Tips for Keeping your Gas Grill in Tip-Top Shape

A good gas grill can give you 10 to 15 good grilling years before needing to be replaced. Take care of your gas grill and your gas grill will provide you with delicious barbecue for many years to come.

A few, simple maintenance tips can keep your gas grill running smoothly and grilling to perfection:

1. Always defer to your owner’s manual if you have any questions about your grill maintenance and care.
2. After you have finished grilling and have removed the food, keep your grill running for at least 10 minutes. This will burn off a lot of the food and grease on the grill racks and on the grill burners. This will also make your job a lot easier when you use your wire brush to clean the grill racks.
3. Purchase a good wire grill brush and use it to clean off the grill racks every time you grill. A good grill brush is extremely effective at removing any food particles from the grill racks. Never use your wire grill brush until the grill has completely cooled.
4. DO NOT use a wire grill brush on porcelain racks, though, as this could damage them. Instead, wait for the racks to cool, and then remove them and soak them in warm, soapy water.
5. If your grill racks are particularly dirty, you should probably take them off and allow them to soak in warm, soapy water. You can then use a plastic scouring pad to remove any remaining particles.
6. Never use oven cleaners or other harsh chemicals to clean your grill racks, as these are often corrosive on the metal. They can also contaminate food if you don’t completely rinse the racks off.
7. You can also use warm, soapy water to clean the outside of the grill, as well as the gas tank. Never use scouring pads or steel wool on the outside of the grill, as this will scratch the sufrace.
8. You may want to give your grill a deep cleaning once a year, especially if you use it a lot throughout the year.  It is very important to first disconnect the gas tank before beginning your deep cleaning.
9. If you have a large amount of sediment resting in the bottom of the grill, you can vacuum it out using a shop vac. Do not do this, however, until the grill has completely cooled.
10. If your grill racks are beginning to rust, remove the rust with your wire grill brush before you begin cooking any food (when the grill is cool). If the rust is excessive, you’ll want to replace your grill racks.
11. It is also a good idea to replace your lava rocks or briquettes once a year, as they often accumulate food grease, which could lead to flare-ups and uneven cooking.
12. Check the gas elements on your grill for any signs of clogging. If you notice any clogged elements, you can use a thin wire to push it through.
13. Periodically hose off your gas grill cover to remove tree pollen, dirt and grime, and to prevent the growth of mildew.

 By taking a few small steps to care for your grill, you can enjoy the tasty flavors and wonderful memories of barbequing for years to come.