Feast your eyes on the world's largest cast iron skillet weighing 14,000 lbs. in Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WZTV) — Some Tennessee drivers got quite the surprise Wednesday: a giant cast iron skillet being hauled by a truck along I-59.

The massive skillet was making its way to the Lodge Cast Iron shop in South Pittsburg, where guests will eventually be able to feast their eyes on it at the Lodge Cast Iron Museum.

It's said to be the world's largest, measures over 18 feet from handle to handle and weighs a whopping 14,360 lbs. But it's just one part of the museum planning to open in late summer 2022.

Those visiting will be able to take a closer look at the history behind the cast iron skillet, go behind the scenes to see what it takes to make one of the skillets and hear the stories surrounding some of the cast iron collections and the southern dishes served inside them.

“In 2021, we celebrated 125 years of Lodge Cast Iron, and as we look ahead to 2022 and the next 125 years, we’re thrilled to be bringing the Lodge Cast Iron Museum to South Pittsburg,” said Mike Otterman, CEO and president of Lodge Cast Iron. “Covering everything from the history of cast iron to how it’s used today, the museum is an exciting opportunity to celebrate our community and share Lodge with the world through this unmatched experience.”

Lodge has been making cast iron cookware at its family-owned foundries in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896. Learn more here.