How to Build a Smithey Cookware Collection on a Budget

Quick answer

Begin with the No. 6 Skillet if you cook for one or two, or the No. 10 size (available as a factory second) if you need more room. Add a No. 12 later for large meals and batch cooking. Skip the extras until you know your cooking style, and consider factory seconds to save money without sacrificing performance.

Smithey cast iron is built to last, but the upfront cost can feel steep. The good news? You don't need to buy everything at once. With smart ordering and a few budget-friendly options, you can build a collection that fits your cooking style and your wallet.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the pieces worth buying first, how to use factory seconds to save, and when to hold off on add-ons. You'll get clear decision rules so every purchase earns its place in your kitchen.

Why the Order Matters

When you're new to cast iron, it's tempting to grab a whole set. But a set often includes pieces you rarely use, and the cost adds up fast. Instead, focus on your cooking habits. A smaller skillet handles eggs, cornbread, and single servings. A larger one tackles searing, frying, and roasts.

Starting with one or two versatile pans lets you learn how to care for them—seasoning, cleaning, and avoiding rust—without feeling overwhelmed. You can always add more later, and by then you'll know exactly what you need.

• Match the first purchase to your most frequent meals: eggs and pancakes call for a small skillet; chicken and roasts call for a large one.

Start with the No. 6 Skillet for Everyday Cooking

The No. 6 Skillet is small but mighty. At just 6 inches across, it's perfect for single-serve meals, baking cornbread, or making a quick egg breakfast. Its polished interior is naturally nonstick and easy to clean, and it comes pre-seasoned, so it's ready to use out of the box.

Because it's the most affordable full-size Smithey skillet, it's a low-risk introduction to the brand. You'll learn the care routine without a big investment, and it'll earn its place if you cook for one or two regularly.

• If you regularly cook for more than two people, the No. 6 might feel limiting—consider a No. 10 instead.

Go Bigger with the No. 12 When You Need Capacity

If you often feed a crowd or like to batch-cook, the No. 12 Skillet is the workhorse you'll reach for again and again. It's a bit deeper than the No. 10, so it handles pan-frying chicken, searing steaks, roasting vegetables, and even baking biscuits. It's also comfortable outdoors on the grill or over a campfire.

The No. 12 is an heirloom-quality piece that could easily become a family favorite. But it's also larger and heavier, so if you have limited storage or struggle to lift heavy pans, it may not be the best first buy. That's okay—start smaller and add the No. 12 later when you're ready.

• Pair your No. 12 with a glass lid (fits the No. 12 and No. 12 Dual Handle) when you want to monitor cooking without lifting the lid.

The Dual Handle Option: An Alternative for Serving and Transport

The No. 12 Dual Handle Skillet offers the same depth as the No. 12 but with two handles crafted for a natural, comfortable grip. It also has a slightly more open wall angle, giving you additional capacity and better access to the cooking surface. This makes it excellent for carrying meals from stovetop to table, especially if you entertain often.

The trade-off? The dual handles make it harder to store in a standard cabinet, and it may not fit in a typical oven slot as easily. If you rarely move a full pan, stick with the classic No. 12. If you love one-pan dinners and serving at the table, the dual handle is worth the extra cost.

• Measure your oven and storage space before choosing between the No. 12 and the No. 12 Dual Handle.

Save Money with Factory Seconds

Smithey factory seconds are a smart way to get the same performance for a lower price. For example, the Factory Second No. 10 Skillet is ideal for a small household or for making a perfectly sized cornbread. It's the first skillet Smithey ever made, and it features pour spots, a helper handle, and the signature polished interior.

The cosmetic blemish that makes it a second doesn't affect cooking. You're saving money without sacrificing durability or nonstick performance. The trade-off is that factory seconds are often limited in quantity, so you need to act fast when they're available.

• Factory seconds work best when you care more about function than a perfect appearance—they're great for a first pan.

What to Skip Until You Know You Need It

Accessories like the Glass Lids are handy, but they're not essential for your first pan. The glass lids fit multiple skillets (No. 6, No. 10, No. 12, and No. 12 Dual Handle), which is great if you own several. But if you're just starting out, you can use a regular lid or foil to cover your pan.

Similarly, a flat top griddle is a nice addition for breakfast foods, but it's not a core piece. Wait until you've mastered your skillet and know you'll use it regularly. Building your collection gradually keeps your budget intact and ensures every piece earns its place.

• Before buying an accessory, ask: Will I use this at least once a week? If not, it can wait.

Decision Rules for Building Your Smithey Collection

• Cooking for one or two?: Start with the No. 6 Skillet. It handles eggs, cornbread, and single-serve dishes, and it's the most affordable Smithey pan. First buy: No. 6 Skillet.
• Feeding a crowd or meal prepping?: The No. 12 Skillet gives you the depth and surface area for large roasts, frying, and baking. It's a bigger investment but extremely versatile. First buy: No. 12 Skillet.
• Often carry full pans to the table?: Choose the No. 12 Dual Handle for a secure two-handed grip and easier transport. Make sure it fits your oven and storage. Consider the No. 12 Dual Handle instead of the classic No. 12.
• Want to save money?: Look for factory seconds like the Factory Second No. 10 Skillet. You'll get the same cooking performance with minor cosmetic blemishes. Check for factory seconds before paying full price.
• Buy accessories later: Glass lids and griddles are nice but not necessary at the start. Focus on core skillets until you know what you'll actually use. Skip accessories in your first order.

Smithey Products Mentioned

• No. 6 Skillet: Small in size but mighty in function, the No. 6 skillet is ideal for entertaining, baking, single-serve meals, and so much more. It features Smithey's signature polished interior surface, is naturally non-stick, easy-to-clean, and guaranteed for a lifetime. This is the most budget-friendly entry point, perfect for learning cast iron care without a large investment.
• No. 12 Skillet: A bit deeper than the No. 10, the No. 12 is perfect for pan-frying chicken, searing steaks, roasting game and vegetables in the oven, and even baking biscuits. It's also at home outdoors on the grill or over an open campfire. When you need serious capacity, this heirloom piece delivers and is a natural next step after a smaller skillet.
• No. 12 Dual Handle Skillet: With two handles crafted for a natural, comfortable grip, this piece makes carrying meals from stovetop to table simple and secure. The wall angle is opened slightly to provide additional capacity and better access to the cooking surface. Ideal for those who frequently serve at the table and appreciate the secure, two-handed carry, but check your storage space.
• Factory Second No. 10 Skillet: The No. 10 skillet is ideal for a small household or the baker creating a perfectly sized cornbread or cake. It features pour spots, a helper handle, and our signature polished interior. It was the first skillet Smithey manufactured. A factory second lets you get a core size at a lower price—just be prepared for cosmetic blemishes that don't affect performance.

Which Smithey Skillet Fits You First?

Best for

• Beginners who want a low-cost introduction to cast iron
• Home cooks who prepare meals for one or two people
• Those who want to save money and don't mind minor cosmetic imperfections

Not for

• Large families or frequent hosts who need maximum capacity right away
• Collectors who insist on factory-perfect appearance
• Cooks with very limited storage or who struggle to lift heavy pans

Building a Smithey cookware collection doesn't have to be expensive. Start with a versatile skillet that matches your cooking habits, consider factory seconds to save, and add larger pieces or accessories only as your needs grow. With these decision rules, you'll create a collection that lasts a lifetime—and every pan will earn its place in your kitchen.