Does Smithey cast iron skillets have PFAS?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
We graded 8 Smithey cast iron skillets products, averaging Excellent (76/100). 6 of them grade Good or better.
Smithey cast iron skillets worth buying Good or better, safest first
Smithey
Ironware Company Cast Iron Skillet No. 12
Cast iron, pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
Iron leaching
Unseasoned or poorly maintained cast iron can release small amounts of dissolved iron…
Thermal shock and fracture
Cast iron can crack if exposed to rapid temperature changes (e.g., a cold liquid poured…
Seasoning degradation over time
The vegetable-oil seasoning layer can wear away with aggressive scrubbing or dishwasher…
Low risk, cast iron is an inherently safe, non-coated cookware material.
⚠Risky category by default
Smithey
Cast Iron Chef Skillet No. 8
Cast iron, seasoned finish
Seasoning degradation and rust exposure
If seasoning is stripped through neglect or aggressive cleaning, bare cast iron can rust…
Low risk, traditional cast iron with no nonstick coating or chemical surface treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Smithey
Ironware No. 11 American Anniversary Skillet
Cast iron, seasoned/bare metal
Coating degradation over time
The seasoning layer is a soft carbon polymer that can wear away with heavy use, washing…
Iron transfer to food
Poorly seasoned cast iron or acidic cooking (tomato sauce) may increase trace iron…
Low risk, traditional cast iron with no synthetic coatings or treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
Smithey
Ironware Co Cast Iron Skillet No 12
Cast iron, seasoned with oil
Iron leaching at low pH
Acidic foods (citrus, tomato, vinegar) can dissolve small amounts of iron from unsealed…
Thermal degradation of seasoning
Prolonged exposure to very high heat (above 450F) can degrade the polymerized oil layer…
Rust and corrosion if neglected
Inadequate drying or storage in humid environments allows rust formation, which can be…
Low risk, traditional cast iron with no PFAS-prone coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Smithey
No. 11 Deep Skillet with Glass Lid
Cast iron with glass lid
Glass lid thermal shock or breakage
Glass lids can crack or shatter if exposed to rapid temperature changes or impact. Risk…
Rust or corrosion if poorly maintained
Bare cast iron will rust if left wet or unsealed, but this is a maintenance issue rather…
Low risk, cast iron avoids PFAS-prone nonstick coatings entirely.
⚠Risky category by default
Smithey
No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron, seasoned with oil
Iron leaching into food
Cast iron naturally leaches trace iron during cooking, especially with acidic foods. This…
Seasoning degradation and rust
If seasoning is not maintained through regular oiling and use, bare cast iron can rust.…
Low risk, traditional cast iron has no PFAS-prone coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Smithey
12" Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron with seasoned oil coating
Iron leaching into acidic foods
Cast iron can release small amounts of dietary iron into highly acidic foods (citrus…
Bacterial growth in seasoning layer or rust pits
Improperly dried cast iron or storage in damp conditions can develop surface rust or mold…
Low risk, traditional cast iron requires no fluorochemical treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Smithey
Restoration SMITHEY
Carbon steel with unspecified nonstick coating
Teflon-type coating (or unknown Teflon-family coating) fume risk
Coating identity is not disclosed. If Teflon-type coating-based, overheating above smoke…
Coating degradation and microparticle release
No durability testing or longevity data published for this specific nonstick layer.…
Off-gassing of volatile organics during manufacturing or cure
Nonstick coatings sometimes release low levels of VOCs after production. Smithey provides…
Skip until Smithey discloses coating composition; nonstick coating source unknown.
⚠Nonstick, coating undisclosed
Better cast iron skillets from other brands
Graded higher than the Smithey average of 76.
Lodge
Cast Iron Classic Cast Iron Skillets
cast iron (bare or seasoned with oil)
Iron leaching into food
Limited concern
Rust formation and corrosion
Limited concern
Thermal shock and cracking
Limited concern
Low risk, bare cast iron has no synthetic nonstick coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Lodge
Cast Iron Skillet Pan 6"
cast iron, seasoned with oil
Iron leaching
Limited concern
Rust and oxidation
Limited concern
Coating degradation (seasoning loss)
Limited concern
Low risk, bare cast iron with traditional seasoning, no Teflon-family coating coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Le Creuset
Traditional Skillet
Enameled cast iron
Enamel coating degradation and particle release
Limited concern
Low risk, enameled cast iron doesn't require PFAS-based coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
See every Smithey product we grade on the Smithey brand page, or the full cast iron skillets ranking.