The Smithey Ironware No. 6 Skillets represent a significant evolution in cast iron craftsmanship, transforming what many consider purely utilitarian cookware into genuine works of art that perform exceptionally on the grill. These four 6-inch skillets delivered an unexpected revelation during my first cooking experience - grilling chocolate chip granola cookies that showcased both their beauty and remarkable non-stick performance straight from the box.
- Guys planning mancations, camping trips, or outdoor entertaining will appreciate individual-sized skillets that enable personalized cooking for group members while doubling as stunning presentation vessels for everything from grilled desserts to bar snacks in the mancave
- Cast iron collectors and cooking enthusiasts will recognize exceptional Charleston craftsmanship reminiscent of coveted vintage Wagner and Griswold pieces, creating heirloom-quality cookware worthy of passing down through generations
- Grilling purists who value premium equipment will benefit from superior heat retention, chemical-free grapeseed oil seasoning, and versatile performance that enables creative cooking techniques from smoking cookies to preparing individual pizzas
- Home entertainers seeking distinctive serving pieces will discover these mirror-polished skillets function beautifully for both cooking and presentation, making them equally suited for tablescape display and functional outdoor cooking adventures
Cast Iron Beauty Meets Grilling Performance
Cast iron and grilling go hand-in-hand, though to be completely honest, these skillets from Smithey are so beautiful that I had a hard time getting them dirty. I have some old Lodge cast iron skillets that are workhorses and well seasoned, but I've never thought of them as anything beyond down and dirty brutally utilitarian pans.
On the other hand, just one look at these from Smithey and I fell in love. I've never seen cast iron as beautiful as these - polished and pre-seasoned so smooth they are nearly mirrors, leaving them virtually non-stick from the moment they arrive. The satin-smooth, polished finish achieves an aesthetic quality reminiscent of coveted vintage Wagner and Griswold pieces, representing the pinnacle of American cast iron craftsmanship.
In fact, I tested that accidentally by forgetting to grease the skillet before putting the cookies in (it worked for me but please don't make that mistake!). However, when taking the cookies out I was shocked that they didn't stick and didn't leave a mess. It's cast iron so obviously I'm going to do my post-cooking prep to re-season, but it almost didn't need to - I could have just wiped it out with a paper towel and been done with it.
Honestly, these are so visually striking that they wouldn't be out of place holding an assortment of mixed nuts or other cold snacks on the bar in your mancave or gameroom - the aesthetic appeal alone justifies the investment.
Premium American Craftsmanship Meets Modern Design
Crafted in Charleston, South Carolina, these American-made skillets represent the revival of traditional manufacturing excellence with modern design innovation. The embossed "SMITHEY" handle and distinctive 3-holed helper handle serve both functional and aesthetic purposes - the holes provide easy identification during busy grilling sessions while creating a signature visual element that distinguishes Smithey from other manufacturers.
The 6-inch diameter with 4.8-inch cooking surface proves perfect for individual portions, making these ideal for bachelor parties or guys trips where everyone wants their own personalized creation. At 2.7 pounds each, they provide substantial heat retention while the pour spouts enable precise sauce drizzling, and the steep wall angle maximizes cooking surface area within the compact footprint.
Grilled Chocolate Chip Granola Cookie Recipe
I prepared these on my Weber Spirit gas grill, but for best results, I'd recommend doing it on a pellet smoker grill to maintain a lower constant temperature and adding a smokier flavor that would go well with grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups self-rising flour (no additional baking soda or salt needed)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar (slightly more than standard recipe)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup Quaker Granola (adds oats, nuts, raisins, and honey sweetness)
Grilling Instructions: If your grill can maintain 375°F for 10-15 minutes, that's ideal - much easier to achieve on a pellet grill. For gas grills, turn one burner to medium-high and move the skillets to the cooler side to maintain approximately 425-450°F. Once the tops look nicely browned, turn the heat off completely and let the skillets cool down.
This cooling method allows the cast iron to cool gradually while residual heat finishes cooking the cookies gently. Remember, these are essentially deep-dish cookies that are far thicker than normal, requiring complete cooking without burning the edges.
Heirloom Quality Cast Iron That Transforms Outdoor Cooking Into Edible Art
It's hard to say more about a set of cast iron skillets like this aside from the fact that I can't wait to do more cooking with them - whether that's smoking more cookies, cooking provoleta, grilling personal pizzas, or preparing queso dip.
These small skillets already feel like they have the potential to be heirlooms that I'll be cooking with for decades to come and they are even backed by Smithey's lifetime guarantee. The Charleston craftsmanship rivals legendary vintage American cast iron while offering modern conveniences like superior pre-seasoning and design refinements that make them equally suited for cooking and presentation.
For current pricing and availability details, check the official Smithey website, where these remarkable skillets continue redefining expectations for cast iron performance and beauty at their current sale price of $255.
