TheMudbrooker's Guide to Cast Iron: Seasoning and Cleaning

[@Dennis-sq2nm]

Watched this entire video. This guy's voice makes it very easy to pay attention to. This guy has to be an ex science teacher. Great at explaining what and why he does what he does. 👍👍

[@MyNugz]

well said it’s like listening to some smooth educational jazz

[@nadinemoonihoawa2879]

I agree

[@Ratastic_SPAM]

❤ These guys

[@rosiedudley319]

U

[@meteorworlds]

Yes, a smart ‘dad knows everything’, voice 😂

[@frankiebutler2894]

Thank you for much info & pleasing voice. I find your explanations easy to follow, & appreciate your thoroughness.

[@chrisgaines7977]

Thank you, I've been using and caring for cast iron this same way for 60 years. You have validated my Grandma and my Mom who taught me! Great video, nice voice!

[@nancycurtis488]

Same here...most important thing to my Mom was to TOTALLY dry the cast iron skillet after it was washed so it would not rust. 99% non-stick if it is totally seasoned before you start and you spray it with non-stick spray before you start....has been working for me since they came out with non-stick spray in the 60’s. Many times I make sure my pans are completely dry by setting the pan on the center pilot light cover on the top of my 1950 High Back Deluxe Lemon Yellow Chambers Gas Range after I have lightly rubbed it with canola oil. Right now I have Great Northern Bean soup in my old Griswold Dutch Oven and am making Wheat Sticks in my Puritan No.1770 Wheat Stick shapes pan and corn sticks in my Griswold Crispy Corn Stick Pan No. 930 A. I use at least one or two of my old cast iron pieces every day. I am 74 and I don’t know how many more years I have to cook in my old cast iron...which makes me very sad because I love cooking in general and cooking in my MANY pieces of cast iron. I am to the point where I am starting to think about exactly who I am going to give my cast iron to because whoever it will be is going to have to be someone who will love and take care of it.

[@MaximRecoil]

@@nancycurtis488 Any pan is non-stick if you use cooking spray, even stainless steel. I cook breakfast sausages, which are normally very prone to sticking, in a stainless steel electric skillet, and with cooking spray, they don't stick at all. In fact, you can slide all six or seven of them around in a group as if they were on wet ice, even after they've been cooking in one spot for ten minutes or so.

[@karennicholson6972]

Cast iron is beautiful when it is well cared for ! I LOVE how clear your videos are. You are such an excellent instructor! You answer all the details as you go. Wonderful instructuons!

[@kaisermoses8616]

This is by far one of the best videos on cast iron, very informative, very concise and well written. The information in this video will always be valuable and never be outdated. Thank you

[@jamesprior2496]

Couldn't agree more, Mr. Moses!

[@loganthemotivationalmotiva6769]

My granny taught me how to season iron and I wanted to make sure that I was still doing it right and not missing anything. I made a fried egg sandwich on my number 3 while I watched it. Awesome video very informative

[@patriciateeters5565]

I just love your voice and clear speaking. I like that you had notes so you could explain all you know about cast iron. What a great video. I'll bet you are a hoot to hang out with. God Bless.

[@clgray2470]

I have just purchased my first edit cast-iron pans and watched many of videos here on KZbin and I wanna thank you for the time in detail that you’ve put into this this is by far the best video

[@thomasyuma1]

My grandmas and my mom always washed cast iron with soapy water and I have some of those pans and they still cook great

[@judsonkr]

The Soapy Water thing is an old wives tale.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

Quite possibly the best cast iron video I've ever seen. I had no idea what an important role carbon plays in seasoning. I'm currently restoring an old chicken fryer for a neighbor whose grandmother probably bought it in the 40's, if not earlier. It has 3 coats of seasoning on it, so I was planning on cooking some pork sausage with it. Now I'm going to put some potatoes in it after the sausage is done. Thank you, sir.

[@Khomeboy]

Loved your videos! I was given several cast iron skillets by my mom over 30 years ago. I know she had them when I was growing up so they have to be 50+ or more. I usually wipe mine if I cook fried eggs in grease, but will scrub them and soap and water when necessary and oil her up as needed. My best cast iron find was at a Christian resale shop in Houston, TX. It was at the bottom of the shelf, face up. When I picked it up, I quickly realized that it was 15 inches in diameter. The best part is that it was marked $8! So, I grabbed it and ran to the checkout. I gave the woman $10 and said keep the change. It has been my camp pan and is great because I cook over charcoal and can make the zones as hot or cold as I want. I will never sell it but will probably leave it to someone who I think is deserving and will use it as it should be, instead of selling it to make a buck. Cheers and happy hunting and cookin!

[@madalinebeeman2171]

what a great story you have! I am amazed that you found a 15 Inch pan! I would love to see a picture of it. I treat my pans as you do. works! I wonder- how is it hefting up that big ol' 15" pan?! Love hearing how you can cook in different heat zones on it. That pan went to the right person!

[@jamesprior2496]

@@madalinebeeman2171 He was meant to have it!

[@rainerrain9689]

@@madalinebeeman2171 So the bigger the rarer if they're old pans ? I have a 10 1/2 size and believe it's a Wagner {?} due to it not having a ring on the bottom and 10 1/2 inch skillet being spelled out. Plus a B stamp. Was my Mothers so I know it's old, before the origin of where it was made had to be printed on it.

