Franklin BBQ Pit: How to Season Your Smoker | Mad Scientist BBQ

In this video I take you through the step-by-step process of seasoning a new smoker.
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[@jeremyunsworth2373]

What on earth are you wearing dude?

[@MadScientistBBQ]

😂 I love that jacket. My wife wants me to throw it away, but I refuse.

[@Boomer7654]

respect the accepting adult/fatherhood sweater :)

[@h.collier3544]

I love it!

[@LR-me3kc]

Maybe your attached to the jacket cuz it’s been seasoned with smoke haha

[@waterisgold]

I want that jacket in a adult size onesie😂😂😂😂😭😭😭

[@myronjoffe8389]

The best offset seasoning video out there! Your insight sets the bar, bravo!

[@abrisvegas]

My favourite BBQ KZbin channel host shows why this is so, again. 👍

[@tazccl]

Glad you made is video I have a Lang 48 that has been seating in my garage for some time. Watching your videos has me moving it to the back yard. This is a good way to take care of it and keep it from rusting.

[@smokingtarheel3003]

I always enjoy your videos and your food always looks great. This process reminds me of seasoning cast iron or an outdoor griddle, same polymerization process. Definitely an important step with that pit. I like that pit too.

[@djnickhits2254]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the great ideas you've been coming out to help me out for the smoker I have since the last year-and-a-half Oklahoma Joe offset smoker eventually I will love to have a big Smokehouse eventually and I have a bigger smoker

[@robatch5027]

Great timing for this video! My custom offset should be delivered soon and I've been researching how to do the burn in and seasoning. Thanks!!

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

The explanation for seasoning of this video is the best ever.

[@boxesofzitti]

I've seasoned my cheap offset smoker before with grapeseed oil but always developed the sticky coating that you talked about. I see now that I need to re-apply the oil and get it ripping hot. Thanks for the informative vid!

[@kh4lifa268]

Thank you so much for all the great content !!! We learn something new every time you post

[@anastasiacordeiro1931]

Thank you Jeremy! I just added a Oklahoma Highland Smoker to my lineup and I am thankful for your insight and confident enough to successfully season my smoker!!! CHEERS!!👊🍻

[@TheReal_DeanD]

The red and black jacket gives me a Vermont kind of vibe. Love it. This has to be the best smoker seasoning vid. Video looks good. Audio is good and the content is so very helpful.

[@ChristieKleinhansPhotography]

I am a beginner and will be doing my first test burn and seasoning during the coming week and then my first Texas style pulled pork this weekend. Thank you for the great video stuffed with great info and tips!

[@beerdaddybbq380]

I use cooking spray as well. My cook chamber gets a new coat about every 10 cooks and my fire box about every 3 cooks (it's not insulated so it gets screaming hot no matter what size fire). Thanks for the info Jeremy.

[@teddyrivas1082]

Glad for the info! Good to know! Time to get Grilling! And keeping a prolong BBQ Grill! Thanks again!

[@bradleyputnam2014]

Awesome video dude! This really does come in handy

[@anthonybenvenuti4557]

Just bought my first smoker and I've been watching you're videos like crazy

[@michaelbuckwash2412]

I am loving your channel. Thanks for all your info!

[@juanlopez7199]

I watch cuz u are so detailed and explane evrything so we can be as good as u

[@katelee3956]

Thanks so much for the specificity of why we season pits. New sub for sure, thanks again! ❤

[@waterisgold]

It is so so vital to season your offset smokers it's a very important step most people miss. my favorite oil and what I always use for seasoning is grapeseed oil

[@user-fk8zw5js2p]

One day I will have an offset. But right now, grapeseed oil works perfectly for seasoning my cast iron skillets.

[@Braindead154]

Be careful with the fancy grape seed oils, they can leave a sticky residue

[@RicsBBQSpecialties]

Linseed Oil is perfect for this

[@jackrodosta7971]

Great video Jeremy, I appreciate learning about the science behind seasoning your smoker thanks. I'd be very interested in learning the science behind mods people recommend doing to their smokers for example adding thermal mass via fire bricks to you smoker fire box and cook chamber, also smoke stack height. Do these mods work or not what's the science behind them? Thanks again for the great content keep them coming.

[@wippdriver1]

Thanks Jeremy, spot on review and info!

[@michelEDchenier]

Thanks for the info. Great video as always. Now I know how to season the pit students built for me at my school.

[@pooppooppoopiepoop27]

This is one of the most informative videos on BBQ I’ve seen.

[@MrGoldthang]

You answered all my questions. Thank you so much.

[@philipturner900]

Interesting how this is presented. I am going to replace my offset (rusted out) smoker) and this will help prevent the same thing from recurring as it is used!

