How to clean your BBQ grill - A small guide

We all love delicious grilled food, but the fun stops if the hygiene is somewhat deficient. For example, when cooking in your kitchen, you must work with clean hands and utensils and clean up after preparing the food. It is not as fun as preparing the food, which is far from it, but very important. Always clean your BBQ grill to ensure good hygiene and to maintain the grill's performance. Regular cleaning extends the life of your grill and keeps your food safe and flavorful. Here, you can see a few points on when and how to clean different grills, including gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, along with tips on handling ashes and maintaining hygiene.

1. Ideally, you should clean your grill after each use to prevent the buildup of grease and food particles. Depending on how frequently you use your grill, a thorough cleaning should be done every few months. For heavy users, a monthly deep clean is advisable.
2. For gas grills, start by turning the grill on high for about 15 minutes to burn off any residual food particles. Once the grill has cooled slightly, use a grill brush to scrub the grates. For a deeper clean, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge. Check the burner tubes for any blockages and clean them with a wire brush. Wipe the interior surfaces with a damp cloth and clean the exterior with a suitable stainless steel cleaner or soapy water. Don’t forget to empty and clean the grease tray regularly to prevent grease fires.
3. For charcoal grills, remove any leftover ashes from the bottom of the grill before each use, as ashes can retain moisture and cause rusting. Preheat the grates to burn off food particles, then scrub with a grill brush. If needed, remove the grates and clean them in soapy water. Wipe down the inside of the grill with a damp cloth to remove any grease or residue. Dispose of cooled ashes in a metal container, and consider adding them to compost or using them as a soil amendment in gardens.
4. Pellet grills require similar care. Use a grill brush to clean the grates after each use, soaking and scrubbing as necessary. Pellet grills often have ash collection systems, so empty the ash cup or tray regularly. If your grill doesn’t have a collection system, vacuum the ash from the firepot and grill bottom. Wipe down any grease buildup in the grill’s interior to prevent flare-ups, and occasionally clean out the pellet feeder to avoid sawdust buildup, which can cause feeding issues.

While soapy water and elbow grease are often sufficient, specialised grill cleaners can make the job easier. These cleaners are formulated to cut through tough grease and carbon deposits. Ensure that any cleaning agents are safe for food-contact surfaces, and rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.

Maintaining hygiene when handling raw meat and other foods is crucial to prevent cross-contamination. Always use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Regularly sanitise cutting boards, knives, and countertops that come into contact with raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw meat. Ensure meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria using a meat thermometer for accuracy.

In conclusion, maintaining a clean BBQ grill is essential for its longevity and food safety. Regular cleaning of gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, proper disposal of ashes, and using safe cleaning agents can make your grilling experience more enjoyable. Practising good hygiene when handling food ensures that your BBQ sessions are delicious and safe. Happy grilling!