How to strip and repair major build up on Cast Iron Skillets

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  • Опубліковано 30 вер 2021
  • I was fortunate to get my hands on 2 very old and overly loved skillets. The build-up on the pans was extreme and I need to bring out my grinder to get through many, many years of carbon buildup. In this video, I show you the steps that I used to get these pans back into useful shape and ready for another lifetime of use.
    Restoration of these cast iron skillets was not quick but it was an enjoyable process and stopped 2 pans from going in the garbage.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 198

  • @SamIndyParker
    @SamIndyParker 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you Jed. Both pans look great!! Will watch the videos to keep them in top shape.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +1

      You are welcome, Louise. It was a rewarding process. I hope you have a lifetime of great cooking with those two! 🍳

  • @dadodave1
    @dadodave1 2 роки тому +5

    Bravo Jed! Nice job! I'm David from Italy and I discovered your channel when I was looking for informations about stainless steel cookware. I also like a lot cooking with iron pans and I followed the instructions of your video to prepare my seasoning paste, woaw, super easy and superb seasoning for my De buyer omelette pan! I'm planning now to remove the the old bad patina from my wok and make a new one this weekend! Thanks! Keep going! Ciao

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +2

      Good on you. Thanks for being here!!

  • @roxannaramirez929
    @roxannaramirez929 2 роки тому

    This is exactly what I need for an Erie cast iron pan I got from an antique shop. Thanks!

  • @apistosig4173
    @apistosig4173 Рік тому +2

    I can appreciate the success you've achieved plus the flak you undoubtedly recieved. If I had taken to a drill / grinder I would have followed with fine wet & dry papers to hide the signs of prior methods. You Lay bath exercise was very interesting.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому +1

      Thanks. Yeah, just playing around. Many of the comments are very helpful as I learn as the ways to recondition cast. Thanks for the comment.

  • @dalelanger3355
    @dalelanger3355 2 роки тому +11

    After cleaning using electrolysis I know there is no better method. It would have cleaned that pan in two days max with very little effort and it would not have removed any iron. To date I have cleaned about 100 pieces with electrolysis. You wouldn’t believe the crud and rust it cuts through.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      Thanks. Yes, I'm excited to try this method. Probably in the next few months.

  • @rstumbaugh43
    @rstumbaugh43 2 роки тому +8

    Jed, great video!! Those pans took initial seasoning very nicely, and now they can be used with TLC, to build an even better surface over time!! Good on you!!

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      Thanks, Rick. They seasoned up very nicely!

  • @BionicleFreek99
    @BionicleFreek99 Рік тому +3

    Those attachments are called flap sanding wheels! they're good for this specific kind of thing because they conform to the shape you're trying to sand.

  • @candywong4697
    @candywong4697 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for your sharing and I from Hongkong

  • @christopherdunn1274
    @christopherdunn1274 Рік тому +3

    This is a very destructive approach to resolve this issue. Just nuts.

  • @hughtanner208
    @hughtanner208 Рік тому

    Where you are sanding them, what grit are you using?

  • @pegclose3082
    @pegclose3082 7 місяців тому

    thank you. great information

  • @its.me.ragesh
    @its.me.ragesh 5 місяців тому

    Sir if it is okay to get a black to orangish or rusty orange burn clr from the center to the outer area ( main part of the pan whivh is under direct flame of my gas stove) while i tried to season my new cast iron kadai / deep pan in gas stove.
    A CLR like thw right side pan image found in the thumbanil of this video

  • @knifesharpeningnorway
    @knifesharpeningnorway 2 роки тому +2

    Great video mate as always. I have ordered a stargazer 10.5 skillet myself 🙂

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +2

      Awesome. You'll love it!

    • @knifesharpeningnorway
      @knifesharpeningnorway 2 роки тому +1

      @@Cook-Culture yes sir

    • @knifesharpeningnorway
      @knifesharpeningnorway 2 роки тому +1

      @@Cook-Culture also looking at a demeyere proline if i can afford it to have the best of both worlds. Have scanpan fusion 5 that works very good today so will se if i upgrade in some time

  • @kidsthesedays9
    @kidsthesedays9 Рік тому +2

    Hey Jed, I recently inherited some old cast-iron pans from my dad. I was going to throw them away, but after I found your Channel I learned how to make them work. Now I love using them and I get the memory of knowing my dad use them. Still have some serious buildup around the top of the edges, but I usually spend a minute of hard scrubbing with the chainmail every time I clean them and I'm making good progress

  • @manguscarpenter9519
    @manguscarpenter9519 Рік тому +10

    I put mine in our barbeque grill at high temp for 4 hours and the build-up flaked off like dust.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому +1

      Nice!

