How to Clean Your BBQ

Cooking is a part of our everyday lives and many people rely on their trusty BBQ. It’s a focal point for social gatherings at home and also a convenient way to cook dinner for the family through the week.

Whether you have a small, portable gas BBQ on the patio, or a top-of-the range model as part of a glamorous outdoor kitchen, there is no denying that outdoor cooking on a BBQ provides loads of versatility—they are super easy to use and very simple to clean.

Speaking of cleaning, while a quick scrape down of your BBQ hotplate is fine most of the time, more thorough cleaning can sometimes be overlooked. However, properly cleaning and maintaining your BBQ will ensure you continue to have a healthy and fully functioning BBQ, that continues to provide delicious, unique flavours to your food.

Maybe your BBQ has been a bit neglected and is in need of a thorough spruce up, or maybe it just needs a light clean. BBQs may not be used as often through winter so now’s a good time to get it sparkling and operating effectively with a deep clean.

Step by Step BBQ Cleaning

Pull on your rubber gloves, fill a large tub or trough with hot soapy water, grab a good quality BBQ grill brush and scraper, paper towel and some cleaning cloths and non-scratch scourers. You don’t need harsh chemicals for an effective clean, and you definitely don’t want any chemical residue on your food, so ordinary dishwashing liquid is perfect.

Before you begin, turn off and disconnect the power source. If you have a gas BBQ, turn the gas bottle off and when you disconnect the hose, check it for leaks or cracks, and replace if necessary.

Remove the drip tray from under your BBQ grill and, using a scraper, remove the built up fat and discard. Wipe off any excess grime with some paper towel and then wash with hot soapy water.

Remove any excess fat and grease with your BBQ brush and then place the hotplates and grills into your tub of soapy water. Let them soak while you continue cleaning, then come back and give them a good scrub. A paste of bicarb soda and vinegar may help remove any stubborn gunk. Rinse the hotplates well and dry with paper towel.

Once the hotplates are dry, generously spray them with cooking oil to coat them - this will prevent them from rusting.

Check the gas burners for any blockages and run a wire brush over the holes to clean them out if necessary.

If you have a charcoal BBQ, remove any ash from the base of the grill then clean the inside with soapy water. Clean the charcoal grate with a brush to remove any debris.

Using hot soapy water, thoroughly wash the rest of your BBQ, inside and out. Focus on the inside of the hood, the side benches and wok burners. A soft sponge may be useful for this – be careful not to use a scratchy scourer on polished surfaces. If your BBQ is stainless steel, you may like to use a stainless steel cleaner for extra shine.

To make your drip tray easier to clean next time, line it with foil and a layer of fat absorber to soak up fat and also help prevent any flare ups.

Once all the parts are dry, replace the hotplates and reconnect your power supply. Lastly, fire up the BBQ, allowing it to heat for at least 15 minutes to burn off any cleaning residue and to season the hotplates.

Extra Tips to Keep it Clean

Now your BBQ is sparkling clean, keep it that way with a BBQ cover which will protect your BBQ from the elements and help prevent rust or dust from accumulating while you’re not using it.

Always give your BBQ a quick clean after each use by scraping off excess grease and grime while it’s still warm. Also, spray a bit of oil on the hotplates. Consider using hotplate liners, which not only prevent your food from sticking, but keep the hotplates clean.

Keep your cleaning equipment and BBQ accessories close to hand in one spot, such as a cabinet designed especially for outdoor kitchen storage and you’ll always be ready to maintain your BBQ, whether it’s a quick once over or a deep clean when it’s needed.

With these tips and advice, you can be sure you’re keeping your BBQ at its best, operating efficiently and safely each time you cook up a delicious meal. For charcoal, electric and gas BBQs, a range of accessories and cleaning products, Gasmate products are available in stores throughout Australia. Find your local stockist here.