Using Your New Cast-Iron Skillet That being said, not all preseasoned pans are created equal. That’s because the cast iron found in your grandmother’s kitchen or antique markets was likely hand-polished to create that coveted smooth surface. Cast-Iron: Iron made with around 1.7 percent carbon, giving it its classic heavy, brittle nature.Seasoning: The layer of polymerized and carbonized fats between what you’re cooking and raw iron.Pour Spouts: If present, small areas cast into both sides of the pan meant to easily discard (or save) sauces or excess grease. The coil around the handle helps keep it cool, though we found its diameter to be too large for a good grip. The other key to a delicious steak is heat. We also found its pointed pour spouts spilled more, but were pleased with its smooth handle and balanced weight. These skillets are not only more affordable than they have ever been, but new production techniques and advances in global metal infrastructures means that in most cases, you are getting a pan that can go toe-to-toe with the cast-iron pans that your grandma used to have. | dBa: 85.5 | Stickiness: 7 | Searing: 8 | Heat Distribution: 7 | Pouring: 6. | Height: 2.5 in. Though it’s hard to place it as absolute best at any one thing, the Stargazer is a great blend of all buying factors. 10 | Helper handle: 4 x 1.12 in. How we tested cast iron skillet pans. Federal Way, WA. Weight: 4.2 lb. The 12-inch skillet has an unique octagonal shape that makes for easy pouring. It’s middle of the pack in weight, and it has a large square-angled front grip that is easy to get a hold of when you’re wearing an oven mitt. The small-batch Stargazer brand creates a balanced skillet in terms of weight, performance, and price. Well, we certainly can’t blame you. Weight: 6.6 lb. | Height: 2 in. After a fast and even preheat time, it produced a very even and dark sear on our steak. According to Cook's Illustrated, cast-iron skillets can be used for frying, searing or baking, and they retain heat better than other types of cookware. $100 OFF (18%) + $75 worth of tools with purchase. This definitive guide to the best cast-iron skillets of 2021 explores everything you need to know before buying your next favorite piece of cookware, including important terminology and the best skillets for every budget. Most cast iron fanatics probably started off with a Lodge. Post your items for free. Instead, let the pan cool a bit, then scrape with hot water and a wooden spoon or rinse with water and a soft sponge. Also compatible with Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant, this is one of our top picks for sports-focused earbuds. | Height: 2.25 in. Curing, or seasoning, your skillet is the key to preventing rust and creating a … Field Company’s cast iron is lighter, smoother and simpler than that of many new brands. | Handle Length: 6 in. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Beyond making flip-easy fried eggs (or flip-easy anything, for that matter), the surface makes cleaning that much easier, as everything cooked in it was a towel wipe away from clean. First, we measured smoothness by scraping a metal spatula over their surface and recording the decibel levels. (However, if you only put down a thin layer of oil there shouldn’t be any.) Step 2: Heat Skillet and Prep Steak. With proper use and regular seasoning, a cast-iron skillet can last for decades. Its skillet is lighter and smoother than the competition, and it's way cheaper than some of the other indie cast-iron skillet brands out there. Though cast iron has low thermal conductivity, meaning it doesn’t heat as evenly, it offers superior heat retention that makes it ideal for high-temperature cooking such as searing steak and caramelizing vegetables. If you are shopping for a new cast-iron skillet, Rachael says there's one … It’s hard to justify spending about $300 on a skillet, but the Butter Pat’s performance just about warrants the hefty price. | dBa: 70 | Stickiness: 10 | Searing: 8 | Heat Distribution: 9 | Pouring: 10. Don’t let that scare you off—a cast iron skillet can last a lifetime (or longer!) Much like a drying oil you’d find in oil paint or varnishes in your workshop, flaxseed oil will also transform into a harder, tougher surface through oxidation. The Ironclad Pan Company, an innovative new cookware brand producing the only New Zealand made 100% cast iron skillet, has seen a surge in demand in recent weeks. Bake for 1 hour. Use a vegetable oil with a high smoking point like canola or sunflower oil, solid lard or vegetable shortening. And since that signature sear comes from a sizzling hot pan, a cast-iron