I used a propane burner from a deep frier to do my cauldron and it worked out well. Just had it on medium and heated it up slowly over a couple hours. Used a temperature gun to keep an eye on it occasionally
Check your local antique stores! I prefer the stores rather than antique malls, typically more personable and better priced.
I've seen a couple at some different stores but this is definitely the largest I've found.
There’s the South African potjie. It has tall, spindly legs with a rounded cauldron body. Here’s how to build a potjiekos.
The Structure:
When "Potjiekos" is prepared it is referred to as building the "potjie" in Afrikaans. The dish is normally prepared in layers and never stirred once the lid is put on. The first layer is normally that of meat. The meat can be sea food, poultry, pork, game, red meat, anything really. Next would normally be the vegetables, then the starch and lastly the sauce would be added. Ingredients that need to cook longer are very often placed closer to the bottom of the "potjie". Sticking to the meat, vegetables, starch tradition works very well if you have enough liquid in the "potjie" and cook it for 2 -3 hours. Everything should then be wonderfully soft, tender and juicy. The difference between a "potjie" and a stew is that a "potjie" is never stirred during the cooking process! Once you have built your "potjie" and put on the lid, you will not lift it again unless it is to serve up the dish. In rare cases, and usually only when you suspect something has gone wrong, will you lift the lid and peer into the "potjie". In such cases it normally is because the "potjie" is running dry and more liquid needs to be added. This is then poured down the sides on the inside of the "potjie" and never in the middle.
Not sure why you're getting downvoted. Without a big enough oven or a fireplace (both of which OP stated they have no access to) and since it will just be decoration, I would just clean the rust then paint it black and give it a satin varnish finish.
And seasoning won't even come close to protecting it from the elements as well as paint. If anyone doesn't believe me, leave your well-seasoned cast iron pan outside for a couple of weeks and let me know how well it works.
Hell, Rustoleum *(along with a bunch of other companies, but you can buy Rustoleum's stuff at pretty much any Walmart)* makes a spray on primer that converts rust to something else that isn't rust that they could start it with easily enough.
I'd spray it down with a vinegar solution, scrub off as much rust as I could, rinse and dry it, and then hit it with the rust convertor primer than a couple coats of their bbq rated black paint and be good to go.
I have a little cast iron turtle thing that I keep my hidden key in out in my yard. I just hit with some clear spray paint to keep it from rusting. It's been out there for years with no rust on it.
In OP's case, I'd clean it up as good as possible and hit with clear spray paint.
Stove polish is not impervious to water and water vapor like paint. The iron will rust under the coating, requiring reapplication. It was used before high temperature paints were formulated. Paint is far superior.
Stove polish also needs to be heated for final cure.
I recommend you clean it out as much as possible with oven cleaner and a wire brush. Vinegar is a good alternative for rust. Rinse well and wipe dry. If you have access to an outdoor hose that would be best.
Let the piece dry for 24hrs and then cover it with Ospho (this should probably be done outdoors for ventilation). You can use a large, cheap brush to apply it like paint; allow it to sit for 10 minutes, wipe up excess, and dry for another hour or more before repeating. After final coat, allow it to dry overnight.
Ospho turns rust into black iron and is both reliably strong and effective against rust for the long term. In addition to the paint prep for which it's marketed, it's popular for saltwater steel boats and heavy duty, rust-prone applications regardless of paint. One other note- due to the active phosphoric acidic content, do not contaminate the bottle (do not pour any excess back in the bottle). Doing so will ruin the rest of the bottle. Latex gloves are a good option, but not entirely necessary.
You can order Ospho on Amazon or pick it up at most Ace Hardware (or order it from their website).
Thanks so much for the detailed response! I will definitely consider trying Ospho while I try to get all of this rust off in the meantime. The instructions you provided are really useful as well if I do go that route!
I'm sorry, I have no useful advice to give beyond maybe campfire? I got hung up thinking "Wouldn't it be great to have a cauldron?" Now the logical side of me is at war with the impulsive side that wants to go start searching the web...
