Cast Iron Restoration and Maintenance | From Start to Finish

[@DanA-ix7ms]

Still the definitive video on restoring and seasoning cast iron skillets. I've been using these techniques for years and I get superb results on every pan. While it appears that every person who owns a cast iron pan and a smartphone has made a video on this topic, yours, like a fine vintage Griswold or Wagner skillet stands the test of time.

[@coltoncrawfordjazz]

100 %

[@Isaacmantx]

It absolutely is. I have sent, or commented, this link to more people than I can even count. This has become my only method. I am referencing it again now while seasoning a custom griddle top.

[@SandyAld1948]

Dear Mr Jeffery Rogers, I will be 66 Sept 5, and I used your method yesterday, last night and today. With no sleep, I couldn't wait to get all 25 pieces (21 are skillets, 2 large pots with lids (which I call fish frying pots), and 2 cornbread pans. I am so impressed with the results, I just couldn't quit until all were done. All pieces turned out gorgeous, and I am able to see the manufacturer Griswold, Wagner, etc., although some are unmarked I still know these are all old except 2 which say made in USA. Until now, I only used one skillet to cook cornbread, but now I honestly believe I will use more skillets to cook in. Thank you for this video, and also for the one you did on how you store your cast iron. Amazing that I now have no build up on the bottom of my skillits. Hats off to you for the knowledge you have shared with me and so many others. Thanks again, so very much. Regards to you and your family, Sandy

[@TheCulinaryFanatic]

Sandy Aldridge - Thank you so much for your kind words :) Wow - you had a seasoning marathon!! That's awesome :)

[@christinenatvig438]

The Culinary Fanatic when you do the first self cleaning, how long and at what temp?

[@clairressagoad2789]

Sandy what temp did you use for the first self cleaning??

[@ghanus2009]

Wait you cant just clean a bunch of skillets, and mention cornbread, and not share that cornbread recipe... I hpe youre still around.. I been looking for amazing cornbread recopies for a while.

[@maryisabell8760]

Sandy Aldridge : Five years has past - I just now read your post . U said U were 66 years old than - now about 71 . I wish U happiness and health dear Sandy . I hope your still enjoying your cast iron pans and making your cornbread . GOD BLESS U .

[@lovemytide45]

I am a novice cook that has started dabbling in cast iron. I have watched HOURS of various restoration videos and all of them have left me with questions and lacking the confidence to get the restoration right the FIRST time. One issue with other videos is they do one pan at a time. Well, my pan might not have the same issues their pan has so I have to search for a video that has a pan in a similar condition as mine. Whether it is rust, crud, rough surface, crusty back etc etc. That is a long way to go fo me to say I absolutely LOVE your video tutorial. You solved a huge problem by doing multiple pans in various stages of condition. Your dialogue is clear, concise and you didn’t screw it up by blasting Iron Man (I dig the song :) or some electronic disco music as background noise. You made me confident that I could pick up a pan at a flea market today, swing by Home Depot to pick up a few items and start banging this out with no issues at all. THANK YOU!

[@Mantinae]

Finally! Someone took the trouble of walking us through the whole process of restoring cast iron cookwares in a clear, sensible fashion! What a great video :). Thank you for posting this, sir. Liked and subbed!

[@Zeksdad]

It truly was

[@thirumalamadadi1565]

Canada Goose bumps

[@billleach3396]

Great presentation. If you are seriously concerned about health however, you will not use Crisco or any other vegetable oil! Lard, suet, avocado oil, or coconut oil is fine. This is probably not a 'big deal' since the seasoning oil is not, for the most part, going to end up contaminating what you are cooking in the skillet. Avocado oil has the highest smoke point of all of the cooking oils. None of the oils I mentioned have fats that are 'unnatural' to the the body.

[@jamiepitoniak8388]

Thirumala Madadi zzzQ4z

[@carolstrickland6979]

Jamie Pitoniak l

[@SwahiliSpicE]

I had to come back and tell you how you got me into this thing that keeps me hanging in the kitchen now a lot longer than before. For some reason, I bought a ‘De Buyer’ mineral b crepe pan before I discovered your videos. I had previously followed their instructions to season it. After watching your videos a few times, I went back, stripped all the seasoning I had put into it (not a lot as it was still kind of new), and started again. I’ve been finding every excuse under the sun to use it as often as possible since then. It’s only been 2-3 days, and the patina on that baby is amazing! So smooth, so even, and you’re right, the Lodge scraper does wonders after every use to make sure there’s no bumpy residue left over. This is so unusually satisfying. I’m sorry for the long story but thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. You are Super!

[@jaydee17]

I've worked in commercial kitchens over the years and so I knew to keep soap and water away from cast iron but never have seen the reconditioning of skillets to perfection like you have done. Thanks alot. It's great watching a man who has a passion for what he does.

