Cleaning Grill Grates & Grill Maintenance
Cleaning your grill grates doesn’t have to be difficult. They key to keeping a nice and tidy grill is routine maintenance and avoiding build up of charred meats, grease and debris. That being said, grill grates do get dirty and we have an easy to clean your grill. You can also take a look at our favorite grill brushes.
While we don’t typically grill with aluminum on our grates, if you are planning to grill food with sugary marinade or thick sauce, it is recommended that you place a layer of tin foil over your grates to prevent the drippings from burning onto the grates, which can cause difficult-to-remove char and affect the taste of your food. By using a layer of foil, you can easily dispose of the drippings and keep your grill clean.
Alright, so the damage is done, and the grill grates are dirty. What’s the easiest way to clean your grill?
Why Clean Grill Grates
How to clean grill grates:
- Preheat your grill to 400 degrees
- Allow the grill to warm up for around 15 minutes to char any remains
- Once the grill is hot, begin to take the grill brush to the grill and begin scrapping any charred meat and debris
- If there are any particular tough spots, you can also dip your brush into water. Soak it so they bristles are moist
- Rinse and repeat the process until the grill is nice and clean
- If there are any spots that you are having difficulty with, flip the brush over and use the scraper to manually remove any excess pieces
Cleaning Grill Grates without a Grill Brush
If you do not have a grill brush, there is no need to worry, as you can use a simple household item – aluminum foil. To use it as a grill brush, you should crumple a sheet of aluminum foil into a ball, which will create a textured surface to scrape away any food debris that has accumulated on the grill grates.
However, it is essential to note that if the grill is still hot, you should use tongs to hold the foil ball and avoid burning your hands while scrubbing the grates. The tongs will provide a safe handle to grip while you use the foil ball to clean the grates.
While using aluminum foil as a grill brush is a quick and easy fix, it is still recommended to invest in a high-quality grill brush for long-term use.
Easy Off Grill Cleaner
Easy-Off Grill Cleaner is a heavy-duty cleaner that removes tough, grilled-on grease and grime from grill grates, racks, and other surfaces. The formula is specifically created for use on grills and is designed to dissolve charred food and other residues to make cleaning easier. We don’t typically use this type of a cleaner, but for heavy-duty jobs it’s worth taking a look.
The product is formulated to work quickly, and it is easy to use. Spray the cleaner directly onto the surface to be cleaned, wait for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a cloth or brush. For best results, it is recommended to apply the cleaner while the surface is still warm.
It is important to read and follow the instructions on the product label carefully and to wear gloves and protective eyewear when using the cleaner to avoid skin and eye irritation.
Best Methods for Cleaning Grill Grates
- Traditional Brushing: Use a stiff wire brush to scrub the grates while they are still hot after cooking. This will help remove any food debris or grease that is stuck on the grates.
- Aluminum Foil: Don’t have a grill brush? No problem, simply use a sheet of aluminum foil, and scrunch it up into a ball. Use this as your grill brush. Note, if the grill is still hot, use tongs as your handle as you scrub the grill grate grate with the foil ball.
- Soaking: You can also soak the grates in warm soapy water for about an hour to loosen any stubborn food residue.
- Burn-off method: Heat the grill to a high temperature and let it burn off any leftover debris on the grates for around 15-20 minutes.