July 02, 2024
As the BBQ season heats up, it's time to fire up your grill and cook up a storm! But, to ensure perfect cooking every time, grill maintenance is key. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or new to grilling, keeping your grill clean and in top shape is easier than you think. Follow our simple cleaning tips and tricks to elevate your grilling game and make your BBQs a sizzling success!
4 Tips to Keep Your Grill Clean
Keeping a grill clean is a must to maintain performance and enhance food flavor. A regular cleaning schedule prevents grease and residue buildup, delivers better-tasting food, and provides a safer grilling experience. Here are four standard rules for keeping your grill spotless.
1. Clean the Grate Before Cooking
Once you fire up your grill and the flames start licking at the grate, it’s time to start the first cleaning step. Let the grill come up to temperature for about 5 minutes, and let the heat do most of the elbow grease for you. The high temperatures will help break down fat and food build-up. Once the grate is hot, take a firm-bristle grill brush and go over the entire surface to remove any remaining particles.
2. Season the Grate with Oil
There is some debate about whether or not oiling the grate before cooking is necessary. Most grillers recommend giving the grate a touch of oil when cooking ingredients that haven’t been pre-oiled as part of the recipe. The purpose of oiling the grate is to prevent food from sticking and making clean-up harder the next time. Use your best judgment when it comes to your grill and recipes.
Should you choose to oil, the process is simple. Fold a paper towel, lightly dip it in oil, and use tongs to grip the paper and wipe the oil evenly across the grate. Keep the oil to a minimum to prevent any flare-ups.
3. Empty the Ash Can
If you are using a charcoal grill, you’ll want to make you empty out the grill can. An accumulation of ash can create a cement-like substance if exposed to moisture, which could potentially cause problems.
Keep a large bucket near your grill. Dump your ashes after every grill session and empty it when full. Be sure to keep the vessel in a dry area.
Want to repurpose your charcoal ashes? Add them to your garden as fertilizer or to prevent pests.
4. Deep Cleaning
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s a good idea to give your BBQ a deep clean once or twice a year to preserve its performance and longevity. Scrub the grates, remove them, and soak them in a soapy water or grill-specific cleaning solution. To remove stubborn buildup, use a heavy-duty griddle pad or scraper. Leave the grates out to dry.
Wipe down the outside of the grill. If you have a propane grill, lightly brush the gas burner tubes using an up-and-down motion.
Best Supplies to Clean Your Grill
Want to make quick work of BBQ cleaning? You’ll want to get professional-quality tools from your local restaurant supply store.
- BBQ grill brush with scraper for hard-to-remove build-up
- Long-handled tongs
- Disposable gloves
- Griddle pad and cleaning solution for routine, complete cleaning, and flat-top grill components
Stock Up on BBQ Equipment at US Foods CHEF’STORE
Go where the professionals shop: CHEF’STORE. You’ll discover restaurant-quality grilling supplies at wholesale prices, ensuring your equipment will stand the test of time, for less.
What’s more? You’ll find meat and seafood, fresh produce, buns, beverages, and more to choose from. Search for items online, in-store, or get all our exceptional products delivered to your door with third-party grocery delivery.
DOWNLOAD OUR GRILL CLEANING CHECKLIST
