After a BBQ-packed summer, as the weather begins to turn, many homeowners will be looking to prepare their cooker for fall. No matter whether you are planning on putting it away in storage or just using the changing seasons as an opportunity for a thorough clean, the fall is a perfect opportunity for some in-depth grill care.
Paying close attention to the condition of your grill and keeping on top of your maintenance will ensure that your BBQ will be able to last for many years.
To help you with your grill care and ensure that yours remains in the best condition possible, we thought we would take a closer look at what you should do this fall.
How to clean a gas grill in the fall
After a busy summer of hosting family and friends for a cookout, one of the most important aspects of fall grill care is a thorough clean. While you should always wipe clean your BBQ every time you use it, every few months, you should focus on a deep clean.
1) Brush off debris
The first thing that you should do is wipe away any deposits that have built up over the summer. When the grill is cool, use a nylon brush and a scraper to clean away any of the food remnants that have been burnt on.
2) Clean your heat plates
Next, you should remove all of your cooking grates and clean and wipe your heat plates and flavorizer bars, ensuring all debris has been removed.
3) Clean your burner tube ports
Once you have cleaned the heat plates, you should then remove them and wipe away any rust or dirt that has built up around your burner tube ports. One important tip for this stage is to ensure you are brushing along the burner, so you do not accidentally brush debris into your ports.
4) Clean your burner box
Using your brush and scraper, make sure that you completely remove any debris and burnt-on food and debris that has accumulated on the burner box.
5) Clean the exterior
Using warm soapy water, you should then clean the exterior of the grill and any side tables, letting them thoroughly dry before placing your gill in storage.
How to clean a charcoal grill in the fall
If you are looking for grill care tips for your charcoal grill, then here are four tips to keep in mind when cleaning yours:
1) Brush off deposits
When your grill is cool, use a bush or a scraper to remove any deposits and debris that have built up on the underside of the lid.
2) Clean your grills
The next step is to brush off any debris that has built up on your grills and grates.
3) Clean the bowl
Once your lid and grills are clean, you can then use your scraper to remove any food and coal residue that has built up in the bowl.
4) Clear the ash catcher
Finally, remove any debris from the ash catcher and then wipe it clean using warm soapy water.
Inspecting your grill
Of course, grill care is not just about cleaning. That is why you should also use this opportunity to conduct a thorough examination and inspection of your BBQ. This will help you to identify any areas of concern or deterioration before they become major issues.
The first thing to do is to check your hoses for any signs of cracking or abrasions. This is particularly important before the colder weather arrives, as this can hasten their deterioration. Making these checks now will save you time and hassle next spring.
You should also examine every component on the grill, including the heat plates, burners, and grates, for signs of rust, corrosion, or deterioration. If you are unable to clean these areas, then it might be time to consider a replacement.
Finally, for gas grills, you want to make sure that you are checking every connection for signs of a leak.
If you notice any signs of concern during your inspection, then you should make sure that you are rectifying them straight away. Otherwise, you run the risk of the issue deteriorating over the winter and becoming a more costly repair.
Getting ready to winterize your grill
As the weather begins to turn and the climate gets colder, many of us are going to be using our BBQs far less frequently. That means for many homeowners, the best thing to do is to tuck their grill away for the winter and ensure it is protected from the elements.
However, if you are planning to use your grill throughout the winter months and want to ensure that you are prepared for any event, there are a few top grill care tips that you need to remember.
1) Brush your cooking grates
This is an important grill care tip for anytime that you use your BBQ, but it is particularly important during the winter months. When you have finished cooking, you should use a wire brush or a ball of aluminum foil between tongs to wipe down your grills and grates.
One great way to help make this easier is to apply a layer of vegetable oil or cooking spray before you start cooking. Keeping this up regularly will create a non-stick surface that will not only help make cleaning easier but also ensure you can make those beautiful grill marks on your food.
2) Get a grill cover
When it comes to winterizing your grill, you should also make sure that you are investing in a good grill cover. If you are leaving yours outside during the winter, then you will need to ensure that it is protected from the elements.
A heavy-duty weather-resistant BBQ cover will protect it from colder temperatures, heavy rain, and snow. This will reduce the risk of damage or corrosion, ensuring you can continue to use it all year round.
3) Add a light
Another top grill care tip to remember during the winter months is to add a light. As the evenings get darker, a light on your handle will ensure you can illuminate your grill so you can safely grill late into the night!
4) Replace damaged parts
If you have noticed any signs of wear and tear on your grill, then it is best to use the fall to get them repaired. Ordering them now will ensure that they arrive before the winter arrives; otherwise, leaving it until they break completely or the spring comes might result in you having to face a longer wait.
Final Thoughts
No matter whether you are looking to put yours in storage for the winter months or you are planning to use yours all year round, following these grill care tips will ensure that your BBQ remains in the best condition possible.