Cast Iron Grill Restoration

[@dancindan4846]

i have this exact grill and just randomly came across this. THANK YOU.

[@d3adb33f1]

Best how-to video on this topic I’ve seen. The before and after views tell the tale.

[@sarazink1320]

I just inherited this grill (carelessly left outside, and completely rusted over every inch) from my late 90 yr old mom. A Vermonter, a die hard cast iron cookery fan, and a (cast) "iron chef", who so loved the versatility, strength, and longevity of this venerable cookware. Regretfully, I was about to toss this grill into my local metal recycle dumpster, but out of respect and sentimentality, I just happened upon your informative video, during a last gasp internet search. I'm so glad I did! I could really use this little grill, and my mom would be so happy that I took some real country initiative, and cleaned this baby up. Thank you very much for the how-to. I will now have a useful souvenir of my mom. I don't see cast ironware, without thinking of her (In a good way. haha).

[@antonboludo8886]

Excellent! Good thing you made this worthwhile effort.

[@suleniaalexander685]

I bought one of these and now I know how to get back right. Thanks so much 😊

[@superrobot532]

Seriously you’re wearing a white shirt you’re amazing lol thanks for the video. I would love to have one of those large hibachi grills

[@ventures1]

I picked this up as a freebie on someone’s from lawn. A bit rusted but with your trick I’ll go the vinegar/steel wool route and bring this back to life. Very helpful, thank you 👍🏻

[@johnhancock7746]

Just happened across this video 4 years later. Wow you did an amazing job on that grill!! Thanks for sharing your process!

[@chriscarter7182]

I have that grill and it’s absolutely my favorite. I haven’t used my Weber Kettle for several years now and I haven’t missed it! You did a good restoration of that grill, but, what impressed me most was that you did it in a WHITE tee shirt!! There is no possible way I can wear a white tee shirt for longer than 15 minutes and expect it to still be white! Well done!👍

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

😂😂

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

@@TheCyberspaceCowboy lol

[@95ZR580]

I have the same grill that is in about the same condition. Glad I watched this, i was going to paint it. Very nice. I also have the same hat too 👍👍

[@roxannedeliz5566]

Very impressive! I’ve been researching how I can clean up my rusty grill and haven’t found anything until I saw this video. Good one.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Glad I could help!

[@roamiblu1833]

I know this is well over a year old but it's the video I needed. Now I know how to de-rust and cure my hibachi and cast iron pan! Thank you so much!!!!

[@HappyWife93]

Wow! I have some hope for my old rusty grill. Amazing. Nice job. Thanks for sharing.

[@gailbalfour2776]

Thank you so much for this video! It's super helpful. Dealing with rusty cast iron grates on my barbecue and this will be immensely helpful. Seasoning with shortening is such a great tip as well. By the way, out of everything, I might be most impressed that your shirt is still white at the end of this video lol. I didn't think that would have been possible! 😅 Thanks again and have a great day. 🥰

[@vincelee6247]

I used this method and it worked great. Thank you very much for sharing.. i appreciate it.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Awesome. I’m glad it helped.

[@ernestandersonjr732]

Very nice work never thought of vinegar. Thanks

[@MysticFIREFLY]

thank you so much for your wisdom.......I got an old rusted Hibachi too, and was looking on how to clean it up - your instructions were very well to understand, and I thank you ..

[@bricklayerpayne]

Stephen, this is great. I got one out of a neighbor's trash pile today that is more or less in the same shape as yours. I was thinking I'd have to get a grinder or something to get the job done. This is 1,000% easier. Thank you!

[@barryhunt5357]

Great job!!!!! I just found your channel and subbed up. I'm binge watching.

[@thahuntingwolf1289]

I was gonna buy new grill grates.. gonna try this instead! Thank you

[@peggynorton5145]

That piece turned out excellent! The cabin looks magnificent!!! Living the dream!!!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

thank you!!