[@madalinebeeman2171]

Thank you for your reply. That's very interesting, about they didn't used to have to put writing on the bottom! How lovely you have your mother's cast iron- a beautiful inheritance! Since my seeing your post, and my comment, we lost our cabin and just about everything we owned in the September 8th 2020 Bear Fire, here in northern California. We did find some of our cast iron in the rubble of the fire, and so did some of my friends who list everything too. One friend has managed to restore a couple of her cast iron pans!! We haven't tried, but we've been blessed to find new ones. Can't live without cast iron! God bless you!

[@rainerrain9689]

@@madalinebeeman2171 Sorry about that fire up in northern California you had. Thankful you're alive,material things can be replaced. Good luck.

[@melaneymattson3733]

I've viewed many websites and your Cast Iron info is the most concise and informative! Makes the most since out of all of them. Thank you for your expertise and the time that you devoted to putting this together.

[@adamswetman9273]

Thank you for your video. My daughter took my lodge number seven for bacon and eggs during a fall camping trip. It got left in the bag dirty, wet and now rusted . I watched this video and your last and found the courage to bring my pan back to life . I followed your steps and it’s in the oven getting a seasoning. I couldn’t be happier about my pan and about my new knowledge. Your voice is like that of the skipper on Gillian’s Island tv show . I felt your conviction in the process and you inspired my trust . 🙋‍♂️ .....maybe a career in voice overs is on your horizon !!!!

[@TheMudbrooker]

I'm glad I could help. There's very few cast iron things that are so far gone that they can't be brought back to life.

[@BlessedBaubles]

So cool! I rarely see a reply from Mudbrooker so this is a great surprise! When the commenter said, “you have a voice like the skipper from Gilligan’s Island” the Skipper is the son of the great Alan Hail or Hale, who often appeared with Errol Flynn in those awesome swashbuckler movies. Skipper’s name was Alan Hail Jr, or Allen? Sorry. I know the names but don’t look at them in print much because I’m too,busy enjoying them in the movies! Anyway, I’m pretty sure Mudbrooker has been a professional voice but he won’t tell us where or who he is. Atleast not that I’ve seen yet. And he’s very humble. But the anonymity is driving me curious. I do recognize a slight Michigan accent though. Would be nice to know his previous profession, maybe still current. One thing’s for sure... the voice is a definite gift and everyone loves it. I say, go for it. God bless.

[@mozu517]

@@BlessedBaubles Maybe the U.P? Or northern Wisconsin or Minnesota (where I'm from) ;-)

[@julsanchez50]

Skipper on Gillian’s island! Made me laugh. Haha

[@peter3559]

Love the fact that you have taken the time to help us educate on the subject of cast iron. My Mom was from Indiana and was a huge fan. I ate many meals out of them. My Dad just passed and he had a collection. I hope to snare one or more. Thanks. I'm on the hunt.

[@deewelch4264]

The best KZbin I’ve seen on cast iron pans and I’ve watched many. Thanks!

[@BrewerShettles]

Great Video!! Washed. Dried. Heated with butter. Wiped a slightly rusted iron pan. Looks good as new. Never been used. Thanks!! Safe Journey!!!

[@INTEGRITY273]

Thank you so much. BTW, you could easily have a career as a radio host or an audiobook reader with your great voice.

[@Annabelle-ve2vq]

Absolutely

[@wildatheart1165]

Yes I agree, he has a very unique voice one that’s a one of a kind. I could listen to his voice just simply talking...

[@Jakethediesel89]

"I could listen to Morgan Freeman read the phone book" You sir, have a similar quality

[@sherrithorne1415]

He absolutely does!

[@maesaichiangrai1228]

What is admirable also is he hasn't said a single "uh" throughout this enjoyable monologue. "Uh" is so irritating to hear - and too many speakers unintentionally do this mercilessly to us.

[@JohnJainschigg]

Great series of videos. A real pleasure to see how meticulously and patiently you worked on these, to bring them back and make them useful.

[@madjackie523]

Thank you sooo much for explaining the black stuff that comes off when I wipe my pan out! I thought I wasn't cleaning it out well enough and that whatever it was would mold and then I'd end up eating it. And you are very right, no one else has ever talked about this that I have found so far. Thank you again! Your video has been extremely helpful!

[@Shir2024]

😮 Same here 🤦🏻‍♀️ I cleaned the rusty stuff out but I think is no well enough N I eaten it 🫣 it is my first time having a cast iron 🫶

[@staceyhernandez4276]

So happy I found you, new cast iron dutch oven owner. It's very relaxing to watch you, It's probably your voice but you come across very real. I appreciate you, thank you!

[@TheMudbrooker]

You're welcome.

[@cresentmoon7308]

The VAPORS bahahaha I laughed out loud on that one. Thank you for the giggle and the informative videos.

[@allord3286]

After cooking in my cast iron pans I simply clean with water. I fill the pan half way with water return to stove, boil and scrub with a lodge scrub brush. Rinse with hot water,dry with paper towel return to heat add a little oil and wipe with paper towel. Done

[@jospie28]

Your voice and the way you speak is very soothing

[@rockypluto2683]

Thank you so much for mentioning that black carbon residue. Phew was I worried. 😅

[@mozu517]

You are very good at explaining; just enough technical detail, but not too much. Great tips--thank you!

