Cleaning a Stainless Steel Grill

Cleaning a Stainless Steel Grill: A To-Do-List

Below we will discuss how to properly clean your BBQ grill. Maintaining your grill is key for food safety as well as grill performance.  

Here’s a quick to-do-list in cleaning your stainless steel: 

• You will need the proper cleaning supplies.  This includes:  grill brush with nylon bristles, dishwashing liquid, baking soda, spray bottle with vinegar, steel wool, and a clean towel.
• We suggest turning on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes to get it warm to the touch.   This will make it easier to remove grease and grime.
• Make sure that the grill is not too hot; You don’t want to get burned!  Use a grill brush to clean off the stuck on food particles. If the grates are a little difficult to remove it may be necessary to soak them in the kitchen sink.
• Use a spray bottle to spray vinegar on the grates then sprinkle baking soda until you see foam. Gently scrub with your steel wool or grill brush (the type of brush you use will vary based on the material of the grates).
• Rinse your grill thoroughly with water and allow to air dry or use a clean towel to dry.
• For best results clean your grill after each use to avoid getting stuck on food and hot spots caused by charred substances.

Benefits of Maintaining a Clean Grill

• Increases the cooking efficiency of your grill - A greasy grill will take longer to grill food. A dirty grate with an extra layer of food on it does not heat as well as a clean grate. The layer, in effect, insulates the grates which causes it to take longer to heat up.
• Food tastes better -  Left over particles could impart unwanted taste or flavors in your next cooking session.
• Removes bacteria and prevents cross contamination - Sanitizing the equipment you use for cooking removes the bacteria and prevents it from growing. Also, the grates could be coated with black crusty residue which is carbon that could affect one’s health in the long run. Imagine cooking with a pan that has not been cleaned, that is essentially what happens if you don’t clean your grill regularly.
• Increases the life of your grill -  A good grill is an investment. Regular maintenance can increase the life of your grill and save you money on repairs and replacement in the long run.
• Prevents hot spots on your grill -  Stuck on food can result in hot spots on your grill that can prevent your food from cooking evenly. These hot spots result in high flames that can burn food.