[@stevesyncox9893]

Thanks man. Good info. Love the Jacket. Looks Canuck!🇨🇦❤️

[@charlesmoore5840]

Thank you I ‘m getting a large smoker that needs some major cleaning and new racks made so I wanted to watch this video and learn how to take care of the metal inside and out it’s an offset Holds 60 briskets thank you again

[@dyanajaneth1]

I’m researching bbq pits and your video just made me want to buy one NOW. Great video!

[@jeffclark5024]

I’ve been using pam too! It’s so easy and keeps the rust down

[@berbeque]

Same

[@daddycox82]

This is exactly what I needed to see. Thank you sir.

[@markconner5569]

I have a tad different design of a Square Firebox but I do find it necessary to treat the bottom of both chambers of my offset. Tallow reapplied each time I trim a Brisket.

[@glennevitt5250]

Thank You for this information And explaining everything that goes on with cooking oil😎

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Speaking of butcher paper. I did a rack of beef ribs in the oven the other day wrapped in butcher paper instead of foil like most all recipes show. What a great Browning I got instead of grey boiled looking rack. Used some smoked paprika in rub and a tiny drizzle of liquid smoke. 👍Good tip video today. Nice tips

[@david_reynolds3660]

Great video Jeremy!

[@JohnCNewJr]

Thanks, love knowing why as well as how.

[@29madmangaud29]

Jeremy, I always get some good information out of your videos,,,,, thanks so much: (Jethro), Marcel in Yuma

[@shr00m7]

I love the sciency shit you bring to the BBQ space. I feel like I learn more "technique" from hearing some of the basic science behind the meat/equipment/cooking. It's the kind of stuff that will last longer than a good rub recipe.

[@Thomas-qe7ez]

Thank you - this was very helpful

[@philobeddoe5214]

I use a spray bottle with grapeseed or canola oil, also have used Crisco lard in the past too. I would still use a rag to to even out the spray because of the dripping you get as in runs down the cooker.

[@waybru84]

I would really like to see a review of the ASF Smokers 48" x 20" pit w/ firebox one day. People seem to love it.

[@Viacus]

Nice. Just finished my 330 gallon offset and need to sandblast, burn out and season

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! I was waiting for you to say "I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay"....:-) Looks like a cozy jacket...:-)

[@joshredding9588]

Great content Nice job Thx for sharing

[@Mgmg0510]

love the Video A lot of good information

[@lancecooper6455]

Getting those Matt's Off Road Recovery vides with the soundtrack.

[@madmallen1]

I have learned a lot and enjoy your videos have have you ever thought about doing a Q&A live video

[@RonMusic-zg5qz]

Hi Jeremy! Would you follow the same process for an weber kettle for example? Love your videos by the way!

[@rifleman42051]

I would use Avocado Oil high smoke point and lubes metal really well.

[@MrMoosefire]

If using it on the metal, does it matter if it's a high smoke point oil or not? He made it sound like he wanted it to smoke so it can turn black and protect the metal, a small fire might not be able to do that... ?

[@mdlagreca]

Could you talk more about the science of stack height? Franklin's book mentioned it but also left me curious for more. Thank you for all your insight. Really enjoy this channel.

[@joshwest1614]

Stack height is a question for me as well. I have an Oklahoma Joe Highland, and I've asked my father in law to weld together some metal piping for a taller stack to hopefully get more draft.

[@mdlagreca]

@@joshwest1614 awesome please let me know how it goes! I have a highland as well. My plan has been to rivot some sheet metal together so I can easily cut it shorter as needed. Just wish I knew more about how to know when it's just right.

[@3wbishop]

@@mdlagreca would it be possible to use ducting to extend the smoke stack?

[@grahamwalker2740]

@@3wbishop it is possible most auto parts stores sell a 3 in exhaust stack that’s about 18 inches that most guys use to extend their exhaust stack on their highland myself included

[@jaredwatson8942]

@@grahamwalker2740 thats what I have

[@dannygnx4]

Lodge makes a great spray to season their cast ion pans. It’s just canola oil and doesn’t seem to have the other chemicals or leave the residue that Pam or the grill sprays leave. It’s a little expensive at around $10, but so much better.

[@christopherhobby8391]

Do you spray it down just one time or every so often?

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

@@christopherhobby8391- I would think if you sprayed down your smoker every 3-6 months to maintain the seasoning, you'll be good to go. But, that is also dependent on how exposed your smoker is to the elements. If you get your smoker ripping hot, to the point it will burn off the seasoning, and you live in a wet climate, you'll want to re-season everything much more frequently. You have to treat it like a good cast iron pan or carbon steel cookware.

[@FargoFred]

great video! thanks

[@georgehall2345]

Great info As Usual

[@hookedonbarbecue]

Good stuff Jeremy. Can you do a video on cleaning your big offset?

[@durksgarage]

Great video! Thanks!

