Grill Selection
Making the Right Choice
How to “Season” a New Grill
CONGRATULATIONS! You just purchased a new gas grill. A lot of research took place to get this point and it was a long process. You made important decisions on fuel type, construction materials, finishes, grill sizes, and reviewed all the features and benefits.
Well, let’s fire up that new gas grill and get cooking? NOT!
What? Why not? You may ask?
That new gas grill has to be seasoned. Seasoning the grill will remove residues left over during the manufacturing process. This procedure will also create a “non-stick” surface on the grill grate. The following process of seasoning of a gas grill is the same as it applies to charcoal and wood pellet grill models; however, it may require a little more effort for those units.
If the gas grill was preassembled, you need to inspect the insides for any pieces of packing material. Remove the grill grates and check under and around the burners and gas orifices for packing or plastic wrap. After inspection, wipe down the inside of the grill with a soft rag, using warm soapy water and dry. Do the same for the grill grates or any cooking surface.
If you are assembling the grill, perform the same inspection and clean as described above.
Next, follow all the instructions in the grill’s manual as it pertains to starting the grill. We are now beginning the cook off or burn off process. It is best to allow the grill to reach a temperature of 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will burn off oily residues left over from the manufacturing process and preheats the grill before seasoning can take place.
The final step is to season the grill grates. For this process, you will need a small bowl of vegetable or canola oil, a clean rag, and a set of tongs. The grill temperature of the gas grill should be about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Using the tongs, dip the rag into the oil then slide the oiled rag along the grill grates. The oil should be allowed to bake on the grill grates for about ten minutes. Repeat this process of oiling the grill grates and baking them for 10 minutes. Repeat this 3 to 4 times.
This process seems to be a little time consuming, but it is worth it. When finished, this will help prevent the food from sticking and burning on the grill. Furthermore, this process should eliminate any strange odors associated with new gas grills from penetrating the food.
Congratulations on seasoning your new gas grill. Enjoy!
-Todd Smith
W.P. Law, Inc.
