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Smithey No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet

The smoothest, most refined cast iron skillet you can buy new. WIRED's tester says it beats even vintage Griswolds — the gold standard of cast iron.

$160-$200
Pros
  • Exceptionally smooth polished interior — better food release than most cast iron
  • Lighter than comparable premium brands relative to pan size
  • Heirloom-quality build praised by both experts and community
  • Charleston, SC-made with meticulous craftsmanship
Cons
  • Notably heavier than Stargazer and Field according to community feedback
  • Premium price puts it out of reach for casual cooks
  • Overkill for someone just starting with cast iron
Why we recommend it

Smithey is what you buy when you want the absolute best and don't mind paying for it. The polished interior is in a different league from mass-market pans.

WIRED

Smithey Forge makes the best cast iron pan I've tested, and that includes my personal collection of vintage Griswolds and Wagners.