Smithey Ironware Makes You Feel Like You Could Survive the 1800s

Some people collect stamps. Some restore old cars. And then there’s Isaac Morton, who decided that the world didn’t have enough lovingly restored cast-iron skillets. While I was trying to figure out what to have for dinner, he was in a woodshed, admiring the curves of vintage cookware like they were fine art. Apparently, after years of polishing old skillets back to their 19th-century glory and gifting them to friends (you know, as one does), he thought, “Why not make my own?” And thus, Smithey Ironware was born—part history lesson, part kitchen flex.

Now, I own the No. 6 Skillet, which is small but mighty, kind of like a Chihuahua with better manners. It’s pre-seasoned, naturally non-stick, and has pour spouts, because apparently, even 19th-century-inspired cookware can accommodate 21st-century gravy needs. The embossed handle is charming—though let’s be real, I mostly hang it up to look impressive when people visit. Cooking in it feels like you’re reenacting Little House on the Prairie, only with Wi-Fi and DoorDash as backup.

Then there’s the No. 12 Grill Pan, which is basically a square slab of cast iron designed to make your steak look like it came from a professional kitchen instead of your smoke-filled apartment. The diagonal ridges give perfect crosshatch grill marks, which is very important if you believe Instagram likes add flavor. It’s heavy enough to be a weapon if necessary, though admittedly I’ve only used it to cook burgers and intimidate tofu.

And, because one skillet is never enough for reasons I still don’t fully understand, I also have the No. 12 Dual Handle Skillet. Two handles. Twice the chance to burn yourself. But it does make carrying your creation from stove to table a little less like participating in a strongman competition. It’s deeper than their regular No. 12, which is perfect if your cooking style leans toward “accidentally too much pasta” every time.

Smithey’s cookware is beautiful, functional, and built to last longer than your current Netflix password. Sure, it’s not the cheapest kitchen gear, but if you want something you can cook in, serve in, and someday leave in your will, these are your pans. And if anyone questions the purchase, just tell them you’re investing in your survival skills for when society collapses and we all have to cook over open flames again.