I've got a BBQ grill with cast iron grates. I've never seasoned them properly, and it's showing. I've got nothing better to do today, and the Mrs wants burgers later on so...

...how do I properly season the grates? I know I'm going to have to wire brush the things clean first, as they're pretty nasty. What do I do next? How do I maintain my grates afterwards?

Thanks in advance, arfcom!!

Same as a pan. clean it, cover it in bacon fat (any oil will do to start if you don't have animal fat) and then bake it for hours at 300 or so. Since it is a grate and not a pan you'll have to take it out every 30 minutes or so and re-coat it and maybe flip it over.

Put foil under it to catch drippings.

Redo this as often as possible. clean it with a rag and water. re-oil it after every use. Don't let old food set on it, especially veggies and such. Don't scrub with abrasives and don't even use soap if you can help it.

I just get mine hot, hit it with the wire brush, and then coat it with cooking oil.  I just did this again about an hour ago, because I am cooking pork ribs for the party crew today.

Bump in case there are any other techniques people might want to share.

Follow the advice given above, but one more:



Take an old towel and roll and tie like a little roast. Dip in a plate of canola oil or something with a high smoke point, and USING TONGS, rub it all over the hot grates BEFORE you start cooking.

Toss it into the waters of New Orleans for a couple of days.....