How to Season the Grill Grates?
Are you ready? Before you start making burgers, you have to learn how to season them on the grill grates.
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It's time for the grill! But before that, ask yourself, when was the last time you seasoned the grate? Just like seasoning a cast iron pan, this oil and heat process can be used to keep the grill non-stick. In addition, this oil can protect the grate from rust, making them easier to clean.
The Best Oil to Use Grill
Flavoring the grate requires very high calories, so it is important to use the correct oil. Most grill manufacturers recommend canola or peanut oil because they have a smoke point above 450°F. You can also use vegetable oil, sunflower oil or avocado oil. The high smoke point of these oils ensures that the oil will not burn, which will spoil the seasoning process and the taste of the food.
How to Season the Grill Grates
The tools you need
Cooking oil
Spray bottle (used to apply oil on the grate)
Paper towel
Grill brush
Step 1: Start with a cool grill
If you have just used the grill, let it cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Clean the grate
Use a grill brush to clean the grate and brush off food and other debris that are stuck to the food.
Step 3: Oil the grate
Fill the spray bottle with high-temperature oil. Spray some oil on the grill to ensure complete coverage.
Then, wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel. Your goal is to completely coat the grate with a thin and even layer of oil.
Step 4: Open the grill
Turn the grill on high heat and let it boil the oil for about 30 minutes. The grate should start to darken, because the oil and smoke work their magic. The deeper the grate of each seasoning, the stronger the flavor of the signature grill over time.
Are the seasonings the same for all types of grills?
Correct. You can follow the same simple steps to season the charcoal grill, gas grill and pellet grill. Both cast iron grate and steel grate can benefit from seasoning. But remember, ceramic grate does not require seasoning.
Want to change the grill game? Check out our guide to learn about the benefits of different types of grills.
Do you want to season the new grill?
Correct! You should always season new grills. Oiling and heating the grill will form a protective barrier against rust. The seasonings can also form a non-stick surface on your grate, so you don't get into a frustrating food dilemma the first time you try the grill. In addition, the high-calorie seasoning process will burn off the dust or other contaminants left on the grate during the manufacturing process.
Remember to use this condiment every time you use the grill. An experienced grill is the best way to maintain the performance of the grill.
