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  • 🏚 Home Tips Issue #5: Keep your BBQ Grill Ready for Action: Easy Cleaning Tips

🏚 Home Tips Issue #5: Keep your BBQ Grill Ready for Action: Easy Cleaning Tips

Keep your BBQ Grill Ready for Action: Easy Cleaning Tips

How To Cleaning and Inspecting Your BBQ and Griddle

The Handy Homeowner

Hey there, Backyard Chefs!

As the summer rolls along, it's time to give some love to those trusty BBQs and Griddles. After all, they've been working hard to make sure your steaks are juicy, your pancakes are fluffy, and your hamburgers are delicious.

Today, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of cleaning and inspecting your outdoor cooking gear. Don't worry; I'll guide you through it with all the pros, cons, and a little humor to make this chore less of a bore. So grab your scrub brush and let’s get started!

Cleaning BBQ

The Pros & Cons

😊 Pros of Cleaning your Outdoor Cooking Equipment

  • Improved Performance: Regular cleaning ensures your BBQ or Griddle heats evenly, reducing hot spots and keeping your food cooking consistently. No one likes a burger that's burnt on one side and raw on the other!

  • Enhanced Flavor: A clean grill means better-tasting food. Old grease and char can put unwanted flavors to your masterpieces, so keeping things tidy ensures your culinary skills shine.

  • Safety First: Clearing away grease and debris lowers the risk of flare-ups and fires. It’s hard to impress your friends with charred eyebrows.

  • Longer Lifespan: Routine maintenance extends the life of your equipment, saving you money in the long run. No need to rush out to buy a new one because of a little neglect!

  • Time to Replace: You will get a pretty good idea of how much life is left in your cookout gear and you can watch for deals if it’s near end of life.

 😞 Cons of Cleaning your Outdoor Cooking Equipment

  • Time-Consuming: Let's face it, cleaning a BBQ/Griddle isn’t a quick task. It can take some time to get all those nooks and crannies.

  • Messy Business: Be prepared to get your hands dirty. Cleaning up grease and grime is never a clean job.

  • Requires Elbow Grease: You’ll need some muscle power to scrub away the stubborn buildup, especially if it’s been a while since the last cleaning.

  • Potential for Damage: Using the wrong tools or cleaners can damage your grill.

🤷‍♂️ Why does Grime Buildup happen?

Grime buildup is inevitable with all those delicious marinades and juices dripping onto your grill. Combine that with high heat, and you get a sticky, burnt-on mess. Never cleaning your BBQ or Griddle does not add flavor despite what some people think.

Regular use without cleaning allows the layers of grease and food particles to build up, eventually leading to performance issues and potential fire hazards.

⚒ How to Clean and Inspect Your BBQ, Griddle, or Smoker

You’ll need:

  • Grill brush

  • Soapy water or grill cleaner/degreaser

  • Scraper

  • Paper towels or sponge

  • Stainless steel cleaner (optional)

  • Bucket

  • Rubber gloves

  • Vinegar and baking soda (for stubborn spots)

Cleaning a BBQ & Griddle involves some similar principles, but each requires specific techniques and considerations due to their unique designs and functions. Let’s break down the differences:

Always start by turning off and disconnecting your gas or electric supply (if applicable) and let everything cool completely. Safety first, folks!

BBQ

Components:

  • Grates

  • Burners (for gas grills)

  • Drip trays

  • Hood

To Cleaning Your BBQ:

Step 1: Grates

  • Use a grill brush to scrub the grates while they are still warm, which makes it easier to remove food particles and grease.

  • Soak in soapy water for deeper cleaning.

  • Rinse thoroughly.

  • Inspect for rust and damage.

Step 2: Burners

  • For gas grills, carefully clean the burners and ensure there are no blockages in the gas ports.

  • Use a soft brush to avoid damaging them.

  • Inspect for rust and damage.

Step 3: Drip Trays

  • Remove and empty the drip tray.

  • Scrub it with warm, soapy water to remove any buildup.

  • Inspect for rust and damage.

Step 4: Interior and Hood

  • Scrape off any carbonized buildup from the interior surfaces and hood.

  • Wipe everything down with a damp cloth or sponge and soapy water.

  • Inspect for rust and damage.

Step 5: Reassembly & test

  • Put the drip tray and grates back into place.

  • Light the BBQ and make sure all the burners are working properly.

Important Details:

  • Avoid wire brushes that may leave metal bristles behind.

  • Regularly check for rust or damage, especially on grates, gas lines and connections.

Here is a YouTube video of cleaning a nasty BBQ Click here

Griddle

Components:

  • Flat cooking surface

  • Grease trap

  • Burners

To Clean Your Griddle:

Step1: Flat Surface

  • While the griddle is warm, use a griddle scraper to remove food particles and debris.

  • For stuck on food, pour some water onto the griddle while it’s still warm. The hot water will make it easier to remove the residue.

  • Wipe it down with a paper towel

Step 2: Grease Trap 

  • Empty and clean the grease trap regularly to prevent overflow and buildup.

  • Use hot, soapy water for cleaning.

  • Using a disposable liner is the quick and easy way

Step 3: Burners 

  • Once the griddle top is cool carefully remove it to expose the burners

  • Clean the burners and ensure there are no blockages in the gas ports.

  • Use a soft brush to avoid damaging them.

  • Inspect for rust and damage.

Step 5: Reassembly & test

  • Put the griddle top and drip tray back into place.

  • Light the Griddle and make sure all the burners are working properly.

Step 6: Seasoning 

  • After cleaning, apply a thin layer of oil to the griddle surface to maintain its non-stick properties and prevent rust.

  • Use a paper towel to make sure the entire cooking surface is oiled.

Important Details:

  • Avoid leaving water on the cooking surface, as it can cause rusting.

  • Regular seasoning is crucial for maintaining the surface.

  • Regularly check for rust or damage, especially on the cooking surface, gas lines and connections.

Here is a YouTube video of cleaning a Griddle Click Here

✔ Tips & Tricks

  • Regular Cleaning: Give your grill a quick clean after each use to prevent buildup.

  • Oil Your Grates/Cooktop: Apply a thin layer of oil to the grates after cleaning to prevent rust.

  • Use Natural Cleaners: Vinegar and baking soda are excellent for tackling stubborn stains without harsh chemicals.

  • Cover Up: Invest in a good cover to protect your equipment from the elements when not in use. Use a Griddle Mat to protect the Griddle when not in use.

  • Protective Gear: Wear gloves to protect your hands from grease and harsh cleaners.

  • Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect for any signs of damage or wear that could affect safety or performance.

🛠 When to call a Pro

  • Gas Leak Detection: If you suspect a gas leak, shut of the gas/propane and call a professional before using. Better safe than sorry!

  • Damage: If you notice major rusting or damage, a pro can assess whether repair or replacement is necessary. For example if your burner is rusted or damaged.

  • Complex Repairs: When dealing with intricate parts, a professional can handle complex repairs to keep your cooking gear running smoothly.

Cleaning and inspecting your BBQ or Griddle might not be the most glamorous job, but it's crucial for safety, flavor, and performance. Plus, once it's done, you can get back to doing what you love—cooking up a storm and impressing your guests with your grilling prowess.

So roll up those sleeves, get your hands dirty, and give your outdoor cooking equipment the TLC they deserve!

Transform your home with confidence, one tip at a time!

Ron

The Handy Homeowner

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