Smithey Ironware is owned and operated by Isaac Morton, who is a professional knife maker, blacksmith, and master craftsman. Morton started his career in 2006 in the Boston area, where he worked as an apprentice under local knivesmiths and blacksmiths.
He eventually grew his skills enough to open his own workshop near Chicago in 2013. Since then, he’s grown Smithey Ironware into a successful business that produces a wide range of quality handcrafted products – including a line of high-end cast iron cookware.
Smithey Ironware prides itself on its heritage and custom of blending tradition with modern craftsmanship – which Morton believes allows them to create unique and meaningful ironware that can be used and appreciated for years.
Their current product line includes cookware, knives, garden tools, fire pits and more. They use an acid etching process to mark each product with the Smithey logo and the city location, so that each piece of ironware has a personal connection to where it was crafted.
Is smithey ironware made in usa?
Yes, Smithey Ironware is made in the United States of America. The company is based in Charleston, South Carolina, where all of its products are handmade to the highest standards. The company’s cast-iron cookware is made with locally sourced pig iron and traditional American manufacturing processes.
Every Smithey skillet and Dutch oven is pre-seasoned with organic flaxseed oil for a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use. The company also offers a wide variety of accessories, from ash scrapers to seasoning brushes, designed to keep your Smithey products in top condition.
How long has smithey ironware been in business?
Smithey Ironware has been in business since 2015. Founded by Isaac Morton and Aaron Sherrick in Charleston, South Carolina, the company produces high-quality cast iron cookware. Tested and retested in the kitchen, the skillets are made with heavy-gauge American steel rendering them more durable and comfortable to use.
Their cookware is designed to be a lifelong companion, holding up against both busy family kitchens and professional chefs. Since then, they’ve expanded their product line to include enameled cast iron pans and dutch ovens, wood and carbon steel pans, trivets, and even an accessories collection like spoons and spatulas.
Smithey Ironware is committed to crafting kitchen heirlooms that will enrich their customers’ lives and kitchens for years to come.
Which cast iron is made in the USA?
There are a variety of cast iron cookware products made in the United States, including cookware from manufacturers such as Lodge Manufacturing Company. Lodge is based in South Pittsurg, Tennessee and produces a wide range of cast iron skillet, Dutch ovens, griddles, seasoned cast iron cookware, cast iron dutch ovens, and cookware accessories.
The company has been producing cast iron products in the U. S. since 1896, and is the only cast iron cookware manufacturer still producing in the United States today. Their products are made with American-sourced materials and are designed to last a lifetime with proper seasonal maintenance.
In addition to Lodge, there are several other smaller U. S. manufacturers producing cast iron cookware. Foundry Direct is based in upstate New York, and offers several variations of standard cast iron skillets and dutch ovens.
Juliska offers a range of cast iron cookware as well, including specialty pieces made with unique shapes and glazes. Other American-made cast iron cookware companies include Hillbilly Cookware and Bayou Classic.
What is the most sought after cast iron?
The most sought after cast iron is probably Griswold cast iron. It’s a brand of highly collectible vintage cast iron cookware made popular by the Griswold Manufacturing Company based in Erie, Pennsylvania.
These pans are probably the most recognizable by vintage kitchenware enthusiasts and have become a part of American culinary history. The Griswold cast iron skillets have sharply defined heat rings, are pre-seasoned and have a special patina that develops over time from use and from being cared for properly.
This type of cast iron is valued for its long-lasting durability and even heat distribution, making it a favorite among many home cooks and professional chefs. Collectors can find Griswold cast iron on auction sites, in antique stores and at flea markets across the country.
The prices vary widely depending on the condition and rarity of the piece. Collecting vintage Griswold cast iron can be a very fulfilling pursuit, both as a hobby and as a sound investment.
What is the oldest cast iron brand?
The oldest cast iron brand still in production today is Lodge Cast Iron, founded by Joseph Lodge in 1896 in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. The company is now run by the fifth generation of the Lodge family, and is still headquartered in the same small Tennessee town.
Since the 1800s, Lodge Cast Iron products have been known for their heavy-duty construction, even heat distribution, and superior cooking performance. Lodge is credited with popularizing the use of pre-seasoned cookware in the US, making cast iron legacies accessible to the masses.
Additionally, Lodge has been at the forefront of environmentally conscious production with the company’s commitment to the Foundry Carbon Neutral Program, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions across the entire production line.
From a novelty item in the 19th century, Lodge Cast Iron is now a beloved kitchen staple of modern day home cooks and professional chefs alike.
What cast iron does Joanna Gaines use?
Joanna Gaines typically uses a specific type of cast iron for her cookware needs—Lodge Cast Iron cookware. Lodge has been producing its signature high-quality cast iron cookware since 1896. While other brands may have some similar offerings, Joanna especially loves the superior heat distribution and durability of Lodge Cast Iron.
Joanna typically uses skillets, preseasoned Dutch ovens, and seasoned griddles, as well as muffin pans, griddles and pans. She has also been known to mix and match with other pieces from her Magnolia Home line to help her design a unique and stylish kitchen.
What cast iron is collectible?
