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So, you’ve got a new gas grill or are thinking of getting one and are wondering what kind of scrumptious meals you’ll make first. Before you just jump in and start cooking, there is a little housecleaning that should be done before you make your first meal (see how to use a propane gas grill for the first time). In fact, meals can quickly turn to disasters through the absence of one simple step, seasoning. Not the ordinary salt and spice seasoning, but grill seasoning. This applies to meatballs, pork sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, bacon, or anything else you may cook on your grill. If you’re thinking of smoking your meat, take a look at our article for tips on smoking meat on a gas grill. Whatever your preference, the primary goal is to create delicious and flavorful meals that will have your taste buds singing for joy. This is achievable only when your grill is operating at its prime and part of that is seasoning your grill before use.
Seasoning a grill does more than just enhance the flavor of foods. It also makes grill grates more resistant to rust and prevents food from sticking on the grates after prolonged use. Food sticking on the grates can be a real pain and greatly impact the enjoyment one has from cooking. Prying food off of a grate isn’t fun as you can greatly damage that chicken or steak you have been laboring over.
Related: Learn the pros and cons of charcoal vs gas grills
1. Clean your grates with a wire grill brush to remove any food leftover from past use if this isn’t your first time using the grill. To help loosen the debris on the grates, it can be helpful to soak in water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Wash, rinse and thoroughly dry the grates with a cloth or sponge to completely remove any other debris that may be clinging to the cooking area.
3. Coat the cooking grates with a high heat cooking oil, preferably canola or peanut oil. This helps to avoid rusting.
4. Follow up with a paper towel to clean off any excess oil. This is especially important if the grates are dripping oil to prevent flare-ups as you turn the heat too high.
5. Oil the inside of the grill, including the lid to better seal the grill and make it easier to clean after each use.
6. At this point, fire up your grill on high for about 15-20 min, without the grates being on the grill.
7. After the initial pre-heat, turn down the flame to a low setting and place the grates back on the grill in their designated location. Close the lid and allow it to bake the coating on over the next 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
8. Once the allotted time has passed, turn off the grill and allow the grill to cool down without opening the lid.
9. If you have stainless steel grates, they should be a dark brown or bronze color after the seasoning. Cast iron grates will be shiny and black.
10. Your grill should now be seasoned and ready to start cooking. Enjoy!
If you’re currently looking to invest in a new grill and want to save a little money, take a look at this article to learn what we thought about some of the more popular budget grills currently available.
Everyone is bound to remember a good meal. Undeniably, it is one of the major factors that spices up and makes moments unforgettable! Seasoning your grill is integral in ensuring that your food tastes how it is supposed to. While it is an easily overlooked activity, especially for new grill owners, it is essential that it is done correctly. This is true if you have had your grill for a while or if it is brand new. It is advisable to re-season your grill before each grilling season and re-apply the coating for easy cleaning and perfect cooking. Use the above tips to ensure your gas grill is always in top-notch condition. Happy grilling!