[@patphares6258]

Recently smitten by cast iron cookware, have been binge watching your excellent videos … fortunately, with the bonus of your soothing voice. Excellent content and love your sharing amazing expertise. Appreciate your generosity…

[@jameslaupan6499]

Dang, every time I watch your videos I end up cooking whatever you do in the video, tonight it's meatloaf (made in a #5 pan) and fried taters! Thanks

[@sheilapierson2016]

I watched this whole video as well. Love his methods AND his style of teaching! Thank you for taking the time to explain the process completely. 🤗

[@jimbos.online]

wow! That sure blew smoke on all of what I've been told by so many folks. As a former antique store owner, many of the venders with their booths and item always shamed washing with soap, scrubbing, and using. I was always afraid to remove the crusting as I was made to think it was wrong to do. But watching both of 'TheMudbrooked' videos, my view and actually, the burden of guilt is gone. Thank you very very much.

[@TheMudbrooker]

Don't tell any dealers, but I'm tickled to death when they don't clean their pans first, I've gotten several pans that were too cruddy to identify that turned out to be worth far more than what I paid for them once I stripped them clean. :)

[@lorawiese5897]

Thank you for this informative video. I wanted to use my cast iron skillet but was worried about the cleaning. TY.

[@jimbos.online]

@@TheMudbrooker That is going to be a secret tip between you and I. Plus your viewing audiance. Think I'll walk around some antique mall soon. Happy New Year.

[@davidmiller9485]

@@TheMudbrooker and here is why washing makes very little difference. Cast Iron acts as a sponge. Ask any welder (i rebuild engines and transmissions) who works with cast iron and they will tell you that even the heat from a grinder can make oil seep out of the part. It's why auto manufacturers used/use Cast iron in the blocks (it allows block to help in oil management in the cylinder) for years. Any time i've had to weld Cast iron i've had to put the part on fire bricks (they are fire resistant) and use a torch to get them cherry red to help burn out the oil, otherwise while i'm welding the part will catch fire and their goes my weld.

[@TheMudbrooker]

@@davidmiller9485 According to your logic it would be impossible for oil to saturate an engine block. The coolant having A) a much lower viscosity and B) being under pressure would be constantly forced through the iron, washing away any lubricant and destroying the engine. Yes some oil is trapped by the microscopic pore, pits and ridges of cast iron but it does not penetrate to any significant degree. Auto manufacturers use cast iron because it's cheap, easily machined and has the heat resistance, wear and predictable expansion properties required.

[@pamelap8462]

My ex sis n law gave me a cast iron dutch over and it needs some love. I am so glad I found your videos. I am sure it is not a collector but a true use pan and now after I get it clean, I will do just that!! Thanks again!

[@gillbraund8800]

Great vid, very informative. I now know how to clean my grandmothers cast iron frying pan and seasoning it again. Thanks so much.

[@gloriaa.4858]

My dad bought a cast iron pan for me over 30 years ago. He got it at a yard sale for $2.00. I used it many times in the past, but put it on a shelf in the bottom cabinet after getting a new cookware set. Never thought of it again. Recently saw a KZbin video of a woman who fried a steak in a cast iron pan. She said that was the best pan for frying steak. I pulled out my dad's old pan, and darn if it looked like the one you showed in the beginning of this video (2:31). It has pitting in the center of the back so I can't tell what the writing might have been. But it says Erie and has the number 10. You can be sure I'm gonna clean my treasured pan up and start using it again. Thanks for a most informative video.

[@TheMudbrooker]

Is the word "Erie" at the top and the number 10 down by the handle or is the number at the top and the word Erie more towards the middle with a three digit number and a letter near the handle? In either case, it was made by the Griswold company a few years either side of 1900. They're excellent pans.

[@gloriaa.4858]

Thanks for responding. Yes, "Erie" is at the top and the number 10 is down at the handle. Looking more closely, it looks like there might have been a letter next to the 10, but I can't tell. I do know, I never knew how to re-season the pan, and treated it like any pan, meaning hot sudsy water many times. Thank you again for such an informative video. I'm subscribing right now.

[@TheMudbrooker]

@@gloriaa.4858 Once you get the pan stripped down and clean check out this site www.castironcollector.com/erie.php and have a look at the gallery, it'll help narrow down exactly what you have. Erie skillets are very collectable and even with some corrosion are fairly valuable.

[@24justinhunter]

These three videos he helped so much as I’m still learning as I go. I’ve never been a big Griswold and Wagner fan but have fallen in love with Lodge. Have a lot of vintage lodge and still love learning the history and learning how to identify. Thank you for all your knowledge! Will definitely be looking forward to more of your videos!

[@redwoodtrail]

I recently purchased a few lodge cast irons of various sizes. I cracked one and the one I’m using now is sticking and burning bad. I can feel that the coating layer is cracked off in the center where the most heat hits. It’s a learning process for sure. I never had anyone in my life to teach me a thing. Glad I have KZbin! So many knowledgable people. I’m trying to save my pan now; doing the research so I don’t ruin another one. These should last my lifetime! Also, I wash mine sparingly, depends on what I’ve cooked but I always make sure to dry properly. I once forgot to wipe it down and it rusted so fast. Anyways, glad someone else is also learning and appreciating simple things.

