Smithey’s documented strength is beautifully finished, American-made cast iron built to become a family heirloom. Founded by Isaac Morton in Charleston, South Carolina, Smithey starts its pans in an Indiana foundry and finishes them by hand in Charleston, according to Taste of Home. Smithey says its polished surface wipes clean more easily than rough cast iron, where food can stick in crevices. Gear Patrol notes the skillets feature a heat ring traditionally found on antique cookware.
Testers love the No. 12. Taste of Home’s reviewer has used her No. 12 for four years, calling it her favorite piece of cookware and saying it converted her from stainless and nonstick. The Modest Man tested the No. 12 and a 5.5-quart Dutch oven over three months. Taste of Home lists the No. 12 at $210, with skillets from No. 6 to No. 14 ranging from about $85 to $240, all backed by a lifetime warranty. Smithey also makes carbon steel pans, Dutch ovens, griddles and a No. 12 Dual Handle Skillet.
Customer feedback is positive but limited on Trustpilot, where smithey.com scores 3.8 from only two reviews, both five stars. Eddie Snipes (US, 5 stars) said his No. 14 is by far his favorite pan and well worth the cost for a lifelong pan. David in Michigan (US, 5 stars) called it the best cast iron on the planet with fast shipping and great service.
The honest caveat: Smithey is expensive and heavy. Cook’s Country noted a top-performing 12-inch artisan skillet cost about $200, while its Best Buy, the Lodge 12-inch, offers equivalent performance for about $44. Taste of Home points out a similar Lodge costs around $30. Gear Patrol says a 12-inch skillet with lid can approach $300 and notes the weight. Cast iron also needs seasoning and drying to prevent rust.
Quick Highlights
✅ Handcrafted in Charleston, South Carolina
✅ Polished, smooth cooking surface
✅ Lifetime warranty, per Taste of Home
✅ Vintage-style heat ring, per Gear Patrol
✅ Five skillet sizes, No. 6 to No. 14
✅ Converted a tester from nonstick, per Taste of Home
✅ Soap-safe, per Smithey
✅ Carbon steel, Dutch ovens and griddles available
✅ Heirloom-quality design
❌ No. 12 costs about $210
❌ Lodge offers similar performance for far less, per Cook’s Country
❌ Heavy, like all cast iron
❌ Requires seasoning and care
❌ Only two Trustpilot reviews
Why Trust This Review
This review draws on Taste of Home’s four-year test, The Modest Man’s three-month test, Gear Patrol, Cook’s Country, Smithey’s own customer reviews, and two Trustpilot reviews of smithey.com (unclaimed). Some testers received free products.
Care and safety note: Cast iron gets extremely hot, including the handle, so always use a handle sleeve or mitt. Dry pans thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust. GlossGirly has no commercial relationship with Smithey that affects this verdict.
Full Review Breakdown
Craftsmanship and Design
Smithey pans start in an Indiana foundry and are finished by hand in Charleston. Their polished interior gives a smoother surface than typical sand-cast pans. Gear Patrol notes the vintage heat ring.
Cooking Performance
Taste of Home said the No. 12 replaces almost every other pan in her kitchen. Smithey customer Eric C. said food cooks up very well. Cast iron’s heat retention suits searing, frying and baking.
Price and Value
At about $210 for the No. 12, Smithey costs far more than Lodge. Cook’s Country found the Lodge 12-inch offers equivalent performance at about $44. The premium buys finish, craftsmanship and heirloom appeal more than cooking advantage.
Care and Durability
Cast iron lasts generations with care. Smithey offers a lifetime warranty, and Taste of Home notes her father has used his for nine years. Season occasionally and avoid soaking.
Best Products Worth Buying
Smithey’s bestselling 12-inch polished skillet. Taste of Home’s tester has used hers for four years. Best for families and everyday cooking. Trade-offs: heavy and expensive.
A slightly smaller, lighter option. Best for couples and smaller kitchens. Trade-offs: less cooking space.
Eddie Snipes calls it his favorite pan. Best for large meals. Trade-offs: very heavy.
Tested by The Modest Man for braising and baking. Best for stews and bread. Trade-offs: premium price.
What Customers Actually Think
“I have a lot of cookware, but this is by far my favorite pan.” — Eddie Snipes, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 5 stars, No. 14 Skillet)
“Their skillets are a little pricey, but well worth the cost.” — Eddie Snipes, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 5 stars, No. 14 Skillet)
“Great products, fast shipping and amazing customer service!” — David in Michigan, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 5 stars, Smithey cast iron)
“Like no other cast iron skillets I’ve used in the past.” — Eric C., Smithey customer (5 stars, No. 12 Skillet)
“The Smithey No 12 Skillet is the best cast iron skillet I’ve ever used.” — Smithey customer (5 stars, No. 12 Skillet)
Is It Worth It?
Yes, if you value craftsmanship, a smooth finish and an heirloom piece. If cooking performance is all you need, Lodge offers similar results for much less.
Competitors Table
Feature | Smithey | Lodge | Field Company | Butter Pat | Finex | Stargazer |
Trustpilot rating | 3.8/5 (2 reviews) | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
Surface | Polished | Sand-cast | Polished | Polished | Polished | Milled |
Made in | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA |
12-inch price | ~$210 | ~$30–$44 | Premium | Premium | Premium | Premium |
Warranty | Lifetime | Varies | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
FAQs
Is Smithey worth it over Lodge?
Smithey offers a smoother finish and craftsmanship; Lodge performs similarly for less, per Cook’s Country.
Where is Smithey made?
Cast in Indiana and finished in Charleston, South Carolina.
How much is a Smithey No. 12?
About $210.
Can you use soap on Smithey cast iron?
Yes, Smithey says you can.
Does Smithey have a warranty?
Yes, a lifetime warranty, per Taste of Home.
Final Verdict
Smithey makes beautiful, polished cast iron that cooks well and can last for generations. Testers and customers love the No. 12.
The trade-off is price compared with budget cast iron. For heirloom quality, Smithey is excellent.Smithey is excellent.
Scorecard
Category | Score |
Craftsmanship | 9.4/10 |
Cooking Performance | 9.0/10 |
Surface Finish | 9.4/10 |
Durability | 9.4/10 |
Ease of Care | 7.6/10 |
Weight & Handling | 6.8/10 |
Value for Money | 6.8/10 |
Review Evidence | 7.0/10 |
Overall | 8.6/10 |
