Should You Clean Inside of Grill? Grime Fighter or Time Waster?

Clean Grill or Not? Safety, Flavor and Easy Tips!

Picture this: the backyard barbecue.

A symphony of sizzling meats, laughter shared with loved ones, and the smoky scent of summer wafting through the air.

But let's be honest, the aftermath of a good grilling session can leave us with a less-than-ideal sight – a grill coated in charred remains and grease.

Here at Easy Function, we know the grill.

We've seen it all, from the sparkly new models to the seasoned veterans that have witnessed countless barbecues.

One question that consistently pops up is: should you actually clean the inside of your grill?

Related Read: Why Should You Clean Your Grill? Here's What You Might Not Know

I, Sarah, recently spoke with John, one of our resident grill gurus, about his approach to grill cleaning.

John readily admits he wasn't always the most diligent cleaner.

In his own words, "After a cookout, I'd usually just scrape off the big stuff with a spatula and call it a day."

But over time, he noticed something – the grill just wasn't performing the same.

"It took longer to preheat," John explained, "and the flames seemed less even. I figured it was just getting old, but then a friend who's a bit of a grill fanatic mentioned cleaning the grates regularly."

Intrigued, John decided to give it a go.

He was surprised at the amount of grease and debris that had accumulated beneath the surface.

After a thorough cleaning, he fired up the grill and – voila!

It preheated significantly faster, and the flames burned with a renewed vigor.

John's experience is a common one.

Leaving leftover grease and grime on your grill can have several negative consequences:

1. Uneven cooking: Grease buildup can act as an insulator, leading to hot spots and cold zones on your grill surface. This results in unevenly cooked food – some parts burnt to a crisp, others left undercooked.

2. Flare-ups: Dripping grease can ignite and cause flare-ups, which can burn your food and make grilling a hazardous experience.

3. Flavor transfer: Burnt-on remnants of past meals can impart unwanted flavors to your new creations. Imagine that perfectly marinated steak tasting faintly of last week's hot dogs – not exactly a mouthwatering experience.

4. Reduced lifespan: A dirty grill is more susceptible to rust and wear and tear. Proper cleaning helps extend the life of your grill and keeps it functioning optimally.

So, how often should you clean your grill?

The answer depends on how frequently you use it.

For occasional grillers, a good cleaning after each use is ideal.

If you're a grilling enthusiast who fires it up every weekend, a quick cleaning after each session and a more thorough deep clean every month or so will do the trick.

Related Read: How Do You Deep Clean a Grill? Your Essential Guide to a Sparkling BBQ

Now, onto the nitty-gritty – how to clean your grill?

Here's a quick and easy guide:

1. Heat it up: Preheat your grill on high for 10-15 minutes. This will loosen up any stuck-on grime.

2. Brush it off: While the grill is still hot, use a stiff wire brush to scrub the grates. A grill brush with a long handle will keep you safe from the heat.

3. Scrape and dip: For stubborn bits, use a grill scraper to loosen them up. You can also dip a crumpled piece of aluminum foil in tongs and use it to scrub the grates.

4. Empty the catch pan: Don't forget to empty the catch pan underneath the grill where grease drips. This will prevent flare-ups and keep your grill looking neat.

5. Wipe it down: Once the grill has cooled down, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any splatters or grease.

For a deep clean, you can remove the grates and soak them in a hot soapy solution.

This will help remove any stubborn grease or debris.

Cleaning your grill might seem like an extra chore, but trust us, it's worth it.

You'll be rewarded with a grill that cooks evenly, heats up faster, and lasts for years to come.

Plus, you'll avoid those unwanted flavor transfers and pesky flare-ups.

So, the next time you're done grilling, don't just shut the lid and walk away.

Take a few extra minutes to clean your grill.

Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you for it!

Here at Easy Function, we're passionate about grilling and helping you get the most out of your experience.

Our wood grill scraper is a perfect companion for this quick and easy cleaning routine.

Made from natural pine wood, it conforms to the shape of your grates over time, reaching those nooks and crannies for a thorough clean without scratching the surface.

Plus, it's an eco-friendly option that extends the life of your grill cleaning tools! 

Check out our wooden grill scraper on Amazon USA

Check out our wooden grill scraper on Amazon Canada

If you have any questions about grill cleaning or anything else grill-related, feel free to reach out to us.

We're always happy to help!