Are Lodge Cast Iron Products Made in China

When thinking about American brands that produce cast iron skillets, Lodge is one of the first to come to mind. The company has been manufacturing cast iron skillets and other cookware for over a century.

While the company manufactures many products in its Tennessee foundry, some items, particularly enameled cookware, are made through overseas partnerships, including in China.

In this article, we’ll discuss where Lodge Cast Iron products are made. Read to the end to find out what products America’s oldest cast iron cookware company manufactures in China.

Where is Lodge cast iron made?

Lodge Cast Iron is proudly known for its Made in USA heritage. The company has been manufacturing seasoned cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896, making it one of the oldest and most iconic American cookware brands in continuous operation.

The vast majority of Lodge’s traditional cast iron products, such as:

• Skillets
• Griddles
• Grill pans
• Dutch ovens (non-enameled)

…are still made in the USA. These pieces are forged, seasoned, and finished in Lodge’s Tennessee foundries using domestically and internationally sourced iron ore.

Lodge even opened a second foundry in 2017, a rare move in an era where most cookware brands outsource manufacturing to reduce costs.

This expansion highlights the company’s commitment to U.S. production, especially for its flagship cast iron line.

Product type	Manufacturing location
Traditional seasoned skillets & pans	South Pittsburg, Tennessee (USA)
Grill pans, reversible griddles	Tennessee, USA
Cast iron Dutch ovens (seasoned, not enameled)	Tennessee, USA
Accessories (e.g. silicone holders, scrapers)	Mixed (some imported)

Lodge is transparent about their sourcing: if a product is made outside the U.S., it’s clearly labeled on the packaging or product page. This has helped the brand maintain consumer trust, especially among buyers who prioritize American-made goods.

Is Lodge cast iron made in China?

Yes, but only certain product lines. Most of Lodge’s cookware is still proudly made in the USA, but their enameled cast iron is manufactured overseas, primarily in China.

Lodge’s enameled cast iron cookware, such as Dutch ovens and casseroles in colorful finishes, is made in China. This includes products from their Essential Enamel line, which is designed to offer premium performance at an accessible price point.

These products are:

• Manufactured in vetted Chinese facilities
• Produced to Lodge’s strict metallurgical standards
• Inspected and tested for quality and safety

Lodge chose overseas production for enamelware because enamel-coating foundries are extremely limited in the U.S. That said, they maintain control over materials, design, and quality testing throughout the process.

Curious about making a cast iron skillet? Read how cast iron skillets are made from start to finish.

Where are Lodge skillets, Dutch ovens, and enameled cast iron made?

Lodge makes a wide variety of cookware, but where it’s made depends entirely on the product category. Some pieces are still forged in Tennessee, while others are manufactured overseas. Here’s how it breaks down:

Lodge skillets

Lodge’s most popular product, the seasoned cast iron skillet, is made in the USA. Whether it’s the classic 10.25-inch skillet, deep skillet, or grill pan, these are all manufactured in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

This includes:

• Traditional skillets
• Deep skillets
• Grill pans
• Dual-handle pans

These pieces are cast, seasoned, and finished in Lodge’s own foundries. They carry the “Made in USA” label and are known for durability and even heat distribution.

Lodge Dutch ovens

Seasoned cast iron Dutch ovens are also USA-made, including both flat-lid and camp-style models with legs. These are part of Lodge’s core cast iron range and are often used for slow cooking, baking, and campfire use.

However, enameled Dutch ovens, the colorful ones marketed for modern kitchens, are made in China.

Enameled cast iron (Dutch ovens, casseroles, braisers)

Most Lodge enameled cast iron products are made in China, as part of their Essential Enamel line. These include:

• Enameled Dutch ovens
• Enameled braisers
• Enameled casseroles

These are produced to Lodge’s specifications in vetted overseas factories. The quality control and safety standards are overseen by Lodge’s U.S. team.

That said, Lodge recently launched a premium USA Enamel™ line, a small batch of fully U.S. made enameled cast iron that includes Dutch ovens and skillets.

These are manufactured entirely in Tennessee and cater to buyers looking for domestically produced enamel cookware.