[@jcw3195]

@@alrightythen888 I find this interesting re: soap and water. Years ago a country kitchen pro told me: clean, quick soap & hot water, dry, heat, then season. I use canola oil and this has seems to work ok for years. The Culinary Fanatic is a perfectionist and I appreciate the info.

[@maxcorder2211]

I don’t use soap after my skillets have been seasoned. Just hot water, a wood spatula and an old T-shirt. Then dry on the stove top, put some avocado oil on.

[@johnritter4575]

Soap on cast iron is perfectly safe. No reason not to use it.

[@dpelpal]

Wash cast iron with SOAP for gods sake!

[@jeromeroberts3494]

Back in the old days soap had lye in it and would damage the finish today soaps don't use lye so it won't hurt to use a little

[@grantandre79]

One of the most thorough and concise a-z tutorials I’ve ever watched. Great commentary and explanations for all the steps. Thanks!

[@sdaiwepm]

It's so encouraging to see someone do this work in his kitchen, which is what I have, rather than in some complex backyard setup.

[@uhlspetznaz]

9 years later and I am loving this. Well done. We all have our methods and "secrets" but you hit all the main points and those skillets look AMAZING. Great job.

[@gsp0113]

This is, without a doubt, the best treatise I have ever seen on restoring, cleaning and maintaining cast iron cookware. Great method and great presentation, and your results speak for themselves. *Much* respect.

[@TheCulinaryFanatic]

gsp0113 - Thank you so much for watching!

[@danaswindle7374]

The Culinary Fanatic I love your video thank u so much for sharing your method I've always been told by my grandmother always use Crisco always she said but I need 2 ask why not use soap on cast iron skillets? Just wondering and also I don't have a gas stove I've got electric stove I see on here u put skillet over medium heat or low upside down don't know if I could do that and if I could do it in oven part #HelpPlease

[@mem3769]

@@danaswindle7374 I was about to make the same comment. Thanks for bringing that up. I just put mine in the oven cold, turn it on to 170 or 180 degrees. When the oven reaches the temperature I turn it off. I guess that compensates. I'll turn it upside down next time.

[@AT-kx6fj]

@@TheCulinaryFanatic What temp did you use for the first self cleaning??

[@marco1173]

Wow, you've turned this into almost an art form. Good job. Those skillets look just gorgeous. I'm motivated now to restore mine, which is not in too bad a shape but I want it to look like yours, LOL

[@nancysmith6685]

I see no need to put the skillet on a warm burner after it has been seasoned good. That just encourages stickiness that you have to turn around and get off again. I have to disagree about using dishwashers liquid also. I can't stand the smell of old oil or fish. If someone has cooked fish in a pan of mine, you better believe that pan us going to get washed good with hot running water and some dishwashing liquid. Lol. The pan will still be warm from the hot running water ,so all that needs to be done is to dry the skillet very well.After drying with rag,let set out for a little to make sure it us completely dry before storing. One thing NY kids know I am particular about is NOT putting my cast iron skillets to soak in the sink! There is never a need for that to be done around here. I only use my cast iron for. Making cornbread, and if never sticks. If you measure your shortening and other ingredients ,there should be no over fill that would run over and cause "crud" to start to form. I have used my skillet and cirnstick pans for way over 55 years and have never had to "burn them off."

[@EriqKoontz]

I've watched lots of videos now on the subject of cast iron cookware and its care. This one is still The Best. Thanks for uploading this, although 6 years ago!

[@iamwhoiam4410]

Thank you for your video. I watched it a few months ago and then watched it again tonight. Tonight I took 6 skillets that belonged to my grand mother and then my mother and then passed on to me. They had not been used in probably 20 years and were in really bad shape. I followed your video and now they're once again beautiful. My wife has found a place to display them next to hers. She said tomorrow I will start using them on a daily basis. Shame on me for letting them sit idle for so many years. She told m told cast irons skillets are not only history but they're also art work.

[@TheCulinaryFanatic]

Iamwho i am - Awesome!!!

[@dennisferlito1622]

Iamwho i am In

[@michca2112]

I just got my first cast iron skillet a few weeks ago and I am hooked! I find it fascinating that you can take a 100+ year old skillet and after some cleaning and maintenance, you have made it good enough to use for another 100 years. So awesome. Thank you also for the maintenance and cleaning tips!

[@Kurt-kw6ck]

Dad had an old, rusty, dirty iron skillet hanging on his fence. I've got this pretty-well cleaned up, but think I'm going to do the sleezy-off-and-plastic-bag trick outside for 24-48 hours before watching this step-by-step, and making a treasure. In the mean time, my new Lodge skillet should be here before the restoration is complete. In the 1970s, mom bought a set of Miracle-Maid cookware, and we LOVED IT and USED IT. I went (mainly) to stainless steel in the early 1990s. Thanks for putting together such an excellent video to train me where experience lacks! 🎬🎹

[@LKN4WAR]

Dude you are The Man when it comes to iron cookware. Dedicated!

