How to Season a Grill
Grilling is a beloved activity that brings friends and family together, often with delicious results. But before you start flipping burgers, it's crucial to understand the importance of seasoning your grill. Seasoning isn’t about spices and marinades—it's about preparing the grill itself.
Understanding Seasoning
Seasoning a grill means coating the grates with high-temperature oil and heating it to create a protective barrier. This process helps keep the grates nonstick, meaning your food won’t cling to them, and it also prevents rust. Additionally, the oil breaks down under the heat and bonds to the metal, which can add to that classic grilled flavor everyone loves.
Benefits of Proper Seasoning
The upsides to seasoning your grill are many:
Enhanced Flavor: Each time you use your grill, the oil builds up, grabbing on to flavors from your food and making everything taste even better over time.
Improved Non-Stick Properties: Properly seasoned grates mean your food is less likely to stick, making it easier to flip and remove.
Protection Against Rust: The oil forms a barrier that keeps moisture away from the metal, preventing rust and extending the life of your grill.
Preparation for Seasoning
Before you dive into seasoning, you need to do a bit of prep work. These initial steps are simple but crucial to getting a good result.
Cool it
Make sure your grill is completely cool. If you've just used it, allow it to cool down completely. This makes cleaning easier and safer.
Clean 'Em Up
Use a grill brush to remove any leftover food particles, burnt-on residue, and rust. The cleaner the grate, the better the oil will adhere and form a protective layer. We have an entire writeup on how to clean grill grates, so don’t forget to check that out!
Seasoning Process
Now that your grill is prepped, it’s time to move on to the actual seasoning.
Coat the Grates with Oil
Fill a spray bottle with a high-temperature oil like canola or vegetable oil. Spray a thin, even layer over the entire surface of the grates. If you don’t have a spray bottle, or you’re using a thicker seasoner like our Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Seasoner, you can dip a paper towel in oil and use tongs to spread it over the grates. The layer should be even but not dripping.
Heat the Grill
Turn on the grill to medium heat. Close the lid and let the grill run for about 30 minutes. During this time, the oil will bake into the metal, forming that all-important protective layer. You’ll know the process is working as the grates will start to darken.
Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
Seasoning isn’t a one-and-done activity. Regular maintenance ensures your grill stays in top condition all year round. If you don’t do this, you’ll have to replace your grill grates! (And if you’re not sure it’s time to change out your grates, check out are article on when to replace your grill grates.)
Routine Cleaning
After each use, give your grates a quick brush with your grill brush to remove food particles. Once the grill is off but still warm, you can lightly reapply oil to keep the surface nonstick.
Deep Cleaning and Re-Seasoning
Every few months, or at the start and end of grilling season, perform a deep clean. Scrub the grates thoroughly, then repeat the seasoning process. This ensures that any residue buildup doesn’t become a problem and keeps your grates in great shape.
Specific Guidelines for Stainless Steel Grates
Stainless steel grates have their specific needs, especially when they are new.
First-Time Use
Before using your stainless steel grates for the very first time, there are several crucial steps to ensure they are properly prepared. Start by removing the cooking grates from the grill and giving them a thorough wash with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. This cleaning helps to remove any residues left over from the manufacturing process and ensures that your initial seasoning will adhere well to the metal.
Once washed, it's important to dry the grates completely to prevent any water spots or initial rust. Use a towel to pat them dry, and if possible, let them air dry for a bit to ensure all moisture is gone.
Next, preheat your grill for cooking. Turn it on to medium-high heat and let it warm up for about 10-15 minutes. This preheating step is crucial because it opens up the metal pores of the grates, allowing them to absorb the oil more effectively.
Using a silicone basting brush, coat the grates with a high-temperature oil that’s high in saturated fats. Excellent choices include melted Crisco, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Be cautious and make sure to coat the grates evenly but thinly, ensuring no excessive oil drips down. Too much oil can cause flare-ups.
Once the grates are well-coated, continue preheating the grill with the oiled grates inside. Leave the grill on high for about 30 minutes, allowing the oil to bake into the metal. This will create the initial patina that acts as a protective, nonstick barrier, optimizing your grill's performance for future cookouts.
Ongoing Care
Ongoing care for your stainless steel grates is essential to maintain their nonstick properties and prevent rust over the long term. Each time you prepare to use the grill, start by preheating it for about 10 minutes. This preheating serves two purposes: it burns off any leftover food particles from your previous grilling session and it prepares the grates for cleaning.
Using a bristle-free grill brush, gently brush away any debris from the grates. Lodge Bristle Free Brushes are preferred as they do not shed bristles which could contaminate your food.
Once the grates are clean of any food particles and residue, it’s time to apply a light coat of oil. Again, use a silicone basting brush and a high-temperature oil like melted Crisco, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Lightly brush the oil over the entire surface of the grates. This step should be quick but thorough, ensuring an even but thin layer is applied.
If you find that your grates have developed spots of rust or appear uneven in their coating, it may be a sign that more thorough maintenance is needed. Periodically, specifically every four months or at the beginning and end of the grilling season, perform a deep cleaning. Remove the grates from the grill and wash them with warm, soapy water. Dry them completely before applying a fresh coat of oil and heating them as in the initial seasoning process.
