Any talk about Kamado grills will often lean towards versatility, amazing grilling, and BBQ. A Kamado grill will assure you the best outdoor cooking experience. The only catch would be to understand how to season Kamado grills which will make it much easier for you in the long run.
Seasoning a Kamado grill is a process that involves oiling the grill with almond, peanut, or canola oil and then heating the grill to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes to an hour. This step creates a non-stick surface protecting it from rust and corrosion before you grill for the first time.
While seasoning is not a must, it plays a vital role in giving you the best taste in the long run. Usually, it is a process that you might not want to overlook, as it significantly affects the long-term use.
Most often, you will have to maintain the temperatures of your grills relatively low for a couple hours. It is after this that you will be free to use the grill at extremely high temperatures. The best temperature to start with will be approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit or much lower.
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Do You Have To Season A Kamado Grill
Seasoning your Kamado grill is necessary for better flavors and longevity of the grill. In most cases, you will need to start with relatively low temperatures on your first cook. Later, you will be free to use much higher temperatures.
Seasoning your Kamado grill comes with a multitude of benefits, including the following:
Flavor
Imagine the smoky taste that comes with seasoning the grill. Seasoning your Kamado grill assures you of an incredible taste, and the flavor gets better over time.
That signature grill flavor is what people desire. Thanks to the wood lump charcoal used, the meat remains tender and much juicier.
Easy Cooking and Cleaning
With seasoning, non-stick cooking will no longer be a hassle for you. Seasoning your grill is very important as it ensures no fat or oil adheres to the grates. There is no denying that non-stick surfaces are easier to clean.
Enhanced Safety
Did you know that a new Kamado comes with residual paint on its surfaces? From manufacturing oils and dust to various metal shavings, failure to season the grill could prove unsafe.
As long as you season the grill, multiple impurities on the grill get sterilized, assuring you of enhanced health in the long run. It will also protect you from fire hazards, as some of the impurities could be inflammable.
Kamado grills boast of excellent insulation and dampers. This way, you are sure of a balanced inflow and outflow of air.
Longevity
One of the most important goals of seasoning your Kamado grill is enhancing the lifespan. Usually, this process comes in handy in protecting the grill against rust and corrosion. As long as you do it right, you will be sure of enjoying great flavors for a long time to come.
Above all, you need to be careful when seasoning your Kamado grill. You need to keep the oil and heat in check.
This way, you will avoid exposing yourself and your food to carbon. Over burning this oil is what results in the emission of carbon, which affects health. While at it, make sure to use good seasoning products.
Take the time to identify which oil you should use in this process. Whether you choose almond oil, canola, or peanut oil, ensure that it is the best. Canola and peanut oil are the most recommended, as they have a relatively high smoke point of over 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Season Kamado Joe Grill
Despite being one of the priciest options, Kamado Joe has increasingly become popular in recent years. But do you know how to season and maintain it? Seasoning your Kamado Joe grill is really straightforward and easy. Here is a step by step guide to follow.
Clean
Take the time first to clean the grill. Ensure that you remove every metal shaving and dust stuck on the surfaces of your Kamado Joe grill.
During this time, you will start the grill and ensure that the temperature gets to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist the inside with water and repeat this process two more times.
Then, add some split wood into the grill and close the firebox vents. Close the chimney damper up to 45 degrees and allow smoke to permeate.
Apply Oil
This stage is the most important. Thoroughly coat the grill grates with the oil of your choice, whether almond, canola, peanut or any you desire.
The oil comes in handy in burning any toxic substance on the surface of the grill. Ensure that you use a soft brush or paper towel to apply, as this will ensure you reach every part of the grill.
Heat The Grill
Once you apply enough oil on the grill, take about 30 to 40 minutes to heat it. Ideally, you will need to heat the grill to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit, until the oil starts darkening. The darkening shows that the grill is slowly becoming non-stick.
How To Season Akorn Kamado Grill
Akorn is yet another fantastic Kamado grill you will not want to overlook. Its seasoning process is relatively simple, giving you the convenience, you desire. In order to season an Akon Kamado grill, follow the steps below:
- Take the time to choose the right seasoning oil, which could be canola or peanut oil. Brush the oil along the surface a few times. Let this dry for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove everything inside the grill and coat each surface. Ensure that your seasoning oil gets applied in every part of the grill.
- Fire your Akorn Kamado grill until it reaches a temperature of between 250- and 275-degrees Fahrenheit.
- Maintain this temperature for the next two hours. This will ensure that the coating becomes non-stick.
- After two hours, re-coat the surfaces and let the grill dry.
One of the things people want to know is whether seasoning Akorn Kamado grills are different from other grills.
Well, the truth is that the seasoning process is relatively similar across various grills. The only difference would be in the timing, as some models might take longer to dry or attain the non-stick surface.
For instance, Akorn will take between 15 and 20 minutes to dry, while other options could take up to an hour. In this light, you will have to consider the instructions provided by the manufacturer at all times.
These instructions will give you insights into how long the process will take and the preferred season oil.
While at it, it should be mentioned that steel and cast-iron grates require the same approach. From cleaning to timing and the seasoning oils used, everything is the same. However, this will not be the case if you chose porcelain grates.
Helpful Tips On How To Season Kamado Grills
Here are the most critical aspects you will need to pay attention to when seasoning your Kamado grill.
- Always ensure that you have the right seasoning oil. In most cases, manufacturers will recommend canola or peanut oil, thanks to their high smoke point. However, you will be free to consider olive oil, bacon grease, and even vegetable oil. Ideally, the focus should be on high-heat oil.
- Cleaning your grill is vital. It is worth doing as it cushions you against various toxins. Ensure that you remove any debris and dust at any time.
- Allow the grill to cool off after every use. This way, you will have no issue when brushing debris or food remnants.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking forward to enhanced heat retention or excellent fuel efficiency, Kamado grills will be the ultimate choice for you.
These grills give you a versatile outdoor cooking experience, however you need to take care of them. Seasoning your Kamado grill is the first step.
By following the steps above, you will be sure of not only a non-stick surface but also fantastic flavors in the long run.