So over time your cooking style might change, or life gets in the way and you don't manage to use your Smash Ring to cook on for a while. You may have not seasoned it properly the last time or it was left in the weather or any number of reasons - and it has some rust on the surface.
Now you want to use it and you need to know how to get that rust off...
Simple - really simple.
And this same method can be used for any carbon steel and often cast iron cookware as well.
Restoring a Rusty Carbon Steel Smash Ring for Your Smokelis Fire Pit
Materials Needed:
- Cooking oil (your choice - whatever you cook with)
- Ideally Scotch-Brite abrasive pad or steel wool will work too
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Applying Cooking Oil:
- Pour a thin layer of cooking oil onto the rusted areas. Let it sit for a few minutes to help loosen the rust.
- Pour a thin layer of cooking oil onto the rusted areas. Let it sit for a few minutes to help loosen the rust.
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Scrubbing:
- Use a dry Scotch-Brite pad or steel wool to gently scrub the rusted areas. Work in circular motions with moderate to heavy pressure.
- Continue until you've removed the rust, revealing a clean, bare metal surface.
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Wipe Off Oil:
- Once the rust is scrubbed clean, wipe off all the oil using paper towels. Ensure the Smash Ring is dry and free from any excess oil.
- Once the rust is scrubbed clean, wipe off all the oil using paper towels. Ensure the Smash Ring is dry and free from any excess oil.
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Applying Cooking Oil Again:
- Pour a small amount of cooking oil onto the rust-free, dry Smash Ring.
- Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly across the entire surface, including the center press and edges.
- Ensure a thin, even layer of oil covers the entire Smash Ring.
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Let it Sit:
- Allow the oil to penetrate and sit on the Smash Ring for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps in re-seasoning the carbon steel.
- Allow the oil to penetrate and sit on the Smash Ring for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps in re-seasoning the carbon steel.
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Wipe Off Excess:
- After the oil has had time to absorb, use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil. The goal is to leave a thin, protective layer on the Smash Ring.
- You can leave it here and ensure it is stores in a dry place if you aren't going using it right away - otherwise carry on to step 7
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Seasoning:
- If you have the fire pit running, you can place the Smash Ring on your Smokelis fire pit until it starts to smoke. This helps set the oil into the pours of the steel and forms a protective seasoning layer.
- If a fire isn't going, use the Smash Ring during your next cooking session on the Smokelis fire pit, and the heat from the fire will contribute to the seasoning process.
- As the Smash Ring cools once the fire has died down, re-apply a thin layer over the whole surface and wipe excess with paper towels.
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Regular Maintenance:
- To prevent future rust, maintain the seasoning by applying a thin layer of oil after each use and store the Smash Ring in a protected environment.
And obviously if you don't yet have a Smash Ring to cook on - check them out here (this one is the Gather size to suit our Gather Smokelis fire pit)
Or have a look at our Smokelis fire pits if you don't have one yet.