You’ve got your Paradise Grill and you’ve been grilling up some delicious barbequed feasts, but your grill is starting to get that not-so-new look. You may scrub your grates with a wire brush before each use, but it’s probably time for a good, thorough cleaning. How often you do this depends on how often you use your grill, but you should do it at least once or twice during the grilling season.
Paradise Grill – The Exterior
Make sure your grill is completely cooled before cleaning and shut off the valve on the gas tank before you begin cleaning. Hot, soapy water is safe for most grills. Use a bucket of hot water and a few drops of a mild dish detergent and a sponge to clean the exterior. You may also use glass cleaner for porcelain-coated lids and stainless steel cleaner for stainless steel surfaces to avoid streaking.
Paradise Grill – The Grates
When you’re cooking on your grill, scrubbing your grates while your grill is preheating will keep them pretty clean, although many people warn that scrubbing them too much will scrub away the flavor and that your grill grates need to be “seasoned” in the same way that a cast-iron pan should be. If you want them like new, scrub them in soapy water with a good wire brush, and pat them dry. If you have cast-iron grates, make sure they are completely dry and spray or wipe them with vegetable oil.
The Burner Protectors
These are the tent-like metal plates that protect your burners. Fill a large bucket with hot soapy water and submerge your protectors. Scrubbing them with a sponge should be enough, but if there’s still residue on them, use a plastic scrubber. Do not use steel wool. If your burner protectors are rusty or eroded, replace them with new ones.
Paradise Grill – The Burners
Using a damp sponge, wipe off any grease or grime that may have accumulated on your burners. Although you can remove them and clean them, don’t do this unless you’re positive you can put them back on your grill as it could be very dangerous. In most cases, a damp sponge will work fine. If you have ceramic or infrared burners, don’t scrub them. They are more delicate than steel ones so they need more of a gentle cleaning. Merely turn the burners on for 10 minutes to burn off any burnt on food bits. After you’ve turned them off, use tweezers to remove any debris that may be left.
Paradise Grill – The Inside
While you have the grates and the burner covers off, clean out any debris in the bottom of the grill. Use a wire brush to loosen burnt food and grease and remove with a paper towel. Wipe down the inside with a sponge and dry. Don’t forget to clean the drip pan!
Paradise Grill – Other Helpful Tips
When you clean your grill, it’s a good time to inspect it to make sure it’s running safely.
- Turn on the burners to make sure the flame comes out evenly. If it’s not, there is probably blockage and the burners need to be thoroughly cleaned or if that doesn’t work, replaced.
- Check the hose that connects the gas tank to your grill for cracks or decay. By brushing soapy water on your connections while your grill is on will show you where you may have leaks as bubbles will form. Replace them if you find a leak.
- When not in use, keep a vinyl grill cover on your grill to keep it clean.
- If you store your grill away during the winter, turn off the gas valve and disconnect the hose.
By not cleaning your grill, you increase the chances of parts clogging and corroding, the formation of grease build-up can cause flare-ups, and your food can absorb nasty flavors from your grill. Cleaning it will increase the life of your grill and your food will be as delicious as can be!
If you don’t already have your Paradise Grill, call us today at (800)691-7155 and get grilling!
