{"slug":"smithey-no-12","name":"Smithey No. 12","domain":"smithey.com","verdict":"As of 2026-08-13, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok collectively rank Smithey No. 12 #2 of 10 for cast iron skillet for steaks. Source: https://modelsagree.com/product/smithey-no-12 (modelsagree.com, CC BY 4.0).","best_rank":2,"categories":1,"entries":[{"slug":"best-cast-iron-skillet-for-steaks","title":"Best cast iron skillet for steaks?","rank":2,"of":10,"score":12,"appearances":4,"modelRanks":{"ChatGPT":3,"Claude":2,"Gemini":3,"Grok":4},"reason":"Machined-smooth, polished cooking surface that behaves almost like vintage Griswold, releases well early, generous flared walls and a helper handle for steak flipping and basting; a genuine buy-it-for-life piece. FIX: ~$200 price and lighter than a comparable Lodge — hard to justify over a $25 pan on pure searing performance for most people.","reasons":[{"model":"Claude","reason":"Machined-smooth, polished cooking surface that behaves almost like vintage Griswold, releases well early, generous flared walls and a helper handle for steak flipping and basting; a genuine buy-it-for-life piece. FIX: ~$200 price and lighter than a comparable Lodge — hard to justify over a $25 pan on pure searing performance for most people."},{"model":"ChatGPT","reason":"The pure-performance choice: an expansive 10.5-inch cooking surface, exceptional heat retention and recovery, and a polished interior that releases and cleans easily."},{"model":"Gemini","reason":"Combines heavy vintage-style iron density with a glass-smooth polished finish for exceptional crusting and smooth fat rendering; assumes a higher budget for hand-finished craftsmanship."},{"model":"Grok","reason":"Independently measured best-in-class heat retention and recovery; highly polished interior delivers exceptional nonstick performance and clean crust release from the first uses; comfortable ergonomics and heirloom aesthetics."}],"fixes":[{"model":"ChatGPT","fix":"Its roughly $220 price delivers only a modest searing improvement over the Lodge."},{"model":"Gemini","fix":"Massive weight (over 8 lbs) and ultra-smooth initial factory polish make early seasoning layers vulnerable to flaking if overheated."},{"model":"Grok","fix":"Premium price and weight comparable to a classic Lodge reduce practicality for frequent handling or budget-conscious buyers."}],"updated":"2026-08-13","rank_history":{"days":["2026-08-10","2026-08-13"],"ranks":[1,4]},"api":"https://modelsagree.com/api/v1/best/best-cast-iron-skillet-for-steaks.json"}],"page":"https://modelsagree.com/product/smithey-no-12","check":"https://modelsagree.com/check?q=Smithey%20No.%2012","updated":"2026-09-09T13:07:58.066Z","attribution":"modelsagree.com, CC BY 4.0"}