[@zachchristiansen]

Thanks. I found an old Wagner at my wife's grandparents' house after they died. I used this video and one of your other videos to strip and re-season it, and now it's my favorite pan. It felt good to refresh a piece of cookware that was probably used for years and is a piece of family history. Thank you!

[@briancclevenger]

Great video. My grandma after meals, would rinse with hot water, add course salt, scrub it then rinse again in hot water. She then would put it back on the stove, heating it back up. When hot, she'd add bacon drippings saved in a can near the stove. When finished she'd wipe it down. Watching your video brought back so many good kitchen memories of her for me, thank you and keep up the great work.

[@Christopher-pe6zj]

I didn't know I need a 20 minute video on seasoning my skillets until I saw this! Thank you!

[@johngotwalt2777]

totally respect your attention to detail, ease of teaching, passion for what you do!!! thanks

[@haji727]

I wish I had stumbled upon your video two days ago. I could have saved 2 days of scrubbing on them. I found my mom’s old skillets and went through a suggested process which I was not satisfied with the ending results. So today I came across your process and now I am doing them all over again. Thanks for your time and information. I will use this method from now on. Again, thanks.

[@RedWhineman]

Your videos on ironware care and usage are some of the best, if not THE best, on youtube that I've found so far. I've watch many. Thank you for explaining this subject so clearly and in excellent detail!

[@MrTonyMontana1177]

Maaaan!!!! You are the Skillet Guru!!! My wife wants a few seasoned skillets. Now you've just shown me how to get them seasoned for her. Thanks.

[@shinelife6244]

U need JESUS!!!!!!!!!!

[@edomohammed2168]

I’ve visited your channel before but forgot some instructions. I recently took out an over 12 years old but new cast iron pot from my closet, accumulating moisture, dust, cobwebs and everything else. Never been used before, original box. My resolve is to either use or give away. I’m gifting after treatment. Thank you so much for all of the valuable step by step instructions!

[@MarkLK22]

I’m pretty sure I’ve watched every seasoning video on KZbin. This one is by far the best!

[@13c11a]

This is a great video and your system is flawless. Thanks for sharing all this information.

[@TheCulinaryFanatic]

***** - Thank you for taking the time to watch!!

[@armyguy8022]

+The Culinary Fanatic I have access to a sand blaster but I use baking soda instead of sand or glass beads. The baking soda is a very mild abrasive, and the job is done in seconds. After I used an orbital sander, I started at 220 grit to 600 grit. That pan is so smooth after the seasoning, eggs slide off. I bought that pan at a garage sale for $4.00, so I experimented. I am happy with pan.

[@fraxus]

+13c11a Yes - great vid - tnx

[@karencatalano4349]

13c11a a

[@mparthur144]

One tip: I would turn off the water tap every time I scour the skillet with a sponge.

[@Jojoleen1]

I have a cast iron skillet I received for a wedding gift 30 years yes ago. Stopped using it when I got a glass top stove and it’s been rusting in my basement for years. So glad to see your video. I can’t wait to clean it up and, if for nothing else, make corn bread in the oven. Thank you.

[@richardalvis4695]

Dont forget to wear safety glasses with that wire wheel. I use different type and sizes of wire wheels all the time. The thing they have in common is they all sling pieces of wire at some point. That wire can be traveling 55 mph. It will penetrate your eye. You dont have to fear the wire wheel, just respect the safety of your eyes. Great video. Got myself a little collection of cast iron. Thanks for your time and effort making this video.👍

[@orrenboyle2814]

The only thing I disagree with is using Crisco for the seasoning. I went through three seasoning cycles using Crisco and didn't get the sheen I was looking for. Switching to flaxseed oil gave me the results I wanted. Otherwise, I followed these instructions to the letter and love the results. One note: I found that the initial heating of the pan at 200 degrees can be completed in 15 minutes. Wasn't sure how long he heated the pan at that stage of the process. I especially like seeing what the pan looks like at each stage. It was a little disconcerting when I first took the pan out of the oven after the self-cleaning cycle. But I trusted what he showed me and it worked exactly as he said it would.

[@robwasnj]

I was about to say the same thing, I did mine with coconut oil, wasn't happy and went out to get some flaxseed oil. Much better result and the seasoning seems to endure washing with soap and water.

[@tyc9302]

Tends to agree; as a chemist I know crisco oil is saturated oil, flaxseed oil is a highly unsaturated oil, it is the high degree of unsaturation gives strong cross linking to give the cure ( net formation, like baked in), so I find flaxseed works better. However, I don’t know flaxseed can give as long lasting coating at high temperature cooking as Crisco ! Only time and repeated uses can tell if it is as durable !