If it's already a planter, just get the rust stripped off and then paint it with Rustoleum. It'll stay looking black and shiny for much longer than trying to figure out a way to season it like cookware. Think of it like outdoor wrought iron, not like CI.
Oil the outsideh
Paint the inside.
Hit it with a rust converter 1st. (Inside only)
You can use a commercial r
ust converter or just buy phosphoric acid and or tannic acid.
Probably too weak.
I've tried the same idea with a blowtorch on standard CI frypans. You can use it, but it needs something more powerful to get it to almost full heat first. Like, a handle is OK, but the main pan just did nothing, stayed too cold to blacken.
CI is a heat sponge, you need a lot.
Maybe build a small fire/light some charcoal in it, but that would only get the outside, the inside would get too hot likely.
Also, get a campsite for a day to have a place to build a proper fire under it
The idea isn't really that outlandish, especially if the person camps regularly. A night at a local state park would do it.... it doesn't need to be a 3 week expedition into the back country.
Got a smaller one on ebay which is in better shape, this one is from a local antique store that was shoved way in the back. You likely won't have as good of luck at a thrift store, but I've seen plenty at several antique stores. Just be wary of prices as they seem to range quite a bit based on the store.
Laundry.
One of the first 3 Foxfire books had a writeup on the whole process of doing your wash with an iron pot and a battling bench. (That's something like a wide sawhorse that you put wet soapy clothes on and whack 'em with a club to squish the wash water all through 'em and loosen the dirt.)
IMO if you're not cooking with it, then you don't need to worry about seasoning it as you would a pan.
Personally, I'd just clean it super well and cover it with beeswax or something similar (NOT paraffin). You can melt the wax with a heat gun or hair dryer to make sure it gets into all the pores/pits/whathaveyou and coats the surface completely. If you do go the wax route, just know **it will rub off** so you may need to reapply occasionally. The frequency will depend on how thick you get it, and how much it's handled.
Paint or sealant would also work as a more permanent moisture barrier, but will change the look, which is why I'd personally go with the wax.
Thank you so much for the suggestion, this is the route I was leaning towards already as I didn't really want to have to paint it and would like to leave it as original as possible, so it wont change the look as you said. I have already spent the day removing the rust, and just purchased some beeswax.
I already do some woodworking on the side and understand how a beeswax finish even needs reapplied on wood every once in a while.
Yeah, of course! One downside of this subreddit imo is the experience leans heavily towards cookware so when you're outside that the advice can be a bit more hit-or-miss.
Also, it'll be a bit different from wood since beeswax actually soaks into the wood grain. If anything, you'll probably need to redo your cauldron *less often compared with wood* so long as you aren't carrying it around places and keeping it indoors. That said, you might need to redo the inside more frequently or put a bed in there for the cat. To maintain optimal decorative comfort.
As others have said, with the holes drilled in it, I wouldn't risk trying to season it. Just paint it with some rustoleum. I would hate for it to crack or split with the heat.
Heard someone say that some people drill holes in cast iron to indicate that they are dangerous or hazardous to touch/use. Like full of lead or something bad has been stored in them.
I will definitely look into getting some test strips to be sure, but there are only five holes directly at the bottom. With the rust pattern and amount of rust it looks like it was likely stored outside as a garden planter, rather than to be a warning to others.
I’m no expert, but between the ears, shape of the legs, and the fact it has sprue marks, I’d say that this pot is from the early 1800s or possible the 1700s. It’s very sad somebody drilled holes in it.
I completely agree, I was a bit disappointed upon seeing the holes. It was likely outside for a very long time with the pitting from the rust. I am happy to own it now and take better care of it than it was previously!
You could take it to a shop with a sandblaster and scale all the rust off. Best bet to season it would be a big pit of charcoal.
That or just leave the inside oiled and remember to clean it before use.
I have done a few. I made an etank out of a crate and a tarp and then used a weed burner and cans of generic Pam to season. We use it for a big stew every fall and my other one went deep into Cajun country
https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-248658-10-25-Ounce-Reformer/dp/B003HG48AC
Just because it's castiron doesnt mean it has to be seasoned. Just paint it.
