How To Season a Brand New Grill in 4 Steps
Like most barbecue fanatics, you likely already know the importance of working with a well-seasoned grill. Before you can use a brand-new grill, you need to season it. A seasoned grill not only protects the grill from rusting but the seasoning process also adds flavor to the food you grill. You’ll also be able to prevent food from sticking to the grates.
In this post, we will walk you through the four easy steps to season a brand-new grill. We’ll talk about the materials you need, the steps you must take, and the safety precautions you should follow throughout the process. With our advice, you can season your grill and have it ready to use in no time.
Getting Started
Make sure you have the proper tools and materials for seasoning your grill. You’ll want to have access to mitts or gloves that are specifically heat-resistant. You’ll also need a scrubbing brush and a soft cloth or towel. Choose your preferred type of cooking oil, whether that’s vegetable, canola, sunflower, or avocado. Keep salt in an accessible location as well as your choice of sauce. Most people opt for BBQ sauce, but it’s entirely up to you.
Your grill needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you begin the seasoning process. Start by removing grease or food particles from the grates of your grill. You can do this by using a scrubbing brush and warm water with soap. Then, take the soft cloth or towel and dry the grates completely. After that, you’ll be done cleaning your grill, meaning it’s time to start seasoning.
Step 1: Seasoning Your Grill
Once your grill has been thoroughly cleaned, you can begin prepping it for the seasoning process. Set the temperature of the grill to either medium or high using the temperature knob on your propane grill. Make sure all of the vents are open as it preheats. Use your oil of choice to liberally coat the grates of your propane grill. You’ll also need to use paper towels or a soft cloth.
This step can prevent rust from forming on the grates over time. It also adds a bit of flavor when grilling different foods. From there, sprinkle salt over the oiled grates so that the grates are coated evenly. This step will take about 15 minutes to complete, so if your grill feels too hot, don’t hesitate to turn down the temperature. This can prevent the salt from burning off of the grates.
Step 2: Pre-Heating the Grill
After seasoning the grates with salt and oil, it is time to light your propane grill with either an electric starter, a match, or a lighter. It all depends on the type of ignition system your model has. When lighting your grill, make sure all of the vents are open so that air can pass through/ Wait until you see flames coming out of each burner before you preheat the grill.
Once you have lit your propane grill, leave it uncovered. Then, turn the temperature knob to high. Let the grates preheat for at least 10 minutes while the lid remains closed. Open all of the vents simultaneously to help the heat evenly disperse throughout the entire cooking surface. This will result in a much more even cooking experience for your food no matter where on the grates you place the food.
After you have finished preheating your propane grill, test the temperature at various spots on the cooking surface. You can do this by using either an oven thermometer or an instant-read thermometer.
Step 3: Greasing the Grates
To add more flavor to your food, you should apply a generous amount of BBQ sauce on both sides of the grated cooking area. You can opt out of this step if you want to, though greasing the grates with BBQ sauce or oil is key for creating delicious flavor profiles. This step can also help you prevent your grates from rusting over time.
If you want to follow through on this step, take your oil of choice and apply it generously on both sides of the cooking area. This will enhance the flavor of your food to your heart’s content. It’s similar to when you apply salt and oil to the grates, just without the salt.
Step 4: Final Precautionary Measures
After following the previous three steps, it’s important to take care of the metal surfaces that remain exposed inside the grill. This can help you prevent wear and tear that is naturally caused by regular use. Applying maintenance oils every few months will help with this.
Conclusion
Seasoning a brand-new grill is an important step that you should take before you begin using the grill. It helps protect your grill from rust, adds flavor to your food, and helps prevent food from sticking to the grate. If you follow these four steps, you can easily season a brand-new grill. From there, you’ll be ready to cook delicious food in no time.
Double-check that you follow the proper safety precautions. Clean and oil the grates. Preheat your grill, and apply maintenance oils every few months for the best results. With the help of this guide, you can have your propane grill seasoned and ready to go sooner than later. In turn, you will get to enjoy delicious meals with friends and family for years to come. Happy grilling!
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