CAST IRON COOKWARE - Part ONE.. How to Care for your Ironware. Seasoning and Restoration.

In this episode I demonstrate how to season cast iron pans and also restore rusty frying pans into beautiful nonstick cookware.
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On my channel you will find videos pertaining to homesteading, gardening and living off the grid with fun DIY projects for self-reliance and SHTF emergency preparedness situations, with some campfire cooking and good old backwoods humor thrown in. Sharing knowledge and stories from over 30 years of living in the woods.
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MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: How do you have internet at your cabins? A: I have cell service at both cabins but it is spotty due to foliage and cloud cover. I can access the internet from my cabins but have to drive to a local wifi location to upload videos.
Q: How old is Frankie? A: Frankie will be 10 in April of 2018
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Q: How do you get your water? Did you dig a well? A: Presently, I haul water to the NY cabin but at the NH cabin, I drop a kettle into an old well that was dug by hand by the settlers in the 1700’s.
Q:What is your favorite brand of cast iron cookware? A: I prefer using vintage cast iron. My favorites are BSR and Griswold. If I had to buy new I would buy a Lodge Brand. I plan to purchase this dutch oven in the future:
Q: What do you use for refrigeration? A: We have a small gas refrigerator that we salvaged from an old Shasta camper and a custom icebox that I built into the cabin wall. We make ice on site with a propane freezer.
Video of icebox:
Video of Gas Refrigerator:
Propane Freezer:
Q: What do you use for cooking and heating? A: We use a Kitchen Queen 380 for cooking and heating during the winter months but we also have an antique gas stove in the cabin for when we don't need the heat from the KQ.
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Filming and editing by JC Desclos.

[@korynnininm]

something that my aunt sue taught me was : if you pick up a pan and don't think you could knock someone out with it, its not a proper pan! she also taught me that sharp knives and cast iron are a cook's best friend she taught me a lot about cooking

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Sounds like Aunt Sue knew her stuff. Thanks for commenting.

[@korynnininm]

yah she taught me a lot great videos

[@alanj7306]

Awesome comment! Shouldn’t we be able to use our cookware as a weapon?

[@mysticangells]

I got a small cast iron pot with lid from my mother (who bought it with her when she moved to Australia from Germany in 1960) as a wedding present. It was given to her from her mother, & my Oma got it from her mother, & so on lol It is now about 130 years old, & my daughter is next to get it one day :) We use it all the time & care for it.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Sounds like a real gem. I'd treasure that thing and sounds like you do likewise. That's the beauty of iron, it can be passed on and on. Ya don't see anyone with their great grandmothers Teflon now do ya? LOL.

[@michaelcoleman5742]

Thank you! Awesome video! Thank you Thank you! My generation may not be the best, but some of us still appreciate tradition.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Happy to hear there's still hope for the new generation lol. Glad you enjoyed the vid and thank you for saying so.

[@Barbarra63297]

I'm glad I listened to my mom about cast iron, she was a farm girl and all they ever cooked with was cast iron, she said it's nothing fancy, a bit of 'lard' and a hot oven. Was glad to see you were 're-seasoning' at a non nuclear temp in the oven. So many vids on YT tell you to get to blast furnace heat, Hell I don't want to melt the pan, just want to season it! lol. Thanks for the great vids, give Frankie a pat on the head for me. :)

[@robertclarke7274]

The city slickers sound effects just brilliant!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

LMAO I didn't know how else to show them to set my oven at 350 lol.

[@outNtheshawnee]

Can't tell you how many times I have seen my mother do all of these exact steps and all of the cast iron pots and pans are still perfect to this day.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

It's the most versatile cookware on the planet... when cared for properly.

[@shaneroper477]

Buy it once, and once only. Anything that lasts a lifetime, is a good buy in my books. This built in obsolescence we have in society today is just a waste of good resources, and only serves the profiteers. Those that fall into this trap, need to wake up to that fact. As always, another great vid JC!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Couldn't agree more :-)

[@mattlindley6899]

Very informative. My favorite part of the video was the part for city slickers though.

