How to Season a Brand New Gas BBQ: A Step-by-Step Guide for Flavorful Grilling

Are you the proud owner of a brand new gas BBQ? Congratulations! Before you fire it up and start grilling your favorite meats and veggies, it’s crucial to properly season your grill. Seasoning a gas BBQ not only protects it from rust and corrosion but also creates a non-stick surface that enhances flavor and makes cleanup a breeze.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of seasoning your new gas BBQ, ensuring you’re ready to create mouthwatering meals all summer long.

Why Seasoning Your Gas BBQ is Important

Seasoning involves coating the grates and other cooking surfaces of your BBQ with oil and heating them to a high temperature. This process creates a layer of polymerized oil that bonds to the metal, creating a natural non-stick surface. Seasoning offers several benefits:

• Prevents Rust and Corrosion: The protective layer of oil safeguards your grill from the elements, extending its lifespan.
• Creates a Non-Stick Surface: Food releases easily from seasoned grates, preventing sticking and making grilling more enjoyable.
• Enhances Flavor: Seasoned grates add a subtle smoky flavor to your food, elevating the taste of your grilled dishes.
• Makes Cleanup Easier: Food residue wipes off easily from well-seasoned grates, simplifying post-grilling cleanup.

What You’ll Need

• High-smoke point oil (e.g., canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or avocado oil)
• Paper towels or a clean cloth
• Grill brush
• Heat-resistant gloves (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning Your Gas BBQ

1. Clean the Grates: Start by removing any debris or packaging materials from your new gas BBQ. Wash the grates with warm soapy water and a grill brush to remove any manufacturing residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
2. Preheat the Grill: Turn on all burners to high and close the lid. Allow the grill to preheat for about 15 minutes. This will burn off any remaining impurities and prepare the surfaces for seasoning.
3. Apply the Oil: Using a paper towel or cloth, apply a thin coat of high-smoke point oil to all cooking surfaces, including grates, warming racks, and any other metal parts that come into contact with food. Avoid using too much oil, as it can cause flare-ups.
4. Burn Off the Oil: Close the lid and let the grill continue to heat for another 30-45 minutes. The oil will smoke and burn off, creating a protective layer on the surfaces.
5. Repeat if Necessary: For optimal results, repeat the oil application and burn-off process 2-3 times. The more layers you build up, the better the seasoning and non-stick properties will be.
6. Cool Down and Wipe Clean: Turn off the grill and allow it to cool completely. Once cool, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off any excess oil residue.

Tips for Maintaining Seasoning

• Clean After Each Use: Brush the grates with a grill brush while they’re still warm to remove any food debris. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials, as they can damage the seasoning.
• Apply Oil Regularly: After each cleaning, apply a thin coat of oil to the grates to replenish the seasoning.
• Avoid Overheating: Excessive heat can break down the seasoning. If you notice the grates starting to flake or rust, re-season them as needed.

Enjoy Your Seasoned Gas BBQ!

By following these steps, you’ve successfully seasoned your brand new gas BBQ. You’re now ready to embark on a culinary adventure, grilling delicious meals with ease and confidence. Remember to maintain the seasoning by cleaning and oiling the grates regularly, and your gas BBQ will serve you well for years to come.

Happy grilling!