Wagner
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Vintage Antique Wagner Ware Sidney O Cast Iron Skillet 8s With Heat
Vintage Wagner Cast Iron Griddle No 8
Vintage Wagner #8 Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Ware Cast Iron Skillet 1058
Here is a nice vintage Wagner Ware cast iron skillet, size #8, with a self basing skillet cover. Both were made in Sidney Ohio sometime in the 1930's-1950's. The skillet is marked...
's 1891 Vintage Cast Iron Skillet, 6-1/2”
Ware Vintage Centered Logo
Nice Wagner Ware #7 cast iron skillet with a centered, stylized logo and catalog number 1057 B. It has a heat ring. This skillet was made in Sidney, Ohio sometime between 1920-1935...
Ware Skillet; Wagner Ware Skillet 1109, Wagner Ware 11" Skillet, Cast Iron Skillet, Vintage Cast Iron Skillet
Ware Sidney O #8 Cast Iron Skillet
Here is a nice vintage Wagner Ware cast iron skillet, size #8, made in Sidney Ohio sometime in the 1930's-1950's. It is marked with an 8 on the handle and the stylized Wagner Ware...
Cast Iron Griddle
Sidney O Waffle Iron
Vintage Wagner Cast Iron Waffle Iron
Cast Iron Stovetop Waffle Maker.
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Wagner
35 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 30, 2025
I never want to buy cookware again
Honestly if you are looking for something light weight, you might look at a carbon steel pan (very light) or maybe a smooth machined thinner cast iron pan to be lower weight and not scratch your glass cooktop. Older models like Wagner are good in both aspects. There are also new machined pieces, but they are $$$. As far as stainless steel goes, any triply pan will work. We have some all clad pieces and a tramontina skillet and they both cook identical as far as I can tell. All clad handles can be uncomfortable for some. Anything not nonstick will be durable since it is made of metal. I would suggest all of these above an enameled cast iron pan in terms of care and ease of use. Enameled cookware has a place for sure but it wouldn’t be my daily driver of choice.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 30, 2025
I never want to buy cookware again
Staub or Le Creuset large Dutch oven A good quality 12 inch cast iron skillet (ideally with lid) and an 8 inch cast iron skillet. For vintage I prefer Griswold, Wagner and lodge are great as well. New- Finex, Smithey, Field company are all machined smoothly and come down to preference. A lodge will get smooth with either years of dedicated use or a long angle grinding, sanding, and re-seasoning session. 10 inch carbon steel- the 10 inches are really lightweight, great for egg duty and flipping things in the air that would kill your wrist on a cast iron. However I’ve found a 12 inch is too heavy for this and might as well use the cast iron if you’re not having to lift and flip Saucepan, stockpot, saucier- go for quality stainless steel or copper if you’re willing to spend a little extra. However, most vintage copper will not work on induction. Mauviel has developed a copper line that is induction compatible but each pan between like $400 and $1000 so it’s a sizable investment. I do some stir fry’s so I keep a wok, I usually use it outside on my propane burner for turkey frying/ seafood boils since you want some crazy high BTUs for a proper stir fry. Those wok kitchens are pumping out like 60k, you’ll never get there on a residential indoor range. Carbon steel for the wok- and you can get good ones at Asian grocery stores for like $20-$30. The above covers 95% of my cooking needs. There are a few niche pieces like a tagine (Staub) and paella pan (I think le creuset) that are the proper tools for those meals but don’t get much use otherwise.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 30, 2025
I never want to buy cookware again
We've used the same Lodge griddle and frying pan since we bought them in 1989. Supplemented with a 1930s Wagner (8") for breakfast use about a decade ago. Nothing will last like cast.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Dec 30, 2025
I never want to buy cookware again
If you wanna go the fb marketplace route: look for the stainless steel Revere Ware and Wagner or Griswold cast iron
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Dec 29, 2025
What are the up-and-coming companies known for quality goods?
I think they are saying they could take a MIChina skillet and mill it/sand it, ie making it polished like a Stargazer. To their question though, nothing too special about Finex, Stargazer, Smithy, etc are all just nicer-finished cast. You can still fairly easily find old Wagner or Griswolds cheaper that will do a great job as well. Lodge is also great, some people swear that the rougher surface doesn’t perform as well, but you can easily fix that in an afternoon of sanding if necessary.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Dec 4, 2025
Cookware that will outlast any of us
My family is still using Wagner Ware and Griswold cast iron that were my great grandparents'. Take care of it and it will last forever. Hell even maintaining the seasoning is easy if you just go with the longyao wok method.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Dec 4, 2025
Cookware that will outlast any of us
They are quite heavy. This comment had me curious about how much they actually weigh though [cast iron is 15.8lb copper is 12.1lb](https://imgur.com/a/TEnuVRI)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Dec 2, 2025
Which type of pan is the BIFL king?
