Tips for Seasoning your Grill

Do You Have to Season a New Grill?

Yes! You should always season a new grill. Oiling and heating the grill will create a protective barrier that prevents rust. If your grill is made of stainless steel you shouldn’t have to worry about that too much, but seasoning is also what creates a nonstick surface on your grates so that you don’t end up with a frustrating mess of stuck-on food the first time you try out the grill. Plus, the high heat process of seasoning will burn off any dust or other contaminants that are left on the grates during the manufacturing process. Remember to use this seasoning process every time you use your grill. A well-seasoned grill is the best way to maintain the performance of your grill for many seasons to come.

Oil – Seasoning your grates involves using very high heat, so it’s important to use the right type of oil. Most grill manufacturers recommend canola or peanut oil because they have a smoke point over 450° F. You can also use vegetable oil, sunflower oil or avocado oil. The high smoke points of these oils ensure that the oil won’t burn, which can ruin the seasoning process as well as the taste of your food.

Seasoning the Grill Grates

Tools: • Cooking oil • Spray bottle, paper towel, or new small paint or basting brush (for coating the grates with oil) • Grill brush

For existing grills, start with step 1. For new grills, skip to step 3.

Step 1: Start with a cool grill If you just used the grill, allow it to cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Clean the grates Use a grill brush to clean the grates, brushing away stuck-on food and other debris.

Step 3: Spray the grates with oil Fill a spray bottle with high-heat oil. Spray the grill grates with the oil, making sure to get full coverage. You can also wipe the oil onto the grates with a paper towel, or a new paint or basting brush, as long as you make sure to coat the grates completely. Then, use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil. Your goal is to have the grates completely coated in a thin, even layer of oil.

Step 4: Turn the grill on Turn the grill on high heat, and allow it to cook the oil for about 30 minutes. The grates should start to darken as the oil and smoke work their magic. The darker the grates get with each seasoning, the more that signature grill flavor will develop over time.

Is Seasoning the Same for All Types of Grills? Yes. You can follow the same simple steps for seasoning charcoal grills, gas grills and pellet grills. Both cast-iron and steel grates will benefit from seasoning. But keep in mind, porcelain grates do not need to be seasoned.

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