skillet is the way to go. In close competition with the Le Creuset, the Staub is another great enameled skillet made in France. And for a skillet that won’t weigh you down, go for Field’s cast iron. | Handle Length: 7 in. Turn the oven off and let the pan cool completely for at least two hours. The Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet 12 Inch distributes heat uniformly throughout the base and sidewalls for even cooking and has pouring lips on either side. And since that signature sear comes from a sizzling hot pan, a cast-iron skillet is the way to go. Because the hydrocarbon bonds are hydrophobic (or water-repelling), the surface will become slick and nonstick. It may require some extra seasoning to improve its nonstick surface since our egg stuck quite a bit with no oil, but overall, it supplied even heat distribution and a great, even sear. Compared to Smithey and other more expensive brands, Stargazer’s skillet is more balanced in terms of weight, heat conductivity, and heat distribution. TBô makes some of the most comfortable underwear that you’ll ever own, using super-soft, sustainable and breathable bamboo fabric. From the renowned Lodge name to the small-batch Stargazer brand, new high-quality cast iron still provides excellent nonstick surfaces that’ll only get better with use. | Helper handle: 4 x 1.75 in. Despite its heft verging on 8 pounds, it’s fairly well-balanced. You’ll want to preheat your pan over high heat for 4-5 minutes, or until very hot. This is because rust or residue may be left on it from the factory. 4. A cast-iron skillet is great for everything from searing a T-bone to roasting a chicken, and it will become naturally nonstick over time. Find great deals on Cast iron skillet in your area on OfferUp. $15.00. Wall Slope: The gradient at which the walls of a cast-iron pan run into the cooking surface; the steeper the wall slope, the less tossing can be accomplished. Sanding and Polishing - Cast Iron Skillet Cookware: First thing, this isn't a hard project. | dBa: 77.3 | Stickiness: 3 | Searing: 9 | Heat distribution: 5 | Pouring: 7. Its pans feature low walls that allow more air flow than any other on this list, an extra-large front grip and a really, really heavy base. Whether you bought it new, scored it at a yard sale, or are finally getting your family’s heirloom skillet, there are a few things you need to know before you start cooking. Here's how to season your cast-iron skillet. Your new cast iron skillet will almost always comes from the factory with some degree of pre-seasoning on it, but you'll generally want to lay down a few more on top of that to make sure it's good. SeaTac, WA. Although it’s not recommended to use soap on your cast iron pan (once or twice per year should be the max), you’ll have to use it when the cast iron skillet is brand new. I just took it … Butter Pat is inspired by the old, and its skillets are some of the best, but priciest, you can find. This hearty pan gets extremely hot and also retains heat for a long time, making it the perfect vessel for steak. | Diameter: 11.75 in. All skillets were 12 inches in diameter with the exception of the Finex 8-inch and Field Company 10.25-inch skillet. Plus, you’ll get more satisfaction (and can save money) by doing it yourself. I am so happy I got a cast iron skillet. This process isn't a one hour project. Though its helper handle is too small for practical use, its light and balanced weight means you don’t really need help when carrying it anyway. This Colombia-made skillet is often $30 or less, yet it outperformed some skillets that cost more than six times its price. Warm up your cast iron to about 200ºF on a stovetop. Cast iron has a reputation for being difficult to clean, but it doesn’t actually have to be a challenge. Along with solid performance, it has steady handling and a wide loop helper handle that can easily be used with an oven mitt. | Diameter: 12 in. The top of the handle dug a bit into our hands, but it’s also designed to stay cooler longer, so it’s worth it if you’re accustomed to pan handles that don’t conduct heat. When finished you will have a piece of cookware that you will love, and wonder why you ever spent the money on a new high cost cast iron … The handle’s unique shape isn’t a very comfortable grip.Available sizes: 9-inch, 10.5-inch. Weight: 5.8 lb. Its 8-inch pan is big enough to fit four fried eggs or two New York strip steaks, but only weighs 4.5 pounds. Smithey’s skillets are made with heavy gauge iron, a three-finger front grip and an exquisitely milled down, pre-seasoned cooking surface. Repeat the process up to six times