Many people, when first using a corten steel barbecue grill, fail to season it properly. This leads to food sticking and surface rust, needlessly squandering the potential of this superb outdoor cookware. The Corten BBQ grill, prized by outdoor cooking enthusiasts for its unique weather resistance and vintage aesthetic, requires its cooking surface to develop a natural protective patina through seasoning. This process unlocks its core advantages: non-stick properties, rust resistance, and enhanced flavour. Next, I'll guide you step-by-step through properly seasoning your outdoor BBQ grill, transforming it into a reliable outdoor cooking companion for years to come.
Why Must Corten Steel Barbecue Grills Be Seasoned?
1. The Unique Properties of Corten Steel
Corten steel grills are crafted from an alloy of steel, copper, chromium, and nickel. Their defining characteristic is the natural formation of a stable protective rust layer (patina), rendering them more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel. However, the cooking surface of a grill comes into direct contact with food and high temperatures. Relying solely on this naturally occurring rust layer is insufficient. Seasoning accelerates the formation of a dense ‘oil film protective layer,’ providing more precise protection.
Unlike the destructive rusting of ordinary steel, the patina on a large charcoal BBQ grill is “beneficial rust”. Seasoning effectively adds a “double safeguard” to the cooking zone, preserving the overall aesthetic appeal of the rust layer while meeting culinary requirements.
2. The Three Major Benefits of Seasoning
Non-stick effect: The oil film formed by seasoning allows burgers, steaks, and vegetables to flip effortlessly, eliminating the awkwardness of food tearing when stuck to the grill.
Enhanced rust protection: Adds an extra barrier to the cooking surface, particularly resisting moisture from sauces and rain to prevent localised rust spots.
Flavour enhancement: The oil film absorbs smoky and charred aromas during grilling, imparting complex, layered flavours to subsequent dishes – surpassing the taste of standard outdoor grills.
For discerning outdoor cooks, seasoning transforms an outdoor kitchen barbecue grill from merely “useful” to “indispensable” – and is the core step in extending its lifespan.
Preparing for Seasoning: Clean and Dry the BBQ Grill
1. Remove Factory Residues
New corten BBQ grills may carry residual oils, dust, or metal particles from manufacturing. Gently wipe the grill grates and cooking surfaces with warm water and mild detergent. Note: Avoid abrasive tools like scouring pads or steel wool, which may scratch the Corten steel surface and compromise subsequent protective layer formation. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth instead.
2. Thorough Drying: Preventing Rust During Seasoning
After wiping, dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth, paying particular attention to the grill's crevices and corners. Moisture trapped during seasoning and heating can cause ‘flash rust spots’ on the surface, compromising the seasoning effect. If time permits, allow the dried outdoor charcoal barbecue grill to air out in a well-ventilated area for 10-15 minutes to ensure no hidden moisture remains.
Step-by-Step: Detailed Instructions for Seasoning Your BBQ Grill
1. Selecting Suitable Oils: Prioritise High Smoke Point Varieties
The essence of seasoning lies in allowing oil to ‘polymerise’ onto the metal surface at high temperatures. Therefore, oils with a high smoke point must be chosen to prevent smoking and burning during heating, which would hinder the formation of an effective oil film. Recommended options: rapeseed oil, grape seed oil, flaxseed oil, or peanut oil (all with smoke points above 204°C); avoid olive oil and butter (low smoke points, prone to scorching and blackening).
2. Apply An Even Oil Coating: Thin And Comprehensive Is Key
Using a clean paper towel or soft brush, apply a moderate amount of oil evenly across the grill grates, cooking surfaces, and all metal areas directly contacting food. Crucial point: The oil layer must be thin! Excess thickness will form sticky residue upon heating, compromising non-stick performance. After application, wipe again with a dry paper towel to ensure only an ‘invisible oil film’ remains.
3. High-Temperature Heating: Allowing the Oil Film to Polymerize
• Light the barbecue (charcoal or gas) and set to medium-high heat (204–232°C). Cover and heat for 30–45 minutes. • This process, known as ‘polymerisation’, causes the oil to react with the metal surface at high temperatures, forming a robust, non-stick protective layer. • Mild smoke may be visible during heating; this is normal and requires no concern.