[@conniekantor2278]

By far the most comprehensive and professional video on the topic of properly restoring, seasoning and maintaining cast iron. I probably watched 6-8 videos related videos--again, far and away Mr. Rogers has produced the best one! I feel confident that I can restore my tired cast iron to the beauty it deserves! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@ceciliabates5906]

THIS GENTLEMAN KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT. THIS GRANDMA APPROVES 100 PERCENT

[@xman4328]

WRONG!!!!!

[@elizabethshaw734]

XMan if you're going to do that, then explain yourself.

[@xman4328]

he also advocates eating caustic, toxic oven cleaner.. Not very bright if you want to live... There are WAY better ways to do this and WAY WAY WAY Better videos...

[@FEVB]

XMan you don't seem to know what you're talking about. There is no oven cleaner present when cleaned correctly.

[@jsbogen]

Absolutely wrong. He said to use the self clean option of your oven. That doesn't involve any cleaner. It uses extreme heat to burn off. That is why everything is reduced to ash on the restore.

[@OfirFatal]

This is an excellent set of instructions! I have reseasoned all of my cast irons and have been maintaining them with your instructions. Everytime I receive a compliment, I pass on my thanks to you!

[@Hopvard]

This is, far and away, the best explanation and demonstration of the restoration and maintenance of cast iron cookware on the internet. No pretense; no nonsense. Thank you!

[@johnslen1]

I’ve watched too many videos to restore my late Grandfather’s skillets he had stored under a shed. This one was hands down the dissertation of restoration. Thank you!

[@selitaswipes8795]

Thank you so much for posting this information! I had no idea how to care for cast iron before watching your posts. I am now hooked! I went from 4 cast iron pieces that I inherited (slightly rusted and gunky) and kept for sentimental reasons to 20 pieces of perfectly seasoned pieces using your method! I also got a Lodge Sportsman's Grill for Mother's Day! Thanks again!

[@evadeflow]

Your method is top-notch, Sir. Thank you! I’ve been using it for two years now, can’t tell you how many times I’ve rewatched this vid -basically every time I come across a new batch of skillets. It’s the best-particularly the ‘mini seasoning’ technique you recommend at the end. 🙇

[@johnchapman3225]

One of the best videos I have seen on cast iron skillets, Thank you

[@Iniamelendez]

I absolutely agree with you.

[@helenw.132]

Just did my skillet last night. I should have watched this first. Going to follow the instructions that was given on this VIDEO. Found it very interesting and educational. Thank you for taking the time to explain it in such a way that made it simple and easy.

[@jackprick9797]

This is the best video on seasoning cast iron. Thank you. Besides crisco, i also tried avacado oil. I thought that because Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, that the coating would be more durable, but it was not. It lasts about the same as crisco on both steel and cast iron pans. So now i just use crisco. It's a bit cheaper and works just as well. And once again, grandma knew what she was talking about.

[@xIvysongx]

Love the info, and you have a wonderful voice to boot! I've been cleaning and seasoning my pieces based on what I've heard over the years, but your results are so much nicer. Thank you for sharing.

[@lexiegayable]

I very much appreciate this video! I just inherited my grandmother's set, and I wanna make sure I take care of them properly.

[@joannesimon1650]

So glad to find you! I rescued my mother-in-law's Griswold cast iron pans set of 4 (3-8) after she passed last November 2022, not really knowing what they were. She cooked with them for a hungry family of 5 every day since 1950, but apparently she never knew she needed to season them 😭. They had been scoured with brillo pads and soap for 70 years! My husband and his siblings, the grandkids etc. thought they were ugly, thin and worn out and nobody wanted them. They were destined for St. Vinnie's. I decided to give them a go at the last minute, although I didn't have much faith. No rust, thankfully. But silver bare patches and gunk!! After watching your video, I realized I had been treating my own heavy Lodge pans carelessly even though I thought I was seasoning them well. I stripped and seasoned all of her pans and mine too according to your directions. Took a bit of elbow grease and time. But WOW they all turned out so beautiful! My MIL was a rural, poor (financially), utilitarian cook who stretched her food as far as she could to feed her family. My SIL got her mom's best china, as it should be, but I think I got the best of her kitchen and life. I'm so happy to see them have new life. And I think I have a new hobby, dammit.

[@teresas4728]

my grandmother also used SOS pads when needed, and dried on top of the stove with a wipe of crisco. I pretty much do the same, and they are fine. Love cast iron. Season them in the oven every couple of years.

[@ALPHAJACK78]

Amazing demo ! Thank you for sharing this. One thing I wanted to know was how do you store them after? Up on a wall? or stacking with something in between? Thank again really nice job !

