Who doesn’t enjoy BBQs and grills in the summer? If you enjoy grilling and are highly fond of your BBQ, then it only follows that you should always aim to take good care of your grill. Whether it’s a top-of-the-line grill or something you bought for under a hundred bucks, any grill can be used over an extensive period with the appropriate care and maintenance.
Getting Started
If you’re not sure how to clean your grill, here are some tips:
- The first order of business is to clean the grill grate.
The food comes into direct contact with the grate every time you get a fire going, and so you should put most of your attention on this one to ensure that your BBQs are a hygienic experience for all concerned!
In order to make the process of cleaning your grill grate a lot easier, you need to first let the grate heat up for 5 minutes or so, which will burn away food that’s stuck on the grate. Then, using a grill brush, you can easily remove the rest of the food. Make sure that you have a good quality brush with firm bristles and a long handle.
After cleaning the grate, you’ll need to oil it, which is a step that prevents food from sticking to it. Simply dip a paper towel in oil, and then wipe it evenly over the grill’s surface. Try not to use too much oil, as this will cause a flare up when you start a fire.
- Once your grate is free from residues, it’s time to execute a thorough clean.
It’s advised to do this once a month or so using a cleaner and a rag, and simply involves cleaning the outside of the grill. The inside is better left looking “dirty.” – which isn’t at all to do with cutting corners! The truth is, like a cast iron pan, a dirty grill interior will sort of season the grill, and also helps to aid with temperature control. It’s easier to maintain a specific temperature this way, especially compared to grilling with a new BBQ. In my case, I simply use a dry paper towel to give the inside of the grill a wipe-down – I wouldn’t recommend scrubbing it at all.
- When you’re not using your grill, place a grill cover over it.
This is a particularly essential step if you leave your grill outdoors all the time, helping it last longer and preventing it from ending up as a rusty mess.
With my first grill, I wasn’t able to buy a cover, and ended up leaving it exposed to the elements. Two months later, it stopped working, leaving me with $700 wasted and a great deal of frustration! I learned a lot from that, and resolved to buy a cover next time. I’ve now been using a cheap grill for a good 5 years, with it still working well to this day – and that’s largely thanks to the cover that I quickly purchased after getting this second BBQ.
These tips are very simple and easy to follow, and are well worth keeping in mind to help your grill last for many years, offering you many a pleasant BBQ with friends and family all around. Keep your grill happy, and trust that it will keep you happy for a very long time!
