• Lancaster: Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet - The Tribalist
  • Lancaster: Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet - The Tribalist
  • Lancaster: Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet - The Tribalist
  • Lancaster: Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet - The Tribalist
  • Lancaster: Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet - The Tribalist
  • Lancaster: Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet - The Tribalist
  • Lancaster: Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet - The Tribalist
1 7

Lancaster: Skillet - Cast Iron, No. 10

Lancaster: Skillet - Cast Iron, No. 10

$225.00 USD
$225.00 USD
Sale Sold out

Enjoy the rich tradition of American-made cast iron with the Lancaster No. 10 skillet, cast, machined, and pre-seasoned in Pennsylvania. This 11-5/8 inch skillet, designed with a lighter weight of around 6 lbs, is easy to handle while retaining the heat control benefits of cast iron. Crafted to last generations, it offers a smooth cooking surface, traditional handle, and convenient pour spouts, making it ideal for home and outdoor cooking.

Key Benefits:

  • Lightweight Design: Weighs 1-2 lbs less than typical cast iron, providing easier control and faster heat response.
  • Heirloom Quality: Machined smooth for lasting durability, perfect for passing down through generations.
  • Ergonomic Handle with Pour Spouts: Comfortable to hold and ideal for serving sauces and liquids.
  • Versatile Cooking: Suitable for gas, induction, electric, campfire, oven, and grill.
  • Pre-Seasoned: Ready to use right out of the box with no additional seasoning required.

    What We Love

    1. Much lighter than traditional cast iron - achieved by making the sidewalls thinner
    2. Can take abuse from metal utensils
    3. Basic design modelled after traditional cast iron pans from over a century agomodeled

    ASSESSMENT AS OF: JANUARY 2024

    Sustainable Features

    Price Point

    Estimated Life Expectancy

    What We'd Like to See Improved

    Savings & Benefits for Switching from Conventional Options

    View full details
    • Made in America: Cast, machined, and pre-seasoned in Pennsylvania. The Lancaster No. 10 is our “main course skillet” and is ready to use right out of the box. It has an 11-5/8 inch diameter and a depth of 2 1/8 inches. 
    • Lighter weight: Weighing in around 6 lbs, we designed our cookware to be 1-2 lbs less than other modern-made cast iron cookware. The lower weight gives our skillet a more enjoyable cooking experience. Along with being easier to move around the kitchen, your skillet is designed to respond to heat more quickly, allowing you to have more control while still featuring the heat retention of cast iron cookware.
    • Heirloom Quality: Machined for a smooth surface and enjoyable cooking experience like Griswolds and Wagners of old. Lancaster skillets are made to be passed down from generation to generation.
    • Traditional Handle and Pour Spouts: Our handle is a classic design, being both ergonomic and easy to use. Pour spouts are a traditional aspect of American cast iron cookware and are essential for making and serving your favorite sauces.
    • Any Heat Source: Use on almost all heating sources including gas, glass-top, induction, electric, campfire, oven, or grill. Perfect for in the home, at the campground, or on the BBQ.

    Brand: Lancaster Cast Iron
    Material: Cast Iron
    Special Feature: Pre-Seasoned
    Color: iron
    Compatible Devices: Smooth Surface Induction, Gas, Electric Coil

    Summary

    Durable materials such as stainless steel, beech wood, and beeswax wraps offer robust performance and resist wear and tear better than their plastic counterparts. These materials don’t break down into harmful microplastics, which contaminate our oceans and food chain. By choosing tools made from natural and recyclable materials, you’re helping to curb plastic pollution and promote a healthier ecosystem.
    ​​​​​​​
    In summary, switching to sustainable cooking tools offers a trifecta of benefits: they’re more durable and cost-effective, they contribute to a healthier environment by reducing plastic waste, and they safeguard your health by avoiding harmful chemicals. Making these changes not only improves your kitchen experience but also supports a broader move towards environmental sustainability and personal well-being.

    Country of Origin

    • USA

    Sustainability Explanation:

    1. Manufacturing: 9/10

    • Cast iron manufacturing is energy-intensive, but the product's longevity makes up for this upfront investment

    2. Distribution: 9/10

    • Distribution is traditionally not far from the target market

    3. Cost: 5/10

    • Cost is comparable to higher-end cookware of similar quality 

    4. Packaging: 9/10

    • The packaging is all paperboard and cardboard 

    5. Effectiveness: 10/10

    • Extremely effective at retaining heat and evenly cooking; also, notably lighter than traditional cast iron

    6. Lifespan: 10/10

    • Should exceed the lifespan of the owner and be an heirloom piece handed down across generations

    7. Fun: 10/10

    • A joy to cook with; You'll likely find yourself in the kitchen more and more with proper seasoning and use, and should achieve excellent nonstick properties within a few weeks

    8. Relevance: 10/10

    • Good fit for purpose product

    9. Disposal: 10/10

    • Can be infinitely recycled and can be recycled in most municipal facilities, with no notable adverse impact from the disposal of cast iron

