How to Use a Smithey Combo Cooker: Skillet, Saucepan, and Dutch Oven in One

A Smithey combo cooker is a two-piece cast iron set that combines a deep skillet with a shallow skillet that can also serve as a lid. This design gives you three pieces of cookware in one: a skillet, a saucepan, and a Dutch oven. In this guide, we'll walk you through the many ways to use a Smithey combo cooker, from everyday stovetop cooking to no-knead bread baking.

Whether you're new to cast iron or a seasoned pro, the combo cooker's versatility makes it a smart addition to any kitchen. We'll cover how to use each component, share practical recipes, and give you care tips to keep your combo cooker in top shape for years to come.

What Is a Smithey Combo Cooker?

A Smithey combo cooker typically includes a deep skillet (the bottom) and a shallow skillet that fits on top as a lid. The deep skillet is perfect for sautéing, frying, and simmering, while the shallow skillet can be used on its own for searing or as a cover to trap heat and moisture. Together, they create a sealed cooking environment similar to a Dutch oven.

This design is incredibly efficient: you get the benefits of a cast iron skillet and a saucepan in one compact set. It saves space in your kitchen and money compared to buying separate pieces. The combo cooker is also great for camping or small kitchens where storage is limited.

• Deep skillet: use for frying, braising, and baking.
• Shallow skillet: use for searing, sautéing, or as a lid.
• Combined: use as a Dutch oven for bread, stews, and roasts.

How to Use the Deep Skillet as a Saucepan

The deep skillet is the workhorse of the combo cooker. With its tall sides, it functions like a saucepan, making it ideal for simmering sauces, cooking grains, or boiling pasta. Because it's cast iron, it heats evenly and retains heat well, which is perfect for slow-cooked dishes.

To use it as a saucepan, simply place it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add your ingredients and stir as needed. The deep skillet's capacity is generous, so you can easily prepare a batch of chili or a pot of rice. When you're done, the skillet can go straight from stovetop to oven, making it versatile for recipes that start on the burner and finish in the oven.

• Use the deep skillet for one-pot meals like pasta or curry.
• The tall sides reduce splatter when frying or simmering.
• It's oven-safe, so you can start on the stove and finish in the oven.

Using the Shallow Skillet as a Skillet

The shallow skillet is perfect for tasks that require a wide cooking surface, like searing steaks, frying eggs, or making pancakes. Its low sides make it easy to flip food with a spatula, and the cast iron provides excellent heat retention for a perfect crust.

When you're not using the shallow skillet as a lid, it works as a standalone skillet. You can use it for everything from breakfast to dinner. It's also great for serving dishes straight from the oven to the table, as cast iron keeps food warm longer than other materials.

• Use the shallow skillet for searing and frying.
• It's great for cornbread or other baked dishes.
• The skillet doubles as a lid, so it's always within reach.

Combining Both Pieces as a Dutch Oven

When you place the shallow skillet on top of the deep skillet, you create a Dutch oven. This sealed environment is perfect for no-knead bread, braised meats, and soups. The lid traps steam and moisture, keeping your food tender and flavorful.

To use as a Dutch oven, preheat the combo cooker in the oven, then carefully add your dough or ingredients. The cast iron distributes heat evenly, so your bread will have a crispy crust and soft interior. For braises, the combo cooker can go from stovetop to oven, allowing you to brown meat and then slow-cook it with vegetables and broth.

• Make no-knead bread with a 4-hour rise.
• Braise short ribs or pot roast until fork-tender.
• Use it for soups and stews that need long, slow cooking.

Recipe Ideas for Your Combo Cooker

The combo cooker is incredibly versatile. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:

For breakfast, use the shallow skillet to cook bacon and eggs, then use the deep skillet to warm up some baked beans. For lunch, make a grilled cheese sandwich in the shallow skillet while you heat up tomato soup in the deep skillet. For dinner, sear chicken in the shallow skillet, then combine everything in the deep skillet to braise with vegetables and broth.

For bread lovers, the combo cooker is a game-changer. The deep skillet is perfect for no-knead bread, and the shallow skillet acts as a lid to trap steam, giving you a bakery-quality crust. You can also use the combo cooker for desserts like cobblers or skillet brownies.

• No-knead bread: mix dough, let rise, then bake in a preheated combo cooker.
• One-pot pasta: sauté garlic and onions, add pasta and broth, then cover and simmer.
• Skillet cornbread: bake in the shallow skillet for a crispy edge.

Caring for Your Smithey Combo Cooker

Proper care ensures your combo cooker lasts for generations. After each use, wash it with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid soap if possible, as it can strip the seasoning. For stubborn food, use a paste of coarse salt and water to scrub it off.

Dry the cooker thoroughly and place it on the stove over low heat to remove any remaining moisture. Then, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface, inside and out, and heat until it smokes. This helps maintain the seasoning and prevents rust.

Store your combo cooker with the lid slightly ajar to allow airflow. If you live in a humid climate, consider placing a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. With proper care, your Smithey combo cooker will become a family heirloom.

• Never put cast iron in the dishwasher.
• Re-season occasionally to maintain a non-stick surface.
• Use a chainmail scrubber for tough residue.

A Smithey combo cooker is a versatile addition to any kitchen, offering the functionality of a skillet, saucepan, and Dutch oven in one space-saving design. By understanding how to use each component and care for them properly, you'll enjoy delicious meals and a lifetime of reliable performance. Whether you're baking bread, searing steaks, or simmering stews, this combo cooker will quickly become your go-to piece of cookware.