Lodge 0.30 litre / 10 ounce Heat-Treated Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Square Mini Server

Product Description Lodge’s Revolutionary Heat-Treatment Process In 2014 Lodge introduced its pioneering range of heat-treated cookware. After being cast via traditional methods at Lodge’s foundry, nitrogen is then applied to the surface of the iron under extreme heat within a specialised furnace. This modifies the molecular composition of the iron so that it cannot react with oxygen and is therefore resistant to rusting. This is a permanent change to the structure of the cast iron and is not a coating. There is no visual or textural difference between traditional and heat-treated cast iron. Due to its rust-resistance, however, Lodge’s heat-treated cookware is easier than ever to maintain. About Lodge - 100 Years and Still Cooking Originally established by Joseph Lodge in 1896 - and with over 118 years of experience - Lodge is renowned for producing the finest cast iron cookware in the world. The family-owned company, based in South Pittsburg (Tennessee), is the only remaining manufacturer of cast iron cookware in the USA. The business has survived two World Wars and the Great Depression and continues to prosper today due to its legacy of quality and dedication to improving manufacturing methods. The Evolution of Lodge Lodge’s legendary foundry has undergone several notable upgrades as the company has grown. In order to respond to increasing demand, it was converted from a hand-pour operation to an automated moulding process in 1950. This led to safer and more efficient manufacturing procedures. In 1992, with an emphasis on conservation, Lodge’s coal-fired cupola furnaces were replaced by an electro-magnetic induction melting system. With consumer demand beginning to exceed foundry capacity, Lodge recently completed a comprehensive expansion of its facilities that cost in excess of 30 million dollars. This included new melting and sand systems, an additional moulding line and enhanced seasoning capabilities. These developments have increased capacity by almost 50% and have ensured that Lodge’s foundry is now the most technologically-advanced in the world. Why Cast Iron? Cast iron provides the finest heat distribution and retention of any cookware metal. The heat spreads rapidly and evenly across both the bottom and sides of the material and stays hot for a prolonged period of time. It is also extremely versatile and can be used to sear, fry, sauté, grill, roast, bake, braise and broil - both indoors or out. Cast iron will tolerate any heat source (except microwaves) and is therefore suitable for induction, ceramic, electric and gas cooktops. It will perform effortlessly in the oven, on the stove, in the grill and even on barbecues/campfires. The material is also brutally durable to the point of being almost indestructible. In fact, amazingly, some of the very first skillets, griddles and Dutch ovens, produced more than 100 years ago, are still being used in kitchens today! Why Lodge Cast Iron? Every shipment of iron that arrives at Lodge’s foundry passes through a stringent radiation detector. This ensures that no contaminants are able to enter the manufacturing process. Although standard procedure at Lodge, many other factories around the world do not follow this protocol and actually encourage the addition of secondary materials to the iron so that production quantity is maximised. Lodge’s privately-held metal formula and precision moulding systems are the result of the company’s continued dedication to improving quality - a process that began with the very first skillet that was ever made. Not even the most expensive stainless steel or aluminium cookware comes close to rivalling the heat distribution/retention, versatility, durability and value of Lodge cast iron. Its cooking performance ensures that it is an essential tool for both professional chefs and discerning home cooks. Seasoning - a Natural Coating that Improves with Use In 2002 Lodge introduced pre-seasoned cookware, known as the Lodge Logic range, into their ever-evolving assortment. This eliminated the requirement for seasoning prior to initial usage and ensured that Lodge cookware was ready to use as soon as it was removed from its packaging. At the time this was an industry first. It has since become standard practice. Following heat-treatment, Lodge’s seasoning procedure is then undertaken. This is a multiple-step process in which vegetable oil is applied via an electrostatic spray system that coats the cookware. It is then baked into the iron in commercial ovens at temperatures of 600 degrees Fahrenheit (315 degrees Celsius). This allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the pores of the iron and provides the easy-release properties that are equivalent to a natural non-stick surface. Crucially, this process eliminates the health concerns that are associated with chemical non-stick coatings. The foundry-based seasoning process is far superior to what can be achieved at home. The oil is more advanced, the spray system coats the co