[@Gunporn445]

This is the BEST Video I have found for cleaning cast iron. Every one I have asked about cast Iron has told me to clean with soap and water. I have NEVER Used soap on any of my Cast Iron

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you. I've seen them use hit soapy water and heavy wire brushes and it makes me cringe. Thanks for commenting.

[@nicoireland]

One comment i would like to make. OLIVE OIL is the best. Can prolong your life. Healthy mediterranean diet always consists of olive oil and their longevity speaks for itself. Great videos. Thank you. Love them X

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Great stuff indeed :-)

[@alanj7306]

Boss, you gave us an awesome tutorial. I can’t wait to start building up my cast iron collection. Those are some old gems 💎 you have. Boss, you’re an inspiration to us all. You live life the way we were intended to. My friend, God bless you and yours!

[@trustin.p9504]

i have an old frying pan that belonged to my grandfather. always cleaned it with soap and water. thanks to the boss i take care of it the right way. thanks for the info JC.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Trustin Patey Soap and water is ok but harsh detergents and harsh scrubbing ruin the seasoning. A pan is MUCH better off without that. Cheers.

[@Barbarossa4U]

I love the wood microwave oven controls so now even the young wives can use it. I have all the cast iron I need and bought a bunch of pre-seasoned in set. I just burned off the old crap in the clean oven cycle and sanded the insides smooth and re-seasoned them from scratch. Now they are nice.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Yeah I figured I'd throw in the sound effects so some people can relate to what I'm doing hahahaha

[@alkimalk2922]

Very valuable video, thank you! Such videos are *very valuable*, especially for folks like me who were born and raised in cities of ignorance and thus literally never learned how to really *LIVE*. Would the power go off, I would literally die. Seriously, I look out of the window and see proud people walking on the streets, all of them thinking that they know what *LIFE* is all about. They boast around and believe that they got it all figured out and it never crosses their minds that they are *ABSOLUTELY DEPENDANT* on their environment to function, like an invalid being dependant on his wheelchair. God bless you abundantly for you are great encouragement and support in my personal process of waking up from the "dream world" I have been living in all my deceived life.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Your observations regarding your environment are spot on. The world would be absolute chaos if the grid went down. All the money in the world wouldn't save you. Only knowledge of survival and common sense will get you through. God Bless us all.

[@RepurposedMyWay]

Excellent info! I was in an antique store the other day, where they have a bunch of cast iron. As i was shopping around a couple came in and the gentleman looked at the iron and said "oh honey, we should get some." The lady said "what for, I hate cast iron". My heart sank...if she only knew how easy it is to cook in and clean she might feel differently. I'm going on to part 2. : )

[@thebossoftheswamp]

People either love it or hate it. If you can't put it in the microwave it's no good right? Seems to be the train of thought these days.

[@jaimechristy5050]

Most helpful video I ever saw on cast iron...especially cleaning dirty pans. Thank you so much!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting.

[@jbsleddin]

I really laughed out loud at the sound effects for city slickers! Another great video, I have been doing it wrong since the beginning and my cast iron has been sitting and collecting dust because of it. Time to get them out and bring them back to life! Thanks!!!

[@204orin5]

excellent video as always boss! nothing is better then a meal cooked in cast iron on a wood stove

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Couldn't agree more. Thanks for commenting.

[@1994abbygirl]

I was at a yard sale a few years ago and bought 2 large cast iron skillets that are big enough to cover two burners on my stove for $15 each! You can cook a whole breakfast in one pan! I love cast iron. Thanks for the great info!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Nice find Abby. I stopped at a yard sale last year too and asked if they had any cast iron for sale even though there wasn't any on the table. They went in and brought out 3 old Griswolds. They were dusty but in perfect shape. I paid 10 bucks for all 3. I would have paid 40. Great stuff.

