Made in USA
The Smithey No. 10 is the modern heirloom of American cast iron: a satin-polished, hand-finished skillet cast and made entirely in North Charleston, South Carolina. Heavy, beautiful, and built around a signature three-hole helper handle and pour spouts, it is the pan you buy to hand down — and the most craftsman-made skillet in this cluster.
✓ Research & Evidence-Based✓ Manufacturing Verified✓ No Manufacturer Influence✓ Updated July 2026
At a Glance
Made in America Review Score
A Research & Evidence-Based review: scored on the same weighted six-criteria model as every product on this site, using manufacturer specifications, verified manufacturing details, warranty terms, materials, published expert reviews, and long-term owner consensus.
This product has not been hands-on tested. Our rating is based on verified manufacturing information, published specifications, independent reporting, retailer data, and long-term reputation.
We independently verify where each product is actually made and score it on the same weighted six-criteria model. Manufacturers do not pay for placement, and we accept no free products in exchange for coverage. See our review methodology.
American Manufacturing
Verified: July 2026
Smithey Ironware is one of the most fully American-made cookware companies we have covered. Founded in 2015 by Isaac Morton, the company casts, machines, polishes, seasons, and ships every piece from its own operation in North Charleston, South Carolina — now with around 65 employees. There are no chemical coatings: skillets are hand-seasoned with grapeseed oil and are free of PFOA, PFAS, and PTFE. We verified this against the manufacturer and independent press, not through hands-on testing.
| Cast & finished in | North Charleston, South Carolina |
| Manufacturing status | Made in USA |
| Company ownership | Independent; founded 2015 by Isaac Morton |
| Materials | Cast iron; no coatings, no PFOA/PFAS/PTFE |
| Seasoning | Hand-seasoned with grapeseed oil |
Manufacturing Confidence: High Factory location verified (Charleston, South Carolina) · current US production · independent confirmation (retailer listing) · company confirmation (smithey.com).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Satin-polished cooking surface is smooth, seasons well, and genuinely wipes clean
- Three-hole helper handle and pour spouts make a heavy pan easier to lift, pour, and hang
- Beautifully finished — a true heirloom you can even have engraved
- Cast and finished entirely in Charleston, SC; no coatings, no PFAS
- Lifetime guarantee from a well-regarded American maker
Cons
- Heavy — about 6.7 lb, the heaviest 10-inch pan in this cluster
- Premium price; among the most expensive skillets here
- Steep, traditional walls give a slightly smaller flat cooking area
- Sold mostly direct and through specialty retailers
Performance
Surface and seasoning
Smithey’s signature is its polished interior. It arrives pre-seasoned with grapeseed oil and, as owners and reviewers widely report, builds a slick, easy-release patina quickly while staying genuinely easy to clean — the polished surface wipes down where rough factory cast iron traps food.
Weight and handling
At roughly 6.7 pounds this is a substantial pan, and Smithey designs around that: the long handle is paired with a three-hole helper handle so you can lift and move it with two hands, and the pour spouts let you drain or serve cleanly. The mass rewards searing and baking, but it is the least nimble skillet here for one-handed work.
Heat and everyday cooking
The steep, traditional walls are a nod to vintage American cast iron and make the No. 10 excellent for cornbread, frying, and oven baking. It works on every heat source including induction, plus the grill and campfire — a do-everything skillet with the heft to hold temperature.
Specifications
The Verdict
Buy this if: you want a polished, hand-finished American heirloom with a helper handle and pour spouts, and you value craftsmanship and a fully domestic maker over light weight.
Skip this if: you want something lighter (the Field), the best value (the Lodge), or a more nimble everyday pan (the Stargazer).
Bottom line: at $180 the Smithey No. 10 is a genuine modern heirloom — heavy, gorgeously polished, thoughtfully designed, and made start to finish in South Carolina.
Products, manufacturing locations, and specifications change over time. If you have spotted an error or have verified information that would improve this review, we would appreciate your help.
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Where to buy
The Smithey No. 10 is sold direct by Smithey Ironware with a lifetime guarantee.
How It Compares
- Choose Smithey for a hand-polished, heirloom-grade skillet.
- Choose Lodge for the best everyday value.
- Choose Stargazer or Field for a lighter machined-smooth surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smithey cast iron made in the USA?
Yes — Smithey Ironware is made in Charleston, South Carolina.
What makes Smithey different?
A hand-polished, satin-smooth cooking surface and an heirloom-grade finish.
Is Smithey pre-seasoned?
Yes, Smithey pans come pre-seasoned.
Is Smithey oven and induction safe?
Yes — it works on all cooktops and in the oven.
Is Smithey worth it?
For a polished, heirloom skillet you will hand down, yes; for value, Lodge wins.
Related Guides
Buying Guide
The Best Made-in-USA Cast Iron Skillets
Lodge, Field, FINEX, Smithey, and Stargazer — how to choose your American-made skillet.
