Cast iron
Cast iron is made from pig iron, which is the product of smelting iron ore in a blast furnace. Cast iron can be made directly from the molten pig iron or by re-melting pig iron, often along with substantial quantities of iron, steel, limestone, carbon (coke) and taking various steps to remove undesirable contaminants. Phosphorus and sulfur may be burnt out of the molten iron, but this also burns out the carbon, which must be replaced. Depending on the application, carbon and silicon content are adjusted to the desired levels, which may be anywhere from 2–3.5% and 1–3%, respectively. If desired, other elements are then added to the melt before the final form is produced by casting.
List of cast-iron cookware manufacturers
Borough Furnace is based in Syracuse, NY. All of their products are designed by John Truex and produced in their sustainable facility, powered by renewables. Borough Furnace was also the first cookware company to season their products with flax seed oil and to advertise their usage of recycled materials.FINEX is based in Portland, Oregon and manufactures cast-iron cookware in the US. FINEX Cast Iron Cookware Company is a small team dedicated to making heirloom quality cast-iron cookware in the US.Nest Homeware is a small company based in Providence, RI, specializing in beautifully designed cast iron cookware. Nest is managed by its founder and principal designer, Matt Cavallaro.TAKU manufactures cast-iron cookware (pan, pots, teapots...) in Taichung, Taiwan. TAKU also uses local artists to create unique cast-iron cookware.Stargazer Cast Iron is based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and produces cookware in the US. They are an e-commerce retailer, and their products can only be purchased direct via the company's website. Stargazer Cast Iron's cookware is available bare or seasoned.Marquette Castings designs investment cast-iron cookware in Royal Oak, Michigan, and manufactures in the US and China.