[@scotty2307]

Love cast iron! I have about 5 skillets of various sizes, a couple of round, and square griddles, a two burner rectangular griddle, and 3 or 4 corn bread pans with the corn cob type reservoirs. Really the best cookware that money can buy. Thanks for the how too.

[@christopherjohnson3978]

Ok, went to his Culinary Fanatic website. He has this clip and several others including his method of stripping skillets using Easyoff Heavy Duty oven cleaner... for those of us that lack a self-cleaning oven. Just finished doing two cast iron skillets. He's right, they turned out great! Last year I followed someone else's seasoning method that created the pooling issue that he so carefully prevents. He's right, it's a superior finish. Have two more soaking with the oven cleaner now. Will be redoing the rest of my cast iron this way. Many thanks again!

[@Vilemirth]

This has to be the best tutorial I've seen on the subject. Great work and thank you!

[@jackofalltrades8353]

When my sons move out I’ve bought them nice set of Lodge iron. Lasts forever and teaches them if you care for something it shows!

[@sixstringster1]

During the pandemic, I decided to buy a cast-iron pan and I found your videos extremely helpful. It’s 2024 and I’m back here because I need a refresher to restore a pan that I just bought from a thrift store. Thanks for the detailed explanations and examples! ❤

[@wesleyhill4922]

What a good and understandable guide to saving, and restoring an abused cast iron skillet....I can't wait to try it on my own!

[@jeannielokey8214]

This video was an answer to my prayers! Excellent video and very educational. Thank you! I have cast iron oven grids. I am going to try the same technique on them, but I would love to view a video, any suggestions?

[@elik.850]

I used this man's seasoning method for my grandparents pans and it is the best. From rust in a garage to what is now my go to pan. Thank you sir!

[@Richard-mz7qu]

Fascinating! Jeffrey, your attention to detail is very impressive. Clearly, you know what you are doing and what you are talking about. Thank you so much for sharing! I must admit, I have never thought much about the condition of an iron skillet. Your skillets look amazing! After watching your awesome video, I feel like going out to find the most beat-up skillet I can find, just to employ your technique to restore it. Thanks again for an informative and entertaining video. Re: Astrid Arnold; “Believing in Jesus we are saved through grace, not the law” My dear Astrid, I totally agree with you and my Father and brother Jesus. However, I don’t see the connection between the restoration of a skillet and the eternal saving grace of our Father through my Brother Jesus. On a lighter note; perhaps my Father would like for us all to appreciate the skills of preserving the finer things which we take for granted. Thanks again Jeffrey! Frank N Stein

[@TheCulinaryFanatic]

Harley Rider - Thank you!

[@pennymillner5903]

Disowie xxx X-as zzz z rv. D v x. Ft be ed

[@rubberpicker]

@@pennymillner5903 WTF ASSHOLE

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Excellent, thank you for the tutorial. I've cleaned and seasoned my rummage sale CI. A Griswold, Wagner, and an older Lodge. The crisco method works perfectly. I've tried olive oil before, but I wasn't happy with the results. Now I'm going to tackle my newer Lodge. Thanks again.

[@carlpop2324]

As I watch this, it has been viewed over 2,167,000. I understand why. Thorough, clear, practical, and interesting. Great job!

[@diannehawkins3198]

Wow, may I send mine? You should go into business taking cast iron through these processes. Fantastic.

[@neoasura]

If you live in Michigan, there is a guy in my area that will take and restore your old cast iron pans as a service.

[@BeingRomans829ed]

Now those are some gorgeus skillets. Never knew they could look that good. Thank you for the great information. By the way, if you have concrete steps in front or out back of your home, I have found that is a good place to work on wire brushing skillets. You can lay the skillet on a step and let the handle rest against the next step to keep it from spinning as you cup wire brush it.

[@bobarendt4244]

I have only recently started using cast iron I've had it for a long time it was rusty they were just sitting in my basement. I saw your video on how to season and clean cast iron it was very informative and interesting. Today I made a cast iron dinner with 1 of my cats 9 pain Today I made a cast iron dinner with 1 of my Cast iron pens. It came out delicious and for once the clean up was very easy I'm getting ready to do the preventive maintenance that you I'm getting ready to do the preventive maintenance that you suggested And whoop Mine comes out almost half as good as what yours look like. Hopefully you will see this And I see that I am a big fan of yours I hopefully can catch up more on your videos And that's time gives on become a better cook thanks for everything

[@jamesd493]

This video is precious because my family invested a lot of money in cast iron cookware and our ignorance had sidelined all of our investments. Now they can come of the bench and get in the game once again! Thank you!

