Rust forming on grates, drip tray, or inside cook chamber.

Safety first: Wear gloves and eye protection when scrubbing rust. Do not inhale rust dust.

• Step 1 – Remove loose rust: Use a grill brush or fine steel wool to scrub rust from grates and affected areas.
• Step 2 – Clean and dry: Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
• Step 3 – Season grates: Apply a thin coat of high‑smoke‑point cooking oil to steel grates and heat the grill to 350–400°F for 30 minutes to season.
• Step 4 – Protect between uses: Store the grill under a Cuisinart‑compatible cover and avoid leaving pellets in the hopper in humid environments.
• Step 5 – Replace severely corroded parts: If grates or drip trays are heavily pitted or flaking, replace them with OEM Cuisinart parts.