Katra wrote:

> I would not buy one on a bet... They weigh a damned TON and are rough as
> sandpaper,

Actually, when I did purchase some Lodge years ago, I amazingly got them
to a state of where they worked quite nicely. I just kept on forgetting
them on the stove when I would dry & reseason. I kept burning the nice
seasoning off & filling the house with smoke. After one too many times
of doing this, DH got mad at me & threw them out.

> but then I've been spoilt by antique Griswolds. ;-)

I can relate. The pans I inherited are a mix of Griswolds & Wagners.
All perfectly seasoned. I also got a really cool rectangular griddle
that I'm not sure of the brand, but it's soo cool. Needless to say, I
treat these like babies.

> Cast Iron will last a lifetime. Get the best you can afford, not the
> cheapest you can buy!

I'm still of the opinion that Lodge is not the "cheapest". I have
actually seen worse! They are good starter pieces IMHO.