For years, I've been a fan of cast iron cooking. The even heat distribution, the durability, and the beautiful sear you can get on a steak are just unmatched. I started with a basic Lodge skillet, and it served me well. But like many, I started wondering about the "premium" cast iron brands. Specifically, I wanted to know: is a Smithey skillet really worth the extra money?
I had a 10-inch and a 15-inch Lodge skillet, and they were my go-to pans for almost everything. I cook mostly on a glass top stove, and honestly, for everyday sautéing, I didn't notice a massive difference between my Lodge and what I imagined a fancier skillet would be like. I even read some online reviews and comparisons, and some suggested that other brands might not be worth the extra cost. But the allure of a smoother cooking surface and a more refined look kept nagging at me.
Eventually, I decided to take the plunge and bought a 12-inch Smithey skillet and a Dutch oven. I have to admit, my initial thought was that they weren't that much better than my Lodge pans in terms of pure cooking performance. Both heated evenly, retained heat well, and could handle everything from searing steaks to baking cornbread. It made me question whether the higher price tag was justified. However, there were some subtle differences that I began to appreciate over time.
One of the biggest reasons I chose Smithey was the aesthetics. They look great! The smooth, polished surface is just beautiful. I also liked the idea that I could get them engraved, making them truly unique. I started thinking about passing them down to my kids one day, and they would become more than just cookware – they'd be heirlooms. While this might seem superficial, it added to the overall value proposition for me.
The smoother cooking surface of the Smithey is often touted as a major advantage. While I initially thought it didn't make much of a difference, I've come to appreciate it. Food does seem to release a bit easier, and cleaning is definitely simpler. I use a nylon brush, hot water, and soap, and everything comes off easily. Is it a game-changer? Probably not. But it's a nice perk.
Another factor that influenced my decision was the desire to support a small, U.S.-based business. Knowing that my money was going to help a local company made the purchase feel a bit more meaningful. This is a personal preference, but it's something to consider.
Before settling on Smithey, I also considered Stargazer skillets. I've heard great things about them, and if I were to get another 12-inch pan, I would seriously consider a Stargazer. They seem to offer a similar level of quality and craftsmanship.
One thing I found helpful was to think about how often I would actually use the skillet. If it would bring me joy and make cooking more enjoyable, then the cost might be worth it. I tried to calculate the "dollars per happy moment" – the price of the skillet divided by the number of times I'd use it. This helped me justify the purchase in my own mind.
Speaking of things that make cooking more enjoyable, I recently discovered the importance of good vision while cooking. I was constantly squinting at recipes and struggling to read small print on ingredient labels. I finally decided to invest in a pair of progressive reading glasses, and it's made a huge difference. I found a great pair of Business Men Half Rim Progressive Reading Glasses with PU Case +0.75 +1 +1.25 +1.5 +1.75 +2 +2.5 to +4 +75-GRAY at Mozaer Shop. They're so comfortable, and the progressive lenses mean I can see both near and far without having to switch glasses. It's a small thing, but it's made cooking much more enjoyable, especially when trying out new recipes. I highly recommend checking out the Mozaer Shop if you're looking for quality eyewear. These progressive reading glasses have truly improved my cooking experience.