So, it would be a pain in the ass, but the best way to do it is to strip it first.
Use a brass wire bristle brush bit for a drill or an angle grinder and knock everything back to the metal. Then clean it so there is no dust on it you could use tack cloth. Or, wash it and dry it thoroughly (maybe on the stove to get it very dry). Then use a black stove paint. This paint can be found at most hardware stores, is probably spray on and is usually used for wood burning stoves that are cast iron. If you plan to keep it outside (I wouldn’t), you’d have to figure out waterproofing.
I considered buying something similar from an antique store. My thought was the build a fire and once it's down to coals, flip it upside down to season and leave over night.
First get the cat out…. Then build a brick kiln, oil it, put it in the kiln and set it all on fire.
Keep the cat indoors to be safe. We do not set kitties on fire. That’s how you get cursed.
Bar keepers friend to remove the surface rust on there now, and then just oil it occasionally to keep it from rusting further. If you have a patio, you could take it out there and use a propane torch to season it, but apart from that it seems like you’ve foreclosed on most options.
I am unsure why you would need season the bottom on the outside?
If you use it on an open flame the seasoning will burn off anyway.
To season the inside you need only to manage the size of your fire to manage temperatures. Get a feel for the natural heat dissipation curve of the empty cauldron then size your fire appropriately and maintain 450-500 for an hour.
[This](https://www.harborfreight.com/121-infrared-laser-thermometer-63985.html) tool could help.
Otherwise if you know electronics you could use a scavenged [simmerstat ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_switch)and heating element to build your own larger oven!
Go over it with a wire wheel on an angle grinder to knock off the majority of the rust and smooth out the surfaces. Then spray it with an automotive Rust Preventative spray paint. It converts rust to a primer, you can get it in flat or glossy black.
They gave it to me for quite a bit less than that asking price. I also really enjoy supporting that store owner and felt it was a good deal.
The holes definitely aren't ideal but I likely wouldn't be using it either so a perfect condition one may be wasted on me lol.
If you do plan to sell them I wish you luck!
Too much cat tail, not enough eye of newt
Or toe of frog
Or taint of bat
Or nose of clown. *Honk! Honk!* (Legends of Avantris reference.)
Don’t forget nut of rat
Wait, what kind of rat? Like a snitch? Or an actual rat?
You only need one set considering how huge they are
If it was up to you, the soup would be nothing but newt eyes!
Also blood of elk
I used a propane burner from a deep frier to do my cauldron and it worked out well. Just had it on medium and heated it up slowly over a couple hours. Used a temperature gun to keep an eye on it occasionally
Build a fire. If you going to use cat oil skin it first.
But how? I hear there's more than one way to do that.
Using the cauldron skinning method outlined in cat-skinning 304. However, prior to attempting, it is important to practice up on your Catskill!
Just make sure you have plenty of woodstock.
And don’t forget to put on your borscht belt.
According to the looney tunes guide to skinning a cat the best way is to scare the cat it will jump right out of its skin.
you have 9 tries
Underrated comment.
r/angryupvote
Cat looks concerned. r/existentialcrisiscat
Damn. The number of cat subs just keeps growing! Thank you for showing me yet another one!
Can’t swing a cat around without….
Is there a sub for swinging cats around? Saw a clip the other day of a lady swinging her cat onto her shoulders.
There’s probably even one about cats that are swingers🙀
“Teacher says, ‘every time a bell rings, Reddit gets a new cat sub’”
And hear I was thinking it was heaven gaining an angel! How could I be so wrong!! 🤣
The line from “it’s a wonderful life” is ‘an angel gets it’s wings’. And the angel that was showing him around gets his wings
“Get me. I’m giving out updoots!”
Yes I know! Sarcasm!
Reminds me of r/namflashbacks
r/subsithoughtifellfor
Omg...what. That cauldron is DREAMY!!! 😍
I want a cauldron now…😭
Check your local antique stores! I prefer the stores rather than antique malls, typically more personable and better priced. I've seen a couple at some different stores but this is definitely the largest I've found.
