How to Season a Barbecue Grill

Season your barbecue grill to extend the life of the grates.

A perfectly seasoned barbecue grill can produce attractive grill marks and prevent foods from sticking. Whether you have a gas or charcoal grill, seasoning your cast-iron grates with vegetable shortening prevents rust, and it can improve the safety and appearance of your food. The pores of the iron grates open when exposed to high heat, absorbing the oil and creating a smooth and protected finish. A properly seasoned grill appears shiny and cleans quickly with a grill brush.

Things You'll Need

• Dish detergent
• Sponge
• Towel
• Cloth or paper towel
• Solid vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. Remove the grates from the barbecue grill. If they're dirty, wash them with warm water, dish detergent and a sponge.

2. Dry the grates with a towel.

3. Preheat or prepare your gas grill, using high heat according to the manufacturer's instructions. For a charcoal grill, move the coals to opposite ends of the grill for indirect heat. Allow the grill to heat for 15 minutes.

4. Dip the edge of a clean cloth or paper towel into solid vegetable shortening. Wipe the grates to thoroughly coat them with a thin layer of shortening.

5. Carefully place the grates onto the grill, and close the lid. Set your gas grill to medium heat. Allow the grates to heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

6. Turn off the gas grill, or close the vents on your charcoal grill to extinguish the coals. Allow the grill to cool completely. Repeat the oiling and heating process if necessary to produce shiny, well-seasoned grill grates.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when heating your grill.

• Clean your grill after preheating and before each use, using a wire grill brush to remove food residue.

• Reseason your grill when foods stick or the grates won't clean properly with a brush.

• Keep the lid open when lighting your gas grill to prevent explosion.

• Don't use salted butter or margarine to season your grill grates.

References

• Weber: Gas Grills FAQs
• Char-Broil: Maintenance and Care