[@deirdrepasko9965]

After kinda watching two other videos (that I cut short because they just babbled on and on about God knows what and never got to the point), I was hesitant in watching yours, but am GLAD I did. You cut to the chase, got straight to the point, answered my questions, and made the whole process EASY. --I got a brand new cast iron pan for Christmas several years ago, but have been afraid to use it, because even though it states it has been "pre-seasoned", I knew I had to season it again, and I wasn't sure how, and also didn't want some long drawn out process where I'd be paying on the electric bill for months on end. THANK You Mr. Mudbrooker! Plus, your voice is very soothing and comfortable, quite pleasant to listen to. Thank you for putting my fears to rest. I subscribed.

[@Peter-nh5hv]

This is the best explanation of how to clean and season cast iron cooking pans and pots....

[@DieGrinsekatze]

i totally fell in love with cast iron. in my country (germany) cast iron is not really a thing, so i bought an imported Lodge. in my opinion a sturdy, shiny, well seasoned cast iron skillet is the most beautiful thing in my kitchen, and i love to look at it and cook with it. i will definitely ban all of those teflon pans and cookware and replace them with cast iron and uncoated steel cookware 👍🥰

[@Muttlywolf]

Thanks for the good video I found two skillets at a abandoned campsite and cleaned them up

[@kenthomas1109]

Hands down the best cast iron skillet restoration video I’ve seen on the Internet!

[@alexandermacgillivray598]

Cheers from New Zealand, excuse the pun.This video has clarified" a number of questions I had regarding cast ironware. A grateful Kiwi.

[@PinoyBladeHunter]

i just stumbled upon your channel a few days ago, and now i am seasoning my cast iron pans because of your tips. thank you! all practical tips here.

[@mikedkc]

You are the voice of reason in a community "experts." Subscribed.

[@mikedkc]

*of experts.

[@kstang9441]

Thank you . Very informative. I will apply what i have learned from you. I am a first-time cast iron pan user. From Singapore.

[@elym1300]

I'm coming back a couple months after I seasoned a pan using your methods. I also restored it using your guide. It is the best pan I have ever owned, hands down. I made pancakes yesterday, nothing stuck, nothing burned, it was wonderful.

[@TheMudbrooker]

Thanks for letting me know, I'm glad it turned out well. :)

[@canadiansparky64]

At first I thought 30 minutes was going to be too long, I could have watched this for an hour. I thought I was just being lazy in the way I take care of my pans, thanks for validating that I wasn't. I use soap when it needs it, dry well and lightly coat will oil before hanging back up on the wall. Most of the time I try to rinse in hot water right after cooking while the pan is still quite warm with a nylon brush, dry well and return to stove and let it cool down with the burner that I cooked on. Made the mistake of making a honey garlic sauce in one, left a sticky glaze even after scrubbing it. Wondering if the vinegar soak will fix it. I tried the salt and half potatoe scrub but still sticky.

[@karentruett1385]

So many different instructions from people. I like your no nonsense way.

[@elainegrimmett1021]

just watched your video , Thank you thank you for washing with dish detergent in water and for using a scratch pad, People argue that you cant wash . i have washed my skillets for 43 years, using everyday

[@MtnBadger]

