By: Jessica Petrino
Grilling season is our favorite time of year, and the grill is the center of every great barbecue. There is nothing better than sizzling hot food from your backyard grill.
There are several different grills, gas grills, charcoal grills, pellet grills, and electric grills. For this article, we will focus primarily on cleaning gas grills as they are the most popular. Gas grills are easy to ignite, offer precise temperature control, and are available in a wide variety of brands, sizes, colors, and prices.
What should you look for in a grill? Burners help control the heat. A good grill will have at least two individually controlled burners so you can cook multiple items simultaneously. The size of the main grilling surface is measured in square inches and is the most important consideration. Secondary work surfaces include warming racks and side burners. Cooking grates come in cast-iron, stainless steel, and other varieties. Look for strong, high-quality grates that will resist heat damage and hard weather corrosion.
Proper care and maintenance will keep your grill in top operating condition and prolong its life. Follow these cleaning procedures on a timely basis, and your grill will stay clean and operate with minimum effort. As a word of caution, always make sure your grill is OFF before cleaning.
Tip #1: COVER YOUR GRILL
The most important accessory you can buy with any outdoor cooking appliance is a cover. When you buy a grill, always buy a cover to go with it. Grill covers are essential for keeping your appliance clean, dry, and out of the elements. In most climates, it is unnecessary to cover your grill covered in between each use. Some people like to cover their grills in the spring during the high-pollen season – to keep residue off the grill facade. During the warm weather months, most people stow the covers into storage. However, when the weather cools down, cover your grill and keep it safe from the elements. If you live in a place with snowy winters, it is recommended to store your grill for the season in a safe place like a garage or under the deck.
Tip #2: GET A HIGH-QUALITY GRILL BRUSH
Keep your grill cleaner this year with a grill brush capable of cleaning grill grates all season long. Burn off excess food after every cookout. This way, your grill grates will be ready for intermittent use. After you’re done cooking, let your grill cool completely and brush any sticky residue from your grates. For deep cleaning, grill grates can be removed and soaked in warm soapy water. If the grates are cast iron, make sure to dry them thoroughly and season them to prevent rust spots.
Tip #3: USE A DRIP TRAY
Most grills offer grease collection systems that funnel cooking residue into a catch area. At the base of this funnel, you should see a place for a drip tray. Drip trays look like mini aluminum disposable pans meant to catch all the cooking gunk. Depending on how often you grill, you can toss the drip tray and replace it as needed. Some grills have a reusable drip tray. Clean this grease tray as needed.
Tip #4: CLEAN THE CART
Many freestanding grills are mounted on a cart with doors underneath. Make sure to check your grill cart for excess food residue, sauce drippings, and in some cases, spider webs and critter nests. A few times each season, clear all the debris, cooking tools, and disconnect the tank if stored in there. Sweep out any dirt, residue, and spider webs. For frequent grillers, sweep it out every week using a dustpan brush. You can spray the cart down with a garden hose and clean it with dish soap and a sponge. Once this area is clean, dry with a towel or keep the doors open for the cart to air dry; make sure to reference the use and care guide for your appliance for best practices.
Tip #5: CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE GRILL LID
Visually inspect the inside of the grill lid before each grill use. Grease can build up on the inside of the grill lid over time. This grease can drip onto your deck or patio when the lid is open. Remove any grease and wash the lid with mild soap and a warm water solution.
Tip #6: DEEP CLEAN TWICE PER YEAR
Every 6 months, or as needed, give the entire grill a thorough cleaning to minimize the risk of a grease fire and keep your grill in top shape. First, make sure your grill is not hot, remove the LP tank, or turn off the natural gas supply. Next, remove and clean cooking grates, warming racks, grill burners, and vaporizer bars. Using a nylon brush or fiber pad, scrape out the inside and bottom of the grill and clean with warm soapy water. Rinse and let the grill dry. Check each burner port for buildup. Replace the burners, and internal grill parts, reconnect the gas source, and you will be good to go.
At AJ Madison, we are often asked about appliance maintenance. Before cleaning any appliances, you must reference the use and care guide for the product you are about to clean. This guide will provide you with best cleaning practices and will also give you useful tools on how to operate your appliances, and in some cases, how to identify service issues should they arise.
Jessica Petrino, Editorial Director at AjMadison, is a proud home appliances matchmaker. It’s her goal to make it easier for everyone to shop for products they will enjoy for years to come. Her favorite industry education projects include serving as the Content Strategist and Editor for “AJ the Appliance Journal” and recording segments for “Ask the Appliance Experts” on WCBS News Radio. She was also recognized by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as an industry 30 Under 30.
