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To Season or Not to Season a new BGE

When I bought my new BGE I was instructed to season it before I made my first meal.  It was suggested I grill some fatty bacon for a couple hours and then the next day do the same with a pork belly.  I suggested the same to a friend who just bought his first BGE and the people he's spoken to think I'm crazy and that he should begin grilling on it right away.

Thoughts?

BTW... I love my BGE... I only wish I had purchased it sooner.

Comments

  • DMW
    DMW Posts: 13,836
    No need to season, just cook.
    They/Them
    Morgantown, PA

    XL BGE - S BGE - KJ Jr - HB Legacy - BS Pizza Oven - 30" Firepit - King Kooker Fryer -  PR72T - WSJ - BS 17" Griddle - XXL BGE  - BS SS36" Griddle - 2 Burner Gasser - Pellet Smoker
  • LKNEgg
    LKNEgg Posts: 339
    I did a clean burn to eliminate any manufacturing chemicals and learn how to control temps.  Other than that just cook and enjoy!
    Large BGE - 2014
    FB 200, KAB, AR - 2015
    Lake Norman area of NC
    The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten!

    Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing!

  • theyolksonyou
    theyolksonyou Posts: 18,459
    Cook something!
  • Ozzie_Isaac
    Ozzie_Isaac Posts: 21,675
    I seasoned it with my first cook.  :)

    I would rather light a candle than curse your darkness.

  • NCEggSmoker
    NCEggSmoker Posts: 336
    I was told to do a cook at 350 or so the first couple times to cure the adhesive on the gaskets. Don't know if that helped or not, but keeping the temp at or below 350 on the first couple cooks let me get used to managing vent settings (always had gas grills before). 
    Raleigh NC, Large BGE and KJ Joe Jr.
  • Miked125
    Miked125 Posts: 481
    Just don't run too hot on your first couple cooks!
  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    Never heard of such a thing.

    As for below 350° for the first few cooks to "preserve" the gasket... nonsense. Mine lasted two months. Tops.

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

  • Eggaroo
    Eggaroo Posts: 417
    Check out the biggreenegg.com home page links under Getting Started - First-Timer Tips:
    "DO NOT cook at high temperatures on your first use
    This may damage the gasket before it can properly seat itself. Keep the temperature on your first few cooks under 350°F / 177°C to allow the gasket adhesive to fully cure and adhere to the EGG."

    This is how I started out and have had no problems to date. There is some other good information there for new users, especially "Burping the EGG". If you don't know what this is, you need to read for your own safety.
    Greenwood, IN | XL BGE | Weber Genesis | Blackstone 28 | bunch of accessories  =)
  • Monaarts
    Monaarts Posts: 191
    I stayed below 350 degrees for the first few cooks and my gasket is still good but I don't know if that really makes a difference.  Either way, no need to "season" with useless cooks.
  • SmokeyPitt
    SmokeyPitt Posts: 10,490
    The only thing I can think of is they were suggesting this for the grids to build up a natural non-stick surface.  I haven't heard this before.  I think I would just rub some canaola oil on them and get to cooking. 

    Then again...any excuse to cook bacon!  You could always break it in with some ABTs, chicken bombs, or a bacon wrapped fatty for your first cook.  


    Which came first the chicken or the egg?  I egged the chicken and then I ate his leg. 

  • shucker
    shucker Posts: 483
    Eggaroo said:
    .....good information there for new users, especially "Burping the EGG". If you don't know what this is, you need to read for your own safety.
    And even after a few years, you'll still get careless and forget. 

    Shucker
    Eastern North Carolina
    Go Pirates!

    http://facebook.com/oldcolonysmokehouse

    https://www.instagram.com/oldcolonysmokehouse/

    L & MM BGE/Blackstone 36" Griddle/Pit Barrel Cooker/QDS/Shirley Fab 50" Patio/BQ Grills Hog Cooker/Stump's Classic/Weber 22" OTG


  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,591
    season it with an overnight pork butt cook =)
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it