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Lodge is a very good brand. You can certainly restore what you have. Search YouTube for videos on restoring and seasoning cast iron. There are tons of videos. We have one of the squareish ribbed bottom pans and use it for steak sometimes.
Welcome from Indiana. I went to a BMW motorcycle rally in Essex Junction a few years ago and rode all around the state. You guys sure have a lot of cows. I love it that the yellow lines are "advisory."
I'm a born & bread Hoosier and that is chili in my book. Unfortunately SWMBO has her family chili recipe and would take offence at any attempt by me to try another version. She's touchy that way.
I have a birthday coming up next Friday and I am going to cook filets. It's the only time of the year SWMBO allows me to eat that high on the hog (steer?). How do you do the sous vide with filet (Time & Temp)? I assume you sear after the sous vide cook, but I've seen at least one Youtube "chef"...
I put new shrink wrap on when I put the new connectors on but I don't think it was absolutely necessary. In any case, the lack of shrink wrap on the spade connectors wouldn't have any affect on the temperature of the smoker back panel. I've never felt back there but I suspect it is normal for it...