to achieve the thickest, most durable layer of seasoning. Some cast-iron skillets come pre-seasoned and only require rinsing with hot water and a thorough drying before using. If you ever mess it up, don’t worry: The great thing about cast iron is that it’s easy to restore. Then, immediately wipe the pan dry so it doesn’t rust, or dry it on low heat on the stovetop or in the oven. With these tips, you will pick up how to use a cast iron skillet in no time. The Finex excelled at searing, though like the Smithey, has a high heat capacity that you’ll need to watch to prevent burning. They’re cheap, rough to the touch and you don’t need to treat them preciously. This process isn't a one hour project. The Classic 12-inch skillet doesn’t necessarily exceed others at any particular task, but it’s a popular and affordable choice that’ll last for decades. Some activities may remove a bit of seasoning, such as cooking acidic foods, using excessive heat, or scrubbing with abrasive utensils or scouring pads. Smithey’s cast iron quickly delivered an even, dark sear with no hotspots and very little sticking. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Turntables You Can Buy Right Now, The 7 Best Smart Thermostats to Save Money, The 11 Best Travel Pillows for Great Sleep, Best Garden Hoses for More Than Just Your Garden, Master the Barbecue with These Eight Smokers. Now I can make healthier foods for my family in my seasoned cast iron skillet. The Ironclad Pan Company, an innovative new cookware brand producing the only New Zealand made 100% cast iron skillet, has seen a surge in demand in recent weeks. Weight: 8 lb. We tested a sample of skillets in our Test Kitchen using eggs and steak. This builds up a nonstick coating, called the "seasoning," that keeps the skillet from rusting and creates the perfect surface for cooking everything from scrambled eggs to pancakes to cobblers. We make affordable, heirloom-quality cookware that anyone, anywhere can use. Congratulations on your purchase of a brand-new Cottage™ twelve-inch cast-iron skillet! Standing out from the crowd of round skillets, the Finex features an octagonal design with each corner able to act as a pour spout. | Helper handle: 2 x .75 in. Its 8-inch pan is big enough to fit four fried eggs or two New York strip steaks, but only weighs 4.5 pounds. 12 skillet is the heaviest skillet we tested, but its weight potentially contributed to its excellence in our searing and heat-distribution tests. This “seasoning” is really just polymerized oil, created through the chemical process of monomer molecules forming polymer chains. The Best Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Blacklock 10.25-Inch Skillet. Plus, the two-layer grapeseed oil pre-seasoning the skillets come with out-performed that of every other pan we tested. 04 Don't forget to do this every so often to keep your skillet nice and seasoned. When it comes out, you'll have a cast-iron skillet with a glistening surface that's non-stick, according to Rachael. | Height: 2.25 in. | Diameter: 12 in. Cookbook author David Joachim conducted a series of five tests on 10 skillets from reputable brands to judge their heat conductivity, heat distribution, smoothness, stickiness, and ergonomics. We also noticed some hotspots during our heat distribution tests, which resulted in slightly uneven, but still dark, searing. Starting at $10 for an 8-inch pan (the smallest size you’d want to cook on), its cast iron is made of the same hefty, heat insulating iron that the boutique brands are using and the only serious trade-off is cooking surface and craftsmanship. Once covered in oil, place your cast iron upside down on the middle rack of your oven and turn it on to 450F. It’s probably not as slim and trim as others on this list. | Diameter: 12 in. Le Creuset Signature Iron 11.75-Inch Skillet, Le Creuset Signature Iron 11.75-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet, Butter Pat Joan 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet, Lodge Blacklock 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. But don’t let low prices imply low performance — Lodge skillets are still heavy, heat-insulating cast iron, and they can certainly cook side-by-side with skillets ten and twenty times their cost. This really only affects your ability to toss something your sautéing in the pan.Available sizes: 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, Based in Owego, New York, Borough Furnace has its eye trained on unique skillets. But in terms of value for your money, Lodge’s American-made cast-iron skillets are unrivaled. | Diameter: 10 in. | Handle Length: 5 