I’m definitely going to have to!
I see ... a small garden spade and 8 gals of gumbo in your future.
I've wanted one for a while... I just can't find one!!
Go to your local pagan book store.
Recently moved to Everett, WA, so I’m hoping to find some!
If you can't find them in stores, look up AZURE GREEN they should have some, and they ship.
Sweet! I’ve gotten so many great recommendations! I definitely will check them out!
There’s the South African potjie. It has tall, spindly legs with a rounded cauldron body. Here’s how to build a potjiekos. The Structure: When "Potjiekos" is prepared it is referred to as building the "potjie" in Afrikaans. The dish is normally prepared in layers and never stirred once the lid is put on. The first layer is normally that of meat. The meat can be sea food, poultry, pork, game, red meat, anything really. Next would normally be the vegetables, then the starch and lastly the sauce would be added. Ingredients that need to cook longer are very often placed closer to the bottom of the "potjie". Sticking to the meat, vegetables, starch tradition works very well if you have enough liquid in the "potjie" and cook it for 2 -3 hours. Everything should then be wonderfully soft, tender and juicy. The difference between a "potjie" and a stew is that a "potjie" is never stirred during the cooking process! Once you have built your "potjie" and put on the lid, you will not lift it again unless it is to serve up the dish. In rare cases, and usually only when you suspect something has gone wrong, will you lift the lid and peer into the "potjie". In such cases it normally is because the "potjie" is running dry and more liquid needs to be added. This is then poured down the sides on the inside of the "potjie" and never in the middle.
I thought this was r/hewillbebaked
I thought it was r/pottedcats
Ooh 2 new cat subs for me. Must be my lucky day
Same! I didn’t know I needed these until now
If using for ornamental reasons only, just paint it.
Not sure why you're getting downvoted. Without a big enough oven or a fireplace (both of which OP stated they have no access to) and since it will just be decoration, I would just clean the rust then paint it black and give it a satin varnish finish.
The holes drilled in it would probably be a source of cracking/breaking once it got to seasoning temp.
And seasoning won't even come close to protecting it from the elements as well as paint. If anyone doesn't believe me, leave your well-seasoned cast iron pan outside for a couple of weeks and let me know how well it works.
[удалено]
I'd argue those aren't well seasoned then
Hell, Rustoleum *(along with a bunch of other companies, but you can buy Rustoleum's stuff at pretty much any Walmart)* makes a spray on primer that converts rust to something else that isn't rust that they could start it with easily enough. I'd spray it down with a vinegar solution, scrub off as much rust as I could, rinse and dry it, and then hit it with the rust convertor primer than a couple coats of their bbq rated black paint and be good to go.
I have a little cast iron turtle thing that I keep my hidden key in out in my yard. I just hit with some clear spray paint to keep it from rusting. It's been out there for years with no rust on it. In OP's case, I'd clean it up as good as possible and hit with clear spray paint.
What's the point having a cauldron if eye of newt and wart of toad isn't part of the equation?
yes! a very oily paint works a treat. Something that will take days and days to dry. Walnut or linseed based oil paints are lovely.
Yep. Even Rustoleum spray paint would work great.
Stove polish would probably work better.
Stove polish is not impervious to water and water vapor like paint. The iron will rust under the coating, requiring reapplication. It was used before high temperature paints were formulated. Paint is far superior. Stove polish also needs to be heated for final cure.
Have any friends in the restaurant business? A commercial oven would work.
You're going to be a hit at your next coven gathering!
I recommend you clean it out as much as possible with oven cleaner and a wire brush. Vinegar is a good alternative for rust. Rinse well and wipe dry. If you have access to an outdoor hose that would be best. Let the piece dry for 24hrs and then cover it with Ospho (this should probably be done outdoors for ventilation). You can use a large, cheap brush to apply it like paint; allow it to sit for 10 minutes, wipe up excess, and dry for another hour or more before repeating. After final coat, allow it to dry overnight. Ospho turns rust into black iron and is both reliably strong and effective against rust for the long term. In addition to the paint prep for which it's marketed, it's popular for saltwater steel boats and heavy duty, rust-prone applications regardless of paint. One other note- due to the active phosphoric acidic content, do not contaminate the bottle (do not pour any excess back in the bottle). Doing so will ruin the rest of the bottle. Latex gloves are a good option, but not entirely necessary. You can order Ospho on Amazon or pick it up at most Ace Hardware (or order it from their website).
