When it comes to vintage cast iron cookware, Wagner Ware is one of the leading names you will encounter in your search. The company produced large quantities of high-quality products, many of which have stood the test of time and are still highly popular among not only cooking enthusiasts but also professional chefs. Whether you’re looking for an antique skillet to use as decoration in the kitchen, or you want a Dutch oven you can still use to cook food, you can’t go wrong with a cast iron Wagner.
Best Wagner Cast Iron Reviews
Vintage Wagner Ware No. 8 Cast Iron Double Skillet Nickel-Plated 1058N
Vintage nickel-plated cast iron skillets that are still usable are scarce because only a few of them survived the test of time. This particular skillet is in excellent condition considering that it’s well over 50 years old.
Review
If you want to get a Wagner cast iron skillet that really stands out, this 1058N No.8 skillet can be a perfect choice. It’s in excellent condition with some signs of wear and tear, which is to be expected because nickel plating is easy to scratch and damage. The skillet was produced between 1935-1959, judging by the logo and the fact that it has a heat ring around the edges. That means that it was one of the last cast iron products ever made by Wagner before it was sold.
The skillet comes with a unique patina that formed after decades of use. You can see that it is used because the inside has been scratched down to the bare metal. However, that won’t affect the taste of your food, especially if you add your own seasoning before the first use. The No.8 nickel-plated skillet fits in the popular category of vintage cookware, and this one comes at a very affordable price. It doesn’t look brand new, but it’s fully functional with the proper care.
There is no visible damage, and the bottom sits dead flat on the stovetop. This skillet can be an excellent addition to any professional or amateur kitchen alike.
Pros
- Nickel-plated
- Excellent condition
- No cracks or visible damage
- Long handle
- Unique patina
Cons
- Needs re-seasoning
Vintage Wagner's 1891 Cast Iron Cookware Set of Two 10.5" & 8"
Antique cast iron cookware doesn’t get much better than this 2-piece skillet set by Wagner. One of the skillets still has the original instruction paper that came with every unit made. Both skillets are in excellent conditions, and they would be a fantastic addition to any vintage cookware collection.
Review
The 1891 line of Wagner cast iron cookware was a limited edition released on the 100th anniversary of the company. The cookware was produced between 1991 and 1999, but it’s still rare because most people who have one are reluctant to part with it. However, the Wagner 1891 cast iron products are supposed to be faithful to the original designs, sharing the same features, durability, and quality.
The set includes two skillets, 10.5″ and 8”. Both of them look barely used and don’t have any significant damage other than regular wear and tear. They come with original instruction papers that are perhaps even rarer than the skillets themselves. The skillets have full seasoning instructions imprinted on the bottom (a 4-step process), along with a large 1891 logo. They look like they still have the original seasoning, but you should probably clean and re-season them just in case.
These skillets have years of cooking functionality ahead of them, and they also look good enough for any vintage cookware collection. This is also one of the most affordable vintage cooking sets you can get.
Pros
- 100th anniversary edition cookware
- Affordable
- Two pieces
- Great overall shape
Cons
- Signs of wear and tear
- Tiny rust spots
Vintage 5-Quart Wagner Cast Iron Dutch Oven Roaster Smooth Bottom
Time has taken its toll on this cast iron Dutch oven. It’s still structurally intact and ready for use, but the numbers and the logo on the bottom have been entirely erased. You can tell that it has seen heavy use for decades.
Review
At one point in time, Wagner cast iron Dutch ovens were widely used all across the US. Wagner’s products are still considered one of the best in their category for their renowned build quality and durability. Most of the markings on the bottom have disappeared with time, but not the quality of the cookware.
The oven is 12 1/4 inches wide and 4 1/4 inches tall. It doesn’t come with a lid. In fact, the only visible mark is the 5 QT stamp in the middle of the bottom side. We can’t figure out the exact year of production, but judging by the other features, this Dutch oven is about 80 to 100 years old. Despite the heavy use, it still sits flat on stovetops without even the slightest warping, a testament to the original craftsmanship. It shows visible signs of wear and tear, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t use it for many more years.
Here’s the bottom line: This Wagner Dutch oven is in working condition and it comes at an affordable price, a good catch if you’re into vintage cast iron cookware.
Pros
- Good overall shape
- Original handle
- Sits flat
- Affordable
Cons
- Signs of wear and tear
- No lid
Vintage Cast Iron Wagner Ware Griswold 11-Cup Muffin Pan
Even though Wagner is most known for its cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and pans, the company also produced muffin pans. We have here a Wagner made Griswold 11 cup muffin pan that totally belies its age.
Review
The owner of this muffin pan probably didn’t like baking muffins all that much because the pan is in excellent condition. It’s a rare find when it comes to vintage cast iron cookware, which is why this muffin pan is trendy among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Not many of these muffin molds survived the test of time, so you wouldn’t want to think for too long or it will be snatched up.
You can use this muffin pan like any other far more modern model. The only difference is that this one is at least a couple of times heavier than aluminum pans and with far better heat retention. The pan measures 11 1/4 x 7 3/4 inches, so it will fit any oven found in American homes, but you can also use it on an open fire. The pan can easily cope with temperatures up to 500° F.
The overall condition is impressive. There are almost no signs of use, other than a few scratches here and there. This product initially came with pre-seasoning, which has understandably disappeared over time. You will have to apply a new coat seasoning to your liking.
Pros
- Near pristine condition
- 11 cups
- Rare
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy than most muffin pans
Vintage Wagner Ware No. 7 cast iron Drip Drop Roaster Pan & cover Dutch oven 1922
It’s not easy to find a 100-year-old cast iron Dutch oven that’s capable of providing many home-cooked meals to come, but if that’s what you are looking for, you’re in luck. This Dutch oven has the patina and the quality you need to prepare traditional recipes at home.
Review
The series of cast iron products to which this Dutch oven belongs to was patented on March 14, 1922. That means that it’s close to 100 years old, and it has obviously been used a lot during that time. You can see right away that it’s full of scratches with a chipped original finish, but that’s what gives it that old rustic feel many collectors are after.
There are no cracks or structural damage, but some areas show signs of corrosion, especially the inside of the cover. However, you can get that fixed easily since its only surface corrosion. With some cleaning and new seasoning, it will regain some of its old glory. Most other No.7 drip drop pans usually come without the original cover, but this one has both pieces, which is very rare. It is an excellent pick for all collectors of vintage Wagner cookware – it can be a great display piece for your kitchen or business.
Pros
- Both pieces
- Rare
- Well-preserved
- Affordable
Cons
- Signs of rust
- Needs cleaning
Final Verdict
Our latest selection of Wagner cast iron products contains some rare pieces that any vintage cookware collectors and cast iron aficionados would be proud to own. Although considered collectibles, most of them can still be used for many more years of cooking traditional recipes. Some are 100 years old, while others belong to the 100th anniversary limited edition that’s also very hard to come by.
At least one thing is for sure — Wagner’s cast iron cookware is very durable and well-made, something you simply have to try if you’re into traditional cooking and recipes. On top of it all, some of the above items are a real bargain, so don’t wait for too long and get them while you can.