    • @justinporter9743
      @justinporter9743 6 місяців тому +1

      Did the same seasoning burns right off, done that or just toss it in some coals

  • @reallifelegend4781
    @reallifelegend4781 Рік тому

    Some links to the other videos mentioned would have been nice.

  • @emilysarabia4230
    @emilysarabia4230 9 місяців тому

    How exactly do you make the scrubber you attach to power drill. I have a huge cast iron grill with so much layers on it

    • @sgg17003
      @sgg17003 4 місяці тому

      There are scrubbers specifically made for putting on a drill.

  • @jasonbergen3592
    @jasonbergen3592 4 місяці тому

    Do you have to go to the beach or can I go anywhere?

  • @MrMikeym46
    @MrMikeym46 2 роки тому

    What are the pros and cons of putting a grubby pan in the oven clean cycle? I did a pan this way and it turned out like drand new.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      Yes, if the build up is not top bad then it works well. Soaking in lye for a day or two before works well for stubborn carbon build up

  • @BigBusaBob
    @BigBusaBob 2 роки тому

    Just curious, but could that crud not have been burned off in a fire or gently with a propane torch?

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +1

      Maybe a really hot fire but a torch wouldn't have done anything this amount of build up

  • @nerliYaleks
    @nerliYaleks 2 роки тому +3

    wont electrolisys work with this? i've seen that with rust, they just leave it there and it strips almost everything off. I hhope i never get to this point with my carbon steel cookware

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +2

      If you have the means, then it could do a very good job.

  • @jizburg
    @jizburg 2 роки тому +2

    What would happen if you ran them thru the oven at a self cleaning cyckle?

  • @MrMikeym46
    @MrMikeym46 Рік тому

    Would placing the pans into the self clean oven hav worked?

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      Yes, that can work great but if a pan has rock solid carbon build up it won't. You need to take it to the next level.

  • @thewalnutwoodworker6136
    @thewalnutwoodworker6136 Рік тому +13

    BAD IDEA TO SAND/WIRE WHEEL CAST IRON. The wire wheel burnishes The surface making it difficult for the pan to take seasoning in the feature. Sanding smooth at the surface too much, it makes it nearly impossible for seats in the stick long-term.Spray down your skillet with yellow cap oven cleaner and place it in a black garbage bag. Place this bag somewhere warm; I place mine in the sun. Leave this for a few hours to a day. Spray it with a hose and repeat until the skillet is clean. The lye in the oven cleaner removes the seasoning. I prefer to use 100% lye drain opener to clean more than one or two skillets. Fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and dump in the lye. Put a lid on your bucket and place it somewhere above 60f. Leave this for 2-3 days and that skillet will come out clean. If your skillet is rusty after ilusing the lye or oven cleaner mix up a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water and leave your skillet in for 30 minutes. Take it to the sink and wash it, repeat until the rust is gone. Scrub with dawn/dish soap and a Brillo pad and wash it jice and good. Season as normal, I use Grapeseed oil or crisco, ANYTHING BUT FLAXSEED OIL.

    • @MustardMustache91
      @MustardMustache91 Рік тому +2

      Lye and vinegar is the way to go. This guy gave so much incorrect information lol.

    • @KevinDiAmore
      @KevinDiAmore 10 місяців тому

      why not flax?

    • @johnsiemssen6802
      @johnsiemssen6802 6 місяців тому

      Flax seed oil build up tends to flake off eventually.

  • @vincethornton6399
    @vincethornton6399 Рік тому +1

    I have taken care of this situation with a really hot campfire... Yes, it burned everything off, I mean everything! Give this approach some time. And a campfire is wonderfull to enjoy anyway.

  • @vinceedivan1894
    @vinceedivan1894 6 місяців тому +1

    I have one that I need to this to but then I looked and a new lodge skillet is $40 vs 4hrs cleaning, I'm debating just buying a new one and throwing the old one out.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  6 місяців тому +1

      This is a long process. Try oven cleaner first.

  • @jamesrivera4036
    @jamesrivera4036 2 роки тому +2

    Cool video I’ve heard huge built on grease can be cooked off by running the self cleaning oven setting for a full 4 hour cycle In some other vid

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      It depends on how cooked on it is. It works ok.

