Dealing with cast iron grills can always be a challenge especially over in the west coast with how wet it is year round. Here are a few tips and tricks to make those grills last so you don't have to worry about the usual rusting, chipping, and flaking that usually occurs.
First Time Use: Wash thoroughly with mild dishwashing liquid. Rinse with hot water and dry completely with a soft cloth or paper towel. NEVER ALLOW TO DRAIN DRY, OR WASH IN A DISHWASHER. You must season the grates before first use to prevent rust and keep foods from sticking. You must maintain the seasoning weekly. If you do not use the barbecue in the winter consider bringing the grills inside until you are ready to grill in the spring. It this is not possible, grease them heavily before covering the
barbecue for the winter.
Seasoning Cast Iron Grates: Grape seed oil is recommended for the initial seasoning.Spread a coating of grape seed oil over the entire surface of the cast iron grates with a paper towel. Be certain the entire surface including all comers, nooks and crannies have been coated thoroughly. (Do not use salted fat such as margarine or butter.) Preheat grate
for 10 minutes. Turn burner to MEDIUM with lid closed. Allow grates to heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn burner to OFF. Leave the cooking grates
in the barbecue until they are cool. Your cast iron grates are now ready to use.
Maintenance: Clean the grates by turning on the barbecue to HIGH and clean debris off with a soft stainless- bristled brush. This should be done every time before you use the barbecue.
Re-seasoning: After each use, the grates may be re-seasoned by coating with grape seed oil, closing the lid and leaving the cast iron grates in the barbecue until they are cool. You always want the grates to look greasy. When they do not, apply more of the grape seed oil.
Tips: The cast iron grates will turn black with use. The pores of the iron will be sealed providing a durable coating that helps to prevent food from sticking. The grates will further season with use. Regular applications of grape seed oil will improve its resistance to rust.
A metallic taste or discoloured foods are a sign of improper or inadequate seasoning or may result from cooking acidic foods. If this occurs, wash thoroughly and re-season. Since cast iron holds heat well, you will not have to use extremely high cooking temperatures. Best results are obtained with medium to medium-high heat. Do not overheat. As with all cast iron, the more use the easier the maintenance.
Warning: Prior to storing, grease very lightly with grape seed oil. Then wipe dry with a paper towel. Store in a dry place