Ok, I get a little all over the place here but, I promise it's good info, adding on to what he says. Flea markets can be a good source for finding cast iron. I've been restoring, caring for and using cast (and all kinds of cookware) for years. My pride and joy is a 100+ yr. old, cowboy's "single sized" packable Dutch oven, holds about a generous 1qt. capacity, that I found on our old ranch along with an old, cast iron waffle iron. It was covered in a 1/2" mix of carbon, cruddy food and mud that had solidified into a kind of concrete over the years it was buried. I was afraid it would be rusted and pitted badly inside but, when I got through all the crud (electrolysis process) it was nearly perfect. The little oven had been so well seasoned over the years of loving use that nothing could get to it. It is so old it has no marking, just a crude gateway mark but, it certainly was well cast. It's a rare find, never seen another. Some cowboy lost his "one man oven" and was heart broken, I'm sure. And the lid is perfectly sized to flip and fry a couple of eggs or fry a piece of flat bread while the stew was cooking and it also makes the perfect, two-serving cobblers... 😆 I love it. The *danger* of cooking Spaghetti sauce is doing it in raw/cast aluminum pots/pans. The acid will draw certain, metalic toxins from the aluminum and repeatedly eating sauce and other tomato products from cast aluminum or untreated, plain aluminum pots is really bad for your health. As for cast iron, just be sure it's well seasoned and it won't bother it, like he says. And don't fall for the lies, you can wash a cast iron pan in hot, soapy water and it's *just fine.* Just don't leave it to soak. Wash, rinse well with warm water and dry on the stove. No problem. if you keep cooking/burning foods into an improperly seasoned pan, *that's when it starts to flake off...* Seasoning a pan does build up carbon, especially at first. Then, as fats are added during repeated cooking, the carbons form but combine with the fats to create a polymer. I have pans with enough properly converted polymers built-up that they're litterally like a plastic "skating rink" on the bottom. Nothing sticks, even if I burn something. And the properly done layers of seasoning *don't flake off.* If you have flaking, you need to scrub it all the way down as far as you can and start over! I've had failed attempts at seasoning that resulted in completely stripping the pan down to metal and starting over (I put too much oil on at first, that makes it gooey and/or flakes because it didn't properly bond). I don't care for flax seed oil, either. It doesn't last. It *will* come off. I don't know where he's coming up with "12 coats." If you use a high temp oil or fat like Crisco, clear butter or tallow, a bare pan only takes about 3 coats. Depending upon the oil/tallow, *turn your oven to 400°f or a little more, run for the hour and let cool to room temp without opening the door.* This cooling process is important. It aids in the polymer conversion. Take it out too soon and it stays "goopy." This method will guarantee your pan won't flake! *Sorry, 300° is too low.* to get a good base down (without possibly flaking later) on the pan, then it's just cooking and occasional maintenance oiling after cleanup. The first thing I like to cook is a nice, well marbled steak, hamburgers, anything fatty that's beef. And bacon works, especially fresh, uncured (no salt). What people don't realize is that cooking with certain fats (beef & pork) and things like Crisco, certain vegetable and the solidified coconut oils for cooking, convert under high heat to make not just carbon layers but, make a form of polymer (I can't remember the chemical formula lol) that bonds to the metal and will continue to build in thickness with repeated use. It's very durable. As I say, I have pans with a solid 1/4"+ thick layer of what feels like "slick, slightly oily plastic" which it essentially is. It's bullet proof. When you cook anything in it, just rinse/scrape/wipe out any bulk, residual foods then just heat (just hot enough to still handle) and wipe it out, then you're ready to cook again. It doesn't get any simpler. If you have anything that did burn to the pan, warm it and throw in a tsp. to tbl spoon (depending upon size of pan and how much food is stuck) and use a wooden utensil to scrub loose anything sticking (it's easy and pretty quick) then, when everything feels slick again, just wipe with a paper towel or, if there's a lot or it's messy, just rinse out the pan with plain, warm water and dry on a warm burner. Then, while still warm, wipe it well with some coconut oil, avocado oil, non-virgin olive oil or some beef tallow, leaving just a very thin coating. Properly rendered beef tallow has all the meat bits completely removed and that's what rots and smells so, a fine layer won't get funky before you cook in it again. If you're going to store your pan then go ahead and get it hot enough to "smoke off" that layer (don't try to incinerate the pan) and it'll be fine and rust proof. Just wipe with a thin, fresh coat the next time you want to use it again. 😀 Avocado, grapeseed and non-virgin olive oils are high-temp resistant. *Note* Extra Virginia olive oil has all of the heat resistant, protective properties removed and *will scorch easily,* which is why the "copper type," non-stick pans end up with black scorch marks. Cook with regular olive oil, then finish your food with extra virgin. Nobody ever tells you that! Just a bonus tip, the non-stick, copper pans DO have to be seasoned, as well! They don't tell you this because they're trying to sell you something but, when you read the very small print on the product inserts, it tells you to warm the pan and wipe it with a thin coat of vegetable oil, etc. to *season* the pan before first use *and* after every time you wash it. So, the whole "don't need to cook with oil" thing is misleading, it just means you don't have to cook with a *pool* of oil. They're quite non-stick when new but quickly loose their effectiveness and people get mad at them but, that's why. *ALL PANS* need to be seasoned! Cast, copper, carbon steel, aluminum, all of them work best if you season them, first. But, the secret is that the cast iron pieces are the only ones that build very thick, heat and stick resistant layers of the good stuff! lol. Next best is carbon steel pans and woks. But, they require great care to not scrape through and destroy the season layer or you have to retreat it by oiling it and getting it extremely hot, moving it around over the burner fire (or in the oven if it doesn't have a wooden/plastic handle) until it all gets smoking hot and turns that purple-ish, blue-black color. Failure to do that is why people have problems with those types of cookware. And you want a seasoned, hand hammered wok... Why buy a "non-stick" wok!? you want the more cooked food to stay up on the sides (in the hammer dents) while you cook the rest in the bottom. That's how a wok works! A Teflon coated wok just let's food slide right back down into the heat zone and you can't keep foods separated as you cook. A Teflon wok is an abomination! 😆 🤣 The high end, stainless "oiless" cookware also works the same. It's highly polished, stainless steel cooking surfaces don't withstand scratches and also requires "Seasoning" and/or small amounts of oil to be "non-stick, as well. Wooden/coated utensils only. If you want a great product to season or cook with, frying eggs or anything you want, use beef tallow (fully rendered out beef fat). It keeps forever in fridge or freezer or in a canister, etc. on the counter for immediate use as it melts at room temperature but... It's ultimately the best to keep your food lubed and your cast iron pans happy. 😀 *Flash* Frying in beef tallow is what put McDonald's French fries on the map! Complaining vegetarian/vegans are responsible for the loss of America's favorite addiction! 😆 Seasoning a cast iron pan with tallow is like cooking 30, fatty steaks in there, one after the other... It's just cast iron love! ❤ 😆

[@sweetbabyrolo8564]

Thanks

[@JerrodJohnsonD]

Good info, appreciated

[@AlaskaCraftyGalVictoria]

Excellent video and very informative. I was given a cast iron dutch oven with rust and in rough shape. After watching this I'm excited to clean it up really well and then season it this way. Great video and Your voice makes me want to pay attention.

[@gwendolynss]

Hello. I totally enjoyed your videos about cast iron. My mother gave me a cast iron pan that she'd had for years, it's a Wagner Ware 10 1/2 inch skillet(after all the math and stuff we came up with that it's 30 years old at least) she found it outside her house all rusted and crusted with crud. Got my oven cleaner and steel scrubby out and went to work. It's awesome! I enjoy using it so much especially since I remember using it at my mom's place like 30 years ago. I was gifted a cast iron pan from my brother, it's a fajita pan, and I purchased a dual sided grille.

