How much is cast iron cookware worth?

[CurtisWilliams]

I have been reading about cast iron for years, and would like to try it. The day before yesterday, at the thrift store, I came across a dutch oven. It was clean and in good shape. It didn't have spider legs, bit it did have a wire bail (handle) and ears. The lid fit snugly and had a knob handle. It looked to be about eight quarts. It was quite heavy and seemed to be quality. The price tag was thirty dollars. I decided against it, but am having second thoughts.

Is this a good price for a cast iron dutch oven, or was I smart to pass it up?

[TenBusyBees]

I personally do better at flea markets and yard sales for cast iron rather than thrift stores...but deals can still be had. If I had had the cash, I probably would have bought the dutch oven....usually I see them for $50+ but I've seen them as low as $20.

(Currently I'm in search of a giant frying skillet, 16", and the cheapest I've found was $85 in so-so condition.)

[haypoint]

There is good cast iron and bad cast iron. Most of the junk from China isn't worth cooking on.
Good cast iron is smooth inside. Cheap cast iron has either a rough surface or rough grinding ridges on the inside.

Cheap cast iron has wooden handles that screw into the pan.

Wagner is an old brand that is quality, but it is also available new, perhaps from China. Griswold is an old brand that is quality.

Cheap cast iron has grind marks that were not completely sanded down.

[katlupe]

I have a collection of cast iron and that is all I use to cook with. Most of mine is Griswold or Lodge skillets and Dutch ovens. I have gotten my best pieces at thrift or what I call "junk" stores. I had a friend who brought her new boyfriend over to meet me, and when he saw our homestead, he brought me his late mother's collection. It was the best gift he could have given me. All in great condition. Included was the chicken fryer, which the lid is a skillet too. All made by Griswold. I have seen them for sale on eBay and they usually get a hefty price. And then they are heavy to ship too. I think $30. is a good price too. Especially for a Dutch oven.

[FarmboyBill]

I usually, easily see from 2 to 4 doz pieces of CICW at the sale I go to. Lots of it.

[OH Boy]

search ebay for cast iron to get a sense of what things sell for.

I think $30 on the dutch oven was probably a fair deal especially if it was a good brand name like Griswold Wagner or Lodge.

[Fire-Man]

Originally Posted by CurtisWilliams

I have been reading about cast iron for years, and would like to try it. The day before yesterday, at the thrift store, I came across a dutch oven. It was clean and in good shape. It didn't have spider legs, bit it did have a wire bail (handle) and ears. The lid fit snugly and had a knob handle. It looked to be about eight quarts. It was quite heavy and seemed to be quality. The price tag was thirty dollars. I decided against it, but am having second thoughts.

Is this a good price for a cast iron dutch oven, or was I smart to pass it up?

Its worth what someone is willing to pay for it---at a sale. If you ask $50 and never sale it--but get several $25 offers----In my Opinion its worth $25. A nice looking older 8 quart dutch oven(not Griswold or Wagner) sold for $22 last weekend. I have seen them go in the $30/$40 range. I did see a 8 quart Griswold dutch oven sell For $135 at Auction. Its worth more if its something you want and can use.

[CurtisWilliams]

Thanks for all the replies and info. Tomorrow, if it is still there, it might come home with me.

[suitcase_sally]

$30 is the ASKING price. I'd offer $20. They may say no, but they may say yes.

A new Lodge 7 qt. dutch oven is about $70, a 9 qt is about $80. These are the ones without the legs. The ones with the legs and flat tops (so you can heap on the coals) run a little more.

[wood1963]

Originally Posted by CurtisWilliams

I have been reading about cast iron for years, and would like to try it. The day before yesterday, at the thrift store, I came across a dutch oven. It was clean and in good shape. It didn't have spider legs, bit it did have a wire bail (handle) and ears. The lid fit snugly and had a knob handle. It looked to be about eight quarts. It was quite heavy and seemed to be quality. The price tag was thirty dollars. I decided against it, but am having second thoughts.

Is this a good price for a cast iron dutch oven, or was I smart to pass it up?

Thirty isnt bad. I bought a porcelin enamel coated dutch oven that i use all the time and paid alot more for it, but was still worth the price. I love one pot meals as cleaning afterwards isnt my favorite thing to do. I have 1 old cast iron skillet thats well seasoned, but the rest of my stuff is the enamel coated cast iron, as its easy to clean, looks nice, but still heats really well. Unseasoned cast takes an invesment before it cooks and tastes well.