Season a BBQ Grill
Whether you're working in a brand-new cast-iron BBQ or cleaning up a tried-and-true one in preparation for outdoor cooking, seasoning keeps it in good shape and the meat and vegetables tasty. Grills that have porcelain coating on the grates generally don't need more than a good washing with a little dish-washing liquid, but cast-iron BBQ grills require seasoning of their grates to stay in top condition.
Instructions
New Cast-Iron Grills
1
Remove the grill grates and wash by hand in hot water and a mild dish-washing liquid. Rinse thoroughly and dry using paper or cloth towels, as air-drying cast-iron grates can cause rust to form.
2
Rub vegetable shortening onto the grill grates. Use a paper towel and work the shortening into all crevices.
3
Preheat a gas grill to 400 degrees F. Start a fire in the barbecue pit and let the charcoal burn to white hot.
4
Place the grill grates over the heat using oven mitts to protect your hands. Close the lid and let the grates cook for one hour. Brand-new cast-iron BBQ grills must cook for at least an hour to burn off manufacturing residues in the metal.
5
Let the grill cool. Your cast-iron grill grates are now seasoned.
Previously Seasoned Cast-Iron Grills
6
Preheat the grill and allow it to reach a temperature of about 400 F. degrees. Charcoal fires should heat to white-hot intensity.
7
Heat the grill grates with the lid closed for 15 to 20 minutes.
8
Brush the grill grates with a steel-bristled brush to remove any charring or rust. Use a basting brush to apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the metal before placing food on the grates. After cooking, do not brush again or you risk scrubbing the protective oils off the metal.
