Season Your New Gas Grill the Right Way for Great Flavor

Welcome to your new grilling adventure! 

If you just got your first gas grill, congrats—you’re about to have some fun (and eat well).

But before you toss on those burgers, there’s an important step you shouldn’t skip: seasoning your grill.

You might be wondering: Do I really need to season a brand-new gas grill? 

The short answer? Yes.

And we’re here to walk you through the best way to season a new gas grill, in simple, easy-to-follow steps.

This will help you get better flavor, protect your grates, and keep your grill cooking like a champ.

We’ll also talk about when to season, what tools and oil to use, and how to keep your grill seasoned all year long.

What Does “Seasoning” a Grill Mean?

Seasoning a grill doesn’t mean adding salt and pepper! 

Instead, it means coating your grill grates with oil and heating them up until the oil sticks.

It’s a bit like prepping a frying pan so food doesn’t stick to it.

Why do this? A few great reasons:

• Creates a non-stick surface: Food comes off easier.

• Helps prevent rust: Especially if your grill lives outside.

• Adds flavor: Over time, the layers of oil and cooked-on bits build up flavor (yum!).

So yes—seasoning is totally worth it, especially for a new gas grill.

Read More: Best Tips and Techniques for Cleaning Your Grill Grates

When Should You Season Your Gas Grill?

You don’t need to do this every single time you grill, but there are a few key moments when it really matters:

✅ Right after unboxing and assembling a new grill

✅ Before the very first use

✅ Anytime you deep clean your grill grates

Think of it like giving your grill a protective jacket before you start cooking.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need much to season a grill. 

Here’s a quick checklist:

• High heat oil (like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed)

• Paper towels or a soft cloth

• Tongs (to keep your hands safe)

• Grill-safe cleaning tools

💡 Tip: Easy Function’s wood grill scraper is perfect for cleaning your grates before you start. It’s made from pine wood, has a scalloped edge, and it actually molds to your grill over time. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and gentle—great for maintaining the seasoning you’ll build!

If your grill has stubborn spots or grease, a soft bristle brush or a bristle-free brush works well.

Just make sure it’s safe for grill grates.

Easy Function makes both, and they’re built to last without damaging your grates or risking stray wires.

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Step-by-Step: Best Way to Season a New Gas Grill

Step 1: Clean the Grates First

Even though your grill is new, it might still have dust, factory coating, or leftover packaging gunk.

• Wash the grates with warm, soapy water

• Rinse well

• Dry them completely with a towel

💡 Pro tip: If any spots are stubborn, Easy Function’s wood scraper is great at getting them off without harsh scraping.

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Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Turn on your grill and set the burners to high.

• Let it run for about 15 minutes

• This helps burn off any leftover oils or residue from the factory

You might see a little smoke—that’s normal!

Step 3: Apply Oil to the Grates

Let your grill cool for just a few minutes. 

It should still be warm, but not too hot.

• Fold a paper towel, dip it in oil (canola, vegetable, or grapeseed).

• Use tongs to rub the oiled towel across the grates.

• Coat them lightly and evenly—don’t overdo it! Too much oil can get sticky.

Discover More: Top Picks for the Good Grill Cleaner: Sparkling Barbecue

Step 4: Heat It Again

Now that the grates are coated, it’s time to let the oil bake in.

• Turn the burners back on high

• Let the grill run for 15 to 30 minutes

• You’ll see light smoke—that means the oil is bonding to the grates

This step locks in the oil and creates a protective layer that helps with flavor and rust resistance.

Step 5: Let It Cool, Then Store Properly

Once the grates have baked, turn off the burners and close the lid.

• Let everything cool down

• Now your grill is seasoned and ready to cook!

That’s it—five easy steps, and your grill is off to a great start.

Tips for Keeping It Seasoned

A single seasoning session is a great start, but keeping your grill in top shape takes a little care. 

Here’s how:

• Lightly re-oil your grates after every few uses.

• Avoid using harsh cleaners unless you’re doing a deep clean.

• Use gentle cleaning tools like the Easy Function wood grill scraper, which won’t strip off your seasoning like a metal scraper might.

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Your grill grates will thank you with better flavor and less food sticking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned grillers (see what we did there?) can make a few of these:

❌ Using too much oil – You only need a light coating

❌ Skipping the preheat step – This burns off gunk and preps the grates

❌ Oiling wet grates – Always dry them first to avoid steaming or stickiness

These small fixes make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Seasoning your new gas grill isn’t hard—but it is super important.

It helps your grill last longer, keeps food from sticking, and adds flavor with every use.

Plus, it only takes a few minutes!

Now that you know the best way to season a new gas grill, you’re set up for success from day one.

🧽 Keep your tools clean with safe scrapers like Easy Function’s wood grill scraper or our bristle-free grill brush, and keep re-seasoning lightly every few sessions.

Don’t forget—if you’re looking for heavy-duty cleaning, the Easy Function bristle brush is built with safety in mind and is designed to avoid the risks that come with typical wire brushes.

And hey, if you grab more than one, you can even snag a discount:

• Buy 2, get 10% off with code: GOGRILL2

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• Buy 4, get 20% off with code: GOGRILL4

Now go light that flame and enjoy grilling with confidence. 

And don’t forget to bookmark this guide or share it with a fellow grill newbie!