    10. Recycling: 10/10

    • Can be infinitely recycled without a problem 

    Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet Benefits:

    1. Health Benefits:

    • Free from harmful non-stick chemicals, ensuring safer cooking
    • Can contribute to dietary iron intake, especially beneficial for those with iron deficiency

    2. Sustainability:

    • Durable and long-lasting, significantly reducing the need for replacements and associated waste
    • Fully recyclable, contributing to a circular economy

    3. Eco-Friendly:

    • No plastic parts, reducing plastic pollution
    • Minimal risk of microplastic shedding, protecting the environment

    4. Economic Benefits:

    • Although it has a higher upfront cost, its longevity makes it a cost-effective investment over time

    5. Made in the USA:

    • Supports local manufacturing and reduces the carbon footprint associated with international shipping

    Non-Stick Pan Drawbacks:

    1. Health Concerns:

    • Potential for non-stick coatings to leach chemicals into food at high temperatures

    2. Sustainability Issues:

    • Non-stick coatings can degrade over time, requiring more frequent replacements
    • Less durable than cast iron, leading to more waste

    3. Plastic Usage:

    • Likely contains plastic components in the handle or coating, contributing to plastic pollution

    4. Microplastic Shedding:

    • Non-stick coatings can shed microplastics into food and the environment over time

    5. End-of-Life Impact:

    • Difficult to recycle due to mixed materials, contributing to landfill waste

    How to Start Using the Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet

    1. Seasoning:

    • Ensure the skillet is properly seasoned before use to create a natural non-stick surface and protect it from rust

    2. Cleaning:

    • Clean with warm water and a stiff brush and avoid soap and dishwasher use to maintain the seasoning

    3. Maintenance:

    • Regularly apply a thin layer of oil after cleaning to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust

    4. Cooking Techniques:

    • Preheat the skillet thoroughly before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent food from sticking

    5. Storage:

    • Store in a dry place to prevent rust; consider using a paper towel or cloth between stacked pans to protect the surface

    Summary

    The Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet offers a compelling case for both cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. Its durability ensures a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements, which in turn minimizes overall costs. This skillet is crafted from natural materials, eliminating plastic usage entirely and thereby significantly reducing plastic waste over a lifetime of use. Furthermore, cast iron is known for its excellent heat retention and versatility, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

    Choosing the Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet over a Non-Stick Pan represents a more sustainable and cost-effective option. The cast iron skillet's natural, long-lasting materials offer superior performance without the environmental and health costs associated with non-stick coatings. By opting for cast iron, consumers can enjoy a safer, more sustainable cooking experience while also making a positive impact on their wallets and the planet. In summary, the Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet stands out as a more environmentally friendly, health-conscious, and economical choice compared to the convenience-oriented but costly and potentially harmful Non-Stick Pan.

    Lifetime Plastic Avoided

    Lancaster Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet

    1. Estimated Lifespan:

    • Cast iron skillets can last a lifetime with proper care, a conservative estimate is 50 years

    2. Number of Purchases in a Lifetime:

    • Assuming proper care, the skillet only needs to be purchased once in a 50-year lifespan

    3. Plastic Content:

    • Minimal plastic, primarily from packaging (e.g., plastic wrap, bubble wrap)
    • Estimated plastic content: 0.1 lbs (approximate based on typical packaging)

    4. Lifetime Plastic Consumption:

    • Total plastic usage: 0.1 lbs (one-time purchase)

    5. Single-Use Components:

    • The Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet does not have additional single-use components

    Non-Stick Pan

    1. Estimated Lifespan:

    • Nonstick pans generally last 3-5 years using a 4-year average

    2. Number of Purchases in a Lifetime:

    • Over a 50-year lifespan: 50 / 4 = 12.5 ≈ 13 purchases

    3. Plastic Content:

    • Plastic in the handle and non-stick coating, plus packaging
    • Estimated plastic content: 0.5 lbs per pan (including packaging)

    4. Lifetime Plastic Consumption:

    • Total plastic usage: 0.5 lbs * 13 = 6.5 lbs

    5. Single-Use Components:

    • Non-Stick Pan does not have additional single-use components

    Switching Savings/Costs

    Lancaster Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet

    Total Cost Over 50 Years:

    • Assume the cost of one Lancaster Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet is $100: Total cost=1×100=$100

    Non-Stick Pan

    Total Cost Over 50 Years:

    • Assume the cost of one non-stick pan is $30: Total cost = 10 × 30 = $300

    Chemicals Avoided

    Lancaster Cast Iron No. 10 Skillet

    • Chemicals: Generally free from harmful chemicals. Cast iron skillets are known for their durability and lack of synthetic coatings.

    Non-Stick Pan

    • Chemicals: Non-stick pans may contain chemicals. When overheated, these can release harmful fumes. Some non-stick coatings may also contain chemicals that are linked to health issues. The harmful chemicals are:
    1. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) also known as Teflon
    2. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

    References:

    1. Environmental Working Group (EWG) for chemical safety information
    2. General product lifespan and cost assumptions from typical market observations