best cast iron?

[chel]

I going to buy my first piece of cast iron cookware (a large skillet). Which brands do you guys like.
TIA

[Meiri]

I'm not much help here, but the best cast iron I've got is a skillet so old and well seasoned, DH bought it for me from a co-worker whose grandfather had died, that the cooking surface is smooth as ice.

I've yet to see a new piece like that. Have you perused the yard/garage sales and thrift shops?

[potatofairy]

definately check out the thrift stores, the best ones are the old ones!
you can find em sometimes for four or five bucks!

[momto l&a]

The old brands are Wagner, Griswold and I think West.

Sometimes you will find a old peices with no name.

If the finish of the pan feels like satin

The new cast iron is Lodge and it has a very rough finish I went to a high quality kitchen store the other day and that what they sold : I so wanted to tell the owner thats what Wal-Mart sells not some high end kitchen store :

[chel]

I understand used is better, but we're vegetarians and I would prefer something that hasn't cooked meat.

[jessicado]

I have Griswold and Wagner, which I love. I'm also a vegetarian and I'm sure this set has cooked meat.....but I bit the bullet and figure they'll just never cook meat from now on!

[moderngal]

Le Creuset, for sure.

[ktbug]

Le Creuset for new ones. Lodge isn't bad once you get it seasoned right.
I love my Lodge. I love the no-name 20 year old pans at my old job more. Alas.

It has nothing to do with the brand, and everything to do with the care.

[Meiri]

I thought all the Le Crueset was enamalled. Do they do regular cast iron too?