With a legacy dating back to 1896, Lodge Cast Iron has been synonymous with durability and craftsmanship, making it a trusted name in kitchens across America. A visit to the first Lodge Factory Store is not just a shopping experience; it’s a journey into the heart of Southern culinary traditions, where generations of knowledge and innovation come together to offer a unique and delightful encounter.

Lodge Cast Iron Factory Store in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee.

History of Lodge Cast Iron

Joseph Lodge started the Blacklock Foundry in 1896 in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee. The company’s focus was cast iron products which included cast iron cookware. That makes Lodge Cast Iron the oldest manufacturer of cast iron cookware in America.

Early on, the company leased a building from US Steel and had 100 employees. In 1910, the cupola of the building caught fire and the wooden building was destroyed. Not to be deterred, Joseph rebuilt the company three months later.

The 1950s and ’60’s brought updated technology at the foundry where it moved from hand-pouring to automation using a Danish (sand) molding machine. The foundry became the first American company use the Disamatic on US soil in 1965.

Through the Great Depression and the hard economic hardships of the ’70s, the foundry still stands as a testament to American resilience. Today, Lodge Cast Iron employs nearly 500 people.

How is cast iron cookware made?

Lodge Cast Iron has a “recipe” for making their heirloom quality cast iron. Ingredients include pig iron, recycled steel, and alloys that get melted together at 2800°. It takes 45 minutes for the products to liquefy. During the process, impurities rise to the surface and are removed.

The foundry uses modern-day technology via a spectrometer to measure the chemistry of samples of the molten compound. Next up, silicone is added and then when it all looks good, it’s time for casting.

Molds of sand are used for making cast iron. Interesting Fact: sand melts has a higher temperature than cast iron, so therefore it holds its shape when molten iron is poured into it.

Once the casting has been made, it is moved along to a vibrating conveyor belt to shake off the sand. Next, the cookware goes to a rotating drum and gets scrubbed with iron media to help remove sand.

After being sorted, the cookware gets finished by being cleaned with a shot blasting machine. Before moving on, any rough edges are ground down. Cast iron is then deep cleaned in a mixture of stainless steel media, water, and soap to enhance the finish.

Last, but not least, is the seasoning of cast iron cookware. The cookware is rinsed and then blown with hot air before being coated with vegetable oil and baked at a high temperature.

Lodge Factory Store

Lodge currently operates six Factory Stores across Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana. The South Pittsburg location is the original flagship store and the only one located beside the company’s foundries, making it the most meaningful stop for travelers interested in Lodge’s history and American manufacturing.

While Lodge has several Factory Store locations today, this post focuses on the original flagship store in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where the company has been manufacturing cast iron cookware for more than a century.

Whether you’re shopping for your very first skillet or adding to a growing collection, the Lodge Factory Store offers much more than cookware.

During your visit, you’ll find:

Traditional cast iron skillets
Dutch ovens
Grill pans
Griddles
Enameled cast iron cookware
Baking pans
Pizza pans
Camp cooking equipment
Cleaning tools
Seasoning oils
Silicone handle holders
Cast iron accessories and gifts

Many visitors also enjoy browsing seasonal items and limited-edition products that may not be available at other retailers.

What Are Lodge “Seconds”?

One of the biggest reasons people visit the factory store is the opportunity to purchase Lodge Seconds.

Seconds are fully functional pieces of cookware with small cosmetic imperfections, such as minor casting marks or finish variations. These flaws don’t affect cooking performance but often come with a lower price than first-quality pieces.

If appearance isn’t your top priority, buying seconds can be an excellent way to save money while still bringing home authentic Lodge cookware.

Can You Tour the Lodge Factory?

The factory itself is not open for regular public tours. However, visitors are welcome to explore the Factory Store, where you can browse Lodge’s extensive selection of cookware and accessories.

If you’re interested in learning more about the company’s history and manufacturing process, the displays throughout the store provide interesting background on Lodge’s long history of producing cast iron cookware in Tennessee.

