The Step-By-Step Guide to Seasoning Your New Smoker

You've probably heard of seasoning cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens to preserve flavor and effectiveness. But did you know that a smoker needs seasoning too?

Seasoning a smoker has other uses. It prevents rust, creates a non-stick cooking surface, and improves performance. It's one of those little steps that new grillmasters sometimes miss that can make the difference between good slow cooking and great slow cooking.

What does seasoning a smoker mean?

Seasoning your smoker involves three processes.

• Cleaning the smoker
• Wiping it with cooking oil
• Heating it for several hours

As the smoker heats, it will burn away residual oils and chemicals that may be left over from the manufacturing process. It will also create a non-stick, cured surface that will help you enhance the flavor of any meat you cook.

Why season your smoker?

Seasoning your smoker will increase its lifespan by helping to prevent rust. Even though Lone Star Grillz smokers are made out of 3/16" carbon steel, they are not immune to rust.

Carbon steel is excellent for heat control, and it makes your smoker extra durable. But it also contains a lot of iron, which makes it susceptible to rust. Protecting it ensures you can enjoy your smoker for a lifetime, which is how they are built!

How often should you season your smoker?

Season your smoker at the following intervals:

• As soon as you get it, to make sure it's ready to cook.
• Whenever you deep clean it.
• If you see any rust.
• If you see any dirt, grime, or build up.
• Every 6 months to 1 year, depending on the frequency of your cooks.

We recommend adding a little "smoker TLC" to your calendar as soon as you get it so you don't let the seasoning get away from you.

How do you season your smoker?

What you'll need:

• A plastic bristle brush
• 50/50 water and vinegar solution
• A putty knife or scraper
• A hose or spray bottle.
• Canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil. We recommend a spray bottle of oil for ease of application.

Take the following steps.

• Make sure the smoker is completely cool before you begin.
• Remove and scrape down all grates, racks, and drip pans.
• Clean out the grease trap.
• Sweep ash out of the firebox.
• Use your putty knife or scraper to remove grease, food, and carbon build-up.
• Hose down your grates, racks, and drip pans.
• Allow the smoker and components to dry completely.
• Return grates, racks, and drip pans.
• Apply a thin coat of oil to the entire interior.
• Heat the smoker to 250° to 300°.
• Maintain the temperature for around 3 hours.
• Allow the smoker to cool.

Never:

• Pressure wash
• Use harsh chemicals

How do you know you've seasoned the smoker correctly?

You want to see a smooth, shiny, dark black coating on all interior surfaces. You shouldn't feel any stickiness or tackiness.

Get Your New Smoker from Lone Star Grillz

Have you brought home your new Lone Star Grillz smoker yet? Now that you know how to take care of it, you might just want to take advantage of our financing offers to bring one home today.