Flat-top grilling is perfect for steaks, chops, chicken pieces, fish, vegetables, burgers, and all of your favorite ingredients.
The best flat tops are made from cast iron or high carbon steel.
Seasoning will create a nonstick surface and add protection from rust and damage.
Here are some simple steps to follow to get your grill ready at any time of year.
Seasoning a Cast Iron Flat Top Grill
Cast iron is a porous metal that will quickly rust when left exposed to air and moisture.
If you don’t season your cast iron flat top grill, you will find that food sticks easily, and the grill will show signs of corrosion even within just a few days of cooking.
For the best experience, season your cast iron flat top grill when you buy it, and at least once every month if you’re cooking regularly.
To season your cast iron flat top grill, you’ll need:
- Grill Scraper.
- Paper Towels.
- Cooking Oil.
- Grill Tongs.
1: Clean the Cooking Surface
Start by cleaning the cooking surface.
If you’ve just purchased the grill, you can simply wipe the surface down with damp paper towels to remove oils left from the manufacturing process.
If you’ve cooked on the grill before, use a scraper first to remove any food debris.
2: Turn on the Grill
Turn your grill on high and wait for the surface to heat up.
As the flat top gets hot, it will darken in color. Most grills will be ready in five to ten minutes.
3: Spread Oil on the Cast Iron
Once the grill is heated, use paper towels to spread cooking oil all across the cooking surface. Use a liberal amount.
The excess will be burnt off during seasoning. When the grill is completely coated, wait until the oil starts to smoke.
When the surface oil disappears, reapply and spread more oil. Use grill tongs to hold the paper towels if it’s too hot to do this by hand.
4: Repeat the Process
Because cast iron is so porous, you may need to repeat the process three or four times until the grill takes on a noticeable sheen.
This indicates that it is seasoned and ready to cook. You can also season your grill before storing it to prevent rust and deterioration.
With these steps, you’re ready to cook your favorite ingredients on a cast iron flat top grill.
Seasoning a High Carbon Steel Flat Top Grill
High carbon steel offers a perfect balance between cast iron and stainless steel.
It offers the heat retention and nonstick properties of cast iron, with the high heat and fast cooking of stainless steel.
Unlike stainless steel, high carbon steel requires seasoning.
If you don’t regularly season your grill, you’ll have issues with rust and debris collecting on the surface.
You’ll also find that food sticks, making cooking a frustrating process.
Thankfully, seasoning a high carbon steel flat top grill is relatively simple.
Follow these steps to keep your new grill in perfect condition.
To season your high carbon steel grill, you’ll need:
- Grill Scraper.
- Paper Towels.
- Cooking Oil.
- Grill Tongs.
1: Clean the Cooking Surface
Dampen some paper towels (you can also use a clean kitchen towel) and wipe down the surface of the grill.
If there’s cooking debris on the grill, use your grill scraper to dislodge it before cleaning.
Don’t use any cleaning solutions on the grilling surface.
These can damage the metal and may leave residues that contaminate your food.
2: Turn on the Grill
When the surface is clean and free of debris, it’s time to start the flat top seasoning process.
Turn your grill to its high setting and wait for the surface to darken.
This will take around five to ten minutes in most cases. When you see the grill change color, it’s time to add some oil.
3: Spread Oil on the Grill
Cooking oil will create a nonstick surface and protect the high carbon steel on your grill.
While you can use any cooking oil, it’s best to go with something that has a high smoke point. Grapeseed oil is popular with grilling enthusiasts.
Use paper towels to apply oil all over the cooking surface.
4: Cook the Oil Until it Smokes
Leave the grill on high and wait for the oil to smoke.
At this point, the grilling surface will darken and take on a natural sheen.
When most of the oil is burnt off, it’s time to repeat the process.
5: Repeat the Process
Continue to use oil and paper towels to cover the entire surface of the grill, and burn the excess oil off.
Two or three seasoning cycles are usually enough for the first seasoning.
After this, natural oils from your ingredients will keep the grill in top condition.
If the grill is too hot to use paper towels directly, bunch them up and grip them in some grilling tongs before applying oil.
With these steps, your high carbon steel grill is fully seasoned and ready for your favorite ingredients.