Summer is here, so it’s time to get ready to grill outdoors. But before you get the family together for a big BBQ, it’s important to clean your propane grill to get the best and safest use from it.
Let’s dive into some pro tips from the Spicer team on propane grill maintenance:
How to Clean a Propane Grill Before First Use of the Season
If you’re using your propane grill for the first time this summer, it’s important to clean it, even if you have before storing it for the winter season. This should include wiping down both the interior and exterior of the grill. There are many specialized cleaners for this, although dish soap and water are usually just as effective for cleaning. Make sure to scrub all the burners and grates. Double-check that debris is cleared out from the bottom, and be aware that substantial dust may have built up in there over the colder months. To be safe, check for any unwanted critters that may have made the grill their home, too.
A clean propane grill means that all the food you grill on it, whether burgers, fish, wings, or any other family favorites, will be heated evenly and thoroughly. You may be surprised at how a little debris can cause heat to disperse unevenly, leaving your grilled food to be overcooked in some parts and not enough in others.
Best Way to Clean a Propane Grill to Prevent Grease Fires
Grease fires happen on a propane grill because the burners and grates inside are too congested, causing the heat to reach the point of ignition. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to clean out the drip pan, which is often found under the grids. Before you do this, make sure the propane and grill are both turned off. It is always best to double-check the propane tank to make sure that it is closed.
Occasionally, you should fill up a gallon bucket with dish soap and water. You can then take the grill grates out and soak them for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse them off and clean them as you normally would.
Important Propane Grill Maintenance Tips
One of the essential parts of how to clean propane grills is using the correct brushes on the grilling grids. A wire brush with a long handle is effective to scrape those grids clean. In some cases, a softer brass brush is needed on less durable grill materials, so make sure that the brush you are using will not damage your grill. Another occasional step in cleaning your grill is to turn up the heat on high after cooking, close the lid, and leave it that way for about 30 minutes. This will burn off any excess food. Try to do this at least once a month.
It is never a bad idea to invest in a quality grill cover, and you should never keep the grill out in the rain. Rust is the number one cause of propane grill failure. Good propane grill maintenance includes checking your propane levels often. If they are getting low, make sure to have more on hand. Knowing where to find a reliable propane company that can refill your propane means that you will never have to worry about running out of fuel mid-barbeque.
Spicer Hearth & Home is here to make sure you are never out of propane this summer while cooking for family and friends, entertaining on your patio, or having fun in the pool. Our Salem showroom has 25 live burn displays, showcasing our entire selection of gas and propane furnaces, cast iron stoves, space heaters, and more! Simply stop by to see our impressive line of products in action.
To learn more about our wide range of specialty products and services, contact us today!