[@MrTJify]

I took the time to watch this, excellent information. I've been cooking on the cast iron pans that belonged to my grandmother who died in 1997 at the age of 84, so I know she used them and I've been using them for 20 years. Two are really heavily encrusted with "gunk" so I will be trying your method to clean and season . . .thank you!

[@susandoan3088]

Best video, I had collected 200 cast iron cook wears in 45 years, sold most of them but still keep 50. This is the best video. Thanks.

[@caseybea2]

GREAT video. I am just starting to get into cast iron, found a sweet griswold #8 on ebay. cleaning was no issue, but I tried seasoning it twice, crappy results - all mottled looking. Following your video, I see the process is working! (yes, started over.....) I'm on pass one of three, can't wait until I'm done. WIPING the crisco off COMPLETELY is most definitely the key. None of the other videos or web pages i found mention that, everyone else tells you to slather it on.......

[@TheCulinaryFanatic]

Kent Brodie - Thank you for watching!!

[@TheMrhycannon]

The best to get info on cast-iron is to ask the old country folks.. You know, the ones who've used it all of their lives and had it handed down to them.. These new fangled ideas don't work as well and are more time consuming..

[@lykri3350]

I have never known good old country folk. My mom had a whole set and never used it. Wish I had that set! But I have started my own with finds from the flea market and Amazon. So until I find any better solution for seasoning and care, my only option is to resort to youtube. If you have a less time consuming method, I am all ears. Mine are clean,but I can use this help for use and care. I have sadly passed by a few that were all rusted because I didn't think I could repair that. After seeing this, I still couldn't fix that because my stove is not self-cleaning.

[@TheMrhycannon]

***** One can learn a lot in 70 years..

[@TheLmori3]

Mrhycannon If you watched the videos he talks about his grandma using some of the techniques. In essence, he's handing down that advice to us. Many young folks pay attention to their ancestors you know. I for one appreciate that.

[@TheMsLady4Real]

I have a regular electric oven with no self-cleaning option! Can I still clean it in the oven? Thank you, great video.

[@michigan_masks8969]

My oldest kid preheated the oven for a pizza and didn't realize my small cast iron was in there. Took it out and put it in the sink and ran water in it to cool it off. 😬 instantly flash boiled the year+ worth of seasoning I had built up on it. I took a wire brush drill attachment to the whole inside of the pan and started the seasoning all over again. After 2 seasoning runs in the oven, with flax seed oil, it's like a brand new teflon pan on the inside. Back to good to use in just a day and a half! 👌

[@baileesmom12]

This was invaluable. Thank you! I've done a lot of research online and ended up mostly confused in the end. The only difficult part for me would be grinding with the steel brush attachment. Not sure what I would do instead but the rest is certainly doable. Thanks again.

[@magno5157]

Thanks for the tip to wipe it multiple times at different temps to get even seasoning! No else has ever done that on youtube. Good tip!

[@jacquelineshowers4003]

My husband put a grinder to my skillets.. took it to some parts silver will it turn black again

[@TheDylon19]

@@jacquelineshowers4003 Once the original surface has wear it is more difficult to build seasoning in those spots but still possible with lots of patience!

[@pattijanson2503]

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[@jacquelineshowers4003]

What should.i do at this point

[@rontuscany1377]

I bought a 12" cast iron skillet new. I had no clue what to do with it. After watching this video, my pan works like Teflon. This man knows what he's doing!

[@annas9593]

Great and informative video! Your CI pots are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks.

[@puglover3015]

Super impressive video! You are the Cast Iron King. Thank you for posting.

[@merlin750]

I have seen other restorations, unfortunately. As shown above is the only to correct way to restore cast iron cook ware. On badly abused cast iron cook ware you sometimes have no choice but to use a wire wheel to get a useable surface. My wife and I have restored cast iron cook ware for over 47 years now. This is exactly the method we use. Great job.

[@meutod2]

This is a great great video! Awesome information and flawless results.

[@exlahainagirl]

On your second seasoning, do you start back at the 200 degree warm up and then go from there?

[@misskim2058]

Good question, seems like it would be a yes to me, then the 300°, to prevent the unevenness he showed. If it doesn’t matter to you to have it glass-smooth, then you could skip those steps on subsequent rounds. Some people go up to 500° but maybe just an hour to 90 min, and do up to 5 rounds, cooling down well between rounds and getting a non-stick finish. His here are very pretty and the best vid I’ve seen for sure. But they do say to expect a lot of smoke at 500°, since that’s what gives the non-stick finish. I’m doing mine on the grill and using the hose, as another mentioned that drains do best without that iron residue...a dry wipe-down into the garbage would probably get most of it, too.