    • @MrMikeym46
      @MrMikeym46 Рік тому +2

      James, I did my oldest pan in the oven clean cycle it was verv bad in my opinion. Mine turned out like brand new. Came out of the oven grey iron with a lot of ash on it. Washed off the ash and reseasoned like a new pan.

    • @73albertrymer
      @73albertrymer Рік тому

      I agree I was about to comment this very same thing

  • @Baz.007
    @Baz.007 Рік тому

    Would oven cleaners do the job to get rid of old build up?

  • @alexbanks7115
    @alexbanks7115 Рік тому

    I had a skillet just like that took me 2 weeks of chain mail, vinegar, baking soda ,kosher salt putting it in the oven on self cleaning and heating on the burner every other day. I could not do every day my hands were so torn up.
    However I finally got it done now in the process of seasoning. 😥. I never want to do it agin. Lol I went out and bought new stargazer pans rather than clean the rest of my grandmothers cast iron. I will get to it eventually but in the mean time I will use the one I cleaned and the new.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      Hi, try lye. It works very well and no effort needed. I'll have a video coming out soon where I am doing just this

    • @john196719670
      @john196719670 2 місяці тому

      Normally I just throw it in the camp fire and remove it the next day no carbon

  • @electrontube
    @electrontube 11 місяців тому +1

    Nice, I would start with the wire wheels to hog material off, and then go to the flap disc. Nevertheless, looks good.
    edit: Oh yeah, instead of a drill I would recommend an angle grinder. the tool is more torque appropriate for what you're doing.
    it's literally what the tool is made for.

    • @Dougie085
      @Dougie085 7 місяців тому

      Drill actually works great if you have one with a decent speed. I agree with the wire wheels first though! Pulls everything right off they work great and crazy cheap at harbor freight.

  • @talalztube
    @talalztube 18 днів тому

    After drilling out the carbon he discovered it was infact a stainless steel pan

  • @becksterbunyan4857
    @becksterbunyan4857 Рік тому +2

    What about the build up on the outer sides of the skillet? How to remove

  • @randallan8158
    @randallan8158 5 місяців тому

    what about using sand blasting? I've seen some pretty nasty metal cleaned up real pretty.

  • @65sheilakay
    @65sheilakay Рік тому

    Heat pan on stove enough to just get it hot. Take out back and spray a real thick layer of Easy Off Oven cleaner HEAVY DUTY. The regular won't work as well. Come back in 5 minutes and scrub off.
    Done. Sheila from Tennessee.

  • @Appophust
    @Appophust Рік тому

    3:27 I just showed this video to everyone I could out here in Cape Fair, MO. We're still laughing. That pan looks like hell, and that's NOT the way to clean them. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 At least you made a few old timers laugh. Well mostly. My grandmother was pretty offended. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

  • @Bobby-fj8mk
    @Bobby-fj8mk 2 роки тому +1

    Did you try soaking them for 4 days in a strong solution of caustic soda?
    That seems to be the easiest way.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      I've tried that before with some success. This pan had a huge amount of build up and this process worked great. Sandblasting would have been an option.

    • @Bobby-fj8mk
      @Bobby-fj8mk 2 роки тому

      @@Cook-Culture -
      thanks for your reply.
      I had great success with caustic soda.
      I still had a tiny bit of carbon left on the bottom side of the frying pan
      but it sure did save all that sanding that you did.
      I think sanding should be a last resort.

  • @tfaeth442
    @tfaeth442 Рік тому

    Jed, I’m wondering if you can restore my #8 cast iron skillet. I made the mistake and over seasoned it. Can you please contact me?

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      Hi, please send me some pictures at jed@cookculture.com

  • @krownrandom3012
    @krownrandom3012 2 роки тому +2

    Hey all, I had some pans in this condition, if you don't wanna spend 4 hours on it let it soak in 50 50 vinegar and water before using a wire wheel

  • @josephgagnon984
    @josephgagnon984 2 роки тому +2

    I'd also try Avanti Pro quick strip disks. For me they worked faster than sanding disks or wire brushes. Much faster.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +1

      Awesome. I'll give them a go.

    • @berniem.6965
      @berniem.6965 2 роки тому +1

      They remove the crud quite nicely. But if you also want to get rid of the rough texture, I prefer sandpaper starting at 40 grit and eventually (for a finer scratch pattern) going up to 120 grit max. I found the quick strip to remove too little metal for the time invested. As there was no seasoning to be removed (I had used a lye bath earlier), I started with sandpaper.
      Just make sure to wear eye protection and a dirt mask.

