After years of testing different surface finishes, we landed on the best surface for ease of use and seasoning.

We love polished finishes too, they're reminiscent of vintage cast iron and they offer a very satisfying out-of-the-box experience. But the reality is that polish finishes are more finicky when it comes to seasoning and maintenance. One bacon-frying-fiasco and the whole seasoning can get stripped.

The reason is science: completely polished pans don’t have microscopic peaks and valleys for seasoning to cling to. This means that a fully polished pan will generally be more susceptible to flaking and stripping than surfaces with some texture.

At the same time, we prefer a skillet that isn’t pebbly and sandpapery. Pebbly surfaces can be hard to cook with, and can take years to feel smooth enough to handle delicate foods such as eggs.

That’s why we found the best way to create just enough texture is to actually machine it down smooth, and then purposefully add a slight texture by sand blasting.

Thus, SIGNATUREsoft was born. A satisfyingly soft, yet tactically textured finish.

With a SIGNATUREsoft skillet, you get the best of both worlds: an easy-release surface out of the box, and a slight texture that makes it easier to build seasoning, and is more forgiving when it comes to cooking temperature.

Our cast iron and handle inserts are proudly made in Medellin, Colombia – in the same neighborhood where our story started over 80 years ago after 16-year-old Raul Mejia decided to buy a small casting operation. 

We melt, cast and season all of our iron in-house.

We make all the inserts in our own factory as well.

Our Flaxseed oil is made in Europe.

Our USA office is in Miami, FL.

VICTORIA LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Victoria warrants its authentic cookware to be free of craftsmanship defects for life from the date of purchase. Warranty does not cover damage due to misuse (including improper heating, use, alterations, cleaning, rust) or commercial use.

This warranty does not cover staining, discoloration, rust, scratching or other signs of wear and tear (such as the wear, neglect, or mistreatment of seasoning). If, upon inspection, Victoria determines that a product has a manufacturing defect, Victoria will repair or replace the product, at Victoria's option, without charge to the customer.

This warranty is limited to the original consumer with proof of purchase and is not transferable. If the product was not purchased new from an authorized dealer, distributor, or representative of the manufacturer, this warranty is null and void. Any warranty replacement will be shipped only to country of purchase.

To begin a warranty claim, please contact us using the contact form.

According to our lab tests, the best oil for setting in a nice, tough seasoning is flaxseed oil. For this reason, we use 100% flaxseed oil to season our pans before they make their way to your home.

But 100% flaxseed oil can be pricey, which is why, on a personal level, we at Victoria use filtered coconut oil for daily maintenance after cooking, washing and drying. It won’t change the flavor of your food and does a great job of maintaining the seasoning. After cooking, washing and drying, rub a very thin layer of oil on the inside. Place on the stovetop on medium to high heat until the oil starts smoking a little bit. Shut off the stove and wipe off any excess oil with a natural cotton towel (make sure it is 100% natural fiber towel because if it has any % of synthetic material, you will melt a nice thin plastic pancake right onto your pan ). You can also use a paper towel, but those sometimes leave behind bits of paper.

Some people like to season using other vegetable oils (such as corn, canola, etc), Crisco or shortening – these are all valid choices and, ultimately, they come down to personal preference.

Note that some oils will smoke more once you turn up the heat. Always research smoking points for oils you wish to use for seasoning, and prepare your kitchen for ventilation.