[@Vbluevital]

You are a excellent teacher and extremely conscientous. Your skillets are treated like royalty. Thank You

[@maxdecphoenix]

great video, probably one of the better ones available. except the part where you were washing all that carbon and oxidized iron sediment down the drain. Do not do this folks. Think of future-self and spare them the plumber call by either hose them off outside, or buy a $2 plastic wash basin from Dollar Store and use it for a the first rinse then just dump the sediment along the back fence. It's all chemically inert, they're not toxic components. they're both natural occurring elements. High concentrations of oxidized iron particulates is what gives 'southern red clay' that 'southern red' color. You're future-self will thank you when they don't have to call out a plumber going to charge you $50 service call, then probably $50/hour when all that crud blocks up your pipes.

[@mariavieira1630]

maxdecphoenix I was thinking the exact same thing. Great video.

[@darrellknox6435]

@@mariavieira1630 You can add that iron dust to your compost. Most plants love it.

[@ellen4956]

@@darrellknox6435 It's what plants crave.

[@misskim2058]

I’m doing the whole deal on the grill and the hose is handy, and I’m going 500°, maybe an hour per round, 5 rounds.

[@brandibythesea4883]

this video was so helpful! I'm a little nervous about leaving my oven racks in during the self-clean cycle though. the owner's manual says to take them out. any suggestions?

[@euphoria156]

Exactly, I have the same question !

[@blackskilletcooking4111]

Take your over racks out, I use a fire brick(one used for a fireplace)--stand brick up and put skillet on top. It's possible the racks can oxidize if you leave in oven.

[@euphoria156]

Thanks

[@robbyritter4245]

Buy new ones

[@rafaelnieto3300]

Your restoration and seasoning process is a game changer! I lost hope in the different methods I have been using with no success. That was until I used your method, which came out perfectly! Many thanks

[@Valerifon1]

Jeffrey, yours is THE BEST CHANNEL on all-things Cast Iron out there! I really appreciate the work you've done in producing these videos. I've been able to fix my Lodge skillet and cook in it daily now thanks to you and your channel! All the best - Luther

[@Fallgirlforever]

I just found 2 at a yard sale. They were both lodge. 1 was a 10 1/2 in old style griddle. The other is 8SGP--square shape with grooves. I payed $1 for the first and $2 for the square one

[@helenw.132]

Wow!! What a good buy. Just went to a THRIFT STORE, and it was pretty expensive.

[@Fallgirlforever]

+Helen W. Things just keep looking up. I just found a 5 qt cast iron Dutch oven new in the box from the Lodge for $5!!! The woman at the yard sale said she got it for a gift and never used it and just wanted to get rid of it. I about fell over when I saw the price. We will be using it this weekend when we go camping

[@johnroberts5223]

Score!!

[@antog288]

@@Fallgirlforever the problem with Lodge is that they started manufacturing them in CHINA for years now and no longer in the USA!

[@gonefishing8121]

@Anto G, Lodge is made in the USA. I was just at their foundry in December. Lids and a few other items come from China, but not the cast iron pans. I have over 40 Lodge pieces all of them stamped USA.

[@jpbanksnj]

Amazing how informative this video is after watching it for so many years after I first saw it. I'm getting a new cast iron pan and needed a refresher... Thanks again!

[@NoWayOut55]

Great vid! I inherited a number of cast iron that dates back to the 30s. Some are pretty tore up. This makes my seasoning a helluva lot easier. Thanks Again!

[@92xl]

Good job on your skillets, can definitely tell when one knows how to care for cast iron.

[@teribruegger9240]

Hands down this is the BEST cast iron skillet restoration video. Jeffrey you know cast iron and I love your videos!!!!

[@Dreemwever]

"Good Enough For My Grandmother, Good Enough For Me"..... Amen! Thanks for the education!

[@stevenrunnion2185]

That's right if it's good enough for grandma it good enough

[@TimothyNH]

Really wonderful video. Your attention to detail is rare; you explain everything clearly and concisely. Thank you. One question: my self clean oven instructions say to remove the grills. Any thoughts on that? It looks like we have a similar stove.

[@doubledge2947]

I tried this method. It works-totally legit. Only thing I might add is that if you don't wire brush some pans with rough sides, it'll shred those super absorbent scott towels. May want to consider a stronger cloth, old yet clean tshirt and compressed air to blow off any fibers that remain. Thank you, excellent job.

[@randomodbuild]

I just used the self cleaning method. All I can say is Holy Cow! It took the pan to bare metal, all that needs to be cleaned up is some rust and some of the flakes. Definitely do this if you can.

[@justingrubbs4407]

For the second round of seasoning, do you do the exact same process or do you skip to 300 degrees?

[@Sam-Icy]

Pretty sure he goes back to 200 degrees after the first seasoning. Apply the second later of coat, heat up them back up to 300 degrees for 15 mins and wipe. Then he heats the oven to 400 degrees for 2 hours. Then let them naturally cool down. Or once the pans are back down to 200 degrees you can apply another layer of seasoning. Usually 2-4 coats depending on how much effort you want to put in.

