Stargazer 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet for Easy Grilling & Frying

About the Brand: Stargazer

Founded in 2015, Stargazer is a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of American-made cast iron cookware, headquartered in Allentown. Our skillets have gained widespread acclaim for their smooth surface finish and contemporary yet practical design, embodying performance-driven cooking.

The Story Behind Stargazer

Stargazer Cast Iron was established by Peter Huntley, a housewares designer, disillusioned after years of creating products for various companies. Frustrated by the pervasive issues of quality and accountability associated with overseas manufacturing, he recognized that many classic American brands were sacrificing their foundational principles to reduce costs and increase profits. Motivated to change this narrative, he set out to create a product and a company that would uphold higher standards.

With a vision of providing high-quality, well-designed cast iron cookware at accessible prices, Huntley embarked on a new journey. By the summer of 2015, after six months of developing 21 designs and several prototypes, he successfully created the first Stargazer skillet. Working diligently in his garage from dawn until well into the night, Peter crafted the initial batch of 250 skillets. He hand-sanded each piece to a fine finish, seasoned them in his home oven, and packaged them on the dining room floor before personally transporting them to the local post office for shipping. Today, after selling tens of thousands of skillets, Stargazer continues to thrive, guided by the integrity established at its inception.

Why Choose Cast Iron?

Let’s delve into the benefits of cooking with cast iron. Unlike cookware that employs non-stick coatings such as Teflon, cast iron achieves its non-stick property naturally through seasoning. This process involves the polymerization of fats and oils, which either occurs during cooking or by baking them into the skillet. The more you utilize your cast iron cookware, the more effective its non-stick properties will become.

Preheating your skillet is vital for achieving the desired cooking temperature; however, once the skillet is hot, it retains that heat for an extended duration, making it an ideal choice for searing steaks and other high-heat preparations.

One remarkable characteristic of cast iron is its versatility; it can be used on various cooking surfaces, ranging from gas and electric stovetops to grills and open fires. Moreover, cast iron cookware is practically indestructible and can last a lifetime or longer, often being passed down through generations.

Unmatched Quality – Made in the USA

Our skillets originate at our foundry, where we melt domestically sourced, mostly recycled iron at high temperatures (2,800°F). This molten iron is refined, checked for purity, and cast into molds using the “green sand” casting method. After cooling, the molds are released, revealing solid raw castings.

Next, these castings are transferred to our machine shop for precision CNC machining to ensure optimal weight and thickness. This process also lays the groundwork for a naturally non-stick, easy-to-clean cooking surface. Once the skillets reach Allentown, they undergo a meticulous inspection before craftspeople use hand tools to eliminate any remaining imperfections. Afterward, a proprietary two-step surface finish yields the signature smooth cooking surface recognized as a hallmark of Stargazer.

Each skillet is then packaged for shipment, with boxes manufactured nearby, ensuring a streamlined process that encapsulates local craftsmanship.

Sustainable and Safe Cooking

Cleaning cast iron is simple. Allow your skillet to cool, rinse it under hot water, scrub with a gentle sponge, dry thoroughly, and it’s ready for your next culinary venture. Our skillets are non-toxic, made from grey iron, and certified free from heavy metals. The seasoning blend we use consists of non-GMO oils—canola, grapeseed, and sunflower—making it suitable for vegetarians and those with allergies.

Culinary Inspirations

Not sure what to cook? Try shallow frying cheeseburger egg rolls, preparing a Thai stir-fry, or baking a delectable caramel apple pie—all showcasing the versatility of your cast iron skillet.

Commitment to Excellence

Stargazer cookware is built to endure generations. Each skillet comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that if it fails under proper use, we will repair or replace it without any cost. We take great pride in our craftsmanship and stand firm on our commitment to quality.

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