  • @jdhiv4
    @jdhiv4 2 роки тому +2

    Oven spray cleaner wouldn't work? And are you not concerned with abrading the metal, like people who smooth down lodge skillets , potentially ruining the value (or making too smooth the hold seasoning)?

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +3

      Hi, I've found that oven cleaner only works on average build-up. This build-up was the worst I'd ever seen and needed more aggressive treatment than oven cleaner. I did not finish the pan to smooth and the seasoning applied very well

    • @berniem.6965
      @berniem.6965 2 роки тому +1

      Those were cheap Lodge skillets. What value should have gone list? By using 80grit sandpaper, he removed the rough surface and ended up with a skillet that's probably worth more now. The scratch pattern of 80grit sandpaper holds a seasoning very well. Everything up to 120grit works perfectly fine.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +1

      @@berniem.6965 Thanks, Bernie. The lady who I did this for is super happy with the result and that's what matters to me. She can now use her skillets for generations.

    • @balesjo
      @balesjo 2 роки тому

      @@berniem.6965 The main thing to remember is you don't want a buttery smooth feel after sanding or you'll never get the seasoning to adhere. Save the ultra smooth sanded surfaces for your wood furniture!

  • @Scrufboy
    @Scrufboy 2 роки тому

    I have my mother's Wagner pans and they, after what is probably 60 years of use didn't even look like this.... This is not a dig. But a comment on how much use that Lodge must have... Interesting. I don't want silver showing... Removing the intended texture/surface of the pan isn't really a great idea on older pans, but for the Lodge, Yeah... Good video.

  • @savior76gd
    @savior76gd 10 днів тому

    Every time I use mine, our whole apartment gets smoked out.

  • @Tassaczek
    @Tassaczek 3 дні тому

    Why the carbon build up is bad?

  • @jkershet
    @jkershet 7 днів тому

    4 hours? harbor freight, pick up a sandblaster, tractor supply sells the good sand, five minutes and shiny as a baby's bottom

  • @rabidturnip78
    @rabidturnip78 6 місяців тому

    A wire cup wheel and chorded high-speed drill will save you..hours

  • @johnhoward6375
    @johnhoward6375 2 роки тому +18

    I think your shirt says it all when it comes to cleaning cast iron you're certainly doing it the hard way and not doing the skillets any justice with all those of those abrasive. There are 2 accepted methods that are much easier on the cast-iron and much easier on the person cleaning them that being lye and electrolysis give him a try it'll save you many hours of hard work.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +6

      Have a look at my conversation with Bernie M

    • @graphicxnature3195
      @graphicxnature3195 11 місяців тому

      I think you're a puss and not everyone is capable of using electrolysis on their pans. So fck off, from a year in the future. This technique isn't for soft hands like yours.

    • @Annie261.
      @Annie261. 8 місяців тому +4

      Wait, let me just pull out my barrel of lye and my emachine.

  • @scottmclagan4276
    @scottmclagan4276 2 роки тому +1

    Love this method, and I have done something similar with epic buildup on cast iron pans.
    I use a 4.5" grinder with a coarse wire wheel, which is an even faster, more finessed way to achieve this amount of gunk removal, but comes with some important warnings:
    1) The wheel spins at around 12,000 rpm and as it wears will huck out weakened steel bristles. Not only do you need eye protection, but have gloves and long-sleeved clothes on too. Don't ask how I know about this.
    2) Be aware of the rotational direction and how the wheel might catch on the pan's rim and other features. It takes a confident, steady grip. But if you've ever used one of these tools it's second nature.
    Otherwise, go for it! Mini-grinders are not expensive tools, have many different applications, and you can peel a cast iron skillet down to bare metal in five to ten minutes, depending on the size.
    I can shoot a vid if anyone is interested in seeing how it works...I even have a large skillet that could use a good workover.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      Thanks for the comment!

    • @FastRedPonyCar
      @FastRedPonyCar 2 роки тому

      Came here to post this. A knotted wire brush attachment on any angle grinder will rip these heavy build up coatings off in no time. I've done this a couple times on some carbon steel pans and finish it off with a brillo pad under hot water and soap. Super messy though. Brown powder covering everything.

