Cast Iron Cooking Grates
WARNING: Follow all safety instructions provided
with your barbecue. Do not drop cast iron grates, they
will break. Prior to storing, grease very lightly with
solid vegetable shortening or vegetable cooking spray,
then wipe dry with a paper towel. Store in a dry place.
First Time Use - Wash thoroughly with a mild dishwashing
liquid to remove the wax coating used for protection in
shipping. Rinse with hot water and dry completely with a soft
cloth or paper towel. NEVER ALLOW TO DRAIN DRY, OR
WASH IN A DISHWASHER. You must season the grates
before first use to prevent rust and keep foods from sticking.
Seasoning Cast Iron Grates - A solid vegetable
shortening is recommended for the initial seasoning.
Spread a thin coating of solid vegetable shortening over
entire surface of the cast iron grates with a paper towel.
Be certain the entire surface, including all corners, has
been coated thoroughly. (Do not use salted fat such as
margarine or butter.)
Preheat grill for 10 minutes. Turn burners to MOM with lid
closed. Allow grill to heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Turn all
burners to OFF. Leave cooking grates in barbecue until
they are cool. Your cast iron cooking grates are now ready
to use.
Important Note: To prevent rusting the cast iron
grates should be reseasoned frequently. If rust
occurs, clean with a steel wool scouring pad, rinse
with hot water and dry. Coat with a solid vegetable
shortening or a vegetable cooking spray and heat in
grill or oven as indicated above.
Maintenance - Clean grates by turning on the barbecue
burner control knobs to HHH and wipe off debris with stiff
bristled wire brush. This should be done every time you
use the barbecue.
Reseasoning - After each use the grates may be
reseasoned by coating with a solid vegetable shortening,
closing the lid and leaving the cast iron grates in grill until
it is cool.
A vegetable cooking spray may be used as a convenient
method for quick reseasoning.
Tips - The cast iron grates will turn black with use. The
pores of the iron will be sealed, providing a durable
coating that helps to prevent foods from sticking. The
grates will further season with use. Regular applications of
solid vegetable shortening or vegetable cooking spray will
improve its resistance to rust.
Rust, a metallic taste or discolored foods are signs of
improper or inadequate seasoning or may result from
cooking acidic foods. If this occurs, wash thoroughly and
reseason.
Since cast iron holds heat well, you will not need to use
extremely high cooking temperatures. Best results are
obtained with medium to medium-high heat. Do not
overheat.
As with all cast iron, the more the use, the easier the
maintenance.
WARNING: Do not apply vegetable cooking spray to
a grate in a hot grill.
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