[@sugarhoof]

Thanks for the info and you’ve got a beautiful Homestead by the way. Just found a big Dutch oven on the side of the road going to give it to treatment

[@rondetorres3842]

Great restoration video! Many years ago my mom bought me a LSG because I loved to camp and fish. I can of forgot about it and it turned into rusty mess in iron :( Really miss that little grill, time to bring it back to life! Thanks for posting!

[@rondetorres3842]

Update: The vinegar bath did wonders to the LSG! It's a little messy but well worth the time and effort to restore the little grill. When I'm not using it I store it in a 12g HomeDepot bin with the removable lid, fits perfect.

[@m3xik1ng]

I was just about to throw my cast iron grates away until you saved my life!!! Thanks for the video!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I’m glad you found it helpful

[@엔이파파캠핑카제작소]

I will always support you from the side. Your channel is wonderful. I will go to play often.

[@glennschmidt8877]

Solid job man. Got that thing looking spiffy!

[@Superrandomness7255]

I just got this exact same grill today, this video will be a godsend

[@Sarah-rd1qy]

WOw that was amazing. You did a great job and that Lodge grill is a beauty

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Thank you so much.

[@Doug6714]

Great video. I have a large charcoal grill with cast iron grates that have rusted. This is going to really help me in getting them cleaned and reseasoned.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Awesome. I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@WOMPITUS]

You just saved me so much work

[@bridgescwr6136]

Baking soda in the vinegar helps. Rinse with h2o and spray with cooking oil to prevent flash rust! Good job!

[@davidmark9905]

What kind of vineger boys?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I use plain old cleaning vinegar.

[@smellypatel5272]

No, baking soda in vinegar doesn't help. That's a myth. The entire reason vinegar works is because it's an acid. Baking soda neutralizes the acidity. If you want to soak it in vinegar for a few hours, THEN scrub down with baking soda after to neutralize the acid, that's fine. Just don't mix it with vinegar while soaking

[@ebikecnx7239]

Doesn't that neutralize the acid? Chemistry?

[@nightsong28540]

A very nice lesson on how to clean cast iron...hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, the cabin is one big thankful for. Stay safe, take care and keep warm

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Thank you so much..Happy Thanksgiving to you too.!!

[@tinawatkins-reed53]

I’m definitely going to try it and I will let you know how it turn out❤

[@TheMauser98a]

After seeing you restore the lodge sportsman grill , I was able to find a used one and also plan on restoring it the way you did. v/r 87 Stepside from Texas update 1. I received the grill in the mail is soaking in a vinegar bath.......

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

These are great little grills and well worth the restoration

[@Tigliz12]

You have an awesome area to work on any of your project or ideas

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Thank you very much!

[@jerseymade2754]

That is a beautiful view in the background💯

[@SpringRiverHollar]

Hi Stephen , I love my cast iron cookware . Thanks for sharing .

[@AlmostHomestead]

Thanks. I'm going to try this method on the same rusty grill.

[@maryjflanagan1922]

What a find!

[@JB-pd4ni]

Good info, what a great save that grill will be handy. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too.!!

[@marisak2669]

Great video. Very informative. I'm about to restore some of my mom's cast iron so I truly appreciate you sharing this.

[@kanderson8981]

I live in Canada and have never seen a Lodge sportsman grill, it's cool!! Maybe it is because I'm in a rural part of the country, but I need to find one. I would like to thank you for the tutorial on restoring these great old finds.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

They are neat little grills and can be found used pretty cheap. I think this one was around $40 U.S.

[@machinist7230]

Theyre not that old, Lodge introduced them approx twenty years ago, and you can buy them new from Amazon and other retailers for around a hundred bucks.

[@tamekaconley9753]

Amazon sells

[@tylermarcelis1568]

Such a sweet looking piece! Id love that for quick searing

[@xsentrik1107]

Great video!

[@jeannedumphy1517]

Thank you, my project for this afternoon!!!! Now, off to purchase four or five gallons of vinegar.

[@jeannedumphy1517]

P.S. the project went very well!!!

[@johncox5297]

Great information. I have been given a off set smoker grill and the grates are very rusty. This gives me hope that I can restore and use it. Thanks.

