When New, I washed my Grill Grates, then sprayed with Virgin Olive Oil before using. Have not washed them again since New. Always start my pellet grill to 375 to heat and burn-off prior seasoned cooks and scrape with a two-inch paint scraper. I only use my Grill Grates "Flat Side" up for everything. Hamburger, steak, salmon, chicken breast, turkey breast. I get an even all over sear but no sear marks, which is okay for me. I heat, scrape and spray with Virgin Olive Oil each cook, increasing or lowering the temp afterwards depending on what I am cooking. The only time I do not use the Grill Grates is when doing pulled pork or bacon.