During burn-in, your grill will produce a noticeably large amount of smoke — much more than during a normal cook. This is completely expected.
Why It Happens
Z Grills applies a thin protective oil coating to the high-temperature metal components at the factory to prevent rust during storage and shipping. When you heat the grill for the first time, this coating burns off — and that's the smoke you're seeing.
💡 The heavy smoke should subside significantly after the first 20–30 minutes of burn-in and will be completely gone after the full cycle is complete.
Is It Safe?
Yes — the coating is food-safe. Always run your burn-in outside with the grill away from doors, windows, and covered structures.
Still Seeing Heavy Smoke After Burn-In?
If you notice unusually heavy smoke during subsequent normal cooks, it may indicate accumulated grease on the drip tray, moisture in your pellets, or a temperature running higher than expected.