[@kenm4678]

Have a Lodge Sportsman's Grill, as rusted after sitting outside. Just wire brushed it spayed with cooking spray and got it hot to season. No fussy special treatment needed.

[@gloriaadu5485]

Thanks i like this method I left mine outside will get it done

[@BALOYBEACHBUM]

If you put the door inside the grill and flip the grate over, use a old belt to hold them together,it makes it easier to carry!

[@antonboludo8886]

Thank you for this excellent video.

[@margaretadler6162]

I had one and loved it! Had it for a few years then it cracked! I don't know if they still make these, but they are great!

[@jimh4525]

Lodge still carries them. I think about $150.

[@janetcutler9539]

Vinegar+ some elbow grease= success 😂😂. God bless

[@anticommoncore4065]

Good restoration of your Lodge grill. I don't bother with the grill base itself. I keep my grill base in a watertight storage container on my patio. In the winter, it and the container are stored in the garage. I only focus on keeping the grilling surface and coal grate cured and stored inside. After owning this grill for 20 years, I got tired of transporting and storing the complete grill. And anyone who owns one of these knows how lopsided it is to use the handle to carry this grill. I brush the surface rust off the grill base if it gets too noticeable. But all in all, it doesn't get too rusty if it's in a watertight container. Less work and hassle to just focus on the cooking surface. If it were cast iron that would be used in the house, I would focus on the whole item. So, I'm less likely to break it if I use/store it in this manner. But I bought mine new for $40, and it has never gotten this rusty. Note: the ashes will cause coal grate to corrode very fast if the grill base is left out in the elements without cleaning out the ashes. This grill will last a lifetime if you remove ashes from grill. Store base out of the elements. Remove, clean and re-oil grill surface and coal grate after every use and store them inside. Line the bottom of base below coal grate with heavy duty Al foil before each use to aid in quick grease dripping cleanup.

[@rodney6334]

Good job dude!

[@AfterTheRains]

Lovely piece for outdoor grilling. Excellent outfit for rust cleaning - white T-shirt. 😆

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I have hundreds of those white t-shirts.lol

[@mariafava8177]

I have the same grill... totally rusted.... I can't want to try this out....THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!!

[@mariafava8177]

Just completed my vinegar clean. Looks like NEW!!! Awesome video. ❤️

[@sallydavidson4471]

I had seen another youtuber who suggested only using 50% vinegar & 50% water as anything more than 50% may pit the cast iron?! I've used the 50% and have had awesome results!

[@sallydavidson4471]

I was looking for a container to submerge my 17" long Weber cast iron grates without wasting a ton of vinegar....I used a boot tray and it worked perfectly if anyone just has grates to clean!

[@mariafava8177]

Sally Davidson that’s a great idea.

[@sallydavidson4471]

@@mariafava8177 thanks! I used EVAPO-RUST which is non-toxic and food grade rust remover. I think it actually worked better than the vinegar & water solution. Either way if you're going to wrap the grates in paper towels then plastic wrap. Big mistake as the instructions said to place the paper towels ON TOP of the grates and soak them in the solution squeezing out the air bubbles underneath the PT's. Don't put the PT's under the grates as they will stick to the rust and then you have to scrap off itty bitty pieces of PT! Also I saw another video that used lodge cast iron scrapers to clean cast iron.. I found them at Farm n Fleet and they were $3.00! Worked great!

[@MrStewy29]

Nice work - Thanks for the video

[@jerylynbean7634]

I am ashamed to admit I threw my dutch oven cast iron cooker out because it was rusted. I thought they were ruined if it was rusted. I don't have it to restore now but a lesson well learned. Thank you, Stephen!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I hate to hear that. You could always keep you eyes open for another one . I find them cheap all the time.

[@Bunefoo401]

Thank you for sharing ... wishing you a happy holiday

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Happy Thanksgiving

[@howarddeheer8295]

I use for vinegar once had a bad experience with it. I use E tank all the time now. And occasionally Ally bath

[@pd5224]

Excellent video!

