Summer heralds the ideal season for outdoor BBQs, but before igniting the grill, it's essential to ensure it's primed for the occasion. Whether you have a gas or charcoal BBQ, there are several crucial steps to undertake in preparation for summer.
Charcoal BBQ cleaning guide:
- Remove the grate: Detach the grate and eliminate any loose debris or ash with a grill brush.
- Empty the ash catcher: Take out the ash catcher and discard any ash or debris.
- Scrub the grate: Employ a grill brush to scrub the grate with hot soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry.
- Clean the BBQ interior: Use a grill brush or scraper to remove any grease buildup on the inside of the BBQ lid and bottom.
- Reassemble the grill: Replace the grate and ash catcher.
- Light the charcoal: Adhere to the instructions on your charcoal bag to ignite the charcoal.
- Preheat the grill: Once the charcoal is ignited and the flames have diminished, position the grate back on the grill and allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes.
- Oil the grate: Dab a paper towel in oil to lightly coat the grate before placing food on it.
Gas BBQ cleaning steps:
- Turn off the gas supply: Prior to cleaning your BBQ, ensure the gas supply is switched off to prevent accidents or injuries.
- Remove the grates: Take out the cooking grates from the BBQ and brush off any loose debris or ash with a brush.
- Soak the grates: Submerge the grates in a bucket of warm, soapy water for 15 minutes to loosen stuck-on grime.
- Scrub the grates: After soaking, thoroughly scrub the grates with a grill brush. For stubborn stains, consider using a BBQ cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.
- Clean the burner protectors: Remove the burner protectors and scrub them with a wire brush or scraper to remove any rust or debris.
- Wipe down the burners: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the burners and eliminate any debris or grease.
- Clean the interior: Use a grill brush or scraper to remove debris or grease from the interior walls and bottom of the BBQ.
- Clean the exterior: Wipe down the exterior of the BBQ with a damp cloth or sponge. For stainless steel BBQs, use a stainless steel cleaner to remove fingerprints or smudges.
- Reassemble the BBQ: Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the BBQ and turn on the gas supply to ensure everything is functioning properly.