in. This is useful when dealing with the longer cook times baking often entails. Weight: 6.6 lb. Every pan has its own quirks, but cast iron, in particular, has a reputation among home cooks for being high-maintenance. When you clean it, avoid abrasive pads or cleaners like steel wool. Where to start? It’s light and skips out on extra features in the name of simplicity. The Best Lightweight Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Blacklock 10.25-Inch Skillet. Add enough vegetable oil to cover its bottom by about a quarter inch, sprinkle in a generous handful of coarse kosher salt, and scrub with a wad of paper towels," Bolling explains. Add a thin coat of more oil, but make sure the oil doesn’t pool anywhere — one teaspoon wiped across the entire cooking surface is just right for most pans. It has a total diameter of 10 inches, but just eight inches of cooking surface, which was sticky despite feeling very smooth. A cast-iron skillet is great for everything from searing a T-bone to roasting a chicken, and it will become naturally nonstick over time. ... New unused cast iron skillet 12" $20.00. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned with Silicone Hot Handle Holder , 10.25 Inch Dia, Black/Red Silicone (L8SK3ASHH41B) 4.6 out of 5 stars 73,547 $27.04 $ 27 . One—and perhaps the only—benefit of hipster-esque, back-to-the-land cooking is the resurgence of a collective love for cast-iron skillets.They are the Filson of fryware: reliable, long-lasting, and ruggedly handsome.They are just as handy for frying a plate full of bacon as they are for a gooey, sticky skillet cake. Redmond, WA. Your new everyday pan: smoother & lighter cast iron … The skillet heated up relatively quickly and browned meat consistently. The Lodge 12 inch skillet will be your go-to skillet for years to come, and features an assist handle for easier handling. Starting at $10 for an 8-inch pan (the smallest size you’d want to cook on), its cast iron is made of the same hefty, heat insulating iron that the boutique brands are using and the only serious trade-off is cooking surface and craftsmanship.Available sizes: 6.5-inch to 15-inch. (If you get a vintage skillet that's not in great shape, you'll want to consult our guide to restoring cast iron , which includes instructions on how to strip off old seasoning and rust.) Using paper circles in the pans, we observed burn patterns to evaluate heat distribution. | dBa: 80.5 | Stickiness: 3 | Searing: 9 | Heat Distribution: 8 | Pouring: 9. Weight: 7.6 lb. Though it doesn’t have any spouts, its pouring was still precise due to the unique, rolled rim. We judged factory seasoning by frying an egg with no oil at medium heat. While you should clean the skillet after each use, season it as often as you like by rubbing a small amount of cooking oil on the inside of the pan using a paper towel or dish cloth. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The matte black enameled interior is smooth with little sticking, and the glossy enamel exterior is resistant to stains, durable, and available in plenty of color options. | dBa: 78.7 | Stickiness: 6 | Searing: 8 | Heat distribution: 6 | Pouring: 4. Excellent call. This definitive guide explores everything you need to know about cast-iron cookware, including the best skillets for every type of cook. It made me want to cook. In most industries, retrospective homages to products past are meant more to trigger nostalgia than perform to the day’s standards. Anolon 12" skillet pan. There are no pour spouts, the front grip is very small, and the handle isn’t elevated or elongated in any way. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. From cast iron skillets to carbon steel pans and enameled Dutch ovens, choose Lodge. Seasoning a cast iron skillet has nothing to do with herbs and spices; instead, it's all about using oil to build up a nonstick surface and prevent rusting. Your trusty cast-iron skillet will eventually lose its sheen and, as a result, its super non-stick powers. Sanding and Polishing - Cast Iron Skillet Cookware: First thing, this isn't a hard project. | Helper handle: 3.75 x 2 in. | Handle Length: 5 in. | Helper handle: 2.5 x 1 in. First Time Using a Cast Iron Skillet. Cooking in a cast-iron skillet has a number of benefits, including lasting heat retention, non-stick properties when it's properly seasoned, and being able to withstand high temperatures and the oven. In 2015 we set out to build a better skillet. Then, we seared four-ounce boneless strip steaks to monitor speed, evenness, and depth of browning. A new uncoated or non-seasoned cast iron fry pan also must be cured or seasoned before you can use them―there's no way around that. