Seasoning Smoker

[NeilH]

Ok guys, I'm new to all of this so bare with.
Do you recommend seasoning the smoker before the first cooking? I read both ways in the Internet but assuming that its necessary. If so, should I just follow the instructions or is there a better way? Thanks for any help.

 

[Bruce Bissonnette]

No need to season it Neil, buy some chicken or a couple racks of ribs, fire it up and cook. It will tend to run a little hot on your first or second cook until you get a nice layer of "gunk" built up inside but it's nothing over the top. Just go ahead and cook on it, that's the best way to season it. GOOD LUCK!

 

[Mike Leiter]

I ran mine the day after I got it like Bruce mentioned. Ran 2 chickens and a half rack of ribs on its maiden voyage. I actually had pretty stable temps on mine for the first run. I watched it a little closely though as I heard they could run hot the first few times.

 

[Dwain Pannell]

I seasoned mine per the wisdom of Harry Soo. Others don't. I'm not sure if it makes a big difference or not.

 

[Chris W.]

I didn't season mine. Don't recall how long it was between purchasing and my first cook, but I didn't bother seasoning it. Like Bruce said, mine ran a bit hot the first few cooks, but after that the temps stabilized and I was able to easily predict what types of temps I'll be getting.

 

[Bob Mann]

WSMs are enameled inside and out, there is no need for seasoning.

A shiny and new WSM will tend to run a bit hotter than normal for the first couple of cooks until it gets a buildup of gunk on the inside. Cooking something fatty will help establish gunk. Don't sweat it, just get to cookin', it will be fine.

Bob

 

[Jerry N.]

Another vote for just start cooking. It will get easier to hold temp after a few cooks, but "seasoning" it will only get you ahead by about hte same as one cook. Therefore, may as well just cook something.

 

[Jim Lampe]

Neil, read this>>> http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/seasoning.html

 

[NeilH]

Easy enough! Now I just need it to get here.

 

[Chris W.]

LOL Neil! I didn't have mine shipped (got it from a local family-owned hardware store), but I know the feeling from other stuff I've bought online!

 

[Andres L.]

I "seasoned" mine because i was so excited to get it, I just wanted to put a fire in it to see how the darn thing worked. I didn't want to ruin any food. I don't think it's necessary, but it is fun!