Agree with your point, but Lodge has for years now put helper handles on their #8 skillets. Traditionally anything #10 and larger has had helper handles. Now you prompted a question to which I don't know the answer. Did anyone ever make a #10 or larger skillet \*without\* a helper handle? That does seem rather silly. My larger sized skillets are all modern Lodge, bought used, because sadly I can't afford to be paying vintage prices for such seldom used skillets - they get pricey in the bigger sizes. I think the largest vintage one I have is an arc/straight Wagner #9. I wouldn't even try to handle my #14 Lodge with one hand with any amount of food in it. That's just asking for a dent in the floor, a mess, and possibly a busted skillet.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Dec 1, 2025
Which type of pan is the BIFL king?
Different use cases. That said if I lived in Jigsaw’s dungeon and HAD to choose one it would be cast iron, simply based on longevity and durability. I’ve got an old Wagner pan from like 1912 or something like that. BIFM(any)L(ives)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Dec 1, 2025
Which type of pan is the BIFL king?
No kidding. My favorite pans that I have are from the 1930's & 1940's. Cast iron. Griswold #9 & a Wagner #7 that was my wife's grandparents. The Wagner hung on the side of their barn for years before I stole it. Lol They'll be my grandson's pans eventually.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Nov 8, 2025
Looking for new BIFL cooking pans. Our Place?
I love my field, Wagner and Griswold cast iron. Ceramic seems just weird.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Nov 6, 2025
starting to care more about buy it for life stuff
Regarding cast iron... Look for vintage skillets and pots. They are lighter and have much smoother surfaces than the current crap by Lodge, etc. You don't need the Wagner or Griswold ones which I think are a bit overpriced due to collector demand. I have some of those of course but most of mine have no names or markings. And yes you can use dish soap on them if properly seasoned.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Nov 2, 2025
What's the best cookware you've ever had?
I use Le Crueset along with All-Clad. I use the 7qt Le Creuset Dutch Oven for pot roasts, stews, soups, chili, etc. I have used both brands for many years. I also have some vintage Griswold and Wagner skillets that I love. They are nicely seasoned and lightweight. Also I have some carbon steel pieces that I love. Just like with good carbon steel knives, wash right away and thoroughly dry after use.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14Oct 2, 2025
What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?
I own my great grandmother’s cast iron set. 3 pans. Wagners. I also have a new larger lodge. The lodge is good and at this point after year of use cooks almost as good as those, probably 100 year old ones from my great grandmother… but not quite as good. I kinda baby them. I like the cast iron page. The pans are one of my favorite things in the house. They rival my Toto washlet.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15Oct 1, 2025
What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?
I have my great grandmother's Wagner cast iron. I still wear my Vietnam era M65 field jacket I got at Goodwill 28yrs ago. My 1941 Gillette Super Speed has had only a few days off since I got it 15yrs ago.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16Oct 1, 2025
What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?
The vintage stuff is more lightweight though. I adore my Wagner cast iron skillets. We found them neglected at yard sales and required some elbow grease to bring them back. We have a modern Lodge pan and my goodness, it's way too heavy for me. I have hand and elbow issues from overuse as a grocery store cake decorator. I avoid the heavy pan. My Wagner cast iron stove top waffle iron is over 100 years old! That we did pay a good bit, over $100 15 years ago, but it makes the best waffles. AND it stores easier than electric model.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17Sep 6, 2025
What frying pans are we buying? Tired of nonstick pans that only last 6 months.
Wagner ware ci
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18Sep 3, 2025
Looking for wedding registry ideas.
10 inch Smithey cast iron pan. If I didn't have a Griswold and a Wagner I'd want one of those since it's smooth and you have to season it yourself. KitchenAid stand mixer, 325W at least. I prefer the tilt head design. Cuisinart 14 cup food processor Moccamaster coffee maker (with thermal carafe)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #19Aug 12, 2025
What's the oldest thing you still use daily that works like new?
