Why You Should Season Your New Traeger Before You Cook — Especially if You Lease to Own a Pellet Smoker Grill
When you unbox a brand-new Traeger pellet smoker grill, it’s tempting to fire it up and throw on a rack of ribs or sear a perfect steak. But before your first cook, there’s one important step that should never be skipped—seasoning your grill.
Whether you purchased it outright or chose a lease to own pellet smoker grill option, seasoning protects your investment and sets the stage for flavorful, consistent cooking. This process burns off manufacturing oils and residue, prevents rust, and improves long-term performance.
Here’s why seasoning your new Traeger is so important—and how to do it right.
Why Seasoning Your Traeger Pellet Smoker Grill Matters
Burns Off Residual Chemicals
New pellet smokers often contain oils, solvents, and other chemicals used during the manufacturing process. Heating the grill to a high temperature helps burn off these residues before they come into contact with your food.
Protects Internal Components
Seasoning adds a thin coating of smoke and grease to interior surfaces. This protective layer helps resist moisture buildup and rust—especially valuable if you’ve opted for a lease to own pellet smoker grill and want to keep it in top shape throughout your payment term.
Enhances Smoke Flavor Over Time
A properly seasoned smoker develops a seasoned “patina” that contributes to better smoke flavor as you cook more meals.
Prepares You for First-Time Use
Seasoning also helps you get familiar with your grill’s startup process, pellet feed rate, and temperature controls—crucial if it’s your first time using a pellet smoker.
How to Season Your Traeger Pellet Smoker Grill
Step 1: Read the Manual
Start by reading your owner’s manual. Most Traeger grills follow a similar seasoning process, but there can be slight model-specific differences.
Step 2: Assemble and Inspect
Assemble the grill completely and ensure all parts—grates, drip tray, heat baffle, and grease bucket—are securely in place. Check that the hopper is clean and empty.
Step 3: Plug In and Fill the Hopper
Plug the grill into a grounded outlet and fill the hopper with high-quality wood pellets. Using Traeger-branded pellets is ideal for consistency and performance.
Step 4: Prime the Auger
Turn the grill on and let the auger feed pellets into the firepot. Most newer Traeger models have a “Prime” button or setting to assist with this.
Step 5: Run the Seasoning Cycle
Set the grill to 350°F–450°F and let it run with the lid closed for 45–60 minutes. This high heat cycle burns off any factory residue and starts building a protective interior coating.
Step 6: Cool Down
Shut down the grill properly using the instructions in your manual. Let it cool completely before storing or cooking.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started, seasoning your Traeger is a vital first step—especially if you’re protecting a long-term investment like a lease to own pellet smoker grill. It enhances flavor, protects the grill, and ensures every future cook starts off right.
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