Smithey Ironware Co. · Cast Iron Skillets
Smithey Cast Iron Chef Skillet No. 8
Lower-concern cast iron skillet, no PFAS-prone coatings inherent to the product design.
Smithey cast iron skillets are made from seasoned cast iron with no synthetic nonstick or Teflon-family coating coatings. Cast iron is a traditional, PFAS-free cookware material. Smithey does not disclose PFAS-specific claims, but the product category and material composition present lower concern for PFAS exposure.
Shop Smithey Ironware Co. on Amazon →Material
Cast iron, seasoned with food-grade oils
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.
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 No. 8 is manufactured from cast iron, a naturally inert material that does not leach heavy metals or synthetic chemicals into food under normal cooking conditions. The skillet is seasoned with food-grade oils (typically a blend of mineral and vegetable oils) applied during manufacturing, creating a non-stick surface through polymerization rather than synthetic coatings like Teflon-type coating or ceramic. Cast iron's porous structure bonds with seasoning oils chemically, meaning the coating becomes part of the metal rather than a separate film prone to degradation. This seasoning method avoids the fluorinated or non-fluorinated polymer hazards common in coated cookware.
The brand's record and disclosure
Smithey Ironware Co. is a premium US-based cast iron manufacturer known for heritage production methods and lack of synthetic coatings. The company does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or stance, which is typical for traditional cast iron brands where PFAS is not part of the product design. No recalls, safety violations, or manufacturing controversies involving this model have been established in public records. The brand's reputation centers on traditional seasoning and manual finishing, which aligns with chemical minimalism in the cookware category.
How it compares in its category
Smithey No. 8 occupies the premium segment of seasoned cast iron skillets, competing with brands like Lodge, Field Company, and Smithey's own product line. Unlike modern nonstick or ceramic-coated alternatives, it avoids synthetic coating hazards entirely but requires active seasoning maintenance. Compared to enameled cast iron (which introduces ceramic and enamel glaze concerns), bare seasoned cast iron is simpler in chemical composition. The trade-off is user responsibility for seasoning upkeep versus the convenience and coating durability of modern alternatives.
If you buy it
Maintain the seasoning by wiping with neutral oil after each use and avoiding prolonged soaking; this prevents rust and preserves the non-stick layer. Cast iron can safely reach high temperatures (400+ degrees F) without degradation of seasoning oils, making it suitable for stovetop and oven use. Replace or strip and re-season the skillet only if rust penetrates deeply or seasoning becomes heavily degraded with food buildup. Avoid acidic foods (vinegar, tomato, citrus) in long-term contact, as they can strip seasoning and expose bare iron, though occasional exposure poses no acute hazard.
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 at elevated pH or with acidic foods
Cast iron can release small amounts of iron into acidic or high-salt foods, particularly if seasoning is worn. This is not toxic (iron is an essential nutrient) but can affect taste and appearance; risk is minimal with proper seasoning maintenance.
Seasoning oil degradation and rancidity
Over time, polymerized oils on the seasoning layer can become rancid if the pan is stored in humid or warm conditions. Regular use and re-seasoning prevent this; no acute safety hazard has been documented, but off-flavors may develop.
Lead or cadmium in cast iron (from ore or manufacturing)
Modern US-manufactured cast iron from Smithey is sourced and tested to avoid contaminated scrap metal; no recalls or test results indicating lead/cadmium have been published for Smithey products.
Bacterial or mold growth in seasoning layer
The polymerized oil coating is not a suitable growth medium for bacteria or mold under normal storage. Hand washing and air drying eliminate moisture risk; this hazard is not documented in cast iron literature.
Volatile organic compounds from seasoning oils
Food-grade mineral and vegetable oils used in Smithey seasoning do not emit formaldehyde or persistent VOCs after polymerization; no off-gassing hazard is reported for traditional cast iron seasoning.
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 Cast Iron Skillets
Caraway
12” Enameled Cast Iron Large Skillet
Enameled cast iron
Lower-concern cookware; enameled cast iron is an inherently safer base, and Caraway has publicly committed to PFAS-free formulations.
⚠Risky category by default
More cast iron skillets 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.