just like a cast-iron skillet the stainless steel grates in the quantum infrared cooking system will need to be seasoned prior to use this is important as it will optimize cooking performance make cleaning easier and inhibit rusting while the grill is cold cold all surfaces of the quantum infrared cooking system including the grilling grates and infrared emitter plates with a high heat cooking oil such as canola or peanut oil when it's seasoning it's easiest to use a spray however you must wipe down the quantum infrared cooking system with a cloth or paper towel after spraying to ensure an even coat ignite your grill and let it heat up for 15 minutes or until the oil burns off and stop smoking the shiny stainless steel finish on the grates and emitter should now have a dark brown or bronze color your grill is now seasoned and you are ready to cook the more you use your quantum infrared grill the better it will cook the darker more seasoned the cooking grates become the hotter and the more evenly it will perform a light coat of vegetable oil after each use will help keep the stainless steel surfaces seasoned and maintain their dark brown finish for more information visit char-broil calm or refer to your grilling guide you