
SAFETY
READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR FIRE PIT / GRILL
To maximize your investment in a Santa Maria or Argentine style grills, it is paramount to
start caring for it from the first time you set it up. All grates, V-channel, round, paella, laser
cut and griddles need to seasoned and cleaned regularly, and by regularly, it is really best to
clean as needed to some degree after every use. Every pit master develops tips and
techniques they apply over the years, but a good start would be follow some basics to assure
seasoning success.
Goals:
Our goal the first time out is to create a black patina over the entire grate surface. Allow
plenty of time, 4 to 6 hours is best for a first time burn in.
The process will help you to learn how to build and maintain your ember bed.
This style of cooking is an open concept of low and slow. Cooking on embers by learning to
maintain your fire for the duration of cook, not by cooking on a flame will result in perfection.
Items needed:
Grilling Gloves
Oil and Pan
Thicker cloths (heavy duty handi-wipes)
Grill Brush to apply oil by grabbing the cloth (Weber makes a great two prong stainless bristle
I personally use Grape seed oil, which has high smoke point properties and excellent for
high-heat style cooking. Grape seed oil goes on thick, and not only protects and maintains
the grate integrity, but assures grilling success and results. Once a good coating of oil has
been applied, our goal will be to begin a long burn that will heat the grates to a temperature
that will allow the oils to seep into the metal surfaces. Doing so will create the patina barrier
desired.
During my cooking experiences:
I am spreading on oil as needed keeping the grates moist. After cooking, I spend no more
than 10 to 15 minutes cleaning and preparing the surfaces for my next cooking event! After
plating the cooked food, quickly spread a coating of oil and roll the grates into the firebox to
bake off any residue. I will then begin our family feast, and come back an hour or so later.
The grates will be hot for several hours. I begin scraping off any residue, and apply oil to aid
in the process, continuing until satisfied. If it seems that you are scraping off the patina,
apply your oil while the grates are still hot and the patina will return.
Wiping the oil on your frame cleans and is very much like waxing… it keeps your investment
looking great.
“Add some sizzle to your food and make your taste buds dance.”
SEASONING TIPS FOR
SANTA MARIA AND ARGENTINE GRILLS
your investment in a grill is more than just financial, it's the time you've spent using it and
the knowledge you have gained and achieved with your particular grill and cooking success!
“Add some sizzle to your food and make your taste buds dance.”
There really isn't a reason that your new Santa Maria or Argentine Grill cannot last for many
years. Remember that your grill is your key to great food. Take good care of it, use it regularly
and you will not only master great barbecue but your barbecue will just continue to get
better and better. One of the biggest secrets of great barbecue is knowing your equipment so
design)
Grill Brush (for scraping) or Heavy Duty Aluminum foil (even more excellent for scraping)
Remember:
Seasoning grates are akin to seasoning a cast iron pan. The entire inside of the pan surface
needs to be seasoned by coating with oil. In comparison, the entire surface of the V-channel
grates, (or other types) need to be oiled first on the bottom side, and then flipped over and
placed back on the support brackets. Begin to apply the oil into the grooves or surfaces. You
can use practically any kind of cooking oil, peanut oil or even bacon grease.
HAND CRAFTED GRILLS 13