We switched to cast iron pans a few years ago, after learning a bit too much about what was making our pans at the time non-stick. Overall I have been really happy with them! I love the idea that these pans will last for the rest of my life, if not longer, and seasoning them myself makes me feel safe because I know exactly what is touching my food. The only negatives I have had are that a) the big pan is heavy (unavoidable), and b) I was never truly happy with how non-stick the seasoning was. That’s what we’re going to try to fix today.

A while ago, I saw a video made by a former Mennonite lady who explained the difference between the cast iron pans we buy in the store today and the ones she saw growing up. I will link it below, it it very worth the watch. The gist of it is that inexpensive modern cast iron pans have much rougher surfaces than expensive or vintage pans. There is nothing stopping you from making that surface smoother on your own though!

Video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4gqhHjlQu0&ab_channel=HomesteadingwiththeZimmermans

I watched the video awhile ago, but between moving prep and being a bit nervous to do something so drastic to my cast iron pans, I hadn’t tried it yet. Then one of my kids did me the favor of burning the *@&! out of our big pan when the seasoning was due to be re-done. (Seriously burnt it. That is the after picture of me cleaning it.)

Travis took it out to the shed and spent ages patiently working on it with the angle grinder. (Our pans are on the low end of the price scale, so they were probably rougher and less even than most. Yours might not take as long.) When he brought it in, I washed and re-seasoned it. What a difference!

I can’t get over how shiny they look. They cook so much better too! I definitely won’t be afraid to try this on my smaller pan. It’s almost like having a completely different pan. If you’re having trouble with your cast iron, or have been on the fence about re-surfacing yours, this is definitely your sign to take the plunge and do it.

Want more Hodgepodge Homesteading? Here’s where else you can find us!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hodgepodgehomesteading/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092368241618

On Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/hodgepodgehomesteading/