If you’ve just purchased a brand-new pellet grill, congratulations! Now, before you fire it up and start grilling and smoking your favorite foods, there’s a crucial step you need to take first: you need to burn off all the oils and manufacturing residues from the factory that are still on your shiny brand-new grill. This process is called a burn-in or burn-off.
Many people also call this seasoning your grill, but that’s not 100% correct. “Burn in” and “seasoning” are both terms used to prepare a new pellet grill for cooking, but they actually refer to different processes. In this guide, I will explain both processes and give you all the reasons why you should do both.
What is the “Burn in” Process and Why You Should Do It?
The “burn in” process involves heating your grill up to a very high temperature for about an hour to burn off any manufacturing residues or coatings that are present on the grill. The manufacturing process uses many different types of oils and paraffins to shape and cut the metal pieces during assembly. These oils and chemicals are not washed off before the grill leaves the factory. This oil is designed to prevent rusting and corrosion during transportation and storage, but it needs to be removed before you start cooking.
Running your grill at a high temperature for a long period of time ensures that any potentially toxic chemicals or residues are removed from the grill before you cook on it. The burn-in process only needs to be completed one time and you will never have to do it again. Don’t skip this step!
What is “Seasoning”?
“Seasoning” your grill involves coating the pellet grill’s cooking grates with oil and heating them up to a medium temperature. The oil is incorporated into the pores of the metals and creates a non-stick surface. This process helps prevent food from sticking to the grates during cooking. Also, it helps protect the metal grates and will extend the life of the grates and other internal components.
You can re-season your grill grates from time to time if you notice you lost your non-stick surfaces. This process is absolutely essential if your grill grate is made from cast iron. I will talk more about the seasoning process later in this grilling guide.
How to Burn in a New Pellet Grill
Now that you know why it’s important to burn in a new pellet grill, let’s take a look at how to do it properly. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Step 1: Clean the Grates
Before you start seasoning your grill, you must clean the grates thoroughly. Use some warm soapy water and a sponge to quickly wash the grates. Rinse the grates with water and then dry them with a rag. You can also remove and wash any other internal metal parts, like the heat diffuser which sits directly over the fire pot.
Step 2: Heat the Grill
Fill the hopper with some wood pellets. Open the lid and set the temperature up to medium heat, 275 degrees. After the pellet grill is making a good amount of smoke close the lid and allow the grill to heat up for 15-20 minutes, or until the grates are hot. This will be the first time your grill is running so there will be some excitement watching how quickly it heats up and how much smoke it makes.
After the temperature has stabilized at 275 degrees raise the heat to 450-500 degrees. High heat is the key to the burn-in process. Let the grill run at this high temperature for about 45 minutes.
Step 4: Allow the Grill to Cool
After the 45-minute high-heat burn-in, shut down the grill. Once the grill has cooled down take a look at the grates and other interior surfaces. There should be no oil or residue on any surface.
At this point, you are ready to start using your grill if you want, but I would recommend that you now take another 45 minutes and properly season the grill.
Do You Have to Season a New Grill?
You should always season a new pellet grill. Oiling and heating the grill will create a protective barrier that prevents rust. Seasoning is also what creates a nonstick surface on your grates so that you don’t end up with a whole bunch of stuck-on food the first time you try out the grill.
A well-seasoned grill is the best way to maintain the performance of your grill for many seasons to come.
How to Season A Pellet Grill
Pick the Right Oil
Seasoning your grates involves using a relatively high heat, so it’s important to use the correct cooking oil with a high smoke point. This means the oil won’t burn off immediately as the temperature rises in the grill. I recommend canola or peanut oil because they have a smoke point over 450° F. You can also use vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. Flax seed oil is my personal choice, but it is not a very common oil. I always have a bottle because I also use it to season my cast iron skillet and pans. Stay away from olive oil as it has a low smoke point of 375 degrees.
Step 1: Apply the Oil
Use a paper towel and a small amount of oil to coat the grill grates and the interior surfaces of the grill. Use a dry paper towel to wipe up any excess, you only want a thin coating of oil.
Step 2: Heat the Grill
Turn on your pellet grill and set the temperature to 40o degrees. After the grill comes up to temperature let it run for roughly an hour. Eventually, the oil will start to smoke and you will smell it, don’t worry it’s totally normal.
Step 3: Allow the Grill to cool
After an hour you can shut the grill down and let it cool. Your grill is now finished with the seasoning process and you are ready to start cooking!
Tips for Maintaining a Seasoned Grill
Once you’ve seasoned your grill, it’s important to take steps to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rusting and corrosion. Here are some tips to help you keep your grill in top condition:
After each use, clean the grates with a grill brush and warm soapy water. Rinse the grates with water and then dry them completely.
Apply a thin layer of oil to the grates before each use. This will help to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rusting and corrosion.
Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to clean the grill grates, as this can damage the non-stick surface.
Store your grill in a dry, protected location when not in use. This will help to extend the overall lifespan of your grill.
Clean your grill regularly to prevent a buildup of ash and grease on the inside of the cooking chamber. Read my guide on How to Clean a Pellet Grill for some tips and tricks to keep your grill looking like new.
Alternative Seasoning Option (The Onion Method)
Using a halved onion to season a grill is another option that you may hear some pitmasters recommend. Onions contain a sulfur compound that when heated on bare metal will leave a rock-hard coating. As opposed to oils which are only stable to 500F, the sulfide layer is hard to 1000F.
With this method, you heat your pellet grill first and make sure the grates are hot. Then peel an onion and cut it in half. Scrub the onion up and down the hot grates, making sure to coat the entire grate with the onion juice. Then let the pellet grill run for another 30 to 40 minutes and you will have a nice nonstick coating on your grates.
I like to stick to my tried and true method using cooking oil but don’t be afraid to experiment.
Is the Burn In and Seasoning Process the Same for All Pellet Grills?
Yes, you can follow this procedure for all pellet grills. The general process is the same if you have a Pit Boss, a Traeger, or any other pellet grill. Seasoning is particularly important for pellet grills with stainless steel or cast iron grates. If your grill has porcelain-coated grates this step is not as crucial.
Can I Season an Older Grill?
Yes, definitely! If you have an old pellet grill or one that doesn’t get much use you may need to re-season your grill. Over time moisture in the air and the elements will eat away at the protective coating on the grill grates and other metal surfaces. If you see a light film of rust on the grates or internal components, you should definitely season your grill.
If you live in a cold climate and your store your pellet grill for the winter, you can follow this seasoning process as soon as the weather breaks in the spring. That way your pellet grill will be ready to go for the summer barbecue season.
Wrapping Up
Follow my burn-in process before you cook on a new pellet grill. The burn-in is important because:
It removes manufacturing oils and residues
Is a good dry run to ensure your pellet grill is working properly before cooking
Takes less than 1 hour
Don’t forget to season your grill too. The seasoning process is beneficial because it will:
Create nonstick surfaces
Ensure easier cleanup and cooking
Help your grill last longer