Best Way to Season Your BBQ Grill for Better Cooking Results

Grilling season is one of the best times of the year, and whether you’re a seasoned pro or a backyard barbecue newbie, one thing’s for sure—taking care of your BBQ grill is essential for the best grilling experience.

An often-overlooked step in grill maintenance is seasoning your grill.

But why does it matter? Seasoning your BBQ grill helps prevent rust, enhances the flavor of your food, and improves the overall performance of your grill.

Even new grills benefit from this process, ensuring they last longer and cook better.

In this guide, we’ll teach you the best way to season BBQ grill easily at home, so you can enjoy smoother grilling for years to come.

What Does It Mean to Season a BBQ Grill?

Before we dive into the best way to season BBQ grill, let’s first define what seasoning means in grilling terms.

Seasoning a BBQ grill refers to applying a layer of oil to the grates and heating it to create a protective layer.

This process prevents rust, makes it easier to clean the grates, and gives your food a slightly better flavor because of the oil’s polymerized surface.

It’s important to understand that seasoning a grill is different from seasoning food.

When you season food, you’re adding spices or herbs to enhance flavor.

Seasoning a grill, however, is about protecting the cooking surface to improve grilling performance and longevity.

Whether your grill is brand new or has been through a few seasons, the process of seasoning is essential for both new and used grills.

It’s a simple yet highly effective maintenance step.

Read More: How to Prevent Rust on Your BBQ Grill for Long-Lasting Use

When Should You Season Your BBQ Grill?

You might be wondering, “When should I season my BBQ grill?” 

Here are the key times to season your grill:

• Before First Use: If you’ve just bought a new grill, seasoning is crucial to get the best grilling results from the start.

• After Deep Cleaning: If you’ve given your grill a thorough cleaning, it’s a good idea to re-season it to protect the grates.

• At the Beginning and End of Grilling Season: To keep your grill in top shape throughout the year, consider seasoning it before you start grilling in spring and after you wrap up in the fall.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To season your BBQ grill, you don’t need a lot of tools, but there are a few essentials:

• High Smoke Point Oil: You’ll need an oil with a high smoke point to ensure it doesn’t burn. Some great options include canola oil, flaxseed oil, and avocado oil.

• Paper Towels or Cloth: For applying oil evenly to the grates.

• Tongs: To handle the hot grates without burning yourself

• Heat-Resistant Gloves: To protect your hands while working with the grill.

• Optional: For a more thorough clean before seasoning, you can use the Easy Function wood grill scraper. This eco-friendly tool helps remove stubborn food residue from your grill grates, ensuring they’re clean and ready for seasoning.

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Step-by-Step – Best Way to Season BBQ Grill

Now, let’s get to the best way to season BBQ grill. 

Follow these simple steps for a smooth and effective seasoning process:

• Clean the Grates: First, make sure your grates are free from food residue. You can use a bristle-free brush or the Easy Function wood grill scraper for this. Scraping off any old residue ensures that the seasoning will stick evenly and not trap any leftover food particles. If needed, wipe the grates with a damp cloth.

• Dry Completely:  Moisture is the enemy of your grill’s seasoning process. Be sure to dry your grates thoroughly before applying oil. You can either let them air dry or briefly turn on the heat to ensure all moisture is gone.

• Apply Oil: Using paper towels and tongs, lightly coat the grates with your chosen oil. Be careful not to apply too much oil—just a thin layer will do. Too much oil can cause flare-ups when you heat the grill.

• Heat the Grill: Once the grates are oiled, turn the grill on high (around 400-500°F) for about 15–20 minutes. This will allow the oil to bake into the grates, creating a durable, non-stick layer.

• Cool Down: After 15–20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the grill cool down. If you want a thicker seasoning layer, repeat the oiling and heating process 1–2 more times.

Related Read: Simple and Effective Guide to Clean Your BBQ Grill - Behind The Grill

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While seasoning your BBQ grill is a straightforward process, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

• Using Too Much Oil: Over-oiling your grill can cause flare-ups and sticky spots. Stick to a light coat.

• Skipping the Cleaning Step: If you don’t clean the grates before seasoning, you risk trapping food particles under the oil. This can lead to uneven seasoning.

• Not Heating the Grill Hot Enough: If the grill doesn’t get hot enough, the oil won’t properly bond with the grates. Make sure the temperature reaches 400-500°F.

• Using Low Smoke Point Oils: Avoid oils like olive oil, which can burn at high temperatures. Choose oils with high smoke points for the best results.

Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Seasoning

Once you’ve seasoned your grill, you’ll want to keep it in top condition. 

Here are some extra tips for long-lasting seasoning:

• Use cleaning tools: Use the Easy Function bristle-free brush regularly to clean your grates without worrying about harmful bristles. This brush is designed for safe, effective cleaning and won’t damage your seasoning.

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• Re-season after Deep Cleaning: After a deep clean, be sure to re-season your grill to maintain the protective layer.

• Store Your Grill Covered: When not in use, keep your grill covered to protect the seasoning from weather elements.

Best Oils to Use for Seasoning

Not all oils are created equal when it comes to seasoning your BBQ grill. 

Here are some of the best oils for the job:

• Flaxseed Oil: This oil creates a hard, durable finish but can be expensive.

• Avocado Oil: Neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point, making it perfect for grilling.

• Canola Oil: Affordable and effective, though it doesn’t create as strong a layer as flaxseed oil.

Each oil has its pros and cons, but all will get the job done.

Conclusion

Seasoning your BBQ grill is a simple but essential step in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient grilling experience.

By following the best way to season BBQ grill, you’ll enjoy better-tasting food, easier clean-up, and a longer-lasting grill.

Remember to season your grill regularly, especially before the start of grilling season, after deep cleaning, and whenever you notice rust or food buildup.

Using high-quality oils and tools like the Easy Function wood grill scraper and bristle-free brushes will make the job even easier.

Taking the time to properly season your grill is worth the effort, ensuring that every BBQ is a success.

Happy grilling!