How to clean a grill

A clean grill is a clean slate – no one wants to grill his or her favorite savory cut on the charred remains of last week’s barbeque.

Fortunately, anyone can clean a grill quickly and easily. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of a grill, but also creates the best possible cooking environment.

Charcoal

Charcoal grills generally require very little after-grilling maintenance. After every use:

• Clean the cooking grate with a grilling brush. For hard-to-remove cooking residue, soak the grate in a bucket or pan of warm, soapy water before scrubbing, or try damp steel wool pads and soap.
• Remove all charcoal ash – after the grill and the ash cool, of course.

Occasionally, if the grill bowl and lid collect an excess amount of grease and other charcoal grilling by-products, clean them with a grilling brush, using warm, soapy water as needed.

Gas

Gas grills require a bit more effort. The cooking grate should be cleaned after each use, and the bowl and lid as needed, following the charcoal grill guidelines above.

Periodically, however, gas grills need a more thorough cleaning. Every grill is different, but generally the burner, briquettes, lava rock, drip pan and other parts unique to gas grills need regular cleaning. Gently brush any particles from the burner, and clean the other parts in soapy water.

Be sure to disconnect the fuel tank before attempting to clean beneath the cooking grate, and let all parts dry before putting them back in place.

For easier cleanup on any type of grill, apply or spray cooking oil to the cooking surface before grilling.

Sources: Weber.com, About.com