How to Season a Pellet Grill: An Easy Guide

If you’re new to the world of pellet grills, you’ve probably heard that you should season your grill before using it for the first time. But what does that entail, and why should you do it? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and show you how to season a pellet grill step by step.

When I first got my Z Grills Pellet Grill Combo, I have to admit that I wasn’t sure this was necessary. I cleaned the grill grate, and wiped out the barrel, but did I really need to cook nothing in it for an hour to season it? I’m glad I broke down and did it, though because the non-stick surface of the grill is still like new.

What Does “Seasoning” a Pellet Grill Mean?

Seasoning a pellet grill, often known as “curing” or “burning in,” is heating the grill to a high temperature before cooking on it. The goal of this technique is to remove any residue from the manufacturing process and to provide a nonstick surface on the grill grates.

It effectively prepares your grill for your initial cook. It’s an important part of setting up your grill, so don’t skip this step before cooking in it.

» You might be interested in How to Start a Pellet Grill for the First Time.

Why Season Your Pellet Grill?

There are several reasons to season your pellet grill. First, it aids in the removal of any remaining oils or chemicals from the production process. If not eliminated, these compounds might leave a bitter flavor in your food.

You might also smell this chemical when burning it off for the first time. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want that in my food!

Second, seasoning your grill aids in the formation of a nonstick surface on the grill grates. This is important because it keeps your food from clinging to the grates, which can be annoying at best and cause it damage at worst.

Finally, seasoning your grill will start to form the right kind of surface that adds flavor to your food. Imagine it like a cast iron skillet. You want to “season” the pan in order to create an ideal cooking surface. Each time you cook after this, you will be adding to the seasoning of the grill.

What Do You Need to Season a Grill?

Before you begin seasoning your pellet grill, you’ll need a few items. Here is the list of items you’ll be needing:

• Cooking oil: You can season your grill with any type of cooking oil. Vegetable oil, canola oil, and grapeseed oil are all popular options. Use olive oil or butter sparingly because they have a low smoke point and can produce a lot of smoke.

• Paper towels: You’ll need paper towels to apply the oil to the grill grates.

• Gloves: Heat-resistant gloves are required when working with hot grill grates.

• Grill brush: This is required to clean the grill grates after seasoning.

• Pellets: You’ll need enough pellets to keep your barbecue running hot for at least 30 minutes. For more information on pellets check out How Long do Pellets Last for Grilling and Smoking.

Seasoning a Pellet Grill

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to begin seasoning your pellet grill. Here’s a step-by-step procedure:

Step 1: Clean the Grill Grates

Clean the grill grates before you start seasoning your pellet grill. Since this is the first time you’re using it, the grates will already appear clean, but you want to remove any dust or manufacturing residue. Give them a soapy clean in the sink with warm water and dry them thoroughly.

Step 2: Apply oil

After cleaning the grates, start applying the oil. Use a paper towel to coat the whole surface of the grill grates with a small amount of oil. You only need a small amount of oil to give a thin layer. Don’t overdo it or the oil will burn off and produce a lot of smoke when you fire it up.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

It’s time to preheat the grill after you’ve applied the oil. Preheat the grill to 350°F and leave it to smoke for 30 minutes. This allows the oil to bake onto the grill grates, resulting in a nonstick surface.

Step 4: Increase the temperature

Increase the temperature to 450°F after 30 minutes and leave the grill running for another 30 minutes. This will make sure the grill is properly seasoned.

Step 5: Let the Grill Cool

Turn off the grill after the second 30-minute session and let it to cool completely. This will allow the oil to cure completely on the grill grates.

Step 6: Clean the Grates Again

After the grill has cooled, use a grill brush to wipe the grates once more. This will get rid of any remaining oil or debris from the seasoning procedure.

Step 7: Begin Cooking

You’re ready to cook now that your pellet grill has been seasoned! Keep in mind that the first few times you use your grill, you may notice some smoke or a mild odor. This is typical and will resolve itself after a few uses.

Should I Reseason My Pellet Grill?

If you use your pellet grill on a regular basis, you should reseason it every six months to a year. This will keep the nonstick surface intact and will eliminate any excess moisture or dirt.

To reseason your grill, simply repeat the instructions outlined above. You don’t need to apply as much oil as you did the previous time, but a thin layer on the grill grates is still necessary.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Grill Seasoning

Now that you know how to season a pellet grill, let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.

Pros:

• Ensures that any remaining oils or chemicals from the production process are removed
• Makes the grill grates nonstick
• Removes any extra moisture or dirt
• Keeps your food from sticking to the grill
• Enhances the flavor of your food

Cons:

• It takes time to do
• During the seasoning process, smoke and odor may be produced
• You have to use oil, which can be messy
• You have to repeat the procedure every six months to a year

Ultimately, the benefits of seasoning a pellet grill outweigh the drawbacks. While it will take some time and work, it will assist to ensure that your grill lasts longer and that your food cooks evenly without sticking to the grates.