[@JohnSurf5]

Thank you for a very informative video on CI. You have answered a lot of my questions and the biggest one being I couldn’t imagine my ancestors going through these elaborate processes about maintaining and seasoning cast iron. This video explains exactly how they used and maintained theirs. I was thinking when they would bring it home from the general store. It probably didn’t have a lot of seasoning on it and they didn’t have this complicated process suggested on most videos. This video makes using cast-iron very approachable. And the tip on the warping is unique from so many other videos I’ve seen. Thank you. If I know how something happens, then I know how to prevent it.

[@hodin2023]

Very informative video, I just bought a Forge griddle and am following cleaning and seasoning instructions. I also bought a Norway Jotul pan but I am at a loss on how to season, due to a plastic or rubber handle grip.

[@darylmorris6199]

Great info. My grandmaa would be proud. I have all 5 of her iron. I still use weekly.

[@lancejones9320]

Great video! When explaining why your grandma didn't use soap to wash cast iron I'd add in that the lye soap she used will take the seasoning off. It's not that she was trying to save steps. Lye is what a lot of people use to strip seasoning off when the pan needs stripped down and cleaned. Today's soaps don't typically use lye so it's safe to use when cleaning cast iron pans

[@stormwatch7245]

Wow i could listen to this guy all day. Thank you for the great info. I just inherited my grandmas 100 yr old Wagner cast iron set ( several nice pieces) but i do need to clean and season them again, and i am going to use your video...thank you so much ❤

[@judsonkr]

That is some really nice iron you have there. And THANK YOU for washing your pan in that soapy water. So many people think that it will ruin a seasoning but that is just not true. Wash, dry, season and put away for next time. Nice work.

[@wavywade8164]

I was taught to scrub them out with oil and table salt. Done it that way for my whole life. I'll keep doing it that way.

[@TheMudbrooker]

That works good too. It gets the crud off and the salt is abrasive enough to keep from getting too much build up.

[@gunzmith29r]

salt is corrusive

[@johne.osmaniii7217]

Gunzmith Dragonkind it is cast iron, the salt will not affect it for these purposes, ...

[@theeddorian]

@@gunzmith29r Unless you have water - condensation for instance - salt isn't a problem. I've worked in restaurants where the cooks used more salt cleaning than they did cooking.

[@hutchr6142]

Great video! There is a science to maintaining cast iron. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I occasionally do campfire cooking with a 3 leg dutch oven and a frying pan. I have seasoned my cast iron with various oils in the past and yes one ended up sticky, now I know why! Your video has pointed me in the correct direction. Great Presentation!

[@suzzie3868]

We have washed our cast iron for generations in water with dishsoap. Just throw it on the stove afterwards and heat it till it's good and dry. They are beautiful till this very day. Heck, I don't even oil it much. After all these years, it's pretty maintenance free. Smooth as silk.

[@gailsprangers9388]

Thank you. This has been the best video for caring for my pans I've seen. Ive tried others with not as good results. I'm officially a dedicated follower!

[@daveblevins3322]

My wife was surprised when she first found out that I knew how to season, and use cast iron cookware. I love our Lodge brand ceramic coated iron pans like their dutch oven, etc....👍

[@litrealred6840]

Hi! Just found your channel, my mother always cooks out of iron skillets, I still cook with them, one my skillet got how to season on bottom, 300 degrees for hour, thank you you have shown stuff I did not know or thought about, just subscribed!

[@jamesprior2496]

Watching this no-nonsense, practical and believable tutorial video on 'cast iron 101' made me fall in love with cast iron cookware, especially the old vintage pans. Your video of this genre surpasses most others in my opinion. I love firearms and I also love to cook. Over the years I have assembled a relatively small collection of the former - compared to others. You have inspired me to go out and look for 'collectible' iron cookware and begin a new passion. Thank You! (I will most likely start out with a new LODGE 12" skillet (for practice) from WALMART or HOME DEPOT for $25.00.)

[@Wiencourager]

I heard your comment about starch helping to season, I stripped and reaseasoned a couple pans today, and I tried mixing a spoonful Of cornstarch into about 4 spoonfuls of melted Crisco as an experiment, looks good after one coat but don’t see much difference. MYbe it will turn black faster once they are used. I also ran the cleaning cycle in my oven today, and as long as I was doing that, I threw in two skillets that I’ve never used much because they were so caked and crusty, and impossible to read any markings. The oven clean cycle turned all that build up to ash, all I had to do was wipe them down and put them in vinegar a few minutes. I am pleased to find out one is a Erie no 8 with inside heat ring, from about 1905, and the other is a 1924-1930 Wagner no 9.

[@jaaess2]

Thank you for such clear and understandable video classes on how to take good care season and clean cast iron. I love my cast iron cookware and care for it the best I can.

[@barbaralee5696]

You are a cast iron genius! Thanks so much for the step by step. Very, very helpful!

[@justmyopinion9883]

Thank you for sharing this video about how to clean and season cast iron.Cast iron is the best thing to cook in; I love mine.

[@gingerchipper]

I recently purchased a Field skillet (which I love), and they recommend just wiping the pan after use if possible (if there are no stuck food particles). They also say it’s ok to use a little soap occasionally. Some people say the pan should be washed every single time it’s used. Although the company preseasons with grapeseed oil, they basically say that using any oil is fine, including lard and butter, but don’t recommend flaxseed oil. Sounds like your process is very similar to what Field recommends.

