Vintage Cast Iron

Cast Iron has been utilized around the world for over a thousand years. Cauldrons were used throughout modern history, usually set directly over a live fire to cook whatever was available. 

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American Foundries produced pans, pots, and dutch ovens for centuries, using more craftsmanship than you'll get today - therefore these pans are lighter and have a smoother cooking surface. You can still purchase these vintage pans at flea markets, eBay, or just ask your grandma if she has any old iron in the attic. My oldest pan is a #9 Griswold, cast in 1885, and I cook my eggs in it every morning. 

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Unless you buy a professionally restored pan off eBay, I recommend stripping it down to raw cast iron, and then re-seasoning them in a chemical process known as polymerization. Basically you rub oil all over the pan, put in a 400 oven, flip the pan, and the oil turns into a slick surface great for cooking. 

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I've listed some great American Foundries below, as well as examples of useful types of pans. There is a renaissance of artisan American producers, but these are generally much more expensive than the vintage pans, plus the history adds value for me. 

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The link below is to my favorite artisan restorer of Cast Iron, IronSpoon based out of Connecticut. He uses a proprietary restoration method that is second to none.