[@lawnboy2312]

JC I love your video's on cast iron cookwear. I got into restoring cast iron cookwear a couple years ago. I am a big fan of antiques. I like your style.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Saw Junky Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I'll be showing more on tis subject soon.

[@robbaker336]

Great video.... now on to Part II!! Thank Boss!

[@redtopyankee]

Well said and well done. Those old ones are the best. My favorite are my old Wagner pans. Always keep my eye out at auctions and yard sales for more oldies. Cooking in cast iron pans can't be beat. You are so right about drying them and then heating and re-seasoning. That really is the trick to keeping them in the best shape possible. Thank you for taking the time to do your videos. I enjoy them and always learn something. God bless.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

And thank YOU for taking the time to comment. All the best.

[@dan27052]

Thanks for the tip about the vinegar and water. I cleaned a cast iron pot with it and it is so much better than other ways I have tried! This is probably the best overall video I have seen! I really appreciate you taking the time to share the information with us. Thanks boss man!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Dan Carpenter Glad it worked out for you. I'll be doing more cast iron methods soon.

[@ronjohnsonoutdoors339]

Pretty much the way my mom taught me! Too bad my sister got all of mom's iron; I had to buy my own. But it's still good stuff. Thanks, JC, for another great video.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Ron Johnson Gotta love the ironware :-)

[@stephenlees9752]

Great stuff mate I treat my cast iron a little different, but after watching both of your clips I am going back over them again, bringing them back up to top notch cooking gear for the house and the bush trips.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

There are many ways to accomplish a good seasoning. This is just what works for me and keeps my pans from being sticky. Thanks for commenting.

[@callonthenameYAHU]

We have all cast iron. Just made a pot of deer stew.. mmm good! You method of cleaning is the only way i do my pans.

[@derekcotten261]

Great information, I have 3 myself from mom after she passed, there is nothing better than food from Cast Iron, Sunday Fried Chicken, absolutely Amazing Taste.....your a Blessing to those who love the Outdoors, always Great information!!!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I just fried chicken the other day. It even looks better frying in cast iron :-))

[@sadiepaddy47]

Your joy for life shines through all your vidios so thanks very much thanks

[@texasmoores476]

Oh my goodness, I love this series! I so much appreciate you and your videos. Thankies ever so for sharing your expertise. I, too, was over-oiling my pans, and yes... •wince• ...using steel wool and dish soap. I'm going to finish watching the entire series, pull out all my pans and get to work! •much love to you & Frankie from Texas!• ♡

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you enjoyed it and than you for saying so. I will be adding another segment sometime soon.

[@314Tazo]

Excellent advice about the care of cast iron pans.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@PrepItForward]

You know boss theirs only only thing better than a beautifully seasoned cast iron pan. That is the same pan with some bacon and fried potatoes, a couple of fresh eggs and maybe some sour dough toast resting in it. Great video sir.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Man you just described my Sunday breakfast. There's sourdough in the woodburner as I type. Thanks for commenting.

[@johnevans6374]

i injoy`d the video very much, i have an old cast iron pot that is called a chickin fryer it is 31/2 in deep i found it at the local land fill it was rusty and pitted in the bottom ,took it home cleand out the rust and put it in the wood stove to burn off all the old fried on grease on the out side and re season it, it now is good as new even with the slite pitting in the bottom. also have a very old skillet that was hammer gorged in a blk smiths shop very thin and yet strong excelint to cook with it is nearly two yrs old still going strong. one last thing i was taught by an old girel friend how to properly repair cracks in caste iron by use of clean sand and a large bon fire it really works too! she used to be a camp cook for a logging co.

You are a talented person. Enjoy watching.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you kindly Jim. I appreciate the comments.

[@barbaraespinosa9820]

As always, AWESOME VIDEO! Thanks for the laugh from your "sound affects"--fun sense of humor! You have beautiful Ironware!! Gramma Barb

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I love my ironware. I just finished the brick hearth at the cabin and anxious to hang my pans in front of it. Hopefully I'll have a cabin update soon.

