wobble advice for newbee

[Vicki Pierre-Humbert]

Hi everyone,
I've read on most eBay sellers' listings that their cast iron skillet has/hasn't any wobble. Or, that it "sits flat".

I have a gas stove top and electric oven.  Is there a concern with "wobble" on a gas stove?  Occasionally, I'll want to take the skillet from stovetop and finish off the dish in the (warm) oven.
Is it something I need to keep in mind?

All advice appreciated  :)

[Cheryl Watson]

I like a nice flat skillet for Multi- Purpose use, especially for frying so that the oil doesn't pool in the center (downward warp/spinner) or all run to the sides (upward warp).
 
Now if I want to make cornbead, or skillet brownies, or baked stuff, then a little warp up or down doesn't matter as much....

I never knowingly buy a warped piece (unless it's maybe $5 with a planned use).

Just my personal preference.

[Jim Glatthaar]

I agree with Cheryl, Vicki.  I won't knowingly buy a piece with a wobble since I buy my pieces to cook with them.  You can cook with a slight wobble, but I don't trust other people's definitions of "slight" so I will pass and wait for a wobble-free skillet.

[Vicki Pierre-Humbert]

Makes great sense, thanks Cheryl  :)

[Vicki Pierre-Humbert]

Thanks Jim.

Also, do skillets with a heat ring warp/wobble as easily as smooth bottom pans?

[Mark Zizzi]

Also, do skillets with a heat ring warp/wobble as easily as smooth bottom pans?

I think skillets with a heat ring can warp as easily, but not necessarily wobble. I have 2 Erie pans with outside heat rings that don't wobble at all, but the cooking surface has a slight upward bow in both of them. A slight downward bow wouldn't make them wobble or spin either because the pan sits on the ring. I always ask if the inside cooking surface is flat...and have them check it with a straight edge if they're not sure.  ;)

[Janis Berzins]

I wonder what really classifies a wobble. I think a slight movement on a flat surface is not really a wobble.

[Vicki Pierre-Humbert]

Thanks Mark and Janis. The more I learn, the more I'm fascinated about old cast iron  :)