Prevention
Always use a grill cover when not in use — especially overnight and between cooks.
Keep pellets dry — damp pellets produce more moisture inside the barrel during cooking.
After cleaning the grease pan, fire pot, and heat shield, apply a thin coat of cooking oil
For off-season storage: empty the hopper, do a full clean, and store covered in a dry area.
Treating Light Surface Rust
Scrub the affected area with a wire brush or medium-grit sandpaper.
Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Apply a thin coat of high-heat cooking oil (or food-safe grill spray).
Run the grill at 225°F for 30 minutes to bake the oil onto the surface.