[@TheMudbrooker]

It is pretty much the same thing I do, the new high-end makers like Field Co., Finex, Stargazer and Butter Pat understand that too much build-up of coating will flake off smooth, polished pans like the ones they make.

[@heresbigmike]

Animal fat ! Don't use anything else ! The Industrial revolution , Discovery of cast steel also Introduced , ( MEANS OF USE ) , Meaning , how do you maintain It , . MEANS OF USE , was created out of necessity ! Necessity Is the mother of Invention ! , And the best possible means to upkeep and maintain has been created from this basis ! That's why sometimes the old way Is the best Way ! Modern technology Is good sometimes ! Sometimes Our modern technology Is based on ( HOW MUCH CAN WE MAKE ) as opposed to , ( WILL IT WORK ) !

[@alexholz2510]

This made cleaning enjoyable "Oh no not soap and hot water"! Got a golden voice like Wilford Brimley. This guy could read the phone book as a podcast and I'd subscribe.

[@Cheryl263]

Thank you for making the 3 videos I really needed the help to save my mothers old skillets.

[@stevedingman474]

This is how my grandmas my mom took care of their cast iron ... I have my great grandparents grandparents and my parent cast iron I know my great grandparents came to Iowa from South Dakota in 1909 and early 1910 in a covered wagon and oxen they stopped and wintered in Sioux City Iowa before continuing to earlham Iowa , in June of 1910 and their cast iron skillets and the bean pot as my grandma called it came with them in the wagon ! I’ve never cleaned them as clean as you have I kinda feel like I’d be washing away history lol 😂!

[@morrow2001]

That's awesome Steve - my cast iron all comes from resale shops. Would love to have some with known history like that. And I'd feel the same about cleaning them, although after cleaning some and having them come out of the lye bath like a newborn baby, all nekkid iron, it's a great feeling too. :)

[@cka42]

Raw Potato and Salt for maintenance - that worked for me as well as your method to revitalize the pan. Thank you!

[@davidpost6444]

I dont know if you are still reading these comments as old as the video is but, I want to say thank you for coming over to my side! My side being those who wash and scrub pans when they need it! I found out long time ago from my grandma the best way to season a cast iron pan is to USE IT! Much like you cooked the potatoes and said something about bacon, no matter what it is, just use the pan. Thanks for your video.

[@cornellsmith2205]

I have been using a crusty pan retrieved from a trash bin 30 years ago. Haven't done much other than use it. Looks like it was used to break up rocks in a previous life. Still works, though.

[@heresbigmike]

Great show , thanks very much , I especially like your electrolosis with a manual batery charger set up , I'm going to try that ! , I have my whole life done the cleaning by hand and a lot of elbow grease ! I'm still learning stuff at 66 ! I've always cured my cast Iron outside In a hardwood fire ! , Maple or Birch . Camping campfire is perfect ! When the fire Is burned down to mostly red ember put the cast Item in , cover with embers , throw on pork fat , have long hardwood sticks to stir and rub the grease and ashes Into the cooking surface and the edges . The pan may even get red hot , set your stick on fire , keep rubbing the ash into the surface ! The pores of the metal open up and allow the carbonated wood ash and grease to penetrate , constantly stiring hard , adding more fat as It burns off , as the fat helps the carbon to penetrate the porous metal . Voila ! push the pan out of the fire , leave It on the edge , don't cool It too fast . Next morning you wake up , pans are still warm , grease the pan all arround , take them down to the lake or stream , wash with sand or gravel or dirt , whatever Is arround , use moss or any kind of greenery to rinse , no need to dry , as the water just beads off ! You have created a non stick surface , It's like glass , but never over heat the pan ! Always use sufficient butter , grease or whatever ! Clean up Is a light rinse and wipe at waters edge ! Thank you .

[@beverlymahan8050]

Very useful information and a soothing voice !

[@mikewirick3561]

I got my 3 iron skillets out of a dumpster...they were full of food but I scrubbed them, seasoned them and there my faves

[@kitrasutherland6431]

Thank you for you inspirational reply my dear one! I ‘m excited to begin restoration today w the vinegar solution!🥰 🙏🥰

[@susangrande8142]

LOL, Mr. Mudbrooker dude! 😂 @ 5:25, you talk of giving some viewers “...the vapors;” the vapors was a case of flatulence! But seriously, your videos on cast iron are so helpful! Thank you! 🙏

[@darlaallred63]

I am 58 years old. I have cooked in cast Iron all my life. You are right on on this. I have my mothers old pan and it still is grate cooker. I wash them all the time in dish soap. just take care of them after the wash.

[@muffetwale3488]

The Favorite Piqua Ware Skillet made in my home town Piqua,Ohio 1916 -1935 by W.C.Davis Company great history.

[@MikesGarage96]

Enjoying your cast iron videos! I got into using cast iron to cook with a couple years ago. I love the flavor of the food cooked in cast iron and enjoy the process of caring for it. Gives cooking a little more personal touch. I had acquired an old Birmingham skillet that had some rust. I cleaned it up good and reseasoned it. First thing I cooked in it was cornbread in the oven. I greased it with lard and when that cornbread came out, it had a beautiful finish on the inside. I’m still learning all the tricks of the trade.

