do I have to season the grates before using?
335977
technically, no. However I found food to stick regardless. And if you use oil on the food - watch out! Instant fire.
335978
No reason to. Just clean them after grilling so that the residual baked on grease doesn't transfer. Just let it burn off and scrape clean.
45092
Yes, I do use this seasoning after every use. Typically, I'll heat up the cast iron cookware a little on the stove top after I've finished cleaning it then apply a light coat.
68204
Lisa...I've never had to season any of my 3 skillets before use. I really like these skillets. Don't get them too hot. No need to do that. They distribute heat very evenly. After cooking something such as scrambled eggs, you may need to soak the pan briefly in hot, soapy water and use a teflon pad to get any residual food off. Some people report difficulty with this, but I follow the manufacturer's instructions and have never had any trouble getting any of my skillets back to a "brand new" condition as far as cleanliness. Best, Susan
1558684
You can, but it is more labor intensive. It takes my husband about 4 minutes to clean his grill. It is about 4 years old and the grates look as good today as they did when he got them, actually better as they are now seasoned. he is adament about keeping a spotoless grill and I don't want him spending the kind of time that he used to keeping it that way. I love that he is done quickly and joining the family again.
601039
I have always been told that all grills should be used or pre heated for about 15 min. (400f) prior to first use to season the grill to: sanitize, remove oils, paint, rubber etc., and each subsequent use to burn off leftover food particles left on grill from previous use sanitize.
789254
We have the Q 1200 with porcelain coated cast iron grate and Weber recommends metal bristle brush to clean the grates. After over 50 grilling sessions within a month and a half, with grate brushing before and after grilling, we've encountered absolutely no problems. No scratches, no flaking, no gouges, etc. We also toss the grates into the dish washer after every 10 grilling sessions and they look as if they're brand new from day 1. We have the 18" version, this and the Weber detailing brush as part of our cleaning arsenal.
622784
NO - You do NOT have to season ENAMELED Cast Iron. You should use a little cooking oils to cook with though.
1785049
The grates that came with my unit are cast iron. In fact I would not purchase it if the grates were other than cast iron.
1310292
I have the older SS grates and I find it best to clean the grill right after you are done while it is still hot. Using just papertowels soaked in water. It will get most of the caked on mess off. Watch out for the steam or use tongs. After that, anything that doesn't come off can be scrubbed off with a wire brush. The SS grates are pretty tough but I will go for the porcelain coated iron ones as a next upgrade. I think the iron grates will do a better job with retaining heat.As an additional note, I lined the inside reflector with heavy duty aluminum. Sure makes cleaning easier. Watch out for the grease drippings however, too dirty and you can start a fire with the heat. I have the older SS grates and I find it best to clean the grill right after you are done while it is still hot. Using just papertowels soaked in water. It will get most of the caked on mess off. Watch out for the steam or use tongs. After that, anything that doesn't come off can be scrubbed off with a wire brush. The SS grates are pretty tough but I will go for the porcelain coated iron ones as a next upgrade. I think the iron grates will do a better job with retaining heat.As an additional note, I lined the inside reflector with heavy duty aluminum. Sure makes cleaning easier.... » Read More I have the older SS grates and I find it best to clean the grill right after you are done while it is still hot. Using just papertowels soaked in water. It will get most of the caked on mess off. Watch out for the steam or use tongs. After that, anything that doesn't come off can be scrubbed off with a wire brush. The SS grates are pretty tough but I will go for the porcelain coated iron ones as a next upgrade. I think the iron grates will do a better job with retaining heat.As an additional note, I lined the inside reflector with heavy duty aluminum. Sure makes cleaning easier. Watch out for the grease drippings however, too dirty and you can start a fire with the heat. « Show Less
517903
I cook on these grates all year long but there's times when its too cold to grill so after the last cook and while the grates are starting cool down I'll apply cooking oil on them. Be sure to leave all your vents open to prevent mold. Just a little tip.. Before every cook I'll apply peanut oil and after the cook while grates are hot I'll scrape the crud off and apply another light coat of oil. Be careful not to burn yourself and as aways safety first.
332024
Grill Grids are porcelain coated. Meat is gonna stick if you don't grease it first.
909524
No you don't need to season the pan. I'm not having any problems with this set. Its great!
2210032
No, you do not have to season it. It will rust. Applying some cooking oil to the grate before/after cooking will do a lot towards keeping the rust off. In time, it will develop a "seasoning" coating on the grill sort of like what develops on a cast iron skillet.
185738
You really should season it first. Even if they say it's preseasoned, I think the surface benefits from seasoning by the user. Only the Lodge products really seem to be cooking ready.
1582834
The cooking grates are cast iron. They need to be correctly seasoned. Instruction for proper seasoning are included with the grill.
388674
The grill grates come in four parts. Spray or oil before using grill. I used a Scotch sponge to clean mine in Kitchen sink. We grilled burgers and steaks.They clean up easy!
1459700
There is no need to season prior to using. Simply wash in mild detergent, rinse, and ready to cook. Clean up is easy too!