No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet

Score: 8.4/10 | Smithey brings back the polished cooking surface of vintage cast iron in a new, American-made skillet. The hand-finished surface provides noticeably smoother food release than Lodge, making it excellent for eggs and delicate foods. Heirloom quality at artisan pricing.

This review uses the R3 Cookware Methodology v1.0.0, which evaluates cookware across six pillars: Safety (35%), Efficacy (30%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), Sustainability (5%), and Suitability (5%).

Smithey cast iron offers identical safety to all quality cast iron:

• 100% cast iron - no coatings or chemicals
• PFAS-free by design - natural iron
• Polished surface is still just iron
• Naturally nonstick through seasoning
• Adds dietary iron to cooking
• No degradation concerns ever

The polished surface is aesthetic and functional - it does not change the fundamental safety of cast iron.

The polished cooking surface is Smithey's key differentiation:

• Smoother surface than modern Lodge or Camp Chef
• Better food release especially for eggs and fish
• Hand-poured in South Carolina
• Pre-seasoned with multiple coats of flaxseed oil
• Helper handle for safe two-hand lifting
• Generous pour spouts for sauces

Vintage cast iron collectors prize polished surfaces - Smithey recreates that experience in new cookware.

At $200 for the No. 12 skillet:

• Made in USA (Charleston, South Carolina)
• Hand-finished polished cooking surface
• Heirloom quality designed to last generations
• Beautiful aesthetics worthy of display
• Lifetime warranty standard for quality cast iron

Like Finex, Smithey costs significantly more than Lodge. The polished surface provides genuine functional benefits for food release.

Why does the polished surface matter?

• Modern cast iron (Lodge, Camp Chef) has textured, pebbly surfaces
• Vintage cast iron (Griswold, Wagner) had polished, smooth surfaces
• Smoother surfaces release food more easily with less seasoning buildup
• Eggs slide more readily than on textured modern cast iron

For families who struggle with food sticking to Lodge, Smithey's polished surface may solve the problem.

The No. 12 skillet weighs approximately 7.5 lbs with a 12-inch cooking surface. The helper handle aids safe lifting. The pour spouts work well for sauces. The polished surface seasons beautifully with use. Like all cast iron, requires proper care to prevent rust.

Smithey is for families who want the food-release benefits of vintage cast iron in new, American-made cookware. The polished cooking surface genuinely performs better for eggs and delicate foods. The premium price reflects hand-finishing and Charleston craftsmanship. For budget-conscious families, Lodge remains excellent - but Smithey offers something Lodge does not.

Score: 8.4/10 | Smithey brings back the polished cooking surface of vintage cast iron in a new, American-made skillet. The hand-finished surface provides noticeably smoother food release than Lodge, making it excellent for eggs and delicate foods. Heirloom quality at artisan pricing.

This review uses the R3 Cookware Methodology v1.0.0, which evaluates cookware across six pillars: Safety (35%), Efficacy (30%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), Sustainability (5%), and Suitability (5%).

Smithey cast iron offers identical safety to all quality cast iron:

• 100% cast iron - no coatings or chemicals
• PFAS-free by design - natural iron
• Polished surface is still just iron
• Naturally nonstick through seasoning
• Adds dietary iron to cooking
• No degradation concerns ever

The polished surface is aesthetic and functional - it does not change the fundamental safety of cast iron.

The polished cooking surface is Smithey's key differentiation:

• Smoother surface than modern Lodge or Camp Chef
• Better food release especially for eggs and fish
• Hand-poured in South Carolina
• Pre-seasoned with multiple coats of flaxseed oil
• Helper handle for safe two-hand lifting
• Generous pour spouts for sauces

Vintage cast iron collectors prize polished surfaces - Smithey recreates that experience in new cookware.

At $200 for the No. 12 skillet:

• Made in USA (Charleston, South Carolina)
• Hand-finished polished cooking surface
• Heirloom quality designed to last generations
• Beautiful aesthetics worthy of display
• Lifetime warranty standard for quality cast iron

Like Finex, Smithey costs significantly more than Lodge. The polished surface provides genuine functional benefits for food release.

Why does the polished surface matter?

• Modern cast iron (Lodge, Camp Chef) has textured, pebbly surfaces
• Vintage cast iron (Griswold, Wagner) had polished, smooth surfaces
• Smoother surfaces release food more easily with less seasoning buildup
• Eggs slide more readily than on textured modern cast iron

For families who struggle with food sticking to Lodge, Smithey's polished surface may solve the problem.

The No. 12 skillet weighs approximately 7.5 lbs with a 12-inch cooking surface. The helper handle aids safe lifting. The pour spouts work well for sauces. The polished surface seasons beautifully with use. Like all cast iron, requires proper care to prevent rust.

Smithey is for families who want the food-release benefits of vintage cast iron in new, American-made cookware. The polished cooking surface genuinely performs better for eggs and delicate foods. The premium price reflects hand-finishing and Charleston craftsmanship. For budget-conscious families, Lodge remains excellent - but Smithey offers something Lodge does not.