Choosing Your First Piece of Cast Iron

If you’re new to cooking with cast iron, it can be difficult to know where to start.

I recommend beginning with one of these versatile pieces:

10.25-inch or 12-inch skillet for everyday cooking
Dutch oven for soups, stews, and baking bread
Reversible griddle for pancakes, burgers, and grilled sandwiches

These pieces are incredibly versatile and will likely become some of the hardest-working cookware in your kitchen.

Beyond Traditional Cast Iron

While Lodge is best known for its seasoned cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens, the Factory Store also carries several premium cookware collections that appeal to home cooks looking for something a little different.

FINEX Cookware

If you’ve never heard of FINEX, you’re not alone. Lodge acquired the Portland-based cookware company in 2019, and today its products are sold alongside traditional Lodge cookware.

FINEX pieces are easy to recognize by their distinctive octagonal shape and polished cooking surface. They also feature stainless steel “Speed Cool” handles that are designed to stay cooler longer than traditional cast iron handles. Although they come with a significantly higher price tag than standard Lodge cookware, many cooks appreciate their heirloom-quality craftsmanship and modern design.

Lodge USA Enamel™

One of the newest additions to the Lodge family is USA Enamel™, a premium line of enameled cast iron cookware manufactured in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

Unlike Lodge’s Essential Enamel collection—which is produced overseas to offer a more affordable option—USA Enamel is made in the company’s hometown and features multiple layers of durable porcelain enamel over cast iron. The collection includes Dutch ovens, braisers, and other cookware designed for cooks who want the benefits of enameled cast iron while supporting American manufacturing.

There are also glass lids, cookbooks, honey jars, flour sifters, and so on. If you don’t have room in your car to haul your new treasures, you can have them ship your purchases.

Location

The factory store is located at 220 East 3rd Street in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

Tips for Shopping at the Factory Store

To get the most out of your visit:

Allow plenty of time to browse.
Bring measurements if you’re shopping for a specific piece.
Check the Lodge Seconds section first for the best bargains.
Look for accessories like chainmail scrubbers, scrapers, and handle covers while you’re there.
Save room in your vehicle – you may leave with more cast iron than you planned!

Hours

The store is open from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm every day.

FAQs

Is Lodge Cast Iron still made in Tennessee?

Yes. Lodge continues manufacturing its seasoned cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where the company has been producing cast iron cookware for more than a century.

Are the factory store prices lower?

Prices vary, but shoppers often find excellent values on Lodge Seconds, discontinued items, and special promotions that may not be available elsewhere.

Is the factory store worth visiting?

If you enjoy cooking, collect cast iron, or simply appreciate American-made products, I think it’s well worth the stop. Even if you aren’t planning a major purchase, it’s fun to browse the huge selection of cookware and kitchen accessories.

Can I buy Lodge cookware elsewhere?

Yes. Lodge products are sold by many major retailers and online stores, but the Factory Store typically offers the largest selection, including seconds and exclusive merchandise.

Check out this video from Constance at A Good Life Farm about our trip to the store and see what she purchased:

Have some cast iron that needs a little TLC? Don’t throw it away! Check out this post about seasoning cast iron.

Final Call

Visiting the Lodge Cast Iron Factory Store in Tennessee is a tasty sidetrack for any foodie or home-cook who appreciates the tools behind great meals. After you’ve browsed skillets and smelled that cast iron goodness, keep the food adventure going by checking out Food Tours in Nashville for local flavors, and don’t miss exploring The Delicious Denver Food Tour if you ever want a cross-country contrast of food scenes. These stops pair perfectly with a cast iron haul—think cooking up what you find in each of these places back home.

If you’ve ever cooked in cast iron, spotted a skillet you couldn’t resist, or have a favorite recipe you make in yours, tell me about it in the comments. And if this post inspired you to plan a cast-iron pilgrimage, share it with friends who cook, collect, or just love a kitchen story.

Lodge Cast Iron Factory Store in Tennessee