  • @BuzzLiteBeer
    @BuzzLiteBeer 2 роки тому +5

    That initial grind on the first pan was way too rough; you need to follow up with finer grits and get it to ideally a satin finish (600-1000 grit) before going to season. It's why all the premium brands have smooth surfaces with a fine sandblasted or microbeaded surface treatment.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks. This worked great and the seasoning was bombproof

  • @cmdrriotz5283
    @cmdrriotz5283 Рік тому

    Dude turned cast iron into stainless steel. LOL

  • @BrianGay57
    @BrianGay57 2 роки тому +1

    They don’t have lye where you live? I would recommend a ceramic grill with good temp control.
    Light it and place the pan inside and let it get to about 800 or so degrees and then just leave it till all the carbon burns off.
    The method you showed is frowned on, and advocating it in any Facebook cast iron group will get you banned.
    Lye and Electrolysis would have take care of that. Power tools are never recommended, and fire isn’t either because people don’t use it correctly and damage pans.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +5

      Hi, thanks for that. I've spoken to hundreds of (lay) people over the years about how to do this sort of thing and I have learned that none of them (laypersons) would do the Lye and Electrolysis method. They all have a drill and can buy a disc at their local hardware store. This may be a bit more work but approachable for most anyone. I'm pretty sure that my customers aren't part of a FB cast iron club so there isn't a worry about them being banned! 😄

    • @balesjo
      @balesjo 2 роки тому

      @@Cook-Culture The easiest lye method I've seen was using Easy Off Oven Cleaner (the one with the yellow cap). Be sure to use gloves and eye protection. You'll need the oven cleaner and a black trash bag. Spray the pan heavily with the oven cleaner, place in the trash bag, and seal it up. It's best to do this outside, or at least with open windows and a fan to blow fumes away from your face. Allow the pan to sit 24 hours, then remove and clean with soap and water. Dry the pan. If there is still buildup, repeat the process as many times as necessary. If there is any rust, treat with a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar and let sit for 5-15 minutes, depending on amount of rust. Clean with soap and water, then heat on stovetop or in oven to dry and then start the seasoning process immediately to prevent flash rust. This is supposed to be an easy lye method to use if you only have one or a few pans that need cleaned.

    • @BigTex65
      @BigTex65 2 роки тому +1

      The wire wheel has been used by Kent Rollins and id trust him with my life.

  • @da900smoove1
    @da900smoove1 2 роки тому

    So using Easy Off to remove the caked/burned grease/oil wasn't an option??....

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      Tried it. Some pans are too far gone.

  • @lizastufflococucs6200
    @lizastufflococucs6200 Рік тому

    I think you could have put then in on your oven's self cleaning setting for a couple hours and saved yourself the trouble.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      Hi, with this type of hard build up the oven cleaning cycle does not work

  • @shekharmoona544
    @shekharmoona544 Рік тому

    Find a machine shop and they can get it close to a butterpat pan.

  • @jondo9919
    @jondo9919 Рік тому +1

    Or you could do what I did and run the pans through the self cleaning cycle of my oven. At the end there was some dust to be rinsed away. Proceed then with the seasoning process four times. The pan is now fully restored, better than new.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому +1

      Hi, some carbon build up is just too thick for the self clean. I've had success with a lightish amount of build up using that method. The very best is a lye bath.

    • @leighperry5032
      @leighperry5032 8 місяців тому

      My grandmother would go out in the country we're she could do a Hard Wood camp fire, and burn off her skillets. Always use hard wood, like oak or hickory, NEVER use soft wood like pine or such. The ones I have inherited need that done badly.

  • @mikel3419
    @mikel3419 2 роки тому +2

    Lodge has these pans on sale for $17. Just saying.

    • @Annie261.
      @Annie261. 8 місяців тому

      They’re bumpy not smooth. Not the same.

  • @moisesmera7913
    @moisesmera7913 Місяць тому

    Easy off oven cleaner probably would work

  • @lucianpaduraru2139
    @lucianpaduraru2139 2 роки тому +2

    The faster way is to make a fire somewhere safe, put it in the fire and leave it till all gunk burns. You can’t clean it better and safer. Once cools naturally, use some common scraper to remove the ash of it. Wash it and reseason it. Method proved and works with excessive rust as well

  • @stanchickey7590
    @stanchickey7590 2 роки тому +1

    Self cleaning oven would've definitely taken them down to bare metal

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +1

      Hi, you'd think so but it doesn't do a thing to this type of build up.

