How to Season a Pellet Grill: Complete Beginner’s Guide

Step-by-step guide on how to season a pellet grill for better BBQ flavor and grill longevity

Break It In Right: The Complete Guide to Seasoning Your Pellet Grill

So you just unboxed your new pellet grill—maybe it’s your first, or maybe you’re upgrading to something more advanced. Either way, before you start loading it with brisket, ribs, or pork shoulders, you need to season it. Seasoning a pellet grill is a one-time process that removes factory residues, protects your components, and gets your grill primed to deliver clean, flavorful smoke. In this blog, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to season a pellet grill, including the tools you’ll need, mistakes to avoid, and maintenance tips to keep it in top shape for years.

What is Seasoning a Pellet Grill?

Seasoning a pellet grill is the process of priming and heating your new smoker before its first cook. This initial high-heat burn removes:

Factory residues like oil or paint
Packaging dust and debris
Odors that could ruin your food

It also bakes a layer of protective oil onto your grates and internal components—creating a non-stick, rust-resistant cooking surface and kickstarting the flavor-building process.

Why Seasoning Matters

Your first cook may absorb chemical or metallic tastes
Painted interior parts can bubble or peel
Rust can form faster without a protective oil layer
The grill’s temperature regulation may be inconsistent at first

Seasoning ensures your pellet grill starts off clean and reliable. It also enhances smoke quality for better-tasting barbecue right from the start.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Food-safe, high smoke point oil (canola, grapeseed, or avocado)
Clean rag or paper towels
Heat-resistant gloves
Pellets (see best options below)
Power source (for electric start)
Optional: Spray bottle or oil mister

🔥 Need gloves, oil sprayers, or pellet fuel? Shop DDR BBQ Supply for all your grill setup essentials.

Step-by-Step: How to Season a Pellet Grill

Step 1: Assemble and Inspect

Make sure your grill is fully assembled per the manufacturer’s instructions. Check for leftover packaging or protective stickers.

Step 2: Oil the Cooking Grates

While the grill heats, apply a thin layer of oil to the grates using a cloth or spray bottle. Focus on full coverage but avoid puddles. Use and oil with a smoke point above 400°F. Do not use olive oil.

Step 3: Add Pellets and Prime the Auger

Fill the hopper with your chosen wood pellets. Turn the grill to the “prime” or “feed” mode (if available) until pellets begin to enter the burn pot.

Step 4: Turn On and Preheat

Set your grill to a high heat setting—typically 350°F to 400°F. Leave the lid open for 5–10 minutes until the fire stabilizes, then close it.

Step 5: Let It Burn

Allow the grill to run at high heat for 45–60 minutes. This bakes off any residues and locks in your protective seasoning layer.

Step 6: Cool and Clean

Turn off the grill and allow it to cool naturally. Wipe away any residue, and you’re ready to cook.

Which Pellets to Use for Seasoning

While seasoning doesn’t flavor food (since you’re not cooking), it’s still a good idea to choose clean-burning, high-quality pellets. And, this is our advice for every cook--premium pellets and general premium grill accessories will last longer and be more reliable over time.

Best options:

Hickory – reliable burn and available in most stores
Oak – great for steady heat and flavor balance
Fruit woods (like apple or cherry) – burn clean with mild aroma

🔥 Try premium pellets from our BBQ Fuel Collection for optimal performance.

Avoid:

Cheap or off-brand pellets with fillers
Flavored pellets with additives
Old or moisture-exposed pellets

Common Pellet Grill Seasoning Mistakes

Skipping the oil: Seasoning without oil won’t protect grates or help build a non-stick surface.
Using the wrong oil: Olive oil or butter burn too easily—always use oils with a smoke point above 400°F.
Not priming the auger: You need to get pellets into the burn pot manually the first time.
Not running it hot enough: A low-temperature burn won’t clean out residues properly.
Turning it off too early: You need at least 45 minutes at high heat to fully season the grill.

Maintaining the Seasoning Layer

Apply a light coat of oil to the grates before every cook
Use a grill brush to clean while the grates are still warm
Empty the hopper and burn pot regularly to prevent residue buildup
Re-season with a high-temp burn and oil every few months or after deep cleaning
Store the grill with a cover to avoid moisture exposure

FAQs

How long should I season a pellet grill?

Typically 45 to 60 minutes at 350–400°F. Always refer to your grill’s user manual.

Do I need to oil the inside of a pellet grill?

No, just the cooking grates. The rest of the interior will develop its own seasoning over time.

Can I cook food during the seasoning burn?

No. The first burn should always be done without food to avoid chemical contamination.

How often do I need to re-season a pellet grill?

Every 3–6 months depending on use, or anytime after a deep clean or long storage.

What’s the best oil for seasoning a pellet grill?

Canola, grapeseed, avocado, or vegetable oil. Avoid low smoke point oils like olive oil or flavored sprays.

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How to Season a Pellet Grill

Your First Step to Better BBQ Results

Break It In Right: The Complete Guide to Seasoning Your Pellet Grill

Jump Links

What is Seasoning a Pellet Grill?

Why Seasoning Matters

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need