How to Clean Your Portable BBQ Grill
Whatever the type of portable grill, make sure that before you start cleaning them, the power source or fuel valves are turned off and that the grill is completely cooled down. Always check the instruction manual for any specific cleaning instructions for your portable grill. Additionally, wear gloves throughout the entire process.
For Charcoal Grills
Cleaning the Grates
- To clean your grill after every use, use a grill brush and brush away any ash or food residues after it has cooled down.
- To loosen tough build-up, consider heating the grill. Light the grill and turn it off after a bit to let it cool. Make sure that the grill is not too hot and only warm when you start cleaning it.
- As the heat works to loosen the residues, use a grill brush and scrape the grill grate.
- For a more thorough cleaning, remove the grill grate after it has cooled down and wash it with mild soap and water. Avoid using any cleaning solutions that are abrasive to the material of the grate.
Cleaning the Inside
- Remove the grill grates and any detachable parts. If your ash pans are detachable, remove them and get rid of the residual ash.
- Discard the residues and clean the drip pan as well.
- Use mild soap and a scouring pad to scrub any stubborn residue inside the grill.
- Similarly, to clean the inside of the lid, use mild soap and scrub residues with a grill brush.
- To clean the exterior of the grill, dilute soap in water and wipe down with a soft cloth. Avoid using any abrasive cleaning solutions that might damage the finish of the grill.
Caution
Make sure that the grill grates and the ash in the tray are completely cooled down before you take on this step.
For Propane Grills
Cleaning the Grates
- As the grates of a propane grill come in the same material as that of a charcoal grill, use the same methods to clean the grill.
- If you want to clean the grill after heating it, simply fire up the grill and cover the lid to allow it to heat up.
Cleaning the Inside
- Turn off all the gas valves before you start to clean the grill. Disconnect the propane tank.
- As propane burns, you won’t have to deal with getting rid of any ash residues.
- Just as you did for the charcoal grill, remove any detachable parts and clean them with mild soap and water. Do the same for the inside of the grill, the lid and the exterior.
- Portable propane grills might have burners that need cleaning to remove debris and ensure proper functioning. Brush the burners with a wire brush after the grill cools completely. Follow the instructions in your manual for specific cleaning methods.
For Propane Grills With a Griddle
- If you have to clean your griddle after you have cooked, allow it to completely cool down.
- Scrape away any food residues with a metal or steel spatula while it is still warm. Make sure that you are gliding the spatula over the griddle and not scraping and damaging the surface.
- Alternatively, cover the spatula with a soft cloth so as to not damage the surface of your griddle.
- For residues that are tough, sprinkling some hot water on the griddle should help remove it easily.
- Detach the drip pan and throw away any debris. Rinse with mild soap and water. If you are using an aluminum foil drip cup, simply replace it with a new one.
Maintenance is Key
Now that you have learnt how easy it is to clean your portable grill, make sure it stays that way. To increase the lifespan of your grills:
- After cleaning your portable grills, season the grilling surface with cooking oil. Simply rub the surface with oil and store it in a dry and cool place. This will prevent it from rusting.
- Make sure that your portable grills are at least wiped down dry, if not deep cleaned, after every use.
- Always use a weatherproof grill cover to protect your grills as you store them away.
- Store your portable grills in an airy and dry area.
- Even when not in use, perform inspections once in a while to check the condition of your portable grill.