    • @stanchickey7590
      @stanchickey7590 2 роки тому

      @@Cook-Culture Have you tried it? It's worked well for me on numerous skillets where the buildup was so bad that you couldn't read the name on it beforehand

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +2

      @@stanchickey7590 hi, yes, I've tried it for days! This build up was minimum 1/8" thick. Well beyond anything that is 'normal'.

  • @songbirdssong
    @songbirdssong 7 місяців тому

    The hell! No way! I’m not doing this

  • @BoulderHikerBoy
    @BoulderHikerBoy Рік тому

    Sorry, but no. As others have noted, you'll need successive grades of grinding wheels (and a lot of time and elbow grease) to restore a pan this way. Cast-iron pans aren't that expensive, so, if this were the only way, it'd make more sense to just buy a new one. But, happily, there is a much, much easier way: Get a large trash bag, put your pan in it, pour in a cup of ammonia, seal the bag (squeezing out as much air as possible), and leave it for a couple of days. Open the bag, careful not to breathe the fumes, pour out the ammonia, and use chainmail and/or a metal spatula to scrape off the carbon. Some will surely remain stuck to the pan, so put the pan back in the bag, add another cup of ammonia, and finish the job in a couple of days. Then use a bit of Bar Keeper's Friend to remove the discoloration caused by the ammonia, which won't take all that long. Dry the pan with paper towels, then season it. This approach will take minutes, rather than hours, and will even get the spots that would be difficult or impossible to reach with a grinder. This works for carbon steel pans, too.

  • @Dougie085
    @Dougie085 7 місяців тому

    Why's everyone using bees wax mix now? I just use raw natural lard from my butcher lol. Seems like wax would be counter intuitive as it doesn't really polymerize I don't believe.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  7 місяців тому

      What dries harder at room temperature, lard or beeswax?

    • @Dougie085
      @Dougie085 7 місяців тому

      @@Cook-Culture I mean polymerized fat is going to be hard regardless, which is kind of the point?

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  7 місяців тому

      @@Dougie085 The point of the wax is how it applies to the pan, much like lard. It coats the pan very evenly so you can use much less oil. The end result is a super thin, smooth, and hard finish.

  • @lexnellis4869
    @lexnellis4869 Рік тому +1

    The fuck is seasoning wax?

  • @manguscarpenter9519
    @manguscarpenter9519 Рік тому +2

    Someone told me yo make a fire and put pans in fire for a few hours and the muck comes off. Has anyone ever tried this?

  • @berniem.6965
    @berniem.6965 2 роки тому +12

    A lye bath, oven cleaner or a self cleaning oven cycle would also have removed the crud.

    • @berniem.6965
      @berniem.6965 2 роки тому +4

      Oh, and the rust then could have been removed with vinegar. Been there and done that numerous times.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +2

      Hi Bernie, sorry that the images don't do the build-up justice but there is no way that anything other than physical effort would have gotten these clean, These literally had 1/4 inch build-up.

    • @berniem.6965
      @berniem.6965 2 роки тому +3

      I forgot to mention a nice side effect of your sand paper wheel. Due to the sand paper not only removing the crust but also some metal, you now have a pretty smooth Lodge skillet without that rough original finish. 80 grit sand paper leaves a nice scratch pattern which hold the seasoning pretty well.
      However, I wouldn't use sand paper on premium or vintage cast iron. The above mentioned methods (and electrolysis) don't remove any metal.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +2

      @@berniem.6965 Yes, if I was reconditioning a Stargazer or Field then I'd probably have spent even more time on the final stage. I found that the finish using the 80 grit left just enough texture to make for a good seasoning!

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +1

      @@berniem.6965 I hear you, but I had tried this previously and it may have worked but it would taken days. Very slow results.

  • @one234569and10
    @one234569and10 8 місяців тому

    There arew way easier ways to this... im trying to find the video that showed me this in the past.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  8 місяців тому

      A lye bath is the easiest way

  • @michaelmarkey3345
    @michaelmarkey3345 Рік тому

    Put them in the oven self clean cycle

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      That's a good method but only works on mild build up

  • @krissanderson5004
    @krissanderson5004 Рік тому

    If it's just built carbon, put the pan in the campfire. Problem solved. Self- leaning cycle on the oven might work too. It only needs to be ground if it is seriously pitted from rust.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      I tried the oven with this one first. It dried it out but did not remove any build up.

    • @krissanderson5004
      @krissanderson5004 Рік тому

      @@Cook-Culture Did you use the self- leaning cycle? The regular cycle won't get hot enough to remove carbon.

