How to Season Cast Iron Cooking Grids for Long-Lasting Performance

Want your cast iron cooking grids to last for years? It all comes down to one simple habit: seasoning them the right way.

Properly seasoned cast iron cooking grids help protect against rust, improve cooking performance and create a naturally non-stick cooking surface. With the right care and a simple maintenance routine, you can keep your grids performing at their best cook after cook.

Seasoning Your Cast Iron Cooking Grids for the First Time

Before using your cast iron cooking grids for the first time, they need to be cleaned and seasoned.

Step 1: Clean the Cooking Grids

Wash the cooking grids in warm water using a light detergent. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue, then dry the grids completely.

Important: Cast iron should always be thoroughly dried after washing to help prevent rust.

Step 2: Apply High Smoke-Point Oil

Once the grids are completely dry, apply a generous coat of a high smoke-point cooking oil, such as:

• Avocado oil
• Rice bran oil
• Canola oil

Use a spray or brush to coat every surface of the cooking grids, including the sides and edges. An even coating is important for creating a consistent protective layer.

Step 3: Heat the Grill

Place the cooking grids in your grill and heat it to approximately 400°F / 200°C for around 30 minutes at medium-low heat.

The heat bakes the oil onto the cast iron, creating a durable protective layer and helping to develop the naturally non-stick surface that properly seasoned cast iron is known for.

Once the 30 minutes is complete, turn off the grill and allow the cooking grids to cool completely.

Your cast iron cooking grids are now seasoned and ready to cook on!

How to Maintain Your Cast Iron Cooking Grids

Seasoning isn't just a one-time job. Regular care helps maintain the protective coating and keeps your cooking grids in excellent condition.

Before Every Cook

Preheat your grill for around 15 minutes before cooking. This helps bring the cooking grids up to temperature and prepares the surface for cooking.

After Every Cook

Once you've finished grilling, brush the cooking grids clean using a quality grill brush to remove food residue.

While the grids are still warm, apply a very light coat of high smoke-point oil. This helps replenish the protective seasoning and provides an additional layer of protection against moisture and rust.

Avoid applying excessive oil — a thin, even coating is all that's needed.

Why Season Your Cast Iron Cooking Grids?

A good seasoning routine provides several benefits:

Helps protect against rust
The layer of baked-on oil helps protect the cast iron from moisture and oxidation.

Creates a naturally non-stick surface
As the seasoning builds over time, it can make cooking and cleaning easier.

Improves cooking performance
Well-maintained cast iron cooking grids provide excellent heat retention and help create those delicious seared and grilled results.

Extends the life of your cooking grids
Regular cleaning, oiling and seasoning can help keep your cast iron cooking grids performing for years to come.

Keep Your Cast Iron Grids in Great Condition

Looking after your cast iron cooking grids doesn't have to be complicated. Clean them properly, keep them dry, maintain the seasoning and apply a light coat of oil after cooking.

It's a simple routine that takes just a few minutes but can make a big difference to the performance and longevity of your cooking grids.

Take care of your cast iron cooking grids, and they'll reward you with exceptional results, cook after cook.

Because life's better around the grill. 🔥