We started Field by wanting to understand all the secrets of cast iron. We love all the lore, but wanted real answers. When it comes to cookware, few materials boast the rich history, durability, and versatility of cast iron. From its ancient origins to its modern resurgence, cast iron has stood the test of time, earning its place as a kitchen essential across centuries and cultures. This is why we fell in love with cast iron.
Cast iron’s story begins in 5th century BCE China, where innovators discovered how to use molds to cast molten iron into various shapes, including cookware. These early advancements laid the foundation for a material that would become indispensable for generations to come.
By the 17th century, cast iron cookware had become a household staple in colonial America. Families relied on it for cooking over open hearths, and its durability made it an essential part of daily life.
In the 18th century, as stoves became more common, flat-bottomed cast iron pans were introduced. These replaced earlier versions that featured rounded bases and “feet” designed to sit directly in the fire. The shift reflected changing cooking methods and showcased cast iron’s adaptability.
The 19th century marked a golden age for cast iron cookware. Advances in manufacturing made it more affordable and widely available. Iconic brands like Griswold (founded in 1865) and Wagner Ware (founded in 1891) elevated cast iron to a new level of craftsmanship, producing pieces that are still treasured by collectors today–including us! We inherited a number of vintage cast iron pans from the 1930s from our grandmother that sparked the idea for Field!
During this time, the modern-style skillet rose in popularity, thanks to wood and coal stoves that enabled more precise cooking. Cast iron’s durability and even heat distribution made it an ideal choice for home cooks and professionals alike.
In the 1950s, lighter aluminum and stainless steel cookware were introduced leading to a decline in cast iron’s prevalence. While other American cast iron manufacturers shuttered their businesses, Lodge Cast Iron modernized its production methods, shifting from a hand-poured operation to an automated molding process. The move to mass production allowed for cost savings but also necessitated some changes to their products.
During this same period, the cookware industry was revolutionized by the introduction of nonstick coatings. DuPont's Teflon (PTFE) coating, first used in cookware in 1961, quickly dominated the market throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Teflon’s synthetic non-stick surface relied on PFOA, a chemical later classified as a likely human carcinogen by the EPA in the early 2000s.
Despite the rise of these alternatives, cast iron remained a trusted tool in rural and traditional kitchens for its unmatched heat retention and long-lasting nature. Lodge began pre-seasoning their cast iron cookware in 2002, making cast iron more accessible to home cooks and kicking off a new wave of cast iron popularity. This innovation, combined with growing interest in traditional cooking methods and concerns about chemical non-stick coatings, helped fuel a cast iron renaissance that continues today.
By the mid-2010s, cast iron made a triumphant return. Home cooks and professional chefs alike embraced it for its versatility—it excels on stovetops, in ovens, and even over open flames. Vintage cast iron cookware, including Griswold and Wagner pans, became highly collectible, with many recognizing the enduring quality of these pieces.
In 2016, we launched Field and the Field Skillet was born, offering a modern twist on vintage designs. Field Company reimagined the classic cast iron skillet with a smoother, lighter design, celebrating the best of traditional craftsmanship while addressing modern cooking needs.
For over three centuries, cast iron cookware has remained a cornerstone of American kitchens, outlasting cooking trends and more modern innovations. As today's cooks increasingly seek sustainable, healthy cookware, cast iron's time-tested benefits have gained renewed appreciation. While other cookware materials come and go, cast iron's enduring appeal lies in its fundamental qualities—a unique combination of practicality, sustainability, and connection to culinary tradition.
Unlike synthetic non-stick pans, cast iron achieves its non-stick properties through seasoning, a process that improves over time with use.
Cast iron cookware can last for generations, reducing waste and saving you money over time. Many vintage pieces are still in use today.
Free of synthetic coatings like PFOA and PFAS, cast iron offers peace of mind for healthy, chemical-free cooking.
Cast iron is infinitely recyclable, and its durability ensures it won’t end up in a landfill. It’s the sustainable choice for any kitchen.
Perfect for frying, roasting, baking, and more, cast iron’s versatility is unmatched. It’s a trusted tool for everything from cast iron skillet recipes to traditional roasts.
Choosing cast iron is more than a cookware decision—it’s a commitment to quality, sustainability, and timeless design. Rediscover the legacy of cast iron with cookware that lasts a lifetime.