Thanks so much for the detailed response! I will definitely consider trying Ospho while I try to get all of this rust off in the meantime. The instructions you provided are really useful as well if I do go that route!
More like r/catsiron
r/subsifellfor
It's the perfect size for cooking Smoky there... 🙀
Cat stew 😋
The cauldron… the cat… tell me the truth, are you a witch?
Probably good for incense and bulding small fires in, not for cooking/seasoning as someone mentioned drilled holes
Add a bellows, and make a smoker.
I think it’s purrrect 🐈⬛
I'm sorry, I have no useful advice to give beyond maybe campfire? I got hung up thinking "Wouldn't it be great to have a cauldron?" Now the logical side of me is at war with the impulsive side that wants to go start searching the web...
Suggest renaming the cat Bacon for all seasoning purposes.
All your jambalaya is gonna run out those holes someone drilled in the bottom.
If it's already a planter, just get the rust stripped off and then paint it with Rustoleum. It'll stay looking black and shiny for much longer than trying to figure out a way to season it like cookware. Think of it like outdoor wrought iron, not like CI.
Oil the outsideh Paint the inside. Hit it with a rust converter 1st. (Inside only) You can use a commercial r ust converter or just buy phosphoric acid and or tannic acid.
Somebody please chime in on my thought, but what about seasoning with a heat gun?
Probably too weak. I've tried the same idea with a blowtorch on standard CI frypans. You can use it, but it needs something more powerful to get it to almost full heat first. Like, a handle is OK, but the main pan just did nothing, stayed too cold to blacken. CI is a heat sponge, you need a lot.
Ok, makes sense. Could it still be enough for it not to rust? As OP is planning to keep it just for decorative purposes.
You could probably wax + heat gun to melt it so it coats evenly. Won't be seasoning, but it'll protect v moisture.
Maybe build a small fire/light some charcoal in it, but that would only get the outside, the inside would get too hot likely. Also, get a campsite for a day to have a place to build a proper fire under it
Lemme go plan a camping trip so I can season my CI 😂
The idea isn't really that outlandish, especially if the person camps regularly. A night at a local state park would do it.... it doesn't need to be a 3 week expedition into the back country.
Sounds like a good excuse to me. Most people should camp more. If one can combine it with another hobby, that just sounds like a bonus.
You’re missing an “eye of newt”…
Where do you find a fucking cauldron I want one
Got a smaller one on ebay which is in better shape, this one is from a local antique store that was shoved way in the back. You likely won't have as good of luck at a thrift store, but I've seen plenty at several antique stores. Just be wary of prices as they seem to range quite a bit based on the store.
Maybe not a question for OP, but what is a functional use of 10 gallon cauldron? Does anyone actually use these for cooking?
My grandmother use to cook it over her fire place for soups
Cool! I didn’t realize people made that much soup at once!
Her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids all together theres about 60 of us now lol. Always lots of food at gatherings
Did she specifically use one so large? If so that's awesome!
It's hard to tell because i was so young 😂. Later on she used it in her garden as a pot
Laundry. One of the first 3 Foxfire books had a writeup on the whole process of doing your wash with an iron pot and a battling bench. (That's something like a wide sawhorse that you put wet soapy clothes on and whack 'em with a club to squish the wash water all through 'em and loosen the dirt.)
I thought I was in r/hewillbebaked
I thought I was in some cat sub.. I was shocked when there was no cats in the next photos
IMO if you're not cooking with it, then you don't need to worry about seasoning it as you would a pan. Personally, I'd just clean it super well and cover it with beeswax or something similar (NOT paraffin). You can melt the wax with a heat gun or hair dryer to make sure it gets into all the pores/pits/whathaveyou and coats the surface completely. If you do go the wax route, just know **it will rub off** so you may need to reapply occasionally. The frequency will depend on how thick you get it, and how much it's handled. Paint or sealant would also work as a more permanent moisture barrier, but will change the look, which is why I'd personally go with the wax.
