How to Measure the size of a skillet?

[rbhollabaugh]

I'd like to buy a cast iron skillet on the internet. I've been using a cast iron skillet for many years and would like a larger one. The one I have measures 8.5 inches on the bottom and 10.25 inches at the top of the lip. So what size skillet is this one I have? Is it an 8" or 10" skillet?

Any ideas?
Rich in NJ

[Fred]

I have an old Griswold cast iron skillet. There is an "8" stamped in the bottom of it, but it measures 9" cooking surface and 10-1/2 across the top. [img]/forums/images/icons/confused.gif[/img]
If I was going to guess... I'd say the dimension would correspond with the cooking surface, since that's really what you're interested in.
Can't you email or phone where you're thinking about getting it from?

[rbhollabaugh]

Fred,
I've tried email - no reply going on 2 weeks. I left a phone message w/customer service and no call back 1 week later. I'm looking at Lodge cast iron.
http://www.lodgemfg.com/
Anyone else out there making cast iron? Obviously Lodge does not want my money.
Thanks,
Rich

[Fred]

I'd try somewhere else if I wasn't getting my questions answered.
I bought a cast iron dutch oven from Cabella's years ago. If memory serves me... all the outdoor suppiers had cast iron stuff for sale including skillets. I would bet Ebay has some new stuff, too.
I would send another email telling them you decided to shop elsewhere.

[rbhollabaugh]

Fred,
Finally got a real person on the phone at Lodge. I need a 12" skillet as I already have a 10" one. You measure across the top.

Rich

[Fred]

Hey now we know [img]/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

Wonder what that "8" is for on the bottom of mine. Weight maybe? I'll have to weigh it.

[RobS]

Hmmm, popular question. The same thing came up in this month's Cooks Illustrated magazine. Same answer, measure across the top [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]