As the seasons change and winter approaches, prepare your home and give your grill extra care.
Whether you’re a committed chef or planning to store your grill through the winter, understanding the importance of grill maintenance is critical. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the cooler months with a well-maintained grill. Additionally, while you read, check out our selection of over 210 outdoor cooking supplies to enhance your grilling experience as soon as tomorrow!
Cleaning Grill Grates: A How-To Guide
One of the most common questions grill owners ask is “how to clean a gas grill.” Charcoal grill cleaning questions are at the top of the list as well. Cleaning the exterior of your grill is simple. Dirt and dust are easily wiped away with a soft, damp cloth. Soft-bristled brushes work well for stuck-on dirt.
The real mess comes when addressing the grill grates. Different grill grates, including porcelain, cast iron, and stainless steel, are available. Many Weber® grill owners wait all year before cleaning these Weber gas grill parts. Each type of grate is different and requires a different method for cleaning.
How to Clean BBQ Grill Porcelain Grates
Whether you own charcoal or propane grills, porcelain grill grates are excellent options for heating your grilling surface well. This material holds in heat and is resistant to corrosion. However, you must be careful when cleaning; if you scrape or nick the porcelain, you let air and water under the protective coating, which can lead to rust. For this reason, a soft-bristle or nylon brush is best for grill maintenance on these grill grates. For your safety, make sure the grates are excellent before starting.
Grill Maintenance and Cast Iron Grates
Cast iron Weber gas grill parts are tough and durable. They heat evenly and do well when exposed to elevated temperatures. They are very vulnerable to water, however. You should use a nylon cleaning brush to clean these types of grates. Burn off all the food on the grates, then scrub them clean with the brush. Coat them with vegetable oil after cleaning to help prevent corrosion.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Grates
Stainless steel grates are rust-resistant, easy to clean, and highly tolerant of high heat. The best way to get them clean is to turn on the grill (or light the charcoal in the case of charcoal grills) and place aluminum foil over the grates. This helps the heat center on the grates instead of rising to the top of the grill, so leftover food falls off quickly. Once done scraping, scrub them clean with a non-metal brush.
Storing Your Grill For Winter
Once you have completed a few maintenance steps, you can store your Weber grill or continue using it. If you decide storage is the best choice, here are a few tips:
Cover
Even if you store your grill in a shed or garage for the winter, always use grill covers. These covers protect the grill from harsh weather outdoors and against leaks and ambient moisture indoors.
Turn off the Gas
Using a propane grill? Always turn off the gas at the tank before storing the grill. If you take the grill inside, disconnect the tank, and store it outside away from children’s play areas, vents, and dryers.
Tape it Off
Gas line openings and tubes make comfortable homes for insects during winter. Prevent them from moving in by taping off the openings before storing the grill.
Using Your Weber Grill
Now that you know how to clean a gas grill, why not extend the use of your grill a little longer this year? You can always clean the grates a month from now. Grilling outdoors is possible and even fun after the summer months. Many people even grill some dishes for the winter holidays. Vegetable dishes, potatoes, and even the turkey are easily prepared in your grill, giving your holiday meal a unique taste and look.
Are you and your grill ready for fall and winter? Use these tips to clean, store, and use Weber gas grill parts and accessories during the cooler months. Furthermore, for all grilling supplies, visit our online store at AcmeTools.com. We are your premier authorized online retailer for all your outdoor cooking needs!
