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How to Season A New Outdoor Smoker?

Published on
4 min read
How to Season A New Outdoor Smoker? image

Best Outdoor Smokers Seasoning Guide to Buy in October 2025

1 Traeger Grills SPC171 Pork and Poultry Rub with Apple and Honey

Traeger Grills SPC171 Pork and Poultry Rub with Apple and Honey

  • PERFECTLY PAIRS WITH MILDER MEATS FOR BALANCED FLAVOR PROFILES.
  • UNIQUE NOTES OF APPLE, HONEY, PAPRIKA, AND ONION ELEVATE DISHES.
  • KOSHER, GMO-FREE, AND GLUTEN-FREE FOR HEALTH-CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS.
BUY & SAVE
$10.35
Traeger Grills SPC171 Pork and Poultry Rub with Apple and Honey
2 Spice Rack Co BBQ Seasonings And Rubs - Smoking & Grilling Spices and Seasonings Sets, BBQ Accessories & Smoker Accessories Gifts For Men, Unique Grilling Gifts For Men Who Have Everything (5pk)

Spice Rack Co BBQ Seasonings And Rubs - Smoking & Grilling Spices and Seasonings Sets, BBQ Accessories & Smoker Accessories Gifts For Men, Unique Grilling Gifts For Men Who Have Everything (5pk)

  • FIVE GOURMET BBQ RUBS ELEVATE ANY GRILLING EXPERIENCE.
  • CRAFTED FROM PREMIUM INGREDIENTS, GLUTEN AND MSG-FREE.
  • PERFECT STOCKING STUFFER FOR GRILL LOVERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
BUY & SAVE
$27.99
Spice Rack Co BBQ Seasonings And Rubs - Smoking & Grilling Spices and Seasonings Sets, BBQ Accessories & Smoker Accessories Gifts For Men, Unique Grilling Gifts For Men Who Have Everything (5pk)
3 McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning, 3.5 Oz

McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning, 3.5 Oz

  • BOLD GARLIC-ONION FLAVOR ELEVATES BURGERS AND MEATS INSTANTLY!
  • NO MSG OR ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS-JUST PURE, DELICIOUS SPICES.
  • EASY PREP: 1 TBSP PER POUND FOR JUICY STEAKHOUSE BURGERS!
BUY & SAVE
$2.12
McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning, 3.5 Oz
4 Weber Smokey Mesquite Seasoning, 6 oz

Weber Smokey Mesquite Seasoning, 6 oz

  • ELEVATE YOUR GRILLING WITH AUTHENTIC MESQUITE FLAVOR BLEND!
  • ENJOY A DELICIOUS SMOKE TASTE-NO SPECIAL SETUP REQUIRED!
  • CLEAN INGREDIENTS: GLUTEN-FREE, NO MSG, NO PRESERVATIVES!
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$3.96
Weber Smokey Mesquite Seasoning, 6 oz
5 Smokehouse by Thoughtfully, Smokehouse Barbecue Rubs Gift Set, Flavors Include Cajun, Caribbean, Memphis and Southwest, Set of 4

Smokehouse by Thoughtfully, Smokehouse Barbecue Rubs Gift Set, Flavors Include Cajun, Caribbean, Memphis and Southwest, Set of 4

  • DISCOVER UNIQUE FLAVORS WITH OUR VARIETY SAMPLER SPICE SET!
  • ELEVATE EVERY DISH: FROM STEAK TO VEGGIES WITH BOLD SEASONING!
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR GRILL LOVERS: SURPRISE THEM WITH OUR RUBS!
BUY & SAVE
$17.99
Smokehouse by Thoughtfully, Smokehouse Barbecue Rubs Gift Set, Flavors Include Cajun, Caribbean, Memphis and Southwest, Set of 4
6 Smokehouse by Thoughtfully Ultimate Grilling Spice Set, Grill Seasoning Gift Set Flavors Include Chili Garlic, Rosemary and Herb, Lime Chipotle, Cajun Seasoning and More, Pack of 20

Smokehouse by Thoughtfully Ultimate Grilling Spice Set, Grill Seasoning Gift Set Flavors Include Chili Garlic, Rosemary and Herb, Lime Chipotle, Cajun Seasoning and More, Pack of 20

  • EXPLORE 20 UNIQUE BBQ RUBS FOR FLAVORFUL CULINARY ADVENTURES!
  • SAVOR CLASSICS AND BOLD FLAVORS-SEASONING FOR EVERY PALATE!
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR BBQ LOVERS-ELEVATE ANY MEAL WITH EASE!
BUY & SAVE
$35.78
Smokehouse by Thoughtfully Ultimate Grilling Spice Set, Grill Seasoning Gift Set Flavors Include Chili Garlic, Rosemary and Herb, Lime Chipotle, Cajun Seasoning and More, Pack of 20
7 Crafted Seasonings Co. BBQ Rubs and Seasoning Blends – 5 Pack Dry Rubs for Smoking and Grilling, Handcrafted BBQ & Smoker Accessories, Grill Seasoning Set, Gifts for Men & Him

Crafted Seasonings Co. BBQ Rubs and Seasoning Blends – 5 Pack Dry Rubs for Smoking and Grilling, Handcrafted BBQ & Smoker Accessories, Grill Seasoning Set, Gifts for Men & Him

