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Grill Maintenance Season
Posted on 7/8/2016
One of the best things about summer is that it’s “Grill Season”. A properly operating grill can make all the difference in the outcome of your grilling endeavors. Your grill works hard for you all summer, sometimes year-round, to give you delicious food. Show your appreciation and care for it by keeping it well-maintained. The time it takes is minimal and the payback is well worth it.
One of the best things about summer is that it’s “Grill Season”. A properly operating grill can make all the difference in the outcome of your grilling endeavors. Your grill works hard for you all summer, sometimes year-round, to give you delicious food. Show your appreciation and care for it by keeping it well-maintained. The time it takes is minimal and the payback is well worth it.
Cleaning tools: All home improvement, hardware, or retailers of grills offer an assortment of cleaning tools specifically designed for cleaning of grills. The wire brush is the most common cleaning tool, but consult the owner’s manual for recommendations as cooking grate materials can vary.
Cleaning the grate: This applies to both gas and charcoal grills. Clean your grate every time you cook. The easiest way is to get the grate hot and then sweep a brass-bristled brush over it before the food goes on.
Oiling: Not everyone subscribes to the oiling philosophy. While this is a personal choice, it stands to reason that less food will stick to the grate if oiled. Hence, less cleaning and better-tasting results.
To oil the grate: Dip a wadded paper towel or cloth rag into a little bit of oil, one with a high smoking point such as safflower, corn, or peanut oil is recommended. Hold it with a pair of tongs and wipe it across the grate. A little goes a long way, too much and you’ll fight flare-ups the whole time.
If you are cooking something that already has oil on it, you can probably skip this step.
Charcoal: On a charcoal grill, it’s better to clean the ash out after each use. A pile of ash left in the grill collects moisture and can turn into something that resembles concrete and is very tough to clean. Just keep a bucket near the grill and dump the leftover ash after each use.
Outside of grill: Once a month or so, less if you aren’t grilling every few days, wipe down the grill with grill cleaner. This will keep it nice and shiny.
Clean grease traps: These receptacles collect the fatty deposits that build up in your grill. Make sure to keep them clean because grease can ignite and set your grill (and home) on fire.
Inside of grill: This area needs nothing more than a quick wipe down with a dry paper towel to knock off any large food particles stuck to the side. Much like the seasoning on a cast iron pan, the more it’s used, the better it holds a steady temperature and prevents rust.
Keep it covered: An inexpensive grill cover can protect your grill and help it have a longer, stronger life.
Keeping your grill in top shape and working order requires routine maintenance and cleaning. Failure to follow these important steps can greatly reduce the lifespan of the grill and in some cases result in safety concerns. Bottom line, good maintenance will extend the life and working of the grill.
Happy grilling!!
Cleaning tools: All home improvement, hardware, or retailers of grills offer an assortment of cleaning tools specifically designed for cleaning of grills. The wire brush is the most common cleaning tool, but consult the owner’s manual for recommendations as cooking grate materials can vary.
Cleaning the grate: This applies to both gas and charcoal grills. Clean your grate every time you cook. The easiest way is to get the grate hot and then sweep a brass-bristled brush over it before the food goes on.
Oiling: Not everyone subscribes to the oiling philosophy. While this is a personal choice, it stands to reason that less food will stick to the grate if oiled. Hence, less cleaning and better-tasting results.
To oil the grate: Dip a wadded paper towel or cloth rag into a little bit of oil, one with a high smoking point such as safflower, corn, or peanut oil is recommended. Hold it with a pair of tongs and wipe it across the grate. A little goes a long way, too much and you’ll fight flare-ups the whole time.
If you are cooking something that already has oil on it, you can probably skip this step.
Charcoal: On a charcoal grill, it’s better to clean the ash out after each use. A pile of ash left in the grill collects moisture and can turn into something that resembles concrete and is very tough to clean. Just keep a bucket near the grill and dump the leftover ash after each use.
Outside of grill: Once a month or so, less if you aren’t grilling every few days, wipe down the grill with grill cleaner. This will keep it nice and shiny.
Clean grease traps: These receptacles collect the fatty deposits that build up in your grill. Make sure to keep them clean because grease can ignite and set your grill (and home) on fire.
Inside of grill: This area needs nothing more than a quick wipe down with a dry paper towel to knock off any large food particles stuck to the side. Much like the seasoning on a cast iron pan, the more it’s used, the better it holds a steady temperature and prevents rust.
Keep it covered: An inexpensive grill cover can protect your grill and help it have a longer, stronger life.
Keeping your grill in top shape and working order requires routine maintenance and cleaning. Failure to follow these important steps can greatly reduce the lifespan of the grill and in some cases result in safety concerns. Bottom line, good maintenance will extend the life and working of the grill.
Happy grilling!!