How to Remove Grease From Grill Bottom Tray

Grease builds up fast in the bottom tray of a grill.

Every cook sends fat and drippings down there.

Over time, that grease turns thick, sticky, and smelly.

If it is not cleaned, it can cause flare-ups, bad odors, and even grease fires.

The good news is this job is simple when you do it the right way. 

This guide explains how to remove grease from grill bottom tray safely, quickly, and without harsh steps.

The method works for gas grills, charcoal grills, and pellet grills.

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Why the Grill Bottom Tray Gets So Greasy

The bottom tray, also called the drip tray or grease tray, catches fat from meat.

Burgers, ribs, chicken, and steaks all drip grease as they cook. 

Heat breaks the grease down, but it does not remove it.

Instead, it sticks to the tray.

If the tray is not cleaned often, grease hardens.

Dust and ash stick to it. Moisture can mix in and create sludge. 

That is why the tray smells bad and is hard to clean later.

Regular cleaning keeps the grill safer and helps it last longer.

When You Should Clean the Grease Tray

You should clean the grill bottom tray when you notice thick buildup or after several cooks.

If you grill often, once every few weeks is smart.

If you cook fatty foods, clean it more often.

Do not wait until grease overflows.

That is when flare-ups and fires are more likely.

Pellet grill owners, in particular, should stay on top of grease management since grease and ash often collect together.

If you use a pellet grill, this detailed guide on Pit Boss Pellet Grill Cleaning: Step-by-Step Guide shows how grease trays fit into full grill maintenance.

What You Need Before You Start

You do not need special tools or chemicals.

Most items are already at home.

You will need warm water, dish soap, paper towels or rags, a plastic scraper or wooden tool, and baking soda for tough grease. 

Gloves help keep your hands clean.

Having the right tools nearby makes the job faster and safer.

A simple overview of must-have items can be found in this helpful guide on 7 Essential Grill Cleaning Tools, which explains what works best for different grill surfaces.

Make sure the grill is fully cool before you begin.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Grease From Grill Bottom Tray

First, turn off the grill and unplug it if needed.

Let it cool all the way.

Never remove the tray when the grill is hot.

Next, pull out the bottom tray slowly.

Keep it level so grease does not spill.

Dump loose grease into the trash.

If the grease is thick, scoop it out with a paper towel.

Do not pour grease down the drain.

It can clog pipes.

After that, scrape off stuck grease.

A wooden or plastic scraper works best because it will not damage the tray.

Some grill owners prefer a solid wood scraper for this job since it is firm but gentle on metal surfaces.

Tools like the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper are designed to remove buildup without scratching the tray.

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Once most grease is gone, wash the tray with warm water and dish soap.

Let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes if needed.

Use a sponge to wipe away the remaining film.

For tough spots, sprinkle baking soda on the tray and add a little water.

This creates a paste that breaks down old grease.

Scrub lightly and rinse well.

Dry the tray fully before putting it back into the grill.

How to Clean Heavy or Burnt-On Grease

Sometimes grease is very hard and black.

This happens when the tray is ignored for a long time.

In that case, soaking is key.

Fill a large sink or tub with hot water and dish soap.

Place the tray inside and let it soak for at least thirty minutes.

For very thick grease, soaking overnight helps.

After soaking, scrape again and wash.

Baking soda can still be used if needed.

Avoid steel wool, as it can damage the tray surface and cause rust later.

How Often Should You Do This

Light grill users can clean the bottom tray every month.

Heavy users should check it every two weeks.

If you cook ribs, bacon, or burgers often, inspect it even more.

A quick wipe after each cook helps slow grease buildup.

This makes deep cleaning easier later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not clean the tray while it is hot.

This can cause burns and grease spills.

Do not use harsh chemicals like oven cleaner unless the grill maker allows it.

These chemicals can leave residue and cause damage.

Do not ignore the tray completely.

Even if the grill grates look clean, grease below can still cause problems.

How a Clean Tray Helps Your Grill

A clean bottom tray lowers the risk of grease fires.

It also reduces smoke caused by burning old fat.

Your food will taste cleaner, and your grill will heat more evenly.

Regular tray cleaning also helps you spot rust or damage early.

Keeping the Tray Cleaner Longer

You can line the tray with foil if your grill allows it.

This makes cleanup faster. Just replace the foil often.

Wiping grease while it is still soft also helps.

Do not let it harden over many cooks.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to remove grease from grill bottom tray is one of the easiest ways to care for your grill.

The process takes little time and makes a big difference in safety and performance.

If you want tools that make grill cleanup easier, you can click the image on this page to check out our products.