[@josephrowey6059]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@kolankprof]

Thanks for sharing your technique for cleaning up cast iron grills! No reason to drop nearly $100 at Lowe's on a new grill. Love the banjo accompaniment !

[@lovebbqnoles367]

This man is a Genius, WOW!! Thanks Brotha!!

[@Unwrapasmile]

Great job, that vinegar bath did an amazing job. Thanks for sharing always enjoy watching

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I’m glad it helped.

[@aronsonj1]

Thank You this video was very helpful

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wes-yt]

Thanks. Very Informative! 👍🏽

[@onurbaris5942]

Learned so much thank you, liked and subbed

[@Dontbelievemejuswatch]

I’m impressed!! Thank you!!

[@oksteve5709]

Excellent tutorial, thank you.

[@SuperNkta]

Thank you. I have exact same grill with same issue.

[@gretchenlaauwe7575]

Great help.I have rusty grates I used a brush but I trick to get in nooks and crannies is crumpled aluminum foil.Removes a ton of rust with elbow grease.Also Remember baking soda with the vinegar.A garbage bag lined cardboard box works great if you are in a condo keeps the grate soaking clean up to a minimum.White vinegar works the best

[@Olscotia1]

I have theg exact one I have the cast iron skilet rfst goes with it oval shape just like the grill. works beautifully.

[@dreel5902]

I only cook with cast iron, it's just my preference. I have certainly used the vinegar method of cleaning rust, it works wonders!!!!!!

[@davelauren5009]

Man, I live in a condo and don't have a spot where I can be messy like that. Makes me wish I had a house and backyard

[@Maleezza]

I just soaked my Sportsman Lodge grill in vinegar do I need to rinse with water now or just dry & season? Thanks for your video

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

You can do either. Wipe it dry and heat it up and it should be fine

[@Maleezza]

Thank you. It is the mallard duck sportsman edition. I bought it cheap the other day. It is like 28 or 30 years old. I may re-sell it.

[@chrisedward7659]

That was nice real nice Dan!😀👍

[@MarvinCalderonSKT]

Thank you from North Vancouver, Canada!

[@georgecurtis6463]

After reading an article and with what I noticed through the years, I no longer use steel wool. Havnt used it in over 12 years. I use ss brushes or ss wool. And yes, I have found that vinegar is all I ever need.

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

The Cabin makes for an awesome background Stephen. I remember the last time you cleaned up cast iron. The vinegar really dissolved that rust, can't believe that and steel wool made that look so good, it was looking pretty rough. Great job seasoning it too! Looks awesome and ready to use. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Have a blessed day!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Happy thanksgiving to you too.

[@kevo8225]

Great job , i love my cast iron !!! what is the music in the vidio ? i really liked it

[@mikebravo891]

I'd be interested to know, too 🎵

[@mirandamills9656]

It's "Country Gold" by Hunter Quinn

[@stateniland]

Vinegar is amazing natural product... I use it along with baking soda to clean out my kitchen drain.. let it soak and rinse with boiling water. DONE!

[@johnnymiller8481]

I gotta do a grill,how many 30 percent vinagers did you use along with 5 percent ones.and you said no water added to bath

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I just used enough to cover all surfaces. No water, just cheap cleaning vinegar

[@johnnymiller8481]

I got 1 30 percent,2 gallons reg so far.

[@johnnymiller8481]

Done,turned out good so far

[@fireferret5597]

Great idea to use the plastic bin. My grill was well protected but the lid slipped on its container and water poured in during a big rain. It was quite a while before I noticed, so you can guess what it looks like. My only comment is that vinegar is $3 a gallon, and it's going to take about 10 gallons to do this so if you are getting one at a garage sale, you better get it cheap.

