We have an old saying here at Weber that is considered the golden rule in grilling. If you're lookin', you ain't cookin'. Every griller should live by this mantra and always remember it as a golden rule upon which great grillers are built.
So what does it mean? Simple, keep the lid closed when you are grilling. Grilling with the lid open is a bad habit which is done by amateur grillers. Weber grillers know the key to perfect back yard grilling is keeping the lid closed. Grilling with the lid closed is a very simple tip which many people overlook. If you are looking to raise the level of your grilling abilities this step is essential. By keeping the lid open the grill will lose heat and will cause your foods to be grilled longer. By keeping the lid closed you allow the Weber grill to do what it was designed to do, grill!!! By keeping the heat inside the grill, food will grill faster and be more flavorful.
One major advantage to grilling with the lid closed is controlling flare ups. Weber grills are designed and engineered to eliminate flare ups. This is done by our legendary flavorizer bar system. The flavorizer bars system is the heart of Weber® Gas Grills. A single row of Flavorizer® Bars eliminates annoying flare-ups by vaporizing juices and creating the smoke that gives every meal that barbecue flavor. I can't even tell you how often people ask me how to control flare-ups and how to get better grilling results. Grilling with the lid closed is the best possible way to achieve both. I know is seems very simple but keeping the lid closed is the single best way to grill foods properly and get the best possible grilled results. For the charcoal lovers out there, the genius of a Weber kettle's design is that it allows hot air to circulate throughout the grill. This circulation allows for perfect convection style grilling. By keeping the lid closed throughout the grilling process flare ups are virtually eliminated and food is grilled to perfect.
Again it's important to recognize that Weber grills are designed and engineered to grill your food to perfection. I know it might be difficult at first but one of the most important things you can do is trust your Weber. I promise it will not let you down.
User Comments
May 6, 2013Kevin says...
Hi CJ,
First, congratulations on the Weber Genesis Gas Grill. I know you are going to enjoy it for years to come. Second, let's talk about the grates. At one time, Weber used to have cast iron grates in our grills. The instructions you included in your response were for those specific grates. About 7-10 years ago, Weber developed a porcelain enameled cast-iron grate that is ready for use right out of the box. This made our consumers very happy because you did not have to go through the instructions you shared. All you had to do was put them in the grill, turn it on, and get started.
The grates you have on your grill are the porcelain enameled cast-iron grates, and they were ready for use right away. There should be no shipping wax, and no worry about properly preparing and/or seasoning them. The grates are grill ready so that the only thing you need to think about is the food on them.
Thank you for the great question. I'm glad we were able to clarify. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Happy Grilling!
-Kevin
May 5, 2013Cordell says...
Hi Kevin. I'm confused.
I just bought a Genesis BBQ with cast iron grates. So far I've used it three times. I didn't prepare my grates or season them in any way because I read on your blog that there's no need. You said apply oil to the food, not the grates.
Today I went to Weber's website to register my BBQ and in doing so I read some of their FAQ including a paragraph about how important it is to prepare cast iron grates before the first use. This process includes a procedure to remove a wax protective coating that was applied for shipping, applying a coating of vegetable oil, and heating the grates for 60-90 minutes. This is totally opposite to your instructions!
Here's a copy of the detailed instructions from Weber's website:
"To maintain the wonderful searing/grilling performance of your cast iron grates or griddle, as well as their longevity, some special care is required. As with any cast iron cooking tool, proper seasoning is most important.
First time use: Before using a cast iron grate or griddle, wash it thoroughly with a mild dishwashing liquid to remove the protective wax coating applied for 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. Now season the grates/griddle to prevent rust and sticking.
Seasoning: A solid vegetable shortening is recommended for the initial seasoning. Spread a thin coating of solid vegetable shortening over the entire surface, including all corners, with a paper towel. Do not use salted fats such as butter or margarine. Proceed as follows:
Gas grills: Preheat grill for 15 minutes, place grates/griddle in grill. Turn burners to Medium-Off-Medium with lid closed. Allow grill to heat grates/griddle for 1 to 1½ hours. Turn all burners to OFF, and leave cooking grates/griddle in grill until they are cool."
- Who's correct? You or Weber? Please clarify.
- Have I missed out by not properly preparing my grates before first use? Is it too late to do so now?
- Did my first steak from this BBQ include a layer of melting shipping wax?
Thanks
CJ
Apr 15, 2013Kevin says...
Hi Scaschwa,
Congratulations on your new Weber Genesis E-310! That is one great grill you have! What I recommend first is to read the owner?s manual and make sure you follow the grilling guide that was provided with your grill. Also, stay away from using vegetable oil on the grates. This does not help in any way. The majority falls down the sides of the grates and the rest will get burned off during the preheating process. Do yourself a favor and lightly oil your food instead. Besides that, always preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes and you should be on the right track. I hope this helps. Enjoy your new Weber Genesis!
Happy Grilling!
-Kevin
Apr 13, 2013Scott says...
Hi,
I bought the Genesis E310 (natural gas) grill. I am wondering if you can tell me exactly what I should do prior to first use. I have been told about wiping vegetable oil on the grates. Anything else?
Jun 3, 2012Kevin says...
Hi Norm LC:
Congrats and welcome to the Weber family!! You are correct that you should oil the food not the grates. The reason is that the majority of oil will fall down the grates and the rest will get burned off during the preheat. Brushing peanut oil, olive oil, etc., is not necessary. There is nothing more important than the preheat when it comes to grilling. It sets the whole tone for what you are going to be grilling. Just make sure you allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes; getting temperatures up to 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help in obtaining those great grilling marks we love which add to the flavor of what we are grilling. And that's it! Make sure you reference the grilling guides for grilling times, have fun and let me know how it comes out. Congrats again and Happy Grilling!!-Kevin
Jun 2, 2012Norm says...
I have a question about putting oil on my cooking gates.. I have a Genesis E-310 and from what I can tell by reading these blogs- you should oil the food and not the grates. I did however read somewhere that brushing on some peanut oil would be a good idea.. Is this necessary or not? I am getting ready to use this grill for the first time tomorrow so I was wondering if there was anything I needed to do other that make sure I have pre-heated the grill for 10 to 15 minutes.. Also is there anything I need to do differently to prepare the grilling surface since I am using it for the first time? Thanks