With no moving parts? An early 1900's Wagner cast iron skillet. If my 1800's dutch ovens count even though I use them every couple months, that. Moving parts? I have a pre-wwii jar opener I use regularly. Also several sets of hand tools like pliers. Electronic? I use a 1950's Sunbeam toaster regularly, and a 1970's Sansui stereo receiver daily. Vehicle? I have a 70's Lincoln that runs like a top with nearly all original parts besides wear items and belts/hoses.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #20Aug 9, 2025
What's the best BIFL item you own?
My 1930's Griswold and Wagner.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #21Aug 7, 2025
Lifelong nonstick pans - do they exist?
I use an old Warner cast iron pan that is no heavier than any other pan. If you use old cast iron you definitely want to test it for lead in case someone was melting bullets down in it, but otherwise old cast iron is the way to go because it's so much lighter. I also leave my cast iron pan on the stove at all times and I don't do anything to it other than wash it and soap and water like any other pan or dirty dish. If it's seasoned well from the get-go and kept up every now and then there should be no problems. Seasoning is not oiling it every time you use it. As explained below it's an actual chemical reaction on the surface of the cast iron pan that is created as a result of heat and oil.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #22Aug 4, 2025
What's the best brand to get some pots and pans set from
Cast iron is the best. Sand your lodge smooth or upgrade to vintage Wagner/griswold or get some smithy’s. All clad makes nice non stick as well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #23Jul 2, 2025
Name your top 5 BIFL items
Any cast iron cookware made before 1960, doesn't need to be Wagner or Griswold. Woodworking machines made in USA by Delta Rockwell, Powermatic, or the original DeWalt Speed Queen washers and dryers Carhartt jackets, pants, and overalls made in the USA New: Icon tools at HF.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #24Jun 7, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
Vintage Griswold or Wagner cast iron cookware. Puts modern options to shame and will last literally forever.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #25May 9, 2025
Inherited my grandfather's 1950s cast iron skillet - still my go-to for Sunday breakfasts
Not to be that "acktchually" guy, but they do make modern pans just as well as vintage. To put it in the most basic way I can, there's two types of pans you can get (obviously there's more, but you'll get what I mean).. cheap pans that have a rough cooking surface (haven't been milled to have a smooth surface) or expensive pans that have been milled (I'm talking $100+ for a cast iron). Vintage pans have been milled for a smooth cooking surface, which also helps with cleaning imo. A lot of vintage pans are also lighter in weight, making them slightly more user friendly if you struggle to lift less than 10 pounds. Modern Lodge pans haven't been milled and are quite heavy, but they will cook just as well as a vintage pan and with enough time and seasoning you will see a smoother and smoother cooking surface. With that said, you can buy a vintage Lodge for about the same price as it's modern equivalent so unless you're too lazy to look for a vintage pan I don't see any reason to get a modern one. Start getting into Griswold's and Wagner's and the price is going to be closer to the expensive modern pans of today. Modern milled brands would be Finex, Smithey, Field Company, etc
View on Redditopen_in_new - #26May 8, 2025
Ok so I’m totally lost - a lot of people saying ceramic skillets are a cheap gimmick that won’t last a year, others it is a good alternative to Teflon
I just use stainless for almost everything. I have an antique, smooth Wagner cast iron that I prefer for eggs, though.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #27May 1, 2025
What’s a kitchen item you bought once and never had to replace?
I have some Wusthof knives and a sharpener and I'll hopefully never need to replace them, as well as a Wagner cast iron pan we got from my wife's great grandmother. The pan will, under normal use and with even sloppy maintenance, outlast us both for generations. Wonderful piece of cookware to have in your kit, perfect for our household needs, the one we have holds enough food to satisfy both of us with some leftovers for the next day or for a guest or two to join us.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #28Apr 9, 2025
What is your current BIFL item you recommend to everyone?
Probably should have clarified that the transition is enameled cast iron as well as my old Griswold and Wagner pans, with a splattering of some newer things.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #29Apr 7, 2025
But I thought it was BIFL 😭
if you've ever had a Wagner or Griswold--it's not "very brittle" Tons of proper information off this sub about very old Cast Iron pans.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #30Mar 2, 2025
Best Cast Iron Skillets Being Sold Today?
Yeah , wagner seems good !
View on Redditopen_in_new - #31Feb 7, 2025
Cast iron or Carbon steel? Both suck?
