Lodge Cast Iron has been making cast iron cookware in the United States since 1896, and 2026 marks the company’s 130th anniversary. On a recent episode of What’s Cooking with the CBA, host Fran Attilio talks with Emily Rasmussen, Brand Manager at Lodge Cast Iron, about what it takes to build a brand that lasts.
From limited-edition cast iron skillets inspired by American landmarks to a sustainability approach rooted in materials and manufacturing, Emily shares what Lodge is focused on now, plus what is coming next.
Lodge Cast Iron’s 130-year legacy: tradition plus innovation
A 130-year-old cast iron brand does not last by standing still. Emily explains that Lodge continues to evolve while staying grounded in what cooks value most: durable products, practical performance, and trust built over generations.
To celebrate the milestone, Lodge is releasing anniversary-focused collections, including USA icon skillets in multiple sizes. These designs highlight American landscapes and landmarks, bringing a sense of heritage into modern cookware.
The Road Trip Collection: cast iron skillets for all 50 states
One of Lodge’s most ambitious new programs is the Road Trip Collection. Over the next two years, Lodge plans to feature all 50 states plus Washington, DC. At the time of recording, 19 state designs were already available.
Emily shares that the design process is intentionally collaborative. Lodge consults team members with connections to each state to help ensure the details feel authentic. A recurring theme across many designs is local food culture, which helps each skillet tell a story people recognize and feel proud of.
Lodge’s first TV commercial: a major brand moment
Emily also talks about Lodge’s first-ever TV campaign, which the team developed in-house in just six months.
The campaign reached hundreds of millions of viewers, expanded across social channels, and included a Reddit AMA featuring Lodge’s Chef Chris. Emily notes that the campaign also delivered measurable sales lift in key markets, and Lodge plans to build on that momentum again this year.
Sustainability and cast iron: built to last by design
Sustainability is a major topic in cookware today, and Emily explains how Lodge approaches it in a practical, long-term way.
Key takeaways from the conversation include:
- Lodge uses more than 60% recycled materials in its iron.
- Production waste is recovered, melted down, and reused.
- Lodge has never used PFAS chemicals in its product process.
Emily also highlights a simple truth about cast iron cookware. When properly cared for, cast iron can last for decades and often gets passed down through families, which makes it a low-waste choice.
Lodge Cast Iron has educational content that helps make cast iron care feel approachable, lowering the learning curve for first-time cast iron users.
Community support (with a Lodge twist)
Lodge’s community involvement stands out for both impact and creativity.
Emily shares details about an annual skillet curling fundraiser that benefits the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, including Lodge’s role providing the skillets used in the event.
She also highlights the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburgh, where Lodge sponsors events, helps bring in judges, and supports a fundraiser that draws tens of thousands of visitors to a small town.
What’s next for Lodge: customization, bread baking, and licensing
Before wrapping up, Emily previews several areas Lodge is expanding:
- A customization shop that engraves custom designs for both business orders and individual customers.
- New products designed specifically for bread baking.
- Continued growth in licensing, following the success of recent collaborations.
Listen to the full podcast episode
To hear the full interview with Emily Rasmussen, listen to the episode below: