Smithfield · Cast Iron Skillets
Smithey 12" Cast Iron Skillet
Lower PFAS concern, traditional cast iron requires no fluorinated coatings.
Smithey's 12" cast iron skillet is made from seasoned cast iron, which inherently does not require PFAS-based nonstick or protective coatings. Cast iron cookware poses minimal PFAS risk because its durability and seasoning method rely on oil buildup, not synthetic Teflon-family coating.
Shop Smithfield on Amazon →Material
cast iron, seasoned finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Smithey's 12-inch skillet is solid cast iron with a pre-seasoned carbon steel finish (likely a blend of soy or mineral oil and beeswax or similar food-safe wax). Cast iron itself is chemically inert at normal cooking temperatures and does not leach hazardous compounds into food. The seasoning layer protects the iron from rust and creates a non-stick surface without synthetic coatings like Teflon-type coating or fluorinated polymers. Over time, seasoning builds naturally with use, making the cookware safer and more effective.
The brand's record and disclosure
Smithey is a small-batch American cast iron manufacturer founded in 2012 with no major product recalls or safety controversies on public record. The brand does not prominently disclose PFAS testing results or detailed material sourcing, but this is typical for traditional cast iron makers because their products inherently avoid fluorinated coatings. No independent or regulatory bodies have flagged Smithey cast iron as a safety concern. The company's focus on artisanal production and domestic manufacturing aligns with transparent sourcing practices, though formal third-party certification is absent.
How it compares in its category
Cast iron skillets are among the safest cookware materials available because they require no synthetic non-stick coating. Compared to nonstick aluminum or stainless steel pans with Teflon-type coating or ceramic coatings, Smithey cast iron eliminates thermal degradation and fume inhalation risks. Enameled cast iron products (like Le Creuset) carry small risks of lead or cadmium in colored glazes, but Smithey's bare, seasoned finish avoids this entirely. The main trade-off is longer seasoning time and higher initial heat retention than lighter cookware.
If you buy it
Hand-wash immediately after use with hot water and minimal soap to preserve seasoning. Dry thoroughly on low heat to prevent rust. Avoid prolonged soaking or acidic foods (tomatoes, vinegar) on new pans until seasoning is thick. Cast iron performs best on medium to medium-high heat; avoid rapid temperature swings. Seasoning will improve over years of use and require little maintenance beyond occasional oil rubs. If rust spots appear, scour with steel wool and re-season with high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed) heated in a low oven.
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 naturally leaches small amounts of iron into acidic or high-moisture foods, especially when seasoning is thin. This is generally beneficial for most people but may be a concern for those with hemochromatosis. Leaching decreases as seasoning builds.
Rust and oxidation
If not dried and maintained properly, cast iron can develop surface rust. While rust itself is not toxic, heavy rust can flake into food and degrade the cooking surface. Regular maintenance prevents this entirely.
Lead or cadmium contamination in raw iron
Modern cast iron manufacturing in the US and Europe is regulated to exclude lead-bearing scrap. No recalls or contamination reports exist for Smithey cast iron. Risk is theoretical and minimal with reputable brands.
Seasoning oil degradation at high heat
If seasoning oil has a low smoke point, repeated use above 450F can break down the coating, requiring re-seasoning. Using high-smoke-point oils and respecting moderate heat limits mitigates this.
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.