When I got my Brinkman many years ago, I did not pre- season it. I washed the grates. Damp cloth to the inside, loaded it up with burning charcoal, some wood, 3 rack of babyback ribs and let her rip. 4 or 5 hours later, I was in rib heaven. Until I got an electric smoker, I had never heard of "seasoning" any cooking item except for cast iron.