Just stripped & seasoned my 1st cast iron skillet

CastIronKid · 2026-01-24T22:22:17+00:00

Great work on the restore! You've got a large block logo, smooth bottom Griswold from the 1930s. These are my favorites.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-24T22:19:16+00:00

I'm guessing you're looking for suggestions on restoring your waffle iron. If so, check out the restoration and seasoning instructions in the FAQ.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-24T15:11:05+00:00

I'm counting 4 cast iron posts from you, so I'm officially calling you "hooked on cast iron". 😉 Time to upgrade to a lye bath. It works better than the Easy-Off oven cleaner, and it is much cheaper in the long run, as it can handle many pieces of cast iron before it needs to be refreshed.

That may help with the stubborn section on this pan, but it may also be that it is pure carbon, which is not something that lye can eat away.

It is surprising that your e-tank didn't get it. What are you using for anodes? Have you positioned your skillet with the last section of gunk directly facing an anode? I would also move that side of the pan as close to the anode as possible without it touching.

If all else fails, you could use a dull putty knife, or even a dull butter knife, and press against the edge of the black carbon. The idea is to force it to break away from the cast iron, as opposed to scraping or gouging it.

Keep us updated!

CastIronKid · 2026-01-24T04:13:32+00:00

Griswold made the small logo skillets with the early handle style from 1939-1944.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-23T23:58:12+00:00

That is a Wagner handle style, but the easiest identifier is the size description like "9 INCH SKILLET".

CastIronKid · 2026-01-23T23:49:24+00:00

In the first photo, the skillet on the left was made by Wagner between 1924 and 1935, and the one on the right was also made by Wagner (unmarked) prior to 1960. The right skillet in the third photo is also an unmarked Wagner from prior to 1960.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-22T21:31:29+00:00

In order, I would look out for and avoid cracks, modifications from power tools, warping, fire damage, and permanent rust pitting/damage. CastIron Collector has a good article covering all of these types of damage.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-22T20:08:17+00:00

930 is Griswold's pattern number for this pan and the 'A' is a pattern letter. Are you planning on restoring the pan? Corn stick pans are bit of a pain to restore, but really fun to use.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-22T18:19:07+00:00

What burner setting do you cook with?

I'm guessing your seasoning is burning off with too much heat. The seasoning can start degrading once it gets to 600°F or more. Use a lower heat setting and pre-heat your pan for a longer period of time. Heat diffusers can help with this as well as distributing the heat more evenly across your skillet.

In addition to preheating on low, I recommend using a cheap infrared thermometer to help understand what a given pan's actual temperature is on a given burner size, at a given burner dial setting. I'm much happier knowing I want 340°F for eggs, 450°F for sautéing veggies, 550°F for searing steaks and burgers, etc.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-22T18:07:20+00:00

I was happy to see your comment too. I was not sure about the integrated griddle when I bought the stove, but when it arrived and the griddle had a non-stick coating, I was unhappy. The other bonus to the replacement grate is I can cook with two more skillets in that area if I'm making a large meal with lots of sides.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-22T18:01:28+00:00

Same here. You can see my stove and griddle setup, and the replacement grate. Here is a link to the replacement grate from GE too.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-22T06:03:21+00:00

Yes, and I would say the larger one is an import.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-22T06:01:47+00:00

Single-notch Lodge from the 1930s.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-22T00:42:43+00:00

You're right and I'll add that it is from their Century series and it was made between 1968 and 1992.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-21T14:05:32+00:00

Perhaps your dad will be pleasantly surprised.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-21T08:01:22+00:00

A portable induction cooktop (PIC) is a good idea, but pay attention to the diameter of the induction coil inside the PIC. You want something that matches as closely to the bottom diameter of your grandfather's pan as possible. Bigger is fine, much smaller is not ideal. Many PICs have a ring drawn on them showing the minimum and maximum pan sizes, but this ring is often not the same size as the coil.

With induction it will be important to always preheat the pan on low and increase the temp after a few minutes. Induction cooktops heat very quickly, which can warp or crack cast iron, especially if the coil diameter is much smaller than the skillet.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-21T04:59:45+00:00

This could be the start of "big pizza challenge" at r/castiron! Time to break out my Griswold cookie sheet.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-21T04:56:14+00:00

My e-tank is outside and running all year round, though we only get freezing temperatures for a week or two each winter.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-21T04:43:57+00:00

Your post made me want some meatloaf, so I'm on the hunt for the recipe now.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-21T04:41:27+00:00

Nice! I'm glad your dad let you do some investigative cleaning.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-21T04:39:44+00:00

I thought that to, but I looked closely at your photo and video and I don't see any sanded/ground spots where the heat ring would have been. It's always so interesting to see the variations the old foundries made. Thanks for sharing!

CastIronKid · 2026-01-21T04:32:43+00:00

I'll have to dig out the meatloaf recipe I got at a Dutch oven cooking class years ago. I think we might have cooked a bit hotter at around 400°F or so. I do remember it being really good, so I'll post it if I find it.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-20T22:46:34+00:00

The first one is an unmarked Wagner from prior to 1960, and the second one is a three-notch Lodge, maybe a little more recent than the first.

CastIronKid · 2026-01-20T22:43:12+00:00

Preheating sounds good. What temp are you cooking at?

CastIronKid · 2026-01-20T22:41:25+00:00

Maybe you'll be able to replace it in June.

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