[@eccanc]

JC, thank you for another information video. Like you said, there are so many different ideas or ways of doing this, and not all are right. So thanks again. Your way seems like the best way and if it's good enough for you - it's good enough for me. - Chris

[@thebossoftheswamp]

The only way to do this wrong is to add TOO MUCH oil and allow the puddles and drips to dry. This creates a sticky pan that is no fun to work with. Very thin coats creates a hard non stick finish. Any food oil can be used but I prefer a light oil like I described. I love vintage iron. Thanks for commenting.

[@dadgad68]

Nice job Boss. Gonna check out part two.

[@sassylovesdylan]

Really like your videos. My husband restores and sells vintage cast iron. If you heat your pan before you add the coat of oil you won't get the separation 😊

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Debbie Dee Thank you kindly.

[@SwampDonkey530]

I enjoyed the video Boss, lot of great information..!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks buddy. Glad you enjoyed.

[@henryrodgers3409]

Well Boss , again you are the man . What a great video . I have learned so much from you . Thanks so much Sir . May God Bless you and Frankie .

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you Henry. I'm glad you find my jibber jabber beneficial. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@bartonpruitt1907]

Hey Bossman, thanks for the videos. I just seasoned my first cast iron pan like you said. It turned out great. I enjoy your way of life and am trying to do the same. Thanks again for sharing. Rub Frankie's head for me. He is a smart dog.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

That's great news my friend. Congrats on your success. Keep the scrubbers away from the pan and the seasoning will get better and better. Keep up the good work.

[@MrGoosePit]

Great series. No instant gratification when caring for the things you love properly!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

What a great way to put it. Very well said my friend. All the best.

[@annkruml]

beautiful. I was doing the excess oil thing. now I know not to. thank you for explaining that too me.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Less = more in many ways :-)

[@NYCamper62]

I was making the same mistake, & trying to clean with soapy water.

[@sigma_polymath]

Amen! Its interesting down here in Louisiana cooking in Cast Iron is just part of life, I guess the French influence down here and up there in the Northeast made Cast Iron the cookware to have and use; Cast Iron is the best... As always enjoyed the video very much, have a Blessed one.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I see less and less cast iron being used these days but the folks that like it... love it.

[@juniperhillfarm3989]

First to view. Great video. Cast iron beats Teflon any day. Thanks

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Couldn't agree more. Thanks for commenting.

[@GarrettBrader]

Great video Boss! I had no idea that you had to do that for cast iron. Learn something new every day! I will watch part 2 now. Keep up the videos! Take care.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Just a little TLC and the pans will out perform anything else in the kitchen. Thanks for commenting.

[@Biglandtrapper]

Great info as always Boss, cast iron is by far my favorite to use, nothing else compares ...!!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Nothing else compares. Got that right buddy.

[@johndifrancisco3642]

My opinion is that you have great opinions, especially the one about scrubbing with salt. I also like the way you say it is YOUR opinion and it is just that and you express other opinions without bias. I'm in. Subscribed.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for subbing. Welcome to my channel :-)

[@bobhughes9628]

Sweet #4 Griswold!!

[@Alastair6]

Good info, JC. I have three cast iron pans myself and I agree with everything you said about seasoning them and cleaning them. Looking at that chicken dish made he hungry!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

That chicken didn't last long. Everything baked in that oven comes out awesome. Thanks for commenting.

[@chrisbumgardner955]

Great video Boss as always. Thanks.

[@GreyEagle42]

When cleaning stuck food, I use a little of water then heat it up on the stove. When good and hot but not boiling, I use a bamboo whisk to scrape the food off. It's stiff enough to do the job bot much softer than the iron or seasoning. I'm also careful to rinse with hot water to avoid temperature shock which could cause the metal to crack.

[@peterholman7821]

I just retreated my cast iron frying pan per your instructions and it looks great. My wife and I were doing all the wrong things. My guess is the food won't stick as much. Much thanks Pete Holman

[@thebossoftheswamp]

The food shouldn't stick at all once you have a good season to it.

