Acquiring a new smoker is a great feeling. We’ve all been there when we bring our new smoker home and feel the excitement. Sometimes this excitement can get out of hand and we may find ourselves wanting to start using the smoker as soon as we open the box.
When buying a BBQ smoker, we highly recommend seasoning your new smoker before even thinking about cooking in it. We list down a few of the very important reasons for doing so.
- When manufacturers produce a smoker, they are bound to incorporate some sort of chemicals, oils, and other unhealthy substances obtained through the manufacturing process itself.
- Using a smoker without seasoning first means you are destroying half of its life. You will promote rust if you do not season your smoker which in return will lessen its life.
- The manufacturing process may also leave odors in the smoker which can make itself into the food you are going to cook.
Things you need to do in order to properly season your smoker
Seasoning a smoker is a very simple process. But it needs to be done as soon as you get it out of the packaged box.
Most new smokers will come with a hint of oil around their parts, this is due to the manufacturing process. If you find your smoker having a very light coat of oil on it, you may wish to wash it with detergent and mild soap with a dishwasher sponge.
New smokers must be washed thoroughly after you have assembled them. Do not cook in it without washing and drying it first.
When you have washed and dried your smoker, it is time to let it start and heat it up. For an electric smoker, put it on full heat for about 2 – 3 hours at least. While you are heating the smoker up, you can fill up the water pan and the chip pan to ensure proper seasoning is done.
Just don’t add the meat yet! This is a simulated smoking session that will clear your smoker of all impurities and will season it ready for cooking.
Once the healing process is completed, simply shut down your smoker and let it cool down. By doing this you will have killed away all the nasty stuff it acquired from the manufacturing facility and now it should be ready for cooking.
The same steps except washing your smoker can be done to an old smoker that requires re-seasoning. Sometimes your smoker may get rust or other natural impurities like grease. You should clean your smoker regularly following the steps mentioned above.
The process of cleaning and seasoning your smoker is true for any kind of smoker you acquire from any brand/manufacturer.
Some of the good brands put on stickers and provide very detailed instructions on how to set up your smoker for first use. These details/instructions almost certainly will help you season your smoker too!
FAQ
Does a new smoker need to be seasoned?
Yes, a new smoker needs to be seasoned before it is used for the first time. Seasoning helps to remove any manufacturing oils or residue from the smoker, and it also helps to create a protective coating that will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
Seasoning your smoker will also help to produce better-tasting food, as the smoker will be free of any unwanted flavors.
What type of cooking oil should I use?
You can use any type of cooking oil to season your smoker, but it is best to use a high-heat oil, such as canola oil or grapeseed oil.
What temperature should I season my smoker at?
You should season your smoker at a high temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the oil burns off completely and that the smoker is properly seasoned.
How long should I season my smoker?
You should season your smoker for 1-2 hours, or until the oil has burned off and the smoker has a light brown color.
What should I do if my smoker starts to smoke during seasoning?
If your smoker starts to smoke during seasoning, it is likely that you have not applied enough oil to the inside of the smoker. Be sure to apply a generous amount of oil before seasoning your smoker.
What should I do if my smoker starts to warp or crack during seasoning?
If your smoker starts to warp or crack during seasoning, it is likely that you have heated it up too quickly. Be sure to heat your smoker up slowly and gradually to avoid warping or cracking.
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