[@abigiajones7571]

Great video man. The Pam idea is great. Olive or flaxseed oil would be a pain to apply.

[@NoBSBeardReviews]

Great information!

[@bravofoxable]

Well, I learned a lot. Thanks 👍🏻

[@chrisstogie7570]

What if I have a painted exterior on my smoker and I would like to oil it before any paint begins to chip off. Would you recommend it or against it? Love your content and thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Bummer about that door issue already and interesting observation on the stack pressure.

[@SolarStarVanity]

He installed the handle on the door backwards. It's not clear to me if that's the reason the door didn't close right, but pretty sure that's the issue, not the door itself.

[@manuelpacheco9382]

I did not see you do any scrubbing which was my first thought but I like your solution much better.

[@petethemeat9010]

Having played with various smokers over the past 30 plus years, I’ve found that the best thing to use for seasoning a new smoker or reseasoning when needed is simply beef tallow and pork fat drippings from another smoker. Yields a super dark, durable seasoning that far outlasts any canola or vegetable oil thats readily available.

[@stevesyncox9893]

I wonder if a tallow bees wax blend would work? Novice BlackSmith here. All my decorative work gets waxed.

[@technician775]

@@stevesyncox9893 Does it have a good protective finish? I have pounds of bees wax available to use......TY

[@Arlong1776]

I would love to see a huge, in depth detailed vid about resting brisket. When, duration, how, etc. I dried a brisket out letting it rest a little too hot, and it's just time I don't have to learn by trial and error. I know you say the longer the better, some times 8 hours, so a video breaking this down would be excellent

[@christoefur9714]

Yes please do a video in regards to resitng time and procedure and what to do if the brisket is done long before guests arrive..

[@ZmannR2]

Stick it in a cooler for 8 hrs....not much else to say

[@Arlong1776]

@@ZmannR2 At what temperature? Mine continued to cook in the cooler and dried out.

[@illestk24civic]

He covered that in many videos

[@h2oskiaddict]

If there's one more thing to love about your new location, it has to be the availability of hard woods!

[@TheDuganater]

Now considering insulating the stack on my upcoming reverse flow smoker build.

[@greg1516]

Thanks for the info

[@FP194]

I like your easy PAM approach to seasoning the smoker I watched another video where the guy literally hand rubbed his smoker with linseed oil on the outside when it was hot

[@TheBradleyd1146]

KISS = Keep it simple stupid. Best policy.

[@Mr_Martell850]

Jeremy huge fan. Does it matter on pellets smokers how open or closed the smoke stack cap is? Thanks

[@h.collier3544]

Great video. Looks like I didn't go hot enough or long enough on my Brazos DLX. I'll be doing a re-seasoning soon.

[@haydeecastillo4621]

I think I need to do another for my pecos. I have some flaking and two quarter size rust spots in firebox. I got too eager and didn’t want to waste wood

[@GOT2GOPREPARED]

Love all the vids really learned a lot and stepped up my smoke game. Doesn’t look like your in California there, looks more like my home area of Tennessee or Kentucky? Thanks again !

[@aaroncook5928]

Thanks for the video, always appreciate education material. Now how did that brisket cook go? : p

[@JoaquinChea]

Good information to know thanks

[@SleepyJoe]

@mad scientist bbq that baffle that you put the water pan on, do you think that is really nice addition to the smoker? I am planning on building a smoker out of a 250 gallon propane tank. I originally planned to just use a big water pan (like a steam table pan at a caffetria) where that thing is or a big ole piece of wood. Feel that may be easier when it comes to the grates. Thanks!

[@f86sabjf]

Love the Crisbee stick on my cast iron

[@f86sabjf]

@@wippdriver1 ok keyboard commanding insult idiot . GFY

[@anthonylloyd2324]

Have you ever tried a Lone Star Grillz cooker ? I like the looks of their offset cabinet smoker.

[@patriciamattie4732]

I have the lonestar insulated cabinet smoker , best smoker I've ever had , they came out with a fantastic pellet smoker , it is next on my list . And next year when my number comes up on the wait list I'll have my Franklin smoker . And that's it , no more smokers. lol

[@chuckwood8638]

Great video! I just bought a Lyfe Tyme smoker for only $200 and thought about painting it. Yea got a great deal on it. Should I seasoned it or paint it? Thank you!

[@rossdarocy3576]

Best smoking channel 👍

[@willieb66]

Polymerization. I like it.

[@W4GHW]

This process is the same as seasoning cast iron. Well done!

[@T_Man-mm9sz]

Except for the fact that it's not what you want to do when seasoning a cast iron skillet. The key is to apply a very thin coat of oil and to not lather it on. I've made that mistake and ended up with a tacky seasoning. I then followed the recommendation to wipe as much of the oil as possible off before heating the skillet and it turned out perfect, slick and not tacky. I'm puzzled as to why a an offset would be any different, unless mild steel behaves differently than cast iron.

