When it comes to barbecuing, there are a lot of things that go into making sure your food turns out just the way you want it. One question that often comes up is whether or not to oil the grill. Many people ask the question; Should I oil my BBQ grill?
It’s not necessary but oiling your BBQ grill helps with the cooking process. The oil will help to distribute the heat evenly, preventing food from sticking to the grill and making it easier to clean. Choose a high-quality oil that can withstand high temperatures, such as olive oil or vegetable
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some pros and cons of doing so, and help you decide what’s the best oil to use for BBQing. Keep reading to learn everything you need to about using oil to help with BBQing
Should I Oil My BBQ Grill
You may have heard that oiling your grill can help keep it clean and prevent sticking, but is this really necessary?
Many people say you should oil your BBQ grill before making food and then many others say you should not.
While oiling your grill may help it to function better, it’s not always necessary. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to oil your grill.
If you frequently use your grill, then it’s a good idea to oil it on a regular basis. This will help to keep the grill clean and prevent sticking.
However, if you only use your grill occasionally, then you may not need to oil it as often.
Grills made with stainless steel or cast iron generally don’t need to be oiled as often as those made with other materials. This is because these materials are less likely to stick and are easier to clean.
It is strictly a matter of taste and preference.
What oil do you use for grill grates
There are a few different types of oil that can be used for grill grates, but the best option is to use an oil that has a high smoke point.
Some good options include canola oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil as these have smoke point that are over 450° F.
You’ll want to avoid using oils with a low smoke point, as they can start to smoke and create a dangerous fire hazard.
Certain high-quality extra virgin olive oil brands have a smoke point of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is sufficient for grilling.
How to Oil your BBQ Grill
Are you oiling the grill when it is hot or cold? You just have to choose which method you want to go with. Luckily oiling a grill when it is hot or cold is just as easy with only a couple of steps.
When the Grill is Hot:
Simply dip a wadded-up paper towel into high-heat cooking oil (olive oil, peanut oil, Canola oil). Do not soak the towel too much. You do not want it dripping wet.
After that, use an oven mitt or tons and carefully rub the oiled towel up and down the grill grate, specifically in the areas that will be touching your food. That’s it, the whole process is done.
When the Grill is Cold:
This method is a bit easier. Instead of using a paper towel, you will simply spray or apply the oil to the BBQ grill, make sure you do not dose the grill or leave it dripping wet. You do not need a lot of oil to get the job done.
Once you have applied what you need, light the grill and that will burn off excess oil. Expect some smoke as it burns off and do not be alarmed.
Now that you know how to oil your grill, the question returns: should you? Since there are two different trains of thought on the matter, the ultimate choice will be yours.
Keep Your Grill Clean
Whether you are or are not oiling your barbecue grill, you must keep it clean. A messy grill is perhaps one of the worst ways to affect the taste of your food and just makes it harder to thoroughly cook meat and other snacks.
You should focus most of your attention on the grill grate itself, especially if you choose not to oil it because pieces of meat will become detached and stuck onto the grate.
You need to be careful and detailed when cleaning the BBQ grill because this is the space that food directly touches.
If you have not already, buy a high-quality grill brush (Amazon link) because that will come in handy and can be used often.
Heat up the barbecue and let the high heat hit the grate.
Once the grill has been exposed to the flames for about five minutes, most of the excess food that has stuck around should burn off. That is when you will take the grill brush you purchased and scour the grill.
Wrap Up
So, should I oil my BBQ grill? Grills are made from a variety of materials and it is important to take these into consideration before deciding if you should oil your grill. Steel or cast-iron grills do not need to be oiled as often as those made from other materials.
This is because these types of grills are less likely to stick and are easier to clean.
It is ultimately a matter of taste and preference. You should experiment with oiling your grill and see what works best for you and your needs.