  • @2000freefuel
    @2000freefuel 2 роки тому

    why not burn out all the accumulation?

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      That could be a way but an oven was not hot enough

    • @2000freefuel
      @2000freefuel 2 роки тому +1

      @@Cook-Culture build a charcoal fire around the iron, let it burn everything off.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      @J K I may try that in the summer and see how it compares

  • @MrDMikeM
    @MrDMikeM 8 місяців тому

    I tried to watch this but you are doing things the hard way. This is cast iron. Build a hot fire in a BBQ or fireplace/pit set the pan in it for 30 minutes and remove it. Let it cool and wash with the chain-mail . It should come out smooth and shiny. My grandmother gave me a few pans that needed to be restored and she told me to burn them and reseason. THey are in perfect condition after 30 years in my kitchen. The pans might be 100 years or more old.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  8 місяців тому

      Nice! Yes, I've been experimenting with that process

    • @MrDMikeM
      @MrDMikeM 8 місяців тому

      @@Cook-Culture so many people think that putting your carbon steel or cast-iron in a fire going to break it or warp it but it was created in fire. I have done probably 15 or 20 pans in a fire in the past I don't know 20 years and I've never had a problem I've never had a cracked or warped pan. And they come out like they came out of the form they were made in

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  8 місяців тому +1

      @@MrDMikeM Yes, great results so far. I'm just waiting for the rainy season so I can get back to it and make a video. I have the pan all lined up! Thanks

  • @JoshuaClodfelter
    @JoshuaClodfelter Рік тому +1

    Please don't use this method on vintage skillets it ruins the value bad, also don't use self cleaning oven or fire. Best way is electrolysis as it doesn't damage the skillet at all

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому +1

      I found that Lye worked very well: ua-cam.com/video/WHtSQrcLZdY/v-deo.html

  • @joselatios5073
    @joselatios5073 Рік тому

    That shirt truly describes your knowledge on cleaning cast iron skillets. A lye bath or an electrolysis tank works much better and will not ruin the collectibility of vintage cast iron. Try getting some real knowledge about cast iron cleaning.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      This was a cheap pan to start with. This is what I do with a classic: ua-cam.com/video/WHtSQrcLZdY/v-deo.html

  • @Steve-qn6bt
    @Steve-qn6bt Рік тому

    Use science, not brute force. Electrolysis. That way instead of going to the beach and grinding away at a cast iron pan, you can let Michael Faraday and his contemporaries clean your pan while you sip margaritas. I just got a 100 year old Wagner two days ago that looked worse than yours. I'll be cooking with it tonight.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому +1

      I used a Lye Bath in another video. Works well.

  • @brandall9481
    @brandall9481 7 місяців тому

    5 hours!? Electrolysis is a lot easier.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  7 місяців тому

      Yup, but not what some people are comfortable doing. This process worked great for this pan.

  • @alloutbassfishing6372
    @alloutbassfishing6372 2 роки тому

    Why use a power drill that's a really stupid way of doing it.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +2

      I was attempting a process that would be accessible to most anyone using tool that most people would have quick access to.

    • @alloutbassfishing6372
      @alloutbassfishing6372 2 роки тому

      @@Cook-Culture I don't own a power drill but yet i have fully restored pans and pots bigger then what you were working on in way less time.

    • @ishouldknowthis5095
      @ishouldknowthis5095 2 роки тому

      @@alloutbassfishing6372 care to share more details? Difficult to get on board with your argument when you don’t share how you did it…

  • @tonysims7637
    @tonysims7637 2 роки тому +3

    You DO NOT grind cast iron!

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому

      Why?

    • @chadruberg1346
      @chadruberg1346 2 роки тому

      Well because it's not correct way to do so. Saying there is no way to clean carbon build up completely wrong. There is a 100 times eaiser and correct ways to bring your cast iron to bare metal never use powertools!

    • @kodiham7532
      @kodiham7532 2 роки тому +1

      @@chadruberg1346 can you give some examples?

    • @chadruberg1346
      @chadruberg1346 2 роки тому +1

      @@kodiham7532 lye tank, e tank , or oven cleaner with lye will work for you.

  • @eltoronegro
    @eltoronegro 2 роки тому +3

    Sandblasting. Done.

