Cast Iron Grill Burner Care
Cast iron burners for an outdoor gas grill distribute heat evenly and last for years with proper care. The day-to-day care of cast iron burners is minimal, even with regular use, as long as the cast iron piece is properly seasoned before use. Allow about two hours to season new cast iron burners before using the grill. Does this Spark an idea?
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Washing
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New cast iron grill burners must be washed with water and mild soap to remove the manufacturer's protective film. After this initial washing, you won't need to wash the cast iron again in water under normal use.
Seasoning
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Seasoning is an important first step in caring for cast iron grill burners. With seasoning, a grease is applied to the entire surface and the piece is heated for about an hour and a half. A properly seasoned cast iron piece looks black and has a natural non-stick surface. Use a thin layer of cooking shortening or lard, not margarine, butter or liquid oil, and heat in a closed grill.
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Routine Cleaning
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A cast iron grill burner doesn't need any cleaning immediately after use. Instead, burn off the residue before the next use and brush clean with a steel brush. If you try and clean the burner right after use, the protective seasoning can come off and the piece will need to be reseasoned.
Deep Cleaning
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A thorough cleaning should be done once a year if the grill is used seasonally, or twice a year if the grill gets year-round use. This cleaning should be done when the grill is completely cool and hasn't been used in at least 24 hours. Remove burners and clean all over with a steel brush, making sure that all of the holes and openings are clear. If any rust is on the grill burner, scrub it off and reseason after the rest of the grill has been cleaned.
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References
- Photo Credit Grill image by violety from Fotolia.com