[@bobsmith3790]

Thanks for this. I love cooking with cast iron and you’ve inspired me to look for something new…..that’s old. This is the first time I’ve heard seasoning explained in a common sense way. Again, thanks for sharing this.

[@HooverM75]

Thank you for the information, and making it an easy to understand process. I will say though, I almost expected when I saw the salt and pepper during the seasoning explanation to get a funny joke and was expecting you to just salt and pepper the pan for a joke. Thank you again.

[@samanthabloggins1775]

Thank you for explaining the black on you paper towel. I stopped using my cast-iron pan because I was worried about that!

[@CinemaSasquatch]

Best video I have seen in a long while in regards to cast iron. I am will sub and ring the bell.

[@jovallepuhrmann1129]

Solid information 👍. I've been using hot water and a little soap on my iron skillets for 40 years it works. You did something I do all the time and I'm glad I was doing the right thing. After you clean it put it back on the stove warm it up a little bit to finish cleaning. 🍳

[@TheMudbrooker]

Some of the extremes folks go to with their cast are a bit silly.

[@jasongentry7405]

The black is FERROUS OXIDE, not "rust"- black powder naturally found in the earth's mantle and soluble in water that typically results in a clear solution FERRIC OXIDE is "rust" and forms a reddish or cloudy solution when mixed with water. Love your mentioning the difference in the video. Love the video. Like how you display a true understanding on what seasoning really is...on a porous molecular level. Not exactly by sight. You can keep adding as much oil as you like but the first layer or two are actually the most important when getting a good season on cast iron.

[@24justinhunter]

I live in Rural Alaska so when I find one it makes it so much easier to know if it’s worth it or not. Thank you!!

[@bdmageex]

you're fun to watch and listen to. you definitely make learning fun.... thank you

[@Dan-qy1rg]

Good job on the explanation of cleaning, I agree. Thanks Mud

[@jasonkaminski6230]

excellent tips! thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@stroys7061]

Just found this video. I’ve watched several videos on seasoning cast iron pans and this was the best. Great job? Thanks PS Just subscribed!

[@choctawhatcheekid309]

Estate sales are where I find the best prices on cast iron.

[@nurmaybooba]

Thank-you for such a helpful vid! I have washed my pans when they needed them and always felt bad not any more! I use 2 small pans every day for breakfast and they work fine...no idea where they came from...

[@brucedowdy]

Thank you for the excellent video and information. Very informative and helpful. I like your seasoning technique and plan to use it on some much needed old cast iron.

[@HrWisch]

I would warm up the hamburger skillet and remove the oil / grease with a paper towel first. Then continue with dish soap. The fewer grease / fat you drain down your sink, the better for your pipes. Old fat builds up in the pipes over time and the resulting stuff can be hard like concrete. So better use paper towels first, your pipes will thank you.

[@holleyrj]

Absolutely fantastic series. I've been collecting and seasoning and cooking with cast iron for years and even I found this informative and entertaining. Thank you Sir.

[@marysurbanchickengarden]

I've always burned my cast iron pans over hot coals usually in the winter months. It has always worked well for me. I then lightly grease them, wipe them down and put them away.

[@TheMudbrooker]

I've done it in the past, but there's a risk of warping or cracking.

[@marysurbanchickengarden]

@@TheMudbrooker I reckon that's true, but thanks be to God I never ruined one. I'm 68 and have always done it that way. I gave away most of my cast iron pot and skillets because I have a hard time lifting them with arthritis in my wrist.

[@mozu517]

@@marysurbanchickengarden Same here... :'( The only thing I can still manage is my 8-inch skillet.

[@marysurbanchickengarden]

@@mozu517 Yeah same here, I gave all my big skillets and Dutch oven away to family. I kept one 8 in skillet and it isn't easy to handle now that arthritic pain has taken over my hands and wrist. But years ago I used cast iron for almost all my cooking, except tomato sauces because the acid will ruin the seasoning.

[@nathanhannah9664]

Great informative videos. Just got cast irom skillets Dec 2019. Like your stove, the oil always flowed to one side... Made me finally get down under oven and level it. Now much easier to cook. Thanks for all your insight!

[@Willowsilvermoon]

I have 2 very old Lodge, large dutch ovens and 4 skillets that have a ton of carbon build-up, even on the outside and bottom. They're flaking. I'm getting ready to do a lye bath with them. Then I have several rusted skillets (a few old Lodge and one very old Griswold) I got at an antique store that are just rusted. I've always used the SCO method for rusted skillets but have since been told, more than once, that this should not be done. Soooo, I will do the vinegar method with these. Thank you for the videos and answering my questions. I really do appreciate it!

[@johnwyman6331]

What is SCO method? Well it doesn't really matter, what matters is not to listen to old wives tales, repeated by people who don't really understand. For your very crusted pots and pans I would suggest putting them in the oven and through a self-cleaning cycle. When I've done that all that crud turned to dust. Then I seasoned it right away. Just don't take my word for it, see if other people say the same thing and if so, then try it for yourself with a pan you don't value highly, and see if it works for you too.

[@Willowsilvermoon]

@@johnwyman6331 SCO is Self-cleaning Oven. The problem is when I put these in the oven, they catch fire. That happens because of all of the carbon, I guess. My oven door won't open and I can't turn it off without turning it off at the electric panel. They are currently in a lye bath. After the crud comes off, I will go ahead and put them in SCO to get rust off. I looked at them yesterday and clean them. Needed another round of lye.