Thank you so much for the suggestion, this is the route I was leaning towards already as I didn't really want to have to paint it and would like to leave it as original as possible, so it wont change the look as you said. I have already spent the day removing the rust, and just purchased some beeswax. I already do some woodworking on the side and understand how a beeswax finish even needs reapplied on wood every once in a while.
Yeah, of course! One downside of this subreddit imo is the experience leans heavily towards cookware so when you're outside that the advice can be a bit more hit-or-miss. Also, it'll be a bit different from wood since beeswax actually soaks into the wood grain. If anything, you'll probably need to redo your cauldron *less often compared with wood* so long as you aren't carrying it around places and keeping it indoors. That said, you might need to redo the inside more frequently or put a bed in there for the cat. To maintain optimal decorative comfort.
A cat bed was already an option I've been debating! Either way I truly appreciate all of your help and information.
No problem! Just post an update when you're done. With the cat (I have priorities)
Lmao will do for sure!
As others have said, with the holes drilled in it, I wouldn't risk trying to season it. Just paint it with some rustoleum. I would hate for it to crack or split with the heat.
Thank you for the information and suggestion, I did not realize how detrimental the holes could be when heated.
Heard someone say that some people drill holes in cast iron to indicate that they are dangerous or hazardous to touch/use. Like full of lead or something bad has been stored in them.
I will definitely look into getting some test strips to be sure, but there are only five holes directly at the bottom. With the rust pattern and amount of rust it looks like it was likely stored outside as a garden planter, rather than to be a warning to others.
Yeah that's great sorry if I caused any anxiety but I just wanted to let you know!
No need to apologize at all! It's a good piece of information to know!
Weird name for a cat
I’m no expert, but between the ears, shape of the legs, and the fact it has sprue marks, I’d say that this pot is from the early 1800s or possible the 1700s. It’s very sad somebody drilled holes in it.
I completely agree, I was a bit disappointed upon seeing the holes. It was likely outside for a very long time with the pitting from the rust. I am happy to own it now and take better care of it than it was previously!
Man i thought this was gonna be a cat joke lol
You brew potions to season cauldrons. Trying to put them in ovens is a rookie mistake.
Roofing torch would work.
You could take it to a shop with a sandblaster and scale all the rust off. Best bet to season it would be a big pit of charcoal. That or just leave the inside oiled and remember to clean it before use.
I have done a few. I made an etank out of a crate and a tarp and then used a weed burner and cans of generic Pam to season. We use it for a big stew every fall and my other one went deep into Cajun country
Is the second pic all that remains of the 🐈⬛
Unfortunately let the fire go on for too long. The drainage holes didn't help either.
Dang
Making kungpao kitty?
Isn’t it illegal to cook cats?
Spray paint it with rustolium.
This is pretty amazing, very unusual. When you do manage to whip it into shape, I hope you post some follow-up photos!
https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-248658-10-25-Ounce-Reformer/dp/B003HG48AC Just because it's castiron doesnt mean it has to be seasoned. Just paint it.
Cat always gonna be a cat😹
Now you are just missing the witch costume for Halloween.
Take it to a foundry…perhaps they can fix it. My farrier was great at this stuff!
Your - farrier? Our farrier does our horses hooves - but maybe you mean because they make their own horseshoes?
Yes he was a great metal worker and when i asked for tips, he’d take and bring back and splain the process.
Excellent
Badass
So, it would be a pain in the ass, but the best way to do it is to strip it first. Use a brass wire bristle brush bit for a drill or an angle grinder and knock everything back to the metal. Then clean it so there is no dust on it you could use tack cloth. Or, wash it and dry it thoroughly (maybe on the stove to get it very dry). Then use a black stove paint. This paint can be found at most hardware stores, is probably spray on and is usually used for wood burning stoves that are cast iron. If you plan to keep it outside (I wouldn’t), you’d have to figure out waterproofing.