In between deep cleans, a more frequent light brushing and oiling after each use should suffice to keep your grates in optimal condition. By following these simple, regular maintenance steps, you’ll ensure your stainless steel grates last longer, resist rust, and continue to produce delicious, nonstick cooking results every time you fire up your grill.
Specific Guidelines for Cast Iron Grates
Cast iron grates are prized for their heat retention and even cooking but do require a bit more care.
Initial Seasoning
For cast iron grates, wash them well with warm soapy water when new and dry them completely. Coat them with a generous layer of high-temperature oil. Preheat your grill to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F and let the grates heat for 30-60 minutes. This process helps the oil to bond with the metal, creating a solid protective layer.
Post-Seasoning Care
Once your cast iron grates are properly seasoned, maintaining them requires regular attention to keep their fantastic cooking properties intact. Here's how to care for your cast iron grates post-seasoning:
Regular Cleaning
After each use, it's important to clean the grates to remove any stuck-on food or grease. While the grill is still warm (but not too hot to touch safely), use a brass grill brush to scrub away food particles and debris. This helps prevent buildup that could degrade the seasoning over time. Avoid using soap as much as possible, as it can strip away the protective seasoning layer. Instead, a brush is usually sufficient for regular cleanings.
Applying Oil
After brushing the grates clean, it’s crucial to reapply a light coat of oil. Using a silicone basting brush or a paper towel held with tongs, spread a thin layer of high-temperature oil like flaxseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil over the grates. This reapplication helps maintain the nonstick surface and continues to shield the grates from moisture and rust.
Inspection and Spot Maintenance
Occasionally inspect your cast iron grates for any signs of rust or wear. If you find small patches of rust, it's essential to address them quickly to prevent them from spreading. Use a piece of steel wool or a wire brush to gently scrub off the rust. Once the rust is removed, clean the area with water, dry it thoroughly, and apply a fresh coat of oil. Heat the grill to bake in the oil and restore the protective layer.
Re-Seasoning
Every few months—or if you notice that food starts to stick or the grates appear dull and uneven—perform a full re-seasoning. Start by giving the grates a thorough clean with warm, soapy water to remove any buildup that regular cleanings might have missed. Dry the grates completely and then coat them with a generous layer of high-temperature oil. Heat the grill to between 350°F and 400°F and allow the oil to bake into the grates for 30-60 minutes. This full re-seasoning rejuvenates the protective layer, keeping your grates in top condition.
Preventing Rust
Rust can be a persistent issue with cast iron if not properly maintained. In addition to regular cleaning and oiling, store your grill in a dry place or use a grill cover to protect it from rain and humidity. If you live in a particularly damp climate, consider storing the grates indoors during the off-season.
By following these post-seasoning care tips, you can ensure your cast iron grates remain in excellent condition, delivering consistent cooking performance and enhancing the flavor of every meal you grill.
Long-term Maintenance
Regularly inspect your grates for signs of rust or wear. If you spot any corrosion, remove it with steel wool and re-season the affected area to restore the protective coating.
Tips for Different Types of Grills
Different grills have unique requirements for seasoning and maintenance.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills naturally get very hot, making it easier to burn in the oil during seasoning. However, keep an eye on the air flow to ensure even heating. Place about 10 pounds of natural charcoal in the center of the pit, light it, and let it heat for about an hour before spreading the coals evenly. If 10 pounds doesn’t sound right, we have a full writeup on how much charcoal to use.
Pellet Grills
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for seasoning your pellet grill. Usually, this involves filling the pellet hopper, starting the grill, and setting it to a high temperature—around 400°F—for an hour to let the pellets drop into the flame and burn off any residues.
Gas Grills
With gas grills, safety first: Make sure the gas is off and disconnect the propane tank before cleaning. After cleaning, coat and heat the grates as described earlier. Once seasoned, reconnect the propane and turn the grill on high to burn in the oil for a solid 30 minutes.
Common Questions and Additional Tips
Even seasoned grill masters might have questions about this essential process.
Do New BBQ Grates Need to Be Seasoned?
Absolutely. Seasoning new grates gets rid of any manufacturing residues and prepares the surface for nonstick cooking. This first seasoning step is crucial for both cast iron and stainless steel grates.
See also: Cast-Iron vs. Stainless Steel Grill
Best Oils for Seasoning
Opt for oils with a high smoke point so they don’t burn during the seasoning process. Of course, we’d highly recommend checking out our Chiasson Smoke seasoner!
But if you’re in a pinch, canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, and flaxseed oil are excellent choices. They withstand high heat and create a durable protective layer.
Seasoning for Flavor
Add a flavorful twist to your regular seasoning routine by using ingredients like bacon fat, sausage, or mesquite wood chips. After applying oil, rub some uncooked bacon or sausage over the grates, or dip a half onion in high-heat oil and rub it over the grates. Light up the grill and let these ingredients cook for added smoky flavors.
Conclusion
Seasoning is an essential step to prime your grill for top-notch performance. It keeps grates nonstick, rust-free, and adds that smoky flavor we all crave. By understanding and implementing regular care and seasoning routines, you extend the life of your grill and enhance every meal you cook.
Whether you have stainless steel, cast iron, a charcoal grill, or a gas grill, knowing how to season and maintain your equipment is key. So get those grates oiled, heat up that grill, and get ready for some of the best cookouts you can imagine!