[@sadiepaddy47]

thebossoftheswamp q

[@Trapper234]

Very professional video! I learned a lot. I liked the special sound affects Thanks!.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Beep beep I think it's ready ;-)

[@mullz1382]

nice job JC thanks for sharing

[@bhag149]

Great video boss. I'm so disappointed in the Teflon junk my wife and I bought recently. We will be moving to cast iron after seeing these videos.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Teflon leaches chemicals into the food. If you want a really nice never stick pan aside from iron, buy a Orgreenic pan. They are a little pricey but are ceramic coated non stick pans with no chemicals. The only thing I don't like to cook in iron is scrambled eggs so the Orgreenic pan is used to that.

[@PracticalWe3]

i just made the best grilled cheese of my life on my cast iron for the first time !!!! i've owned a cast iron for years but have never used it out of fear of the maintenance . thank you sooo much !! also this month is a really tight month for me and hubby and watching your videos is helping us get through it all :) keep posting boss

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Ironware makes the best grilled sandwiches and toast :-)

[@tomeddy3971]

I love the city-slicker routine. . .ha ha. I keep this one on file so I can come back too it. Been cooking with cast iron most of my life it's the only way to go. I have my grandmother's pans, that's all that lady cooked in. I have a steel pan or two but cast is best. Your video number one and number are the best I've seen yet so why go elsewhere.

[@Plainsman-zr6pw]

I've got one piece and am plannin on investing in more. Thanks, this sure helped this green horn.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you found it useful. Good luck.

[@mikebox]

Great tutorial. I grew up with my family not only using cast iron but passing it down. Sadly, the closest I could find here in Europe that isn-t too expencive was a Dutch Oven for camping. Thanks for posting.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Dutch ovens are awesome and I bake with them quite often. Stack them right up. One on the bottom with a chicken and veggies, one on top with rolls and another on top of that one with a pie.

[@mikebox]

I have been an adult leader witht he Boy Scouts of America for more than 6 years and can tell you that I-ve had the greak luck to use the Dutch Ovens a lot. Love the diversity of the DO.

[@davidwolter4263]

Great video Boss! I love cast iron I use it at home and out camping. You forgot 1 more use for a cast iron pan. It can be used as an improvise home defense weapon as well. LOL

[@thebossoftheswamp]

LOL. Nothing reinforces discipline like a leather belt and a cast iron pan ha ha.

[@12ernie]

Great video! Took out my hunting cook box,and thats what im doing today,reseasoning my skillets.Man,they sure look good when your finish.I used olive oil,like you showed,i think it makes a big difference,better than using regular oil! Thanks Ernie

[@thebossoftheswamp]

12ernie Olive oil works great. I think most cooking oils are too heavy and often leave the pans sticky.

[@HuntingTime1]

great advice cast iron guru well done

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for commenting.

[@sherrywoyczik3834]

I know you collect cast iron. Do you have a Potjie? I have been reading up on them and I think they would be fantastic to have on the slow part of the wood stove with beans and a smoked ham hock, or a veggie soup simmering slowly. I have not tried a cast waffle iron but am interested and when I find one when I am out in the antique stores or at an auction it will be mine! Thank-you for all the common sense videos you share with us. What a sidekick you have in Frankie, he is truly a gem.

[@ChadStoneLabradorLife75]

Some really great ideas, I was planning on getting some cast iron frying pans and a cast iron bake pot, now knowing how to properly care for my pans but after seeing your video I most definitely will be looking to get some.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I'm certain you'll enjoy it. Good luck.

[@northernlassie4958]

Love the cast iron cookware, it's simple care and long life! Thanks for another great informative video JC!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

You're welcome. Nothing ads nostalgia to a kitchen like some vintage cast iron. Aint that right Lassie?

