lax2015's Profile

A couple years ago I came across a Jars Ceramics mug on sale at Starbucks. It's a great looking mug and it does an amazing job of retaining heat. It's a very basic mug but if you know anything about Jars Ceramics then you know it is a quality mug and provided I don't drop it it should last a lifetime.

If you are looking for just one cast iron skillet to get started I would suggest going with a 10" Lodge skillet. I say this because when you get to the 10" size the skillet comes with an assist handle. 9" models and below do not have a second handle which can make moving a full skillet difficult.

I also suggest just picking up a new skillet from your preferred retailer (e.g., Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.). Sure, a nice Griswold or Wagner Ware would be great but since you are a cast iron novice you are better off buying new. Once you get familiar with cast iron and know what to look for in an old pre-War skillet then you can invest in one if you so chose.

Something else to consider is that new cast iron is inexpensive so you could score two Lodge skillets (a 10" and a 12") for $30-$35. After all, you may only be cooking for one now but one day it could be more and since cast iron is durable you could very well have your cast iron skillet well into your sunset years.

Lastly, play it safe, buy American. Beware of celebrity endorsed/branded skillets. Paula, Emeril and Bobby all have their skillets made in China and there is no telling what toxins could be lurking in that iron. Lodge skillets are made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee just as they have been for over 100 years.

Good luck to you!

Thanks, caseoftornados! I couldn't have said it any better (re: distilled water).

Fill it with a solution of 50% distilled water and 50% white vinegar. Allow the solution to sit in the carafe for about 15 minutes. Pour out the vinegar/water solution, give it a good rinse and repeat as necessary. Vegetable based soaps, such as Mrs. Meyer's, tend to leave a residue than their "better living through chemistry" alternatives.