Grilling is one of the most popular summertime activities for many people, and it can be a great way to bring friends and family together for an enjoyable time. From classic charcoal grills to high-tech gas models, grilling has become a staple of the warm season. Before getting started with your grilling adventures each year, however, it is important to make sure your grill is in good working order. This includes taking the time to properly clean your grill grates - a vital step in ensuring that your food will cook evenly and safely.
If you are looking for step-by-step instructions on how to properly clean your grill grates, watch the video of Logan, and follow along with this blog!
What You’ll Need for This Project
- Grill Grate
- All-natural Grill Cleaner
- Composite Bristle Grill Brush
- Paper Towel
- Tin Foil (Optional)
Step #1: Remove The Dirty Grill Grate
Take the dirty grill grate out from the grill and set it down on a flat, protected surface like an outdoor table or countertop.
Step #2: Spray Grate With All-Natural Cleaner
Next, you will want to take a good quality grill cleaner. It is preferable that you use an all-natural grill cleaner so that you do not get any harsh chemicals onto your grill and potentially onto your food. Spray your grill with the natural cleaner and let it sit for a couple of minutes so that the cleaner can eat away at the caked-on grime.
Step #3: Scrub Grate With Brush (or Foil)
Then take a composite bristle brush and scrape away at the caked-on residue. A composite bristle brush will not leave behind any harmful fragments like a wire brush. If you do not have a composite bristle brush, you can always use kitchen tin foil, bunched up in a ball.
Step #4: Flip The Grate And Clean Underside
Once you have scrubbed and cleaned one side of the grill, make sure you do not neglect the underside by flipping the grate over and repeating steps two and three.
Step #5: Run Grill For 10 Minutes To Burn Off Cleaner
Even if you use an all-natural grill cleaner, it is still important to place the newly cleaned grill grate back in the gill and run it at a high temperature for at least 10 minutes to burn all of the cleaning solutions off before grilling food for the first time.
Get Ready To Grill
In conclusion, cleaning your grill grate properly before grilling food ensures a higher quality result in terms of flavor and texture. Cleaning the grate effectively removes residue that can otherwise impact the taste and consistency of grilled foods, while also providing an improved visual appeal. Additionally, removing stuck-on grime will help to extend the life span of your grill, since caked-on residue can lead to corrosion over time. Properly cleaning your grill prior to use is a must for anyone who enjoys cooking outdoors with delicious results every time!
If you are looking for more helpful grilling tips, or in the market for a brand new grill or smoker, stop by HomCo and talk to one of our many grilling experts like Logan! They will be able to help you get what you need in order to wow the guests at your next barbecue!