  • @johnsiemssen6802
    @johnsiemssen6802 6 місяців тому

    I follow Jed, but I’m disappointed in this video. Folks, plz search youtube for cast iron restoration with Easy Off (yellow capped). Sprayed on well. And then let sit overnight in black trash bag. You may have to repeat this 2-3 times at least for heavy carbon buildup. At that point you can put in a 50/50 vinegar solution for 30-40 minutes, etc. to remove any rust. Sometimes rust is not obvious. You may need to repeat this process as well. And then proceed from there with whatever else is needed. If there is other damage or pitting, then you may need to follow up with some light sanding, etc. Always rinse in cold water to prevent flash rust. Then dry well with a cloth or paper towels and quickly spray on light layer of your preferred vegetable spray to prevent flash rust, and then start the pre-heating & seasoning process.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  6 місяців тому

      You prescribed method is easier and better in all ways. This method worked for this pan, which had an incredible amount of build up. From experience I think this would have been 3 or 4 sessions in a dense lye solution. I don't think that over cleaner would have penetrated it as I don't find it harsh enough for something this hard.

    • @johnsiemssen6802
      @johnsiemssen6802 6 місяців тому

      Yes, thanks. That would definitely be the best scenario for such skillets. I would love to be able to do a lye bath as that seems like the next easiest and most effective method, but we are on a septic so that’s not a good solution for us. Since I am only restoring a few skillets in my personal collection and not for resale, an electrolysis tank tank is not practical. I may have to use one or two cans of Easy Off, maybe even a third to work on a really cruddy skillet, but so far I’m having pretty good luck with my lazy basic system. Our daughter bought us an old Wagner 9 inch “chef’s” skillet that is really badly pitted in large areas, both inside and outside - very fine pitting (some sort of household chemical?) It does not look like the typical sulfur pitting. I’m going to try to use a small wire brush on my drill or Dremel to see what results I get since, unfortunately the skillet is not usable at this point. It probably needs your approach. I’m not optimistic that I’ll be able to restore it otherwise. Such a shame.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  6 місяців тому

      @@johnsiemssen6802 I hope it works out! The fine pitting can sometimes come from excess salt used over time.

  • @Appophust
    @Appophust Рік тому

    What's this nonsense about chain mail?! I am 42, have used cast iron my entire life, and all we used was salt or sand.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      Why nonsense? There was a time when a horse was the preferred mode of transportation. Give it a try. It's cheap and very effective.

    • @Appophust
      @Appophust Рік тому

      @@Cook-Culture You stripped it with a wire brush and a drill. I think I'll pass. That took off a good amount of undamaged cast iron. The steel in the brush is far too abrasive. You're just adding unnecessary time, effort, and cost to something that shouldn't be that difficult or costly. I have been doing just fine for 42 years with a rag and a carton of coarse salt. How much did that wire brush cost? And the drill? Everything else you're referring to in the video? It's not just the chainmail I'm referring to. This entire project probably cost you over $60 (or whatever currency you use) when it could have cost about $6 instead.

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  Рік тому

      @Thomas Newell oh sure, this is definitely not the best way to reclaim a pan however chain mail is by far the best tool for day to day maintenance .

  • @alloutbassfishing6372
    @alloutbassfishing6372 2 роки тому +1

    I'm sorry but if you actually did a little research, you would have found a better way of going about this. I've been restoring cast iron pots and pans for years. And I have never spent 5 hours taking removing any of the crud or rust. This video is not good to learn from at all

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  2 роки тому +1

      I used tools that were available in my local hardware store.

    • @alloutbassfishing6372
      @alloutbassfishing6372 2 роки тому +1

      @@Cook-Culture whats wrong with coarse salt and steal wool, or a water vinegar solution or Ez off oven cleaner? all way better then a power drill.

  • @tactical-bucket
    @tactical-bucket 11 місяців тому

    This is not advice anyone should take

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  11 місяців тому

      Not the easiest but it worked great for this pan.

    • @tactical-bucket
      @tactical-bucket 11 місяців тому

      @@Cook-Culture nah bra, if youre going to use a power tool, use the right tool. Theres planing sanders and planing wire brushes that are specifically for cleaning flat surfaces. You are using a wire brush made for removing heavy buildup and debris from concave and convex surfaces and by doing so youre cutting gouges into your flat cooking surface. Thats not 'hard work,' the title of this video should be 'how to ruin your pans'

    • @Cook-Culture
      @Cook-Culture  11 місяців тому

      @@tactical-bucket Sure, but at the end of the day the results were excellent.