[@nick_805]

Hey Jeremy - Please consider doing a video comparing Boiled Linseed Oil Vs Pam Vs Tallow Vs High Heat Clear Coat. There are pros and cons to all from aesthetics to function to maintenance. I removed my Linseed oil coating and I'm switching to tallow.

[@hotrod6251]

Thanks 🙏🏽 Bro 😎

[@jaybooth4815]

Great video Jeremy! Very informative and detailed. If memory serves, I think you were explaining Boyles Law in regards to the stack temperature. But that’s going way back to physics class. Nicely done!

[@Pigeonforce29]

What’s your thoughts on vertical offset smokers such as the dynaglo brand, I’m just getting into barbecue smoking and planning on eventually building or buying a large scale offset however I want to get my feet wet with a cheap offset , however I do not want to go bone cheap with a big box store model seeing as I worked for a home improvement store for 5 years and know first had the quality of the ones they sell because I built them for customers on a daily basis, anyhow I didn’t see dyna glo in your top five video and was curious of your thoughts, thanks again for inspiring me to get into barbecue

[@madman1226]

Some advice, I would do this in the summer , you’ll give yourself a 50 to 60 degree advantage to get to smoke point on the cook chamber and smoke stack. Also I’d wipe that oil to be thin, looks better after its hit smoke point and it’s less likely to be sticky gum / build up. Overall good video, smoker and great jacket

[@randyetheredge9138]

Hey Jeremy thanks for all your awesome videos. Long time subscriber here. So I got myself one of these awesome Franklin Pits, and it is a dream cooking on. One issue I have is temperature control. I’ve tried different size logs, but can’t seem to find the sweet spot. I noticed on of your videos you suggested a small chuck size, and in your more recent videos you are using a little larger ones. Have you found a sweet spot on size and how often to feed the fire to maintain 250-275? Thank you as always for the great content.

[@greatdaaale86]

Mine just arrived. Getting it fired up Friday. How has your temp control been? Any advice on wood size?

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

Love this content, Jeremy. Quick question on this two year old video, as this is always going to be a relevant video worth watching. How do you season the legs of the smoker, so it doesn't get gummy? Do you torch those until they get hot, spray with oil, then torch them until it the oil gets to the smoke point?

[@masicchen8933]

Thanks for the video. I have a brand new old country brazos with a smoke stack extension but can't get the cook chamber past 300 degrees. I have all the vents open and am cooking with charcoal and oak. Any tips?

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

And like a cast iron pan well seasoned, don't go scrubbing it with detergents. Wipe it with a wet rag to remove bird droppings and tree sap or dust. Re-season it on occasion 👍

[@explorebc4x481]

Great video! Do you cover your pit when not in use outside or just leave it open to the elements?

[@terryarp7713]

Great video. I have a question. How tall is the smoke stack on your Franklin Pit?

[@planecrazyish]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 great info , many thanks 🙏

[@Husqvarna85]

Is coating it like this adequate enough such that I don’t need a cover for the whole smoker? I live in Colorado, so I’m wondering how this coating would do with rain and snow throughout the year.

[@marcuscicero9587]

if the grill is positioned on concrete I recommend a large piece of cardboard underneath the grill to protect from oil spattering on the crete, while spraying and during the burn

[@iPigee]

So I have a high temp painted smoker. The paint sucks and I’m seeing rust. Do you feel I should just spray the pam over it and start the seasoning of the outside as is?

[@angelis745]

I found it easier to wipe down my grills and smoker with alcohol, then spray my grills and smoker with high temp (1200 degrees) automotive paint. Then I got the heat up to 500-600 degrees and set the paint. I had them both for years and no rust

[@Necrodoxious]

Most intense PAM shots you can find on the internet, nice video!

[@56nomadman]

J Y ..Howdy ! always great videos and details. I love heavy and almost bitter to taste flavor for my ribs, pork butt, and brisket. Can you dial this Trager Pellet like yours in to get "Super Smoke" flavor and dial it down for lower smoke when I'm cooking for others? The One I'm thinking about is the Trager Texas Elite 34 if I can count on Super Smoke..............Thanks Russell

[@MadScientistBBQ]

Hey unfortunately I have never used the super smoke setting on a traeger. I wish I could tell you from firsthand experience. I would guess super smoke would give you more smoke flavor and you could dial it back for others

[@thomashensley3319]

Ok noticed you didn't spray below the rack inside? Also I just bought a Oklahoma Joe's painted. Just to confirm I should do the seasoning to it also?

[@davek3726]

How long did you run the fire for once it got to your desired temperature? Thanks for all the break down and details in your videos

[@johnshultz9557]

I'm seasoning my new smoker right now I would like the answer to that myself would be very helpful