Have you recently purchased a charcoal grill? I'm sure you're rearing to go and are really looking forward to that first cook-up, however, did you know that you need to break it in first?
Don’t worry if you're not really sure what that means or how you should do that. Breaking in a charcoal grill is actually quite simple, as highlighted by our 3-step guide below on how to break in your new charcoal grill.
Why Break In a New Grill?
There are a few reasons why you should run a new grill through its paces before you cook on it for the first time.
- The grill grates will likely be coated with a protective layer of oil or wax. This layer needs to be burned off before you can start cooking on the grill.
- Breaking in a new grill allows the grates to season properly. Seasoning the grates helps keep food from sticking, and it also gives your food a nice flavor.
- If like most charcoal grills your new unit has a painted steel surface, then you really want the painted surface to be fully hardened before you put food anywhere near it.
3 Simple Steps to Breaking in Your New Grill
1. Assemble your grill
While of course, we do recommend you read the instructions that came with your unit, unless there is something particularly unusual about your grill, the first step in the process is to assemble it.
When you unpack your grill, before assembling it, be sure to take off any protective film (usually a light blue color or clear) that might be covering parts of it such as the lid or body of the unit to protect it during shipping.
Then put the different parts of your grill together, making sure that all of the components are securely attached before you light it up. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to double-check or reach out for help. It is better to be safe than sorry!
2. Light your coals
Once your grill is assembled, it’s time to light the coals for the first time. There are many ways to light your new grill up, however, if you're not sure how to do this then read our quick read (link provided at the end of this blog post).
Some examples include using a propane gas torch, a chimney (increasingly the most popular method), an electric charcoal starter, lighter fluid (our least favorite method although it works well!), or good old-fashioned newspaper and kindling.
Regardless of which method you use to start your coals, once they are lit, let them burn for about 20 minutes until they turn gray and ashy.
3. Clean your grill
Now that your coals have been lit and they have turned gray and ashy, it is time to clean your grill grates. Start by brushing off any built-up debris with a grill brush (don't over-scrub it!). Then use a cloth or paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and wipe down the grates, and leave your unit with the lid on for around 20 minutes. This will help season the grates so that food won’t stick when you start cooking on them later on.
Then, leave your unit to cool down, and reapply another coating of vegetable oil to your grates, and you are now ready to cook the next time you fire up your grill!
To Sum Up
While it's tempting to jump straight into cooking with your new grill, it's best to break it in first for your health, and the performance of your unit.
Breaking in a new charcoal grill doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating; just follow the three simple steps outlined in this blog post and you'll be well on your way to enjoying perfectly cooked meals from your brand-new charcoal grill all summer long!
Thanks for reading and check out our links below for more useful information and grilling accessories!
