How To Season A Smoker In Easy To Follow Steps

Understanding The Importance of Seasoning a Smoker

Understanding the importance of seasoning a smoker is crucial for achieving the best flavor and optimal cooking results.

“My how to season a smoker process revers to coating the interior walls, outside and grates with a layer of oil to create a protective barrier and prevent rusting.”

This initial seasoning process enhances the performance of the smoker by promoting even heat distribution and reducing the chance of food sticking to the grates.

Furthermore, seasoning also adds a smoky flavor to the food as the oil gets absorbed into the metal and imparts a unique taste.

It is recommended to season a smoker before its first use and occasionally afterward to maintain its quality.

This process creates a non-stick surface on the grates and helps to eliminate any manufacturing residues or potential contaminants.

By properly seasoning a smoker, not only will the overall cooking experience be improved, but it will also extend the lifespan of the equipment, ensuring many delicious meals to come.

By properly seasoning a smoker, not only will the overall cooking experience be improved, but it will also extend the lifespan of the equipment, ensuring many delicious meals to come. 

Types of Smokers and Their Specific Needs

There are different types of smokers available in the market, each with their specific seasoning needs.

Offset smokers, also known as barrel smokers, require a longer seasoning process.

This involves applying a thin coating of vegetable or canola oil to the entire interior surface of the smoker, including the grates, before heating it up to around 500°F for a few hours.

On the other hand, vertical water smokers and electric smokers do not require a lot of seasoning as they have a non-porous interior surface since most of them are made of stainless steel. 

However, it is still recommended to clean them thoroughly before their initial use to remove any debris or dust accumulated during the manufacturing or packaging process.

Pellet smokers, which use wood pellets as fuel, also do not typically require heavy seasoning.

“However, it is still recommended to season them to achieve a certain flavor profile or remove any lingering smoke residue from the manufacturing process. “

Cleaning A New Smoker

• Cleaning a new smoker is an essential step before using it for the first time. First, remove all the packaging materials and inspect the entire unit for any signs of damage.

• Then, mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap and use a sponge or soft cloth to wipe down the interior and exterior of the smoker.

“Pay special attention to removing any residue or greasy spots.”

• Next, remove the grates and clean them with a wire brush to remove any debris or leftover particles.

• Wipe down the smoker box and any other removable parts with the soapy water mixture and rinse thoroughly.

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely before proceeding.

• Finally, reassemble all the parts and make sure they are tightly secured.

“With a clean and well-seasoned smoker, you can confidently start smoking your favorite meats and enjoy the delicious flavors. “

Cleaning A Dirty Smoker

There is not that much difference between cleaning a new or used smoker.

The main difference is that a smoker that you use has to be scrubbed and cleaned with a brush or, the way I like to do it, with a pressure washer before applying the oil and re-season it.

Choosing the Right Seasoning Oil

You can’t just use any type of oil to season a smoker. It has to have a high smoking point for the best result.

Vegetable oil

This oil works well for most smoker applications. The high smoke point means it can handle high temperatures without burning.

Canola oil

This is another oil that I have used and also high smoke point. The neutral flavor makes it a great pick when you don’t want the oil to have any effect on the flavor of the meat you smoke.

Peanut oil

The benefits of Peanut oil are the high smoke point and a slightly nutty flavor, this can add a nice depth of flavor to your good when you also use it for re-seasoning.

Grapeseed oil

A little higher in price but this oil also has a high smoke but a more neutral flavor, This makes it a good candidate for grilling foods that have delicate flavors.

Steps To Season A Smoker

• To season a smoker, start by cleaning it thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove any residue.

• Next, apply a thin coat of cooking oil to the interior surfaces to prevent rusting. Preheat the smoker to a high temperature of around 350°F (176°C) for about 2 – 3 hours ensuring the oil is properly absorbed and cured.

Finally, let it cool down completely before wiping off any excess oil. This process will help create a protective layer and enhance the flavor of future meals. 

“Let’s dig a little deeper into some of the steps.”

Let’s dig a little deeper into some of the steps.

Applying the Seasoning Oil

When applying the seasoning oil, it is important to coat the entire surface of the smoker evenly.

You can use:

• Paper towel
• Cloth
• Spray bottle (My favorite)

This can be done with a clean cloth or paper towel. I have also used a spray bottle and that works, in my opinion even better, because you can reach parts you can’t reach with a cloth.

“The oil should be spread in a thin, even layer to prevent any excess buildup or pooling.”

Make sure to cover all areas, including handles and edges.

After applying the oil, allow it to absorb into the smoker for a few minutes before wiping off any excess. 

“I prefer to heat up the oil before applying since I believe that it sticks better.”

Controlling Heat and Airflow During Seasoning

Controlling heat and airflow is crucial during the seasoning process. This ensures that the smoker is evenly heated to 350°F (176°C) and there are no cold spots. 

The right combination of heat and airflow helps in removing moisture, curing the oil, and making sure there are no hot and cold spots. 

Choosing the Right Wood or Charcoal

If you have a propane, electric, or pellet grill you can skip this part.

When it comes to choosing the right wood or charcoal, it’s important to consider what is best for reaching a high temperature.

Different types of hardwood, such as hickory, apple, or mesquite, can reach a very high temperature and are the best for seasoning

Softer woods such as apple and cherry are in my opinion not the best to use for seasoning smokers.

Charcoal, on the other hand, provides a consistent and reliable source of heat, but will not get as hot as hardwoods.

You need to use lump charcoal when you are using charcoal to season your smoker since that gets hotter than charcoal briquettes. 

Understanding the Smoker Seasoning Process

Understanding the smoker seasoning process may not be important for any barbecue enthusiast.

But there is a chemical process that is going on between the metal of your smoker and the used oil.

This process is called polymerization.

According to the Lodge website, polymerization creates a layer of seasoning that is molecularly bonded to the iron of your smoker.

I compare it to the seasoning you do on cast iron.

This will help prevent rust and make it easier to clean after each use.

Once the smoker has cooled down, it is ready to be used for smoking delicious meats and vegetables.

Understanding and following this seasoning process will not only enhance the performance of the smoker but also ensure the longevity of its use. 

Like to read more about the science behind polymerization? You can find it all in this article.

Smoker Seasoning Video

Who else can explain it better than I can? Here is a video from Aaron Franklin from Franklin BBQ.

Maintaining Your Seasoned Smoker

Maintaining your seasoned smoker is essential for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

Firstly, it is important to regularly clean your smoker to remove any ash, grease, or residue that has accumulated during use.

This can be done by brushing the grates, scrubbing the interior walls, and wiping down the exterior.

Also Read: https://bettergrills.com/clean-bbq-grill/

Additionally, check and replace any damaged or worn-out parts such as grates, thermometers, or gaskets.

These components are crucial for maintaining the smoker’s heat distribution and efficiency.

Lastly, store your smoker in a dry and well-ventilated area, away from harsh weather conditions, to prevent rust and corrosion.

How To Season A Smoker – My Opinion

As I mentioned in my how to clean a grill article, I have used it without seasoning and the result of my first cook was terrible.

After I bought my first smoker I knew that I had to take the time to season it very well before using it.

I have seasoned many smokers throughout the years now and have my own method of doing this that I described here.

By following these seasoning and maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your seasoned smoker and enjoy high-quality smoked foods for years to come. 

Robert Chill

Robert Chill loves to cook on BBQs and grills and uses all types of recipes and techniques to cook some awesome food. With his experience, he can share many reviews, tips, and ideas on how to use any grill. You can read more about him here