Cast Iron Cooking Grates
mWARNING: 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
As with all cast iron, the more the use, the easier the maintenance.
mWARNING: Do not apply vegetable cooking spray to a grate in a hot grill.
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