Smithey · Griddle Pans
Cast Iron Double Burner Griddle
Lower PFAS concern, bare cast iron has no nonstick coating or chemical treatments.
Smithey's cast iron griddle is seasoned cast iron with no synthetic nonstick coating or Teflon-family coating treatment, making it a lower-concern choice for PFAS exposure. Cast iron naturally builds seasoning over use and does not require chemical coatings.
Shop Smithey on Amazon →Material
cast iron, seasoned surface
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Smithey's cast iron griddle is bare iron with a seasoned (oiled) surface, not a synthetic nonstick coating. The seasoning is built-up polymerized oil that prevents rust and provides a natural nonstick layer. Because there is no Teflon-type coating, ceramic, or chemical polymer applied to the cooking surface, you avoid the risks associated with coating degradation, fume release at high heat, or leaching of additives. Cast iron itself is chemically inert when properly maintained and will not leach iron into food at normal cooking temperatures.
The brand's record and disclosure
Smithey is a premium domestic cast iron manufacturer with a reputation for quality and craftsmanship, but does not publish detailed material certifications or independent safety testing on its website. The brand has not made public statements about PFAS avoidance, though its use of bare cast iron inherently sidesteps PFAS-treated coatings. No product recalls or safety controversies have been publicly documented for Smithey griddles. Their silence on chemical disclosures is typical for traditional cast iron makers but limits third-party verification.
How it compares in its category
Bare cast iron griddles are among the safest cookware options in terms of chemical exposure because they lack synthetic nonstick coatings entirely. Compared to Teflon-type coating-coated griddles (nonstick risk), ceramic-coated griddles (lead/cadmium in glazes), or carbon steel with synthetic seasoning, cast iron eliminates coating-related hazards. The trade-off is manual seasoning maintenance and rust prevention, which nonstick alternatives avoid. Smithey's griddle costs more than mass-produced cast iron but less than specialty nonstick brands, reflecting its artisanal production.
If you buy it
Maintain the seasoning by hand-washing with minimal soap, drying immediately, and lightly oiling after use; avoid dishwasher and prolonged soaking. Cast iron is safe to use at any stovetop temperature, including high heat. Re-season periodically (annually or as needed) by wiping with neutral oil and baking at 450-500°F for one hour. If rust appears, scrub with salt or a stiff brush and re-season. The griddle will last decades with proper care and poses no chemical degradation risk.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Iron leaching
Cast iron does not leach iron at normal cooking temperatures. High-acid foods (vinegar, tomatoes, wine) may absorb small amounts of iron, which is nutritionally beneficial for most people, not a toxicity concern.
Coating degradation and particle release
Because the griddle has no synthetic coating, there is no risk of flaking polymers, ceramic chips, or coating breakdown into food. The seasoning is a natural carbon layer that bonds to the iron.
Lead or cadmium in surface treatment
Bare cast iron and food-grade mineral oil seasoning do not contain heavy metals. Smithey does not apply ceramic or enamel glazes that could contain lead or cadmium.
Thermal fume release
Polymerized oil seasoning does not release hazardous fumes at normal or high heat. Cast iron can withstand any stovetop temperature without chemical degradation or offgassing.
Rust and bacterial growth if neglected
Improper drying or extended moisture exposure can cause rust; while rust itself is not toxic, heavily rusted griddles require stripping and re-seasoning. Regular maintenance prevents this entirely.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 92% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Griddle Pans
Caraway
Sage Ceramic Non-Stick Square Griddle Pan
Ceramic non-stick coating (proprietary, PFOA/Teflon-type coating-free)
Lower-concern option; ceramic coating and third-party certifications support the PFAS-free claim, though independent lab testing of this specific product line i
⚠Risky category by default
GreenPan
Rio Advanced Ceramic Nonstick Griddle
Ceramic-based nonstick coating
Lower concern; ceramic nonstick does not require PFAS, but verify product lot hasn't changed.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
West Elm Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Double Griddle
Ceramic non-stick coating on cast iron base
Lower-concern option; ceramic non-stick is inherently PFAS-free, though independent lab verification would strengthen confidence.
⚠Risky category by default
More griddle pans grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.