I had an older 10" cast iron skillet that once I started using, had me "Jonesing" for another and bigger cast iron skillet. In the interim I purchased an outdoor style Cast Iron Dutch Oven. As my "non stick" cookware began to fail, as they do, I started looking for that larger cast iron skillet I had wanted and came across the Smithey No. 12. It was pricey, especially compared to cheaper makes that were not polished smoothly like the Smithey, but everything I saw and read about the Smithey led me to believe this was the one I wanted. Well, the proof was in the cooking! I LOVE it!. I have made chicken dishes, scratch english muffins, Shrimp Diavolo, and of course some fried eggs and potatoes. The color is slowly darkening, and everything I cook in it comes out wonderful. AND it is more non stick than any "non-stick" I have ever used! Plus, when you want fond, you can get fond! And I am more than "Fond" of it!