How to Re-Season Your Smoker: Prevent Rust

Want to keep your smoker rust-free and shiny? At Smokeslinger, we build tough BBQ pits in Kaufman, Texas. In our YouTube video, “Direct Heat Smoker: How to Reseason Your Pit,” Frank Cox, our BBQ Pit Engineer, shows how to re-season any smoker using our Full Size Smokeslinger as an example. This post shares easy steps to clean and re-season your smoker’s outside to prevent rust. These steps work for any smoker, not just ours! Let’s get started!

Clean Your Smoker

Before you re-season a smoker, clean off grease and dirt to stop rust. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use Safe Tools: Wear nitrile gloves and grab a stiff nylon brush. Skip wire brushes—they can leave bristles that stick to grates and get in food.
• Clean Gently: Use a nylon brush or a 1.5-2 inch drywall scraper to remove drippings or light rust. Don’t scrub hard to keep the mill scale intact.
• Wipe Dust: Dust from a gravel road? Brush it off with a nylon shop broom, like Frank uses, for a clean surface.

TD Price from our Smokeslinger Pit Owners Group swears by a Magic Eraser for logo plates. It’s a simple trick to keep any smoker sparkling!

Apply Boiled Linseed Oil

Boiled linseed oil gives your smoker a bronze look that fights rust and hides flaws. Here’s how to apply it to any smoker:

• Thin Coat: Use a microfiber towel to spread a super thin layer of boiled linseed oil. If it looks wet, wipe off extra with a clean towel.
• Stay Safe: Don’t wad up oily towels—they can catch fire in the sun! Lay them flat to dry, as Frank learned after a scare in his truck.
• Protect Hands: Wear nitrile gloves over liners to keep hands clean and cool while oiling.

Boiled linseed oil isn’t food-safe, but it’s great for the outside of any smoker. It handles weather and critters better than cooking oils!

Heat Your Smoker

After oiling, fire up your smoker to seal the finish and prevent rust. We show it on our Full Size Smokeslinger, but it works for any smoker:

• Start a Fire: Use charcoal to heat the smoker to 400-450°F. No need to go hotter.
• Burn 1-2 Hours: Run it until the oil smokes and sets. It might feel sticky at first, but it’ll harden as it cools.
• Cool Down: Let the smoker cool naturally to lock in the rust-free finish.

These steps work for all smokers made in USA, including our Mini, Full Size, or Liberty94. A well-seasoned smoker stays rust-free!

Watch the Full Video

Want to see Frank re-season a smoker? Watch “Direct Heat Smoker: How to Reseason Your Pit” (15:09, published June 27, 2025, at 4:30 PM CT) for all the steps!

Tips to Keep Your Smoker Rust-Free

Protect your smoker with these maintenance tips for any BBQ pit:

• Clean After Cooks: Wipe grease and sauce drippings right away to stop pitting from salty BBQ juices.
• Store Indoors: Keep your smoker in a garage to avoid dust and bird droppings that can cause rust.
• Use a Magic Eraser: Like TD Price, use a Magic Eraser for stubborn spots on logo plates for a quick shine.

FAQ

Why re-season a smoker to prevent rust?
Re-seasoning with boiled linseed oil protects any smoker from rust and keeps it looking great.

Is boiled linseed oil safe for my smoker?
Yes, for the outside! It’s not food-safe, but it’s fine for exterior use, despite weather or critters.

How often should I re-season my smoker?
Re-season every few cooks or when you see grime or rust, especially if stored outside.

Conclusion

Re-seasoning any smoker is easy to prevent rust, as shown on our Full Size Smokeslinger! Do: Use nylon brushes, apply thin linseed oil, heat to 450°F. Don’t: Use wire brushes, apply thick oil, or wad up oily towels. Our smokers made in USA are built in Kaufman, Texas, for lasting quality. Visit smokeslinger.com to get your smoker and join our Facebook group for more rust-busting tips!