Cast iron is an incredibly collectible material, particularly because so many objects were made from it in the past. This includes items such as skillets and trivets, but also includes toy banks, doorstops, figurines, and lighting fixtures.
Many of these pieces were made in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and today they can be prized antiques. Collectors value cast iron antiques for their beauty, as well as for their historical significance.
Unlike many antiques, cast iron items are often quite durable and can last for decades. This makes them especially popular for collectors who appreciate their timelessness. Another appealing aspect of collecting cast iron items is that you can find pieces from different time periods in a variety of styles and shapes.
Cast iron cookware is also a popular choice for collectible items. Since many pre-20th century skillets and pans were made from cast iron, these pieces can be a great way to combine function with nostalgia.
Not only do these pieces still work, but they also often have significant historical value as well. Ultimately, there is a wide variety of collectible cast iron items that are available to the modern collector.
Whether you’re looking for historic cookware, vintage figurines, or antique doorstoppers, there is sure to be something out there that catches your eye.
When did they stop making ironstone?
Ironstone was initially popular between 1840 and 1880. Although production of ironstone continued in different places in the world such as Europe, America, and Asia for many years, it was not as widely produced after the 1880s due to the invention of more practical and decorative ceramics such as whiteware, bone china, and porcelain.
By the late 1900s, ironstone was almost entirely discontinued and is no longer seen or produced. The few remaining antique pieces are highly sought after and can be seen in some museums.
How can you tell how old an iron skillet is?
One way to tell how old an iron skillet is is by looking at its markings, if any. Some skillets were marked with a logo or the manufacturer’s name and a date. These marks can help narrow down a skillet’s age.
Furthermore, you can also examine certain features of the skillet in order to estimate its age. Many old skillets had wooden handles that were held in place with steel rivets. Additionally, old skillets often had a slightly concave shape, while newer versions are flatter.
Finally, inspecting the condition of the pan can be telling — older skillets often have patina, while newer versions are generally shiny. With a combination of these methods, you can tell approximately how old an iron skillet is.
Why are old cast irons better?
Old cast iron cookware comes from a time when things were built with durability and quality in mind. The process of creating cast iron was a labor-intensive one. It involved smelting iron ore at very high temperatures and then shaping the molten material into the desired form.
Due to the labor intensity, manufacturers ensured that the utensils created were of the highest quality.
In addition to being crafted with care, old cast iron cookware also boasts several advantages over modern cookware including:
Durability: Old cast iron cookware features a heavy construction that is virtually indestructible, making it a great choice for daily use.
Heat Retention: Cast iron pans are excellent at distributing and retaining heat, giving you efficient cooking.
Versatility: Old cast iron cookware can be used on almost any heat source, from electric cookers to campfires. They also don’t react to acidic foods like some other materials, making them perfect for tomato- and citrus-based recipes.
Affordability: Due to the increased amount of time required to cast iron pans, the materials and labour used to make them have remained relatively consistent over time. As a result, older cast iron pans are available at a much more affordable cost.
All together, these qualities make old cast iron cookware a great long-term investment. Although it may require an initial investment of time to season and clean the old cast iron before use, the durability and versatility of these pans will make up for the extra effort.
Do cast irons get better with age?
Yes, cast irons do get better with age if they are seasoned properly. When a new cast iron is purchased, the seasoning process should be completed by pre-heating the skillet and coating it with oil. This helps to create a protective layer that prevents food from sticking, and helps to prevent rust.
As a cast iron is used over time, this seasoning process builds up and the skillet becomes smoother and darker. This not only provides a non-stick surface, but helps to create the flavor that cast iron is known for.
With proper seasoning, cleaning, and storage, a cast iron skillet can last for generations.
Is Finex owned by Lodge?
No, Finex is not owned by Lodge. Finex is a privately held American cookware manufacturer established in 1914, specializing in cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, griddles and other cookware products. Each product is handcrafted using the same technique, called sand casting, established by the company founder over 100 years ago.
Lodge, on the other hand, is a family-owned business that has been manufacturing cast iron cookware since 1896. The company is based in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and produces a variety of cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and griddles, as well as other products for outdoor cooking.
Although Lodge and Finex are two separate companies, both specialize in cast iron cookware and have been producing it for over a century.
Why is Lodge cast iron so cheap?
Lodge Cast Iron has been manufacturing high-quality products since 1896. Throughout their long history, they have developed an efficient and thorough production process which relies heavily on automation and mechanization.
This helps them to keep their overhead costs to a minimum and keep prices competitive. They also use recycled raw materials and recyclable packaging, resulting in fewer and more cost effective materials and resources use during the production process.
Additionally, Lodge Cast Iron’s market presence and large-scale customer base allow them to pass on savings to the consumer. All of these reasons contribute to why Lodge Cast Iron products can be such a good value.
Can you use olive oil on Lodge cast iron?
Yes, you can use olive oil on Lodge cast iron. It is a great way to season the pan and build up a layer of protective seasoning. You will want to use a light coating of olive oil or other food-grade oil on the entire cooking surface and heat the pan for about an hour at 350F.
Doing this will create a strong and protective seasoning layer that will provide a natural non-stick effect every time you cook. It is a good idea to season cast iron cookware occasionally to keep it looking and performing its best.