I use carbon steel pans for about 70 percent of my cooking and either cast iron or stainless steel for the rest. The idea of no soap comes from when lye soap was more common. Lye will breakdown and ruin season on cast iron and carbon steel, but modern dish soap like dawn or Palmolive won’t. You also don’t generally need to scrub a kitchen brush gets it clean most of the time and a non stick pad for the rest. To dry I wam the pan on the stove or in the oven, and add a little high temp oil, wipe on and wipe off, to keep a good seasoning and to prevent rust Cooking is a little more work than non stick, but essentially you should preheat the pan over medium high heat until you get the liedenfrost effect when you add a droplet of water. The water should bead up and dance around the pan. Add a thin layer of fat to the pan and you can start cooking. This prep process actually works with stainless steel as well. If you make eggs, use butter instead of oil because the properties of butter actually make the pan more non stick specifically with eggs. A properly seasoned pan used properly, will be about as non stick as teflon. Most of my pans are either lodge or antiques like Wagner pans that have been in my family for a couple of generations. I think the lodge pans are a pretty good value at around 50 bucks for the carbon steel pans and have held up well for the past 5-6 years of daily use.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #32Feb 2, 2025
Best pot and pan set
Avoid getting a set, you will inevitably get a good amount of stuff you’ll never use. Instead piece together your own. My personal set looks like this. You may have different needs but this works well for me. 12” All Clad Copper Core Fry Pan 12” Wagner Cast Iron (heirloom) 11” De Buyer Mineral B Pro Carbon Steel Pan 10” Wagner Cast Iron (heirloom) 4qt All Clad Copper Core Saucepan 2qt All Clad Copper Core Saucepan 7qt Staub Cocotte (Dutch Oven) 12qt Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stockpot 32cm Oxenforge Flat Bottom Wok These cover my needs perfectly. I phased out nonstick some time ago and don’t miss it at all. Carbon steel performs just as well when you get use to heat control. The 10” cast iron could go but I keep it because it works great for camping and it’s nearly 100 years old now. Someday I may swap it for an enameled cast iron pan of the same size. Again am - you may have different needs or wants but my point is that an effective kitchen is one that’s customized to you!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #33Jan 6, 2025
Pots and pans that last?
My Griswold and Wagner pans outlasted my grandmother, my mother and will outlast me.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #34Jan 3, 2025
Steam cleaners for mold, floors and furniture
For general cleaning, THIS is truly life changing. It holds a lot of water and it shoots out in a heavily pressurized steam mist which means it knocks gunk and crud out of places you could never get with any other implement or tool no matter how tiny and precise. It's amazing. Car detailers use these for that exact reason. [https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Wagner-915e-Multi-Purpose-On-Demand-Steam-Cleaner-and-Wallpaper-remover-0282014/202719943?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=vantage&utm\_campaign=37257&utm\_content=39729&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D24-Multi-NA-WAGNER-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-INV006Do0000081XDoIAM-37257-NBR-40-NA-VNT-FY24\_Q1\_Q4\_Wagner\_D24\_RM\_ES\_Upsell&cm\_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D24-Multi-NA-WAGNER-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-INV006Do0000081XDoIAM-37257-NBR-40-NA-VNT-FY24\_Q1\_Q4\_Wagner\_D24\_RM\_ES\_Upsell-22032613639--&gad\_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9m7BhD1ARIsANsIIvCDD-LVYWYsCnizQpylNxz7p2-TqC7IygzHZypA5cZHhAm25zEMYFYaAghtEALw\_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds](https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Wagner-915e-Multi-Purpose-On-Demand-Steam-Cleaner-and-Wallpaper-remover-0282014/202719943?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=vantage&utm_campaign=37257&utm_content=39729&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D24-Multi-NA-WAGNER-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-INV006Do0000081XDoIAM-37257-NBR-40-NA-VNT-FY24_Q1_Q4_Wagner_D24_RM_ES_Upsell&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D24-Multi-NA-WAGNER-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-INV006Do0000081XDoIAM-37257-NBR-40-NA-VNT-FY24_Q1_Q4_Wagner_D24_RM_ES_Upsell-22032613639--&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9m7BhD1ARIsANsIIvCDD-LVYWYsCnizQpylNxz7p2-TqC7IygzHZypA5cZHhAm25zEMYFYaAghtEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #35Jan 1, 2025
What's the oldest item you still use daily that has withstood the test of time, and what's its story?
My mom gave me a Wagner Magnalite Dutch oven nearly 20 years ago. It was a gift to her on her wedding day. It remains the best piece of cookware that I have ever/will ever own.
View on Redditopen_in_new