Walk into almost any American kitchen and there’s a good chance you’ll find a cast iron skillet. Many of us inherited one from a parent or grandparent, but few know why those older pans feel so different from the ones lining store shelves today.
The story begins in the late 1800s, during America’s industrial expansion which we mark as the Golden Age of Cast Iron. As settlers pushed westward, cast iron cookware traveled with them. It cooked over open campfires on wagon trails and became an essential tool in nearly every American home. The finest pieces of that era were made by skilled foundry workers who understood that great cookware required more than molten iron poured into a mold. After each skillet was cast, craftsmen ground and polished the cooking surface until smooth. These early skillets were lighter than many people expect held excellent heat distribution and (with some love) the pans last forever.
By the middle of the twentieth century, however, manufacturing priorities began to change. As demand increased and production accelerated, many manufacturers eliminated the labor-intensive grinding and polishing process. Leaving the sand-cast texture untouched dramatically reduced manufacturing time and cost. The rough cooking surface became the new standard, and while the cookware remained durable, much of the craftsmanship that defined America’s golden age disappeared.
Today, those vintage pieces from celebrated American foundries are highly sought after by collectors. They represent craftsmanship that nearly vanished from modern manufacturing until new companies, like Smithey Ironware came into picture.
Inspired by the heirloom skillets that built America’s culinary history, Smithey has revived the forgotten art of polished cast iron. Every skillet begins with traditional casting techniques before undergoing an extensive hand machining and polishing with a process that takes nearly 45-60 minutes per each piece. It’s intentionally designed to become part of your family’s story.
To honor American's culinary tradition, Smithey has just launched their 250th Anniversary pan with the American eagle insignia pressed on the bottom plate. DASH has been selected as one of a handful of retailers across the country to sell this limited edition casting. Be sure to stop in-store or shop from our website at Limited Edition Smithey Ironware Cast Iron No. 11 American Anniversary – DASH Home + Kitchen 
A century ago, Americans bought cast iron expecting it would last forever, and somehow, we lost our way, but fortunately, a handful of craftsmen never did.
Next time you pull out grandma’s skillet, remember that you are holding piece of American history. Forged by tradition, made with by the hands of Americans, and built to last generations.