[@MrWafters76]

@@Sam-Icy Fahrenheit or Celsius makes a big difference!

[@diancourtright3650]

Great video, Thanks! I was given a set of rusty cast iron pans. I used this method to clean them. They came out beautiful. I had always wanted to try cast iron for cooking, now they are the only frying pans I use. I love being able to use metal spatulas, forks, knives, etc...without worrying about damaging the pan. Clean up is very easy too. A little water and a few swipes with the green scouring pad (no soap!). I always dry them well, rub the insides with a dab of Crisco and put them on a burner set on low for 5 minutes.

[@g-vmax999]

what is the oven temperature setting when you initially bake the "dirty" cast iron pans? thanks.

[@justvisitingthisplanet725]

Self clean cycle.

[@beverlypatin4696]

Is a self cleaning cycle higher than 500

[@ThePrimalDesire]

Beautiful! Love that you're so particular. Amazing results - thank you for sharing not just the steps but the reasons! 😍😍😍

[@ferraridan4883]

Wow, what a great video ! Someone taught me the oven "self cleaning" method years ago; it works perfect. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge on how to take care on cast iron.

[@victor2410]

I still refer back to this every now and then to refresh my fundamentals especially after a good find at the thrift store. :)

[@steviesuperstar]

nice vid , just 1 question , why have you got 70 skillets ?

[@meutod2]

lol ;) This made me giggle. Cast Iron skillets are aaaamazing to use and can become highly addictive to collect and cook in. My dear friend says they are his family inheritance.

[@spydermama9513]

LOL, cause he caught the CI bug! And thanks to his "bug", we have it down to science, he tried, he tested, and retested, and retried, and retested, over and over, then came up with a no nonsense approach on how to restore (old), season (new with and without being re- seasoned), He took it all in, and with his mind, came out with what should be done! Thanks to his family for allowing this great CI mind to flourish! The question should be, since he has the bug, is why doesn he have only 70 pieces and not more! LOL (his children shall need a good collection of starter CI of how its done right for when they get married! LOL)

[@maxdecphoenix]

collecting cast iron cook-ware is rare indeed, but there are worse things a man could do. Also, they stand the test of time. My mom's cast iron ware are some of the few mementos I have left. I actually think she got them from her mother, but I'm not certain. These relics can be treated with complete disdain for decades, left in the elements yet can be brought back in to service with a few hours of very little effort. In an era of cheap, throw-away pressed aluminum, I really enjoy using mine.

[@wzigrang]

The 71st was overpriced.

[@beckywatt5048]

maxdecphoenix A lot worse things !!!

[@daviddutymentor]

This is the BEST video I've ever seen on how to remove rust and season a skillet. Thank you for a GREAT video!!!!

[@monkeyloven]

OMG, do the self-cleaning oven idea. works great!!!!!! Thank you. Awesome video!

[@kingdomofhope3371]

There is no pan equal to the cast iron pan! Used them since I was a child. Love my cast iron pans. 🖤 And thank you for the video. 💖

[@markostertag1101]

Back again for a refresher lesson! This is the best video on seasoning/restoring/maintaining pans!

[@Jdww89]

What I want to know is if Crisco has the smoke point 490 and when the oil starts smoking is when it polymerizes how are you seasoning only at 400°? Tia

[@misskim2058]

A lot of people go 500°, some for just an hour each round, with 2-5 rounds, (500° against manufacturer’s advice). Can always test a piece, though different manufacturers may do better than others. I'm going 500° outside on the grill with my Lodge.

[@SherryWHightowerSherrysCamera]

My grandmother told me to never clean an iron skillet with soap. Thanks for saying that as well!

[@pcs1755]

I don't know where he learned the process of seasoning cast iron but ........this guy knows his stuff! I have followed his instructions exactly and the pans come out slick and smooth!! By far, the best way to do these pans!

[@kdm12701]

Why do today's cast iron skillets seem to be so rough? My old ones are as smooth as stainless but even the new Lodges are very rough and pourous. Can this be remedied or should I just look for the old ones and forget about buying new?

[@voteforgoat]

the newer ones (past few decades) were sold as factory pre-seasoned, and that added some roughness

[@austinado16]

Vintage C.I. is the only way to go......thin, smooth, and light. There's a lot of info online about why "modern" versions aren't smooth, thin, or light. What I've read indicates that it'd due to the type of metal, post WWII, verses what was used pre-WWII. I don't know how people eve cook on the rough, porous stuff that's sold today.

[@Boyetto-san]

I've heard its because of changes to the casting method. Modern cast iron pans are made with sand molds, which is why they're rough. They're a real bitch to get the seasoning off, but once u do get them seasoned right, they're still pretty non-stick.