How to Season & Maintain Your Cast Iron BBQ Grills

Cast iron grills are fantastic for heat retention and flavour, but they need a little care to keep them performing at their best and to prevent rust. Here’s your complete guide.

1. Why Seasoning is Important

Seasoning coats the grills with a thin layer of oil that:

• Creates a natural non-stick surface.
• Protects against rust and corrosion.
• Enhances flavour over time.

2. First Use – Seasoning Your Grills

What you’ll need:

• High smoke point oil (canola, grapeseed, sunflower).
• Paper towels or a clean cloth.
• BBQ-safe heat-resistant gloves.

Steps:

1. Clean – Wash the grills with warm soapy water to remove any factory residue, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

2. Dry Completely – Moisture is the enemy of cast iron. Place the grills in your BBQ on low heat for 5–10 minutes to ensure they’re bone dry.

3. Oil the Surface – While warm, lightly coat the entire surface of the grills (top, bottom, edges) with oil using a paper towel. Avoid too much oil—it should be a thin film, not dripping.

4. Bake the Seasoning – Heat the BBQ to medium-high (around 200–250°C) for 30 minutes with the lid closed. The oil will bond to the metal, creating the protective layer.

5. Cool Down – Let the grills cool inside the BBQ before use.

3. Ongoing Maintenance After Each Cook

• Brush While Warm – After cooking, while the grills are still warm, use a grill brush or scraper to remove food residue.
• Oil Lightly – Once clean and dry, wipe a very light coat of oil over the grills before closing the BBQ lid. This keeps the seasoning intact and prevents rust.
• Avoid Soaking – Never soak cast iron in water or put it in a dishwasher—this will strip the seasoning and cause rust.

4. Deep Cleaning (If Rust Appears or Food Sticks)

• Scrub the grills with a grill brush or steel wool to remove rust or stuck-on food.
• Wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
• Repeat the seasoning process above to restore the protective layer.

5. Extra Tips

• Always store your BBQ with the lid closed to protect the grills from moisture.
• In humid or coastal areas, oil the grills more frequently to prevent rust.
• If you won’t use the BBQ for a while, coat the grills in a slightly thicker layer of oil and wrap them in baking paper or a dry towel inside the BBQ.

With these steps, your cast iron grills will stay rust-free, last for years, and only get better with every cook!

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