Product	Where it’s made
Seasoned skillets & pans	USA (Tennessee)
Seasoned Dutch ovens (bare cast iron)	USA (Tennessee)
Enameled Dutch ovens (Essential line)	China
USA Enamel™ Dutch ovens	USA (Tennessee)
Enameled casseroles/braisers	China

Should you be concerned about cookware made in China?

For some, cookware made in China can be a red flag due to safety concerns. Many shoppers specifically look for cookware not made in China. The stigma around Chinese-made cookware is due to the high number of products.

Countless cookware manufacturers in China produce a substantial amount of the products in the market. With this many manufacturers, consumers are destined to get their hands on bad-quality products.

Fortunately, this isn’t the case with Lodge enameled cast iron products. The company has strict standards that every batch follows. This applies to any manufacturer with quality control checks. Cookware made in China can be as safe as those made in the US, if not more.

The answer to whether or not cookware manufactured in China is safe depends on the manufacturer. If they have a great system in place to maintain quality control, safety won’t be a problem to stress. It’s the same as any product manufactured anywhere. Stores should know the manufacturers they’re getting the products from to ensure the safety of their customers and the reputation of their brands.

If you can, it is advisable to visit the manufacturer’s facilities and see how they operate. This can give you an idea of the standards they follow. Plus, it will enable you to see the manufacturing process of your batches from start to finish.

If visiting the facilities isn’t an option, check for the certifications and reviews of the manufacturer. Every manufacturer operating in China and exporting to other countries must follow regulations. These can give you an idea of the manufacturer’s trustworthiness, ensuring you sell good-quality cookware that is 100 percent safe.

Tips for sourcing quality cookware for your store

If you’re a kitchenware retailer, private label brand, or culinary supply buyer, knowing where cookware is made is only part of the equation.

What really matters is understanding how to source reliable, high-quality cookware that your customers will trust and come back for, whether it’s made in the U.S., China, or anywhere else.

Here are five essential tips to guide your sourcing decisions:

1. Don’t rely on country of origin alone

It’s common for buyers to assume that “Made in USA” automatically equals better quality, and in some cases, that’s true. But manufacturing location is only one factor. What matters more is:

• The manufacturer’s quality control process
• Their materials sourcing
• Their experience in producing for Western markets

Plenty of brands including Lodge, manufacture products in China under strict controls and deliver excellent results. What you want to avoid are unverified factories with poor oversight and inconsistent output.

2. Ask about materials and coatings

Whether you’re buying seasoned or enameled cast iron, always ask your supplier:

• What grade of iron is being used?
• Is the enamel coating lead-free and cadmium-free?
• Are coatings certified for FDA or EU food-contact safety?

A trustworthy supplier should have no problem providing this documentation.

3. Evaluate consistency in seasoning or enamel

If you’re sourcing seasoned cast iron, check that:

• The seasoning is evenly applied and free of flaking
• The surface has a matte, slightly textured finish (a sign of proper pre-seasoning)

For enameled cast iron:

• Look for smooth, bubble-free enamel
• Edges should be coated cleanly with no exposed raw iron (except on rims)

Poor finishing is often a red flag for rushed production or inadequate quality control.

4. Consider product packaging and labeling

Your customers will notice what’s on the box just as much as what’s inside. Work with a supplier who can:

• Offer custom packaging with your branding
• Clearly label country of origin
• Include care instructions and safety guides (important for enameled cast iron)

This not only builds trust but also ensures compliance in major markets like the U.S. and EU.

5. Work with a sourcing partner who knows the cookware industry

Sourcing cookware isn’t like sourcing T-shirts or mugs. You need a partner who understands:

• Knife and cookware materials
• Foundry processes (for cast iron, steel, etc.)
• Shipping and import regulations

LeeKnives, for example, works directly with verified factories in both China and other regions, offering:

• OEM/ODM manufacturing
• Private labeling
• Low MOQs
• Support for both cast iron and knife lines

Source cookware with LeeKnives

When you venture out for new suppliers, there is a good chance you will end up with products that aren’t much different or worse from what you currently sell.

Avoid such problems that can put your store in jeopardy by sourcing safe, reliable cookware from us.

We don’t manufacture cookware but can connect you with the best cookware manufacturers in China.

With the MOQs for your business size, customization options, and more – let us help you source the cookware products you’ve been anticipating selling. Request a quote today!