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more. How to Restore and Season a Rusty Cast Iron Skillet. $5.00. If you’re looking for a cast-iron pan that’s more portable, such as to transport to the campsite with you, we’d recommend this simple skillet from Field Company. Whether you inherited vintage cast iron covered in rust or forgot to dry your skillet after washing, we'll show you a few simple steps that will restore your cookware to like-new condition. As-Cast: The result of skipping the milling and polishing process on the cooking surface; when a skillet’s cooking area is rough and sandpapery, it is as-cast. Seasoning is the black patina that builds up on your cast iron skillet with regular use, a non-stick surface that’s slick enough for eggs to skate across the pan, but tough enough to withstand the blazing heat needed to properly sear a steak. | Helper handle: 2.5 x 1.25 in. When finished you will have a piece of cookware that you will love, and wonder why you ever spent the money on a new high cost cast iron pan.. | Diameter: 12 in. This new line of cast iron cookware from Lodge is clearly trying to capitalize on the renewed interest in vintage-style cast iron, especially now that the market has become crowded with startups attempting to revive the old cast iron standards of lighter weight and smoother surfaces. Treat any of these cast-iron pans properly, and they’ll serve you for decades. The surface is grainy, rough and coated in a black pre-seasoning. | Handle Length: 5.5 in. And even though it has a slower heat rate, it yielded a nice and even sear on our steak. Dry the pan and coat with a thin layer of oil. But in the end, it generated a better dark brown sear than the Classic. Apply a thin coat of vegetable oil, or vegetable shortening with a paper towel on all surfaces, inside and out. With similar searing capability as the Le Creuset, this 12-inch Staub fell just behind with one hotspot during our heat distribution test and a bit of sticking while frying an egg. Find the perfect ironware for your kitchen today! Cast-iron cookware is heavy, durable and lasts for many decades with the proper care. With the right skillet and skills, you can build up the seasoning on your new pan to rival those you’d find at the flea market. It’s the at-home work you do to turn a cast iron pan into an heirloom, and it’s as important for your cooking as the iron your pan is made from. Compared to Smithey and other more expensive brands, Stargazer’s skillet … ... "Best cast iron skillet for the purist." Others need to be seasoned first to ensure foods don't stick to the surface. But in terms of value for your money, Lodge’s American-made cast-iron skillets are unrivaled. 2 Field Company turned the antiquated cookware into something for the modern-day cook. You Can Buy This Lodge Cast-Iron Pan for Just $20, Using Particle Accelerators To Build Better Cast Iron, Cadillac ATS: When Cast Iron Trumps Aluminum. The whole facility is run off wind off-sets and solar power, and every skillet is made with recycled iron. Shop for cast iron skillet online at Target. We're moving cast iron … | Height: 2.5 in. Your new everyday pan: smoother & lighter cast iron … But it’s also the most eco-minded skillet maker out there. Weight: 6.2 lb. "Restore rusty cast-iron by putting the pan over low heat. Check out the quick reviews below of our top five cast-iron skillets, or scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of those models plus other high-ranking options. Lodge's skillets will cook whatever you need, but hold off on cooking delicate foods until you've developed a good seasoning. One of the new companies taking inspiration from vintage pans, Smithey Ironware polishes the interior of its skillets to create a gorgeous, glassy surface. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York In addition, the small pour spouts caused quite a bit of dripping. The Field looks smooth with a grapeseed oil seasoning, but our egg stuck a bit. Applying a thin layer of oil and heating it above its smoke point (usually between 400 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to an hour will vaporize lighter hydrocarbons, leaving heavier molecules to form a polymer on the iron. Wash skillet with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. This is such an awesome gift. It makes up for its price with a number of features that even the Field Skillet lacks, like dual pour spouts and a more comfortable handle. | Helper handle: 4 x 1.25 in. | Handle Length: 6 in. Here’s the step-by-step guide: 1. Experts Weigh In, This Might Be the Lightest Cast-Iron Skillet You Can Buy. You could search for vintage pans like Griswold and Wagner, but there’s no need to lose hope on modern options. 