  • BOLD, HANDCRAFTED RUBS FOR IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR ON ALL MEATS.
  • PERFECT BBQ GIFT SET FOR MEN; ELEVATE GRILLING EXPERIENCES!
  • SMALL-BATCH BLENDS ENSURE PREMIUM QUALITY WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS.
BUY & SAVE
$27.00
Crafted Seasonings Co. BBQ Rubs and Seasoning Blends – 5 Pack Dry Rubs for Smoking and Grilling, Handcrafted BBQ & Smoker Accessories, Grill Seasoning Set, Gifts for Men & Him
8 Amazon Grocery, Smoked BBQ Rub & Seasoning, 25 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

Amazon Grocery, Smoked BBQ Rub & Seasoning, 25 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

  • VERSATILE SEASONING FOR BEEF, PORK, CHICKEN, AND FISH.
  • TRUSTED HAPPY BELLY BRAND NOW PART OF AMAZON GROCERY!
  • AFFORDABLE FLAVOR ENHANCER FOR DELICIOUS MEALS AT HOME.
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$9.71
Amazon Grocery, Smoked BBQ Rub & Seasoning, 25 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)
9 Rub Your Butt Championship BBQ Seasoning Gift Pack

Rub Your Butt Championship BBQ Seasoning Gift Pack

  • UNIQUE MEMPHIS STYLE FLAVOR FOR STANDOUT BBQ TASTE!
  • PERFECT FOR ANY PORK DISH WITH 3 GENEROUS SERVINGS.
  • VERSATILE ASSORTED FLAVORS TO ELEVATE YOUR GRILLING GAME!
BUY & SAVE
$25.33
Rub Your Butt Championship BBQ Seasoning Gift Pack
10 Traeger Anything Rub

Traeger Anything Rub

  • VERSATILE SEASONING FOR ALL CUISINES-PERFECT FOR ANY DISH!
  • CONVENIENT STACKABLE TIN KEEPS YOUR PANTRY ORGANIZED.
  • QUALITY CERTIFIED KOSHER INGREDIENTS ENSURE TRUSTWORTHY FLAVOR.
BUY & SAVE
$10.95
Traeger Anything Rub
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ONE MORE?

To season a new outdoor smoker, start by coating the inside of the smoker with a layer of cooking oil. Ensure that all surfaces are covered, including the racks and walls.

Next, preheat the smoker to a high temperature, around 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it run for 2-3 hours. This will help burn off any residues or contaminants from the manufacturing process.

After the initial burn, add some wood chips or chunks to the smoker for additional seasoning. Let the smoker run at a lower temperature, around 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit, for another 2-3 hours to infuse the metal with a smoky flavor.

Once the seasoning process is complete, allow the smoker to cool down completely before cleaning it out. Your smoker is now ready for use, and the seasoning will help enhance the flavor of your smoked meats and other foods.

What is the best way to season a new outdoor smoker for maximum smoke penetration?

To season a new outdoor smoker for maximum smoke penetration, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat the smoker to about 250°F. This will help burn off any residues left from the manufacturing process.
  2. Apply a thin coat of cooking oil or spray to the interior surfaces of the smoker, including the grates. This will help create a protective barrier and prevent rusting.
  3. Add some wood chips or pellets to the smoker and let them burn for about 2-3 hours. This will help infuse the smoker with the smoky flavor and aroma.
  4. Monitor the temperature and smoke levels during the seasoning process to ensure they are consistent.
  5. After seasoning, allow the smoker to cool completely before using it for cooking. This process will help ensure that the smoker is properly seasoned and ready to use for maximum smoke penetration.

The recommended temperature range for seasoning a new outdoor smoker is typically between 225-275 degrees Fahrenheit (107-135 degrees Celsius). It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for seasoning your specific smoker, but most recommend maintaining this temperature range for a few hours to help cure the smoker and remove any manufacturing residues before using it to cook food.

How to maintain a seasoned outdoor smoker?

  1. Regular Cleaning: After each use, make sure to clean the grates, drip pan, and inside of the smoker thoroughly. Use a wire brush and hot soapy water to remove any buildup or residue.
  2. Seasoning: It's important to season your smoker regularly to keep it working effectively. Coat the inside of the smoker with a thin layer of cooking oil or a specialized seasoning product and heat it up for a few hours to ensure the oil is properly absorbed.
  3. Check for Rust: Regularly inspect your smoker for any signs of rust. If you notice any rust spots, remove them immediately using a wire brush and then re-season the area to prevent further corrosion.
  4. Replace Parts: Over time, certain parts of your smoker may wear out or become damaged. Make sure to regularly inspect and replace any worn-out parts such as gaskets, vents, or seals to ensure optimal performance.
  5. Store Properly: When not in use, make sure to cover your smoker with a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements. Store it in a dry and sheltered area to prevent rust and damage.
  6. Control Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature of your smoker during use and make adjustments as needed to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. This will ensure that your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
  7. Avoid Overloading: To prevent damage or uneven cooking, avoid overloading your smoker with too much food at once. Make sure to leave enough space between the meat and use a proper technique for arranging the food inside the smoker.
  8. Keep it Dry: Moisture and humidity can lead to rust and mold growth in your smoker. Make sure to properly dry the smoker after cleaning and before storing it to prevent these issues.