[@IamDerick]

Finally a comprehensive guide! Thanks man. I am going to treat my pan and Dutch oven. That stick free stuff I am using cannot be as good as old iron. :)

[@jeffbagley348]

Great info Boss, thanks for sharing. be safe and take care.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you. All the best to you too.

[@johncole5388]

Awesome . Thanks for all the information .

[@thebossoftheswamp]

You're welcome John. Thanks for commenting.

[@louisemissouri4410]

Absolutely the greatest cookware! I use flaxseed oil on mine, but have used olive oil on ones in the past. Great video. Thanks JC! Off to watch part 2 :)

[@virg1964]

very useful video, thanks for taking the time to make it

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AllenMackenzie]

I got a box of dish ware given to me a while back and unfortunately i didn't know the value and use of cast iron pans at the time and used it for shooting practice.... lesson learned.

[@TonyMayerTMANSBBQ]

thank you so much i have been cooking with cast iron now for 4 months now and have been doing a lot of things wrong. I was using lard to season my pans and was applying way to much, also i was advised to use a stainless steal scrubber to clean but it kept removing the seasoning, i have since followed your direction to the letter and wow amazing results. Thank's again love watching you and Frankie very informative and entertaining. G-day mate from Australia.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Lard is great and so are the other oils but I have found that the heavier oils often leave the pans too sticky. Use very thin coats, never allow puddles to dry and always wipe away the excess and you''ll have a nice hard non stick finish. If you have a pan that is lacking in seasoning, just throw it in the oven along with whatever you may be baking. It'll catch up in no time and that stovetop method works very well also. Good luck.

[@1DNGJR]

Great video, will be doing some cast iron pans soon. Thanks.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and good luck with your project.

[@barbaraodell3687]

You are so right. My mom used a fry pan (plus others pots)when I was little. I am using them now. I thank you for showing me how to redo those pans. Cause I use them on an open fire on a camp fire and the gunk on the outside of them was groose. Then I used what you said and yes they are like when my mom used them. So cool. Thank you. Plus, I used that method on a large pot that my son left out in the weather. That one was really bad. Now it is so so nice. Thanks again. Just wanted to let you know how they came out. As I had talked to you before about my pot.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for the success report. Love hearing them :-)

[@KennyInVegas]

Thanks........ I learned a bunch!

[@daniellegrandpa]

Great video and tips, I only have one cast iron pan, but use it all the time, they are hard to beat.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Hard to beat and hard to find. You can't beat the vintage ironware.

[@Seezor]

Alright so call me a wannabe but I saw this video a few weeks ago and remembered my mom's old cast iron pans. SO? I used some points from a phone app I have and purchased 4 cast iron pans through Amazon. One Lodge and the other three I forget the name. They came "Pre-Seasoned" but looking at yours and other videos I'm still going through the process of getting them into shape. One thing I did notice is that they came with a rough cooking surface. I found lots of different recommendations on this to get them flat prior to seasoning. Any way, thanks for your vids. Keep inspiring and sharing your knowledge. It seems that all of the pans I've had over the years have warped in one way or another and no longer sit flat on my stove. I'm banking that my new cast iron ones will not warp and will be very versatile and my kids will have them one day if they wish. Yes Sir!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Seezor The new pre seasoned pans have a rough surface because the so called "seasoning" has been sprayed on. This should be called a "coating" because that is what it is and it often flakes off. I hear the Lodge brand is pretty good but I only have experience with the vintage Lodge so can't offer my opinion on them. Good luck with your pans.

[@jcnme]

I just Love your videos My Friend ! Thank you!

[@IronClad292]

Just an excellent video! I learned a lot. I was one of those who put too much oil on the pans when seasoning. So, after I watch your next video it will be time to re-season my pans the correct way !! Thanks :)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

There's lots of opinions on this and this is mine. Very thin coats will create a hard nonstick finish. Thick coats never seem to dry properly and leave the pans sticky. Thanks for commenting.

