Save the fact both make cast-iron cookware, Lodge and Finex could not be more different. Starting at under $10 a skillet, Lodge’s wares are made en masse via induction forge and automated molding, and after a round of seasoning is applied, they’re ready for sale. Finex’s octagonal pans start at $175, have machine-smoothed cooking surfaces, sport unconventional steel coil handles and are cast significantly heavier. As of yesterday, Lodge owns Finex; what does that mean for cast iron cooking enthusiasts?
According to a report in the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Lodge will forge and cast Finex’s catalog in its South Pittsburg, Tennessee foundry. Previously, the company relied on contract forges and production facilities to get the pans to its Portland, Oregon base for finishing. The brand confirmed that this will not mean price drops on cookware from either brand in the comments of the Instagram announcement.
Though this is the first acquisition in Lodge’s 123-year history, it falls in line with the company’s recent push into the premium cast iron space, with the July launch of the vintage-inspired Blacklock collection and March launch of the performance-focused Chef’s Collection.
The news could mean anything for fans of Lodge’s much-loved vintage cast iron. Will Lodge see the Finex line as ample presence in the super-premium cast iron space, or will it expand further into the category with its own machine-smoothed cookware? After nearly 70 years of waiting for Lodge to re-make its hand-poured, smooth-surfaced skillets of yesteryear, we wouldn’t hold our breath.
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