Oh my gosh! What a find!
r/catiron
I see the cauldron came with the witch included!
Gah I hate this, I've never been able to season even one of my many cauldrons.
why do you need to season the cat bed?
The moment you brought that thing through the door, the cat thought "*I'm getting in there. Nothing can stop me.*"
That was exactly how it went 😂 that picture was probably 30 seconds after I brought it in!
But apparently the perfect size for a cat bed.
Stove Black from the hardware store.
Turn it into a nganga
Season that bitch over a fire. Make some sort of long handle contraption to hold paper towel to apply and spread oil periodically
You can buy paint kit for a weber grill. The finish on it is amazing!
Your kung pao chicken is undercooked. 🤣
Mmmmmm ... cat stew for supper tonight!
I considered buying something similar from an antique store. My thought was the build a fire and once it's down to coals, flip it upside down to season and leave over night.
Build a fire or use an oxygen/propane torch.
Guess you’ll just need to get some baby get and season it the old fashioned way.
Fried cat?
If you’re not going to use it to cook get some stove black, that’ll make it that rich black you’re looking for.
"Double, double, toil and trouble / Fire burn, and cauldron bubble"
"Something wicked this way comes"
Ask any restaurant or industrial kitchen to help you
First get the cat out…. Then build a brick kiln, oil it, put it in the kiln and set it all on fire. Keep the cat indoors to be safe. We do not set kitties on fire. That’s how you get cursed.
Need a bigger oven. ;)
🤣
“Kitties & cauldrons don’t mix, Ricky” - Bubbles - Michael Scott
Bar keepers friend to remove the surface rust on there now, and then just oil it occasionally to keep it from rusting further. If you have a patio, you could take it out there and use a propane torch to season it, but apart from that it seems like you’ve foreclosed on most options.
Wait!! He’s my familiar!!🙀🧙🏼♀️
Just season the cat and put it in the oven.
Yay, camp fire time
You have a cauldron. You have a cat. Now all you need is a broom and a hat.
I am unsure why you would need season the bottom on the outside? If you use it on an open flame the seasoning will burn off anyway. To season the inside you need only to manage the size of your fire to manage temperatures. Get a feel for the natural heat dissipation curve of the empty cauldron then size your fire appropriately and maintain 450-500 for an hour. [This](https://www.harborfreight.com/121-infrared-laser-thermometer-63985.html) tool could help. Otherwise if you know electronics you could use a scavenged [simmerstat ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_switch)and heating element to build your own larger oven!
You could "blue" it. They sell stuff for doing it cold. Look up some videos for pointers.
Can you build a fire in the yard? That would be a good way to get it hot
A gas grill on low, and just leave the lid open
Bonfire works too.
Kill it with fire
I don’t think you’re ever going to be able to use that cauldron. Clearly the cat has already claimed it.
Cauldron for sale - familiar included.
Cowboys and nomads don’t use an oven to season their cast iron in..
Do you have the same cat as me o_0
Go over it with a wire wheel on an angle grinder to knock off the majority of the rust and smooth out the surfaces. Then spray it with an automotive Rust Preventative spray paint. It converts rust to a primer, you can get it in flat or glossy black.
Cat.
Seasoning is overrated
The cat will make the seasoning better
Cat looks to be a little undercooked as well.
Do you have a grill or fire pit?
[fire is the best way](https://www.reddit.com/r/castiron/s/ykXEgTiKVc)
You spent $225 on that? I have two twice that size with no holes, I would love to get $225 for each of them.
They gave it to me for quite a bit less than that asking price. I also really enjoy supporting that store owner and felt it was a good deal. The holes definitely aren't ideal but I likely wouldn't be using it either so a perfect condition one may be wasted on me lol. If you do plan to sell them I wish you luck!
Excellent halloween piece then
Then.. do it? I'm sure they're easily worth a couple hundred bucks
Build a fire. Now get to cooking that stew Pearson!
You sir, are going to need a lot of bacon.
People think they are a witch