Gas grills are the finest equipment that helps us to taste tasty grilled food that is of restaurant-grade, at the comforts of our home. With the help of portable and compact gas grills, we can prepare tasty grilled meat even on our camping and vacation trips. A vast majority of us have mastered the grill cooking methods and techniques to serve ourselves mouth-watering delicacies, but fail to master the cleaning tricks. Here is how you have to clean your gas grill, to enhance its life and to keep serving your tongue.
Check out: Best Gas Grills
How to Clean a Gas Grill?
Cleaning the gas grill:
Cleaning the gas grill doesn’t mean giving the grates a quick scrub down after use and wiping the exteriors off the grease. Deeper cleaning is required to ensure that the grill runs safely and efficiently. Frequent cleaning also ensures that food is prevented from burning and sticking in the grill and a clean grill is always a well-functioning and well-performing grill.
It is always a good practice to follow the instructions given in the owner’s manual when it comes to cleaning the gas grill. If somehow you have lost it, here is the step-by-step instructions on how to clean your gas grill efficiently.
Pre-requisites for cleaning:
- Mild soap with water for cleaning.
- Bristle brush or putty knife to work on hard stains.
- Grill brush or any cleaning brush with coarse bristles.
- Cleaning rags and paper towels.
- And gloves to protect the hands.
It is good to refrain from hard and toxic chemicals to clean the grill, as they can impart a strong taste to the food. Warm water and mild dish soap are enough to clean off the grease. Alternatively, we can also use baking soda and vinegar combinations to work on tough stains. If the grill comprises stainless steel exteriors, then it is good to use a stainless steel cleaner for rendering additional shine.
Must Read: Best 2 Burner Gas Grills Under $300
Step by Step Cleansing of a Gas Grill
1. Burn the grill
The first step in cleaning the gas grill is to burn it to the complete temperature for 10 to 20 minutes. Start by firing up the grill with the hood closed to help the extreme temperature to melt any stuck-on food and grease. The next step is to dip the wire brush in the soapy solution and scrub off all the residual carbon off the grates. After this initial scrubbing, disconnect the propane tank and keep it aside. Allow the grill to cool down completely.
2. Soaking the grills in the soapy solution
After the grilling plates cool down completely, remove the grates and the flavorizer bars and submerge both of them in a tub of warm and soapy water. let the grills soak for at least 30 minutes in the soap solution. As this is soaking, remove other things from the grill, that are easy to take off, such as burner control knobs, grease trays, warming racks, and even the burner tubes if they are removable. Removing all these accessories will make it very easy to clean the griller.
3. Cleaning the interiors of the grill
After removing the flavorizer and the grill grates, the insides of the firebox will be exposed and now it will be very easy to clean. Place an empty bucket under the firebox, directly below the opening of the grease tray and to catch the soapy water, and collect the debris that is been flushed off. You can also use the plastic putty knife to scrape off the caked down debris from the inner portion of the firebox. It is also a good idea to use a wet or dry vacuum, either portable or full size to collect all the loose debris. After cleaning the firebox, you can rinse it off with water, preferably with a garden hose.
4. Cleaning the panels
Remove the grates and the panels from the soak and scrub them thoroughly with the help of a wire brush. For stubborn gunk, you can mix a paste of vinegar and baking soda and apply them directly to the stubborn stains. After cleaning, rinse the surfaces clean and dry the cast iron grates thoroughly to prevent rusting. Also, take time to inspect the porcelain grates for any chips, as it can eventually lead to rust formation.
5. Take time to inspect
While you are removing the components for cleaning, also ensure to inspect the interior parts for damages. Inspect the burners for signs of corrosion and blockages. Spiders love to build their webs on the burner tubes if the griller is not used for a while. Clean them with a wire brush and insert a bottle brush to clean the tube interiors.
6. Cleaning the exteriors of the grill
Take a bucket of clean water with dish soap. Scrub the entire outside of the grill, with the help of a soft kitchen sponge. Do not use metal scrubbers and course sponges as they cause scratches on the grilling unit. After washing the exteriors use absorbent towels to wipe and dry the surfaces.
7. Cleaning the bottoms of the grill
Brush and wipe the debris out of the bottom of the grill. Generally, carbon flakes and grease will be sticking on the outsides of the grill and such peeling black stuff from the grill bottom has to be removed with the help of a bristle brush or a putty knife. While removing grease from the grill, it is important to dispose of them appropriately, maybe in an empty can to let it harden and to throw the whole thing off. It is a wrong practice to pour them down the drain.
Must Check: Best Propane Gas Grills Under $500
Bottom Line
Thoroughly dry the grill and its components, before putting all the parts of the grill together. For a final glossy touch on the unit, we can use stainless steel cleaners. Spray on the cleaner and wipe it off with a clean dry cloth after a few minutes. Undiluted white vinegar is also efficient in cleaning stainless steel surfaces. We can use a light coating of vegetable oil on cast-iron grills to prevent rusting. Reconnect the propane tank, close the hood, and fire up the grill for 10-15 minutes to confirm proper reassembling.
