned and restored. Before we put the tile down, family was like *You cook with a lot of cast iron. What you drop a pan?!?!* Well there is your answer. Tile 1 Griswold 0
Stargazer
18 positive (95%) · 0 mixed (0%) · 1 negative (5%)
Trust + time weighted: +88%
Top excerpts
Yeah I was thinking of the stargazer too.
Smithey or Stargazer are both solid
The amount of companies that have come out in the past few years (Smithey, Stargazer, Field, etc.) that sell pans only marginally better than Lodge while charging 5x the price is baffling.
Stargazer would be a special gift
New cast iron from designer brands, like Stargazer, are milled in the manufacturing process to create the smooth texture.