The Real Reason Colonial Breakfast Skillets Are Shaped Like That
There's nothing like a cast iron skillet. You have probably heard your parents and elders mutter, "Nothing is built to last these days." However, nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to a cast iron skillet or pan. According to Bon Appetit, part of their appeal is the fact that they will last as long as you give them a little TLC. Cast iron is definitely a go-to skillet you want to have in your kitchen. If you have a cast iron skillet, you know what we mean.
According to The Pan Handler, one maker, Griswold, is considered the pinnacle of American craftsmanship when it comes to cast iron. And, while they are no longer in business, this Pennsylvania company made some extraordinary pieces that many collectors jump for joy over when they find one at local flea markets — including the colonial skillet. The colonial skillet's compartment design was really unique. Per the Cast Iron Guys, the Griswold three compartment breakfast skillet was designed to cook bacon and two eggs at the same time. They note that "it's a very cool piece, both functional and decorative."
We concur. The genius of this skillet is in its design. And the real reason they are shaped this way will blow your mind if you have never used one.
Colonial skillets allow you to move bacon grease from compartment to compartment
In a Reddit post that has been viewed 2.3k times, a Redditor shared that they were a little "ashamed" that it took them so long to figure out that the colonial breakfast skillet's shape allows you to move the bacon grease into the compartment for the eggs and cook them in the flavors of the breakfast meat. Amazing, right? This skillet is truly a breakfast lover's dream. If you come across a Griswold colonial breakfast skillet, snap it up. But not to worry if you don't.
Per the Lodge Cast Iron's website, they started making their own version of this pan in the 1930s and as part of their legacy series, lovers of this "Bacon & Egg Griddle" can purchase a "reimagined" version. The company notes that this pan's original design enabled cooks to fix "an entire breakfast" using one pan, and you could easily reheat or keep your food hot. With the Lodge redesign, they share that they "fully connected the dividers to keep your food completely separate unless you choose to mix flavors." They "also added a large pour spout, inspired by vintage designs but with modern improvements that make it easier to drain grease from your pan before serving."
These skillets are pretty ingenious. Twitter concurs with one user who tweeted Lodge: "Absolutely love them. Use mine whenever I get a chance and the shape works out great for breakfast sandwiches!"