Oven Cleaning Grill Grates: Pros, Cons & Safe Alternatives
-
Can You Clean Grill Grates in the Oven? Here's What You Need to Know
Can You Clean Grill Grates in the Oven? Here's What You Need to Know
Oven is a hot box for a reason, and while that intense heat can be perfect for roasting a chicken or baking a cake, it might seem like the ideal solution for cleaning your grimy grill grates.
We get it!
Here at Behind the Grill, we all love a good shortcut, especially after a long day of grilling up a feast.
Our team was brainstorming ways to make cleaning easier, and the oven came up as a contender.
So, we decided to put it to the test – can you actually clean your grill grates in the oven?
Let's break it down.
Technically, yes, you can shove your grates in the oven and crank up the heat.
The high temperature will burn off some grease and grime.
However, there are a few things to consider before you preheat:
Smoke Show: Burning off grease can get smoky, really smoky. Be prepared to set off smoke alarms and potentially fill your house with haze. Opening windows won't be enough – you might be looking at some serious ventilation.
Seasoning Stripped: Many grills, especially cast iron ones, rely on a seasoned surface to prevent sticking and improve cooking performance. The high heat of an oven cleaning cycle can strip away this seasoning, requiring you to re-season your grates afterwards.
Not-So-Clean Grates: While the oven might remove some surface grime, it likely won't tackle tough, baked-on grease. You'll still need to scrub those grates by hand, potentially negating the whole "oven cleaning" idea in the first place.
So, while the oven might seem like a quick fix, it's not the most practical solution for cleaning your grill grates.
Here at Behind the Grill, we're all about finding effective ways to make grilling enjoyable, and that includes making cleanup a breeze.
Our tried-and-true methods involve good old-fashioned elbow grease, but with the right tools, it doesn't have to be a chore.
For quick post-grill cleaning, we love our Easy Function wood grill scraper.
Made from eco-friendly pine with a lifetime warranty, it conforms to the shape of your grates for a thorough clean.
For a more heavy-duty clean, our grill brush with its stainless steel scraper and replaceable bristle head gets the job done.
We even offer bristle-free options for those who prefer them!
No matter your cleaning preference, we have the tools to keep your grill grates sparkling and your food tasting delicious.
Head over to our store to see all of our grilling products and find the perfect ones for you!
Happy grilling!
-
Can You Clean Grill Grates in the Oven? Here's What You Need to Know