3. Field’s skillet is both of these things. Another new brand making smooth cast iron, Stargazer reigned supreme with its nonstick surface. It also manages to keep its prices lower relative to some of its high-minded competition. STUR Cookware is raising funds for STUR Skillet: The German Cast-Iron Skillet - Made to Last on Kickstarter! | Height: 2.25 in. | Diameter: 12 in. At 8 pounds, the no. Front Grip: A protruding area opposite the handle where you grab hold of the pan with your non-dominant hand; meant to make heavier dishes and pans less cumbersome. The seasoning it shipped with was excellent, but you can order it unseasoned if you prefer. | Height: 2 in. Bringing back its luster and protecting it from rusting is as easy as a scrub, oil, and bake. You can even get a lid for the thing.Available sizes: 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, Idyllic sloped walls, pour spouts, a comfy front grip, an insanely smooth cooking surface and Butter Pat’s surprisingly nimble weight makes it just about as good as it cast-iron gets. The corners create many areas to pour out sauces or excess grease, yes, but there isn’t much out there on its proficiency in the oven. | Diameter: 10 in. It may be the most expensive new skillet out there, but it’s the closest you can get to antique cast iron, if that’s what you’re looking for. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. The V10 was Dyson's monumental achievement in 2018, and still holds up today despite being usurped by the V11. This bag is made from Filson's Tin Cloth oil-treated fabric and equipped with backpack straps, giving it the ultimate versatility. The easiest way is to cook with it. Cast iron can be a serious investment, so we had cookbook author David Joachim test these 10 skillets to help you select the best one for your kitchen. The base of Finex pieces is thicker than your typical cast-iron base, providing more balanced cooking temperatures. Your kitchen deserves it. | dBa: 91.4 | Stickiness: 5 | Searing: 8 | Heat distribution: 3 | Pouring: 1. Cast Iron Skillet… Butter Pat pans are cast thin and polished on all sides, making them relatively lightweight and good at heating evenly. | dBa: 76.3 | Stickiness: 4 | Searing: 7 | Heat distribution: 4 | Pouring: 1. | Height: 2 in. Some premium manufacturers are even going back to time-tested manufacturing and polishing methods. | Helper handle: 3 x 1 in. Blacklock has been tried and tested.During the process of discovery, we poured our proprietary recipe of iron as thin as we could and tested below established limits to determine the exact measurement for optimum weight without sacrificing any of the quality or durability cast iron cookware is known for. | Helper handle: 4 x 1.25 in. 6 5/8 inch cast iron skillet. To season a brand new cast iron skillet, you rub it with oil and bake the oil into the surface of the cast iron. How we test gear. Cast-iron skillets are incredibly versatile and a must-have in the kitchen. Right now, the brand is offering 33 percent off its best selling three-packs for Gear Patrol readers. A proprietary hand-casting method allows the piece to be thin where it can be and heavy where it needs to be, making for a lighter than usual skillet.Available sizes: 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, The Lodge of today is not in the business of making a pretty skillet, it’s in the business of making a workhorse skillet. For best results, rinse the pan with hot water immediately after cooking. Butter Pat’s skillets were the smoothest and most non-stick out of the box of any we tried. This inexpensive skillet outperformed other options that cost more than eight times its price. Apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. Place in oven on center rack, upside down. The 25 Best Things to Cook in a Cast-Iron Skillet, This Is a Faster Way to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet, The 15 Best Rye Whiskeys You Can Buy in 2021, You Can Save $55 on a Finex Cast-Iron Skillet Right Now, Seasoning a Cast-Iron Skillet? Cast thin to create lightweight cast iron. Another new brand making smooth cast iron, Stargazer reigned supreme with its nonstick surface. Unfortunately, the small helper handle doesn’t have a loop to assist with its weight, but it instead features three holes that signify the Smithey brand. | dBa: 91.1 | Stickiness: 10 | Searing: 10 | Heat Distribution: 10 | Pouring: 4. 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