[@justinvanwijk716]

10 gallons of vinegar is gonna be over kill. Half a gallon of vinegar and 9.5 gallons of water will work, just might let it sit a bit longer.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

It might take a couple of weeks with that ratio

[@justinvanwijk716]

@@hickoryridgehomestead9177 Copy that. Ill give it a try and report back

[@justinvanwijk716]

Ok. I did it. I initially used .5 gal of vinegar to 9 gal of water. But i got impatient hah. Bought an extra gal of vinegar and dumped it in there. So over two days i alternated dumping the grill into the vinegar water and into a tub of soapy water. I used a brush attached to my drill and scrubbed it down each time i switched it between tubs. Seasoned it this morning and im cooking sausages and corn right now. Thanks for the video and get me moving on restoring this thing.

[@irenekonik49]

thanks for the diy ,was wondering if you did oil the bottom too

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Yes I did

[@Nclght]

Great video! Definitely worth restoring as the new models aren't nearly as good.

[@RedPenDragon3]

Thanks for this. I found one that is really bad. So I am trying the vinegar method out.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I hope it works as good for you as it did for me.

[@RedPenDragon3]

@@hickoryridgehomestead9177 ill pop back in when im done and let you know

[@Tigliz12]

I have same grill same condition. Gonna do the same. Ty.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

It works great. Good luck

[@MoonsKitchenKL]

Thanks man! Helps a lot

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Glad it helped!

[@The44Irish]

Great tips!!

[@masongovender9231]

How did it become dark and black again, is it jist heat or coal burning, I am confused about that part?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

When you oil it and heat it, it becomes dark again.

[@masongovender9231]

@@hickoryridgehomestead9177 thanks for the reply. Working on a cast iron grill, tomorrow will be 48hours in vinegar for me, that helps me for the next step now.👏🤝

[@EvoRoadster]

I have the same grill. I only maintain the cooking grid and just let the rest go.

[@drewsalter]

wondering how i can heat it up if i don't have the large grill you have

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I soaked it in vinegar and it worked great.

[@energyrecoveryinc.1157]

I bought this as my first propane grill. It's been a fun, learning experience kzbin.infoUgkxCx5fHawkK9OoV-ojFrY8JLnZrFwAmvUt . I think it's a bit too pricey after looking at other grills, but it wasn't hard to put together and it works really well. I love the side burner option for heating food during a power outage. I have an electric stove and live in the South (Hurricane season), so this was a bonus. I also bought a cover for it and it has protected it nicely (the Char Broil All-Season Grill Cover 3-4 Burner: Large). Every few grill sessions, I take the rack (or grate) and burner covers off and clean them with a non-abrasive scrubby and mild soap. I wipe the excess off of the bottom as well, taking care to avoid the gas and pilot lines.

[@SandraCrockett]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Yoshida83318]

Thank you so much this was so helpful. HAPPY THANKSGIVING

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too.!!

[@AniyaSB]

So cleaning the vinegar bath off of the grill is done with water, and don't fret about it showing rust? Just once you dry it in the oven or grill apply your oil for seasoning?? Do this 2 or 3 times the seasoning process. I have that same little tabletop grill and it got pretty rusty but it is in the vinegar bath now and looking pretty good, so far. Let me add I used my cooler it was the only thing I had deep enough to emerge the whole grill in. It took 8 gallons of vinegar just for comparisons sake.

[@bp3627]

I'd like to understand the shortening process. Why is this step needed? And one more than once? And why grilling it? Thanks!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

The shortening is how you season the cast iron. It’s the same on all cast iron and will make it non-stick and will not rust. I used a grill so it wouldn’t smoke up the inside of my RV

[@lefrabeauty5725]

Thanks 😊 I have a small grill, will try your cleaning method.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

This way works just fine but if you have a self cleaning oven you can put it in the oven and do a cleaning cycle and it’s less messy. After the self cleaning cycle is finished and it has cooled, just season like you would any piece of cast iron cookware.

[@68Ashworth]

Great work Fella. Looks fab..........but VERY unnerved at you doing the cleaning in a WHITE shirt!!!!! Lol!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I have plenty of extra white t-shirts. Lol

[@saebasCL]

@hickoryridgehomestead9177 Which size is the container you used? And how much vinegar did you needed to do the job? Thanks!