Understanding how to clean a grill is important knowledge for anyone who uses a grill to cook. Gas grills are a great way to prepare many types of food. Cooking over the open flame adds a variation of flavor and style, and the creative cook has endless options. And just like any cooking surface, to prolong the life of the grill, and to guard against food-borne illnesses, it is important to properly clean and maintain a gas grill. Knowing how to clean a grill will lengthen the life of your grill, and will help keep your family healthy.
Far too often it is assumed that a gas grill provides a clean cooking surface simply because it is exposed to high heat. While the heat of the flame can burn off some residue, other measures need to be taken in order to ensure a safe and healthy cooking experience. A quick but thorough cleaning needs to be performed after each use, and a deep, comprehensive cleaning needs to be done about once a year.
How to Clean a Gas Grill after Each Use
- The grate is the heavy metal grid upon which food is cooked. It is the portion of the grill which comes into direct contact with the food and is therefore the primary part to clean. The grate should be cleaned after the food has been cooked, while the grill is still somewhat warm.
- Use a heavy-duty wire brush to scrape the grate clean. Another option is to wait until the grate has completely cooled, and remove it. Then clean it under running water with a soap and sponge or scrub brush. Any decent grill brush will do, but we love our Grill Daddy Pro brush.
- In order to preserve the surface and integrity of the grate, use a rag to rub oil onto it, particularly if it is cast iron.
- If the grill has any food preparation surfaces, wipe these down with a mild household cleaner, just as you would a counter top or stove surface.
How to Periodically Deep Clean a Gas Grill
- For safety reasons and to ensure proper cleaning, disconnect the propane or gas tank.
- Remove the grate, ensure that it has been cleaned with soap and water, and inspect it for rust. If rust is evident, consider replacing or repainting it.
- Next, remove the grill parts layer by layer. This may include a burner cover, clay or ceramic briquettes or lava rock, and the burner unit. The steps to doing this will depend upon your specific grill. Refer to your user manual for directions.
- Clean the burner cover and briquettes. If they are heavily soiled or rusted, consider replacing them.
- Inspect the burner for clogs. Clean out any clogs you find, or replace if unable to adequately do so.
- With components removed, clean the inside and outside of the grill with warm soapy water while also checking for rust. If rust is found it may be sanded and repainted.
- Reassemble all components and reattach the gas or propane tank.
- Light the grill and allow it to burn for about 10 minutes in order to remove any residue of cleaner.
Proper grill maintenance, both lightly after each use, and comprehensively about once a year, will ensure healthy outdoor cooking and prolong the life of your grill.
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Matt spends quality hours cooking delicious outdoor meals. Anything from smoking ribs in the back yard to creating a grilled masterpiece for his fire crew, to cooking fresh fish with a backpack stove. You don't need culinary training to be a grill chef. All you need is practice, patience, and an appetite.
