Smithey Ironware No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet
Artisan, polished cast iron crafted in South Carolina. Is it worth paying over $100 for cast iron?
The Return of Polished Iron
Vintage cast iron pans (like Griswold or Wagner) are highly prized because their interiors were machined completely smooth, unlike the pebbly, sand-cast finish of modern budget pans. Smithey Ironware, based in South Carolina, has resurrected this artisan tradition.
The Smithey No. 10 is breathtaking. The exterior retains the rustic dark finish, but the interior is machined to a golden, mirror-smooth polish. It feels incredibly premium in the hand, featuring dual pour spouts and a signature 3-hole handle.
The Smooth Advantage
Because the interior is glass-smooth, the non-stick capability is significantly better right out of the box compared to a rough-cast Lodge. A fried egg will glide across a well-oiled Smithey with ease. The heat retention is, as expected from thick iron, absolutely phenomenal.
- Pros: Breathtakingly beautiful, glass-smooth machined interior, excellent immediate non-stick release, American artisan craftsmanship.
- Cons: Exorbitantly expensive for cast iron, heavy, the initial golden seasoning requires careful maintenance to build up a black patina.
- Best For: Cast iron enthusiasts, collectors, and those who want heirloom-quality American craftsmanship.
The primary critique is the price. A $160 Smithey will not sear a steak significantly better than a $25 Lodge. You are paying for the artisan craftsmanship, the aesthetic beauty, and the immediate smooth-surface release. It is a luxury item, not a budget necessity.
Final Verdict
The Smithey No. 10 is a gorgeous piece of functional art. It brings vintage, smooth-machined quality back to modern cast iron cooking.