[@IronClad292]

thebossoftheswamp So last night after watching your video's, I scrubbed my pans with a nylon brush and water. Dried them completely and put them on the stove with low heat. After they dried and warmed up I completely coated them with a thin coat of oil and stuck them in the oven at 350 for one hour. Smoke was pouring out of the oven, LOL........BUT the pans turned out great !! Thanks again Boss :) Looks like applying thin coats does the trick.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

IronClad292 That's odd that it was smoking. I get no smoke from my pans. None at all. I wonder what the difference is? Don't forget to wipe off any excess oil AFTER you season them. Any excess will cause the pans to get sticky, especially with vegetable oil.

[@karenchakey]

I so agree, I just got my mom cast iron pan that I remember her cooking squirrel in for us kids when I was little....nothing like it, doesn't taste as good as if she was cooking it but darn close.....

[@thebossoftheswamp]

karenchakey Isn't it great cooking with the same pans our mom's fed us with? I hope that when I pass these pans on to my kids that they treasure them the way I do.

[@jerreyhiatte7644]

i should have finished watch thank you

[@tomscorner3838]

I had one of those Lodge pans that were preseason and I had black all over my eggs every time I cooked with it. I tried about everything to fix it. I know you'll probably cringe but what I did was take my lodge pan and a wire wheel on my drill and took it down to bare shinny cast iron. I figured I didn't have anything to loose. Then I built a fire in the back yard and tossed it in the wood fire and burned the hell out of it. After I let the fire burn out and the pan was cool I started doing the seasoning part. I put my iron pan through at least 7 seasoning processes. It's nice and black and well seasoned. It turned out great. Cooks wonderful I want to get a dutch stack-able iron pot and the only thing I can find is Lodge pans that are perseasoned.

[@tomscorner3838]

Putting the lodge pan in the fire was a after thought. I did find that the factory seasoning was gone after the fire. I called Lodge and I was told that the black that was coming off wouldn't hurt me? Kind of ticked me off. I'm going to search ebay for a dutch oven. Thanks for the reply....

[@sisaacs911]

Very interesting topic, great video.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Ya can't beat vintage cookware.

[@tomeddy3971]

I always use this video as a reference when it comes to my cast iron cookware. I chuckle a bit because I haven't watch them all but there has to be a thousand cast iron care videos. . .some pretty damned scary. In your second video the vinegar works well only ya gotta remember to take the pan out. . .ha I forgot, so much other work going on around here since I retired. Had some real cleaning to do on a pan someone gave me. It cleaned up pretty well though. Always good tips Boss. Winter's comin so I'll have some time to catch up on some older videos. Coffee's done perkin my friend just a bit too early for a beer . . . Ha ha ha :) God Bless ya friend.

[@annadrake2123]

Thank you. I've learned a lot from this video. I love cooking with cast iron but have struggled with cleaning it.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Anna Drake If your pans are seasoned, just boiling water in them should allow you to lift the stuck food with a wooden spatula. Cheers :-)

[@domingue4god]

Most south Louisiana, “Cajun “ people use only cast iron pots and pans to cook with because of the awesome flavor they help add to the food.

[@themontanaminimalist7021]

Great channel man! I've learned a lot from your videos. This video helped me bring my cast iron pan back to life!!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting.

[@todddinezza3921]

Hi JC, Thank you for these very interesting videos about restoring old vintage cast iron pans. It is really nice to see them brought back to life and a bit of history being preserved as well. When I was working in restaurants back in high school and college, the top chefs always used those cast iron pans all the time to prepare the dinners. I thought it would be great to buy one that you restored since you mentioned that you often restore them and sell them on eBay. A nice medium sized cast iron pan about 8 or 10 inches wide would be fine for my purposes. Just send me back a reply and let me know when you have one. Did not want to buy one from someone else & this seems like a good way to support your channel too!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I'll keep you in mind when I have one available :-)

[@todddinezza3921]

Thanks JC!