4. Natural Cooling: Stabilising the Protective Layer
After heating, extinguish the heat source and allow the rusted steel barbecue grill to cool naturally to room temperature. Do not rinse with cold water or force-cool, as this may cause the oil film to crack.
5. Repeat 2-3 Times: Reinforcing the Protective Layer
After the initial seasoning, the protective layer is relatively thin. It is advisable to repeat the ‘oil application – heating – cooling’ process 2-3 times to build up multiple layers of oil, creating a more durable non-stick coating. Upon completion, you will notice the grill surface has darkened slightly, displaying an even, deep brown hue – this signifies successful seasoning.
1. After Each Use: Simple Cleaning + Oil Replenishment
Once the grill has cooled to a safe temperature (approximately 50°C), gently brush away surface food residue with a wire brush. Avoid using detergent (as it will strip the seasoning layer).
Quickly wipe the grill grates with a paper towel lightly coated in oil to replenish a thin layer, maintaining the integrity of the protective coating.
2. Long-Term Storage: Ensure Protection
When not in use, cover the metal barbecue grill with a rainproof cover or store it under a shelter to avoid prolonged exposure to rain or direct sunlight.
Even with a stable seasoning layer, do not leave the grill in standing water for extended periods. Though Korten steel offers strong rust resistance, persistent dampness will still shorten the seasoning layer's lifespan.
3. Avoid These Incorrect Practices
Do not clean with strong acidic or alkaline detergents, as these will corrode the seasoning layer.
Do not scrape the cooking surface with hard utensils, as this may remove the protective oil film.
After cooking acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes, lemons), promptly clean and re-oil the surface to prevent acid corrosion of the protective layer.
Proper maintenance ensures the seasoning layer remains effective, making your outdoor kitchen barbecue grill increasingly user-friendly with each use. It will become one of the most sought-after barbecue grills for outdoor gatherings.
1. What Should I Do If Rust Appears On The Surface After Seasoning?
This is most likely due to residual moisture or insufficient oil coating. Gently brush away rust spots with a wire brush, reapply a fresh coat of oil, and heat at low temperature for 15 minutes to restore the protective layer.
2. Can I Cook Directly On The Corten Steel Surface?
The cooking surface of a quality barbecue grill is made from food-grade materials (such as Koten steel panels or stainless steel grates). Once seasoned, it is safe for direct food contact.
3. How Often Should I Re-Season It?
Generally, re-seasoning is needed after 3-4 uses if you notice slight food sticking. For frequent cooking of acidic foods or high usage, increase the seasoning frequency accordingly.
4. Does Seasoning Alter the Appearance of a Corten Steel Barbecue?
Seasoning only deepens the cooking surface's colour; the grill's overall rustic patina remains unaffected. A seasoned Corten steel grill maintains both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
5. Do Corten Steel Grills In Coastal Areas Require Additional Protection After Seasoning?
Given the high salt content in coastal air, we recommend wiping the grill's exterior with a dry cloth after each use, in addition to reapplying oil, to prevent salt residue from accelerating corrosion. The seasoned layer remains effective in protecting the cooking surface, requiring no special additional treatment.
Seasoning is the ‘Soul Activation’ Step for Corten Steel Barbecue Grills
The allure of a Corten BBQ grill lies in its ability to age naturally in outdoor environments while maintaining structural integrity. Seasoning is the key to unlocking its full culinary potential. Proper seasoning + simple maintenance will endow your rusted steel BBQ grill with three major advantages: non-stick properties, rust resistance, and flavour enhancement, ensuring it accompanies you through countless outdoor barbecue gatherings. Compared to ordinary outdoor grills, it not only boasts superior durability but also develops a unique character and texture over time, becoming a true ‘outdoor cooking heirloom’. If you've already acquired your barbecue grill, follow this guide to season it now. If you're still selecting one, look no further than AHL Group's premium Corten steel grill – its weather resistance and seasoned cooking experience truly deserve the title of ‘best barbecue grills’. At your next outdoor gathering, dishes cooked on a seasoned Corten steel grill will have friends and family raving! Enquire for pricing today!
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