WHAT IS MAGNALITE?
A line of vintage cookware introduced in 1934 by the Wagner Manufacturing Company in Sidney, Ohio, cast from a proprietary aluminum magnesium alloy.
It has the heat retention of cast iron at a much lighter weight, with thick walls, a polished finish, and those distinctive mission-style handles. Prized by cooks and collectors for even heating and lasting quality. Every piece here is cleaned and hand polished by Patti in Birmingham, Alabama and ready to cook in the day it arrives.
Not dishwasher safe. HAND WASH ONLY
Magnalite Questions & Answers
Q: What is Wagner Magnalite cookware?
A: Vintage cast aluminum cookware made by Wagner Ware in Sidney, Ohio. It's prized because it heats evenly, lasts forever, and the old Wagner-made pieces just cook better than anything new.
Q: Where can I buy vintage Magnalite?
A: Right here at Calling All Cast Iron. Every piece is restored by hand in Birmingham, Alabama, and listed with its exact model number, measurements, and condition. Local buyers can choose store pickup at checkout and skip the shipping.
Q: Is your Magnalite ready to cook in?
A: Yes. Every piece is restored entirely by hand — careful hand cleaning and hand polishing, no polishing tools — and arrives ready to go straight on your stove.
Q: Do you polish the inside of the cookware?
A: No. I polish the outside only. The interior cooking surface where your food touches is never polished.
Q: Do you carry the Magnalite 8-quart roaster (4265)?
A: The 4265 oval roaster is one of the most asked-for pieces I sell. Check the Magnalite Cookware page for what's in stock — inventory changes as pieces sell, since no two restored pieces are exactly alike.
Q: How do I take care of Magnalite?
A: Hand wash only — it's not dishwasher safe. Dry it thoroughly right after washing. Pieces with black Bakelite handles have knobs and handles that stay cool on the cooktop. Pieces with no Bakelite are oven safe up to 500°F.