Smithey cookware is not like synthetic non stick cookware. The brand states that its cookware is 100 percent free of PFAS and pre seasoned only with pure grapeseed oil. Smithey also explains that its cookware has no synthetic coatings that flake or break down. Instead, the cookware is designed to get better with every meal and last for generations.
That means the seasoning layer matters. Seasoning is the thin layer of oil that builds on the surface through cooking and proper maintenance. It helps protect the cookware, improves release, and supports the cooking surface.
The Basic Smithey Care Routine
Smithey’s official care page gives a simple three step care method:
- Use it frequently because the oil from your food keeps it healthy
- Clean with warm water and a few drops of dish soap if needed
- Dry and wipe the entire piece with a touch of cooking oil
This is the foundation of caring for both Smithey cast iron and carbon steel cookware.
Step 1: Use Your Smithey Often
The first care rule is simple: cook with it regularly.
Smithey says frequent use helps keep the cookware healthy because the oil from your food supports the cooking surface.
This makes Smithey cookware ideal for everyday cooking such as:
- Searing meat
- Frying eggs
- Roasting vegetables
- Baking cornbread
- Cooking pancakes
- Making skillet dinners
- Using a Dutch oven for bread or braises
“Cast iron and carbon steel are not display pieces. They become better when you cook with them.”
Step 2: Clean with Warm Water
After cooking, clean your Smithey with warm water. Smithey recommends a light wash with warm water, and says a few drops of dish soap will not hurt.
If food is stuck, Smithey suggests:
- A soft scrape with a metal spatula
- A touch of dish soap
- A nylon scouring pad
The brand also says to avoid heavy pressure scrubbing.
What not to do:
- Do not put your Smithey in the dishwasher
- Do not soak it in water
- Do not use heavy pressure scrubbing
- Do not leave it wet after washing
These steps matter because Smithey says moisture is the enemy of iron.
Step 3: Dry It Thoroughly
Drying is one of the most important parts of cast iron and carbon steel care.
Smithey says it is important to thoroughly dry your cookware after every use. They also recommend placing it over a burner for a few minutes to make sure it is fully dry.
This step helps prevent rust and keeps the surface ready for the next use.
Step 4: Apply a Light Layer of Oil
After drying, apply a light layer of vegetable oil over the cookware. Smithey recommends applying a light layer of oil and storing the cookware on your range.
The goal is not to make the pan greasy. You only need a thin protective layer.
Simple oiling method:
- Add a small amount of cooking oil
- Wipe it across the cooking surface
- Wipe the exterior if needed
- Remove excess oil with a paper towel
- Store in a dry place
“A thin layer of oil is protection. Too much oil can become sticky.”
How to Handle Stuck Food
Stuck food can happen, especially if the pan is new or if the heat was too high.
Smithey recommends using a soft scrape with a metal spatula, dish soap if needed, and a nylon scouring pad for stubborn food remnants. The key is to avoid heavy pressure scrubbing.
For best results:
- Let the pan cool slightly before washing
- Use warm water
- Gently loosen food
- Dry fully
- Re oil lightly
How to Prevent Rust on Smithey Cookware
Rust usually happens when cast iron or carbon steel is left wet.
Smithey explains that if you thoroughly dry and oil your cookware, rust should not be a problem. If rust does develop, the brand says it is a quick fix.
Smithey’s rust fix:
- Remove rust by rubbing with a scouring pad or paper towel
- Wipe off with water
- Dry the cookware
- Apply a light layer of oil
- Bake in the oven at 425 degrees for one hour
This is helpful because it shows that rust does not mean the cookware is ruined.
Cooking Tips for Smithey Cast Iron
Smithey explains that cast iron absorbs heat slowly but retains and emits heat strongly. For searing protein, the brand recommends giving the skillet about 4 to 5 minutes to reach the right searing temperature.
Best practice:
- Heat slowly
- Avoid rushing the preheat
- Give the pan time before searing
- Use oil or fat when cooking
- Adjust heat because cast iron holds heat well
This is especially useful for steaks, chicken, burgers, chops, and other high heat cooking.
“Patience matters with cast iron. Let the pan heat properly before expecting the perfect sear.”
Cast Iron vs Carbon Steel Care
Smithey sells both cast iron and carbon steel cookware. The care routine is very similar because both materials benefit from frequent use, cleaning, drying, and oiling.
Smithey Cast Iron Care
Best for:
- Skillets
- Dutch ovens
- Griddles
- Dual handle skillets
- Chef skillets
Care focus:
- Build seasoning through cooking
- Dry fully after washing
- Keep lightly oiled
- Avoid soaking
- Avoid dishwasher use
Smithey Carbon Steel Care
Best for:
- Farmhouse skillet
- Carbon steel cookware
- Faster responsive cooking
Care focus:
- Keep dry
- Oil lightly after cleaning
- Build seasoning with use
- Avoid long exposure to water
The main idea is the same: clean gently, dry completely, and oil lightly.
What to Avoid with Smithey Cookware
To keep your cookware in good condition, avoid these mistakes:
- Leaving it wet
- Soaking it in water
- Putting it in the dishwasher
- Using heavy pressure scrubbing
- Storing it without drying
- Forgetting to oil after cleaning
- Heating too fast on very high heat
Smithey also notes that cast iron is extremely durable and that there is very little you can do that cannot be restored. The main enemy is moisture, so keeping the cookware dry and oiled is key.
Best Accessories for Smithey Care
The Smithey website shows care and accessory products such as Seasoning Oil and the Mighty Spatula in its cart essentials section.
Useful care accessories include:
- Seasoning oil
- Spatula
- Nylon scouring pad
- Paper towels
- Dry towel
- Pan scraper
These can make cleaning and maintenance easier.
How Often Should You Season Smithey Cookware?
For regular use, you do not need to fully season your cookware every time. The daily routine is usually enough:
- Wash
- Dry
- Lightly oil
A deeper seasoning step may be useful if:
- The surface looks dry
- Food starts sticking more
- Rust was removed
- The pan looks patchy
- You used stronger scrubbing
Because Smithey says frequent use helps keep the cookware healthy, everyday cooking is part of the seasoning process.
Quick Smithey Care Checklist
Use this simple routine after every cooking session:
- Wash with warm water
- Use mild dish soap if needed
- Gently remove stuck food
- Avoid heavy scrubbing
- Dry completely
- Warm on a burner if needed
- Apply a thin layer of oil
- Store dry
“The perfect cast iron routine is simple: clean it, dry it, oil it, and use it again.”
Final Verdict
Caring for Smithey cast iron and carbon steel cookware is simple once you understand the basics. The brand’s official advice focuses on frequent use, warm water cleaning, thorough drying, and light oiling.
Smithey cookware is designed to be durable, restorable, and long lasting. Their polished cooking surface, PFAS free approach, and heirloom positioning make proper care even more important for people who want their cookware to perform well for years.
If you keep your Smithey dry, lightly oiled, and used regularly, it can become one of the most reliable pieces in your kitchen.
