Trying not to overclean a waffle iron

[PatrickM.]

Purchased an eBay Jotul waffle iron and I am trying to decided whether to remove the seasoning or keep the patina. Unlike a skillet, where meats/fish are cooked and embedded, a waffle iron probably only seen flour,eggs,milk and fat(ie butter). The exterior side is relatively clean with minimal oil crud build up.

Attached are the photos. I hate to Easy-Off with lye and remove the seasoning. What are the community thoughts before I start making edible waffles for the family?

 

[W. Hilditch]

I would not strip it. I'd wash & then give it a thin coat of canola. Bake at 450° or if wood handles just heat on the stove & smoke it good. Then I'd start making waffles. With mine I skipped the canola/seasoning step.

Hilditch

 

[PatrickM.]

Thanks. It has plastic handles. I will wash it thoroughly with soap & water and treat it using canola + heat on the gas stove top.