[@karentalbot1596]

Great video! I just started using cast iron a few months ago. Love it! i will be trying your method on cleaning my cast iron pan as you did in this video! :)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Just bring an inch of water to a rolling boil in the pan and lift the stuck on food with a wooden spatula. Good luck :-)

[@dan27052]

Lodge has been around since the 1800's, I have several lodge pans from the 40's that are great. The Grizwald and Wagner brands were manufactured the same way but were sold in high dollar stores. The new pre seasoned pans from lodge are sprayed on with soy bean oil. They have a rough surface on them to make the oil hold onto them with quick seasoning process. If your really bored you can sand off the seasoning and smooth the surface of a new pan, and then season them (exactly like this video) but do it several times in a row, and you will end up with a pan like the older ones. Lodge almost went bankrupt in the early 90's but kinda were saved when they started offering pre-seasoned pans. Cast iron is great, but if you want a real treat, try a cast steel pan, they are less than half the weight of cast iron, and they cook a lot more evenly! The old ones are hard to find and usually warped to bad to use, but you can still find new unseasoned cast steel pans today. Great video!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Dan Carpenter Some of the family heirloom pans I have are old Lodge and BSR's from the 40's. Love em :-)

[@jaywolbert8235]

Awesome! Thx. much!! I'm wondering if you could use the same oil coating on the inside cover of a gas grill? Don't know. a good tip, for chicken on a grill, is spray cooking oil. or Pam cooking spray on your grill grates. Chicken for example or fish will not stick to the grill! I'm sure you already knew that though. :-)

[@robertallen4187]

I got a few new lodge pans from my papaw when he passed. I’m going to take a mouse grinder and get that pre season out and start from scratch on them.

[@dazydew2]

you have beautiful cast iron, but i never dreamed of using olive oil! Obviously, it works great :)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you Sherry, I am liking the results from the olive oil more than anything else. It's all I use now and have come to disliking vegetable oil on the pans.

[@russellweber3466]

I'm glad I ate a bacon cheeseburger while watching this cookware video, I'm sure Frankie got some of that chicken.

[@chiefchef8626]

I found this great method for cooking scrambled eggs in cast iron. You can start with by cooking your bacon, to get the grease, or by adding some oil. Heat the oil then throw your eggs in. After you throw the eggs in make sure you resist the urge to immediately stick a spoon or spatula in and start stirring. The important thing is to let the eggs gain a bit of a crust. After they have cooked for a bit take your cooking utensil and break up the egg mass making sure not to stir. You wanna let the uncooked egg matter to fill the voids you just created. 9/10 times, with a nice seasoned pan like The Boss shows, none of the eggs will stick to your cast iron pan. My father showed me the method and it really works.

[@2bonosc]

As always great stuff. The great cast iron war continues at my house. She uses aluminum (Yack). After working nights I came home to see my faithfully seasoned cast iron pan soaking in Dawn with (the enemy) her aluminum pans! I will use this Video as her tutorial/De-Brainwashing intervention.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I been known to cause divorces LOL. Good luck.

[@2bonosc]

We been at this for 25 years so this is simply healthy "Sparring", lol.

[@bigken62]

You must have read my mined I was just trying to fiend out about cast iron. Thank You

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Just apply very thin coats and wipe ff the excess. You'll have a hard nonstick finish in no time. Good luck.

[@mcleod1960]

Well done Les in Oregon

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you Les. Glad you enjoyed.

[@lukekenyon6513]

my wife and I replaced our revere ware with cast iron about 5 years ago. ever since then the best tasting food we've ever tasted, My daughter won't eat pancakes unless I cook them on cast iron.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I use some vintage stainless steel too and they all have their place but the ironware is used the most. I get excited every time I find a junker old pan to restore. I guess I could have worse hobbies. Thanks for commenting.

[@RustyNail5856]

Great video. thanks for sharing.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you Rusty.

[@RustyNail5856]

:-)

[@garygerow4822]

Great video , thanks for the info, it was more like reassurance since I already use cast iron, I wanted to make sure ,thanks again and God bless.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Keep doing what you're doing bro. All the best.