How to Maintain your Barbecue
Keeping your barbecue functioning properly is simple. You’ll find information here about easy, regular upkeep and annual maintenance. Here’s how to look after the different parts of your barbecue:
Cooking Grids:
- Leave your barbecue on high for 5-10 minutes after cooking to char residue. Or, after preheating the barbecue the next time you use it, brush the charred residue off with a brass-bristled brush. Do not use a metal scraper as it will scratch the grids.
- To clean porcelain or stainless steel grids, place in a heavy garbage bag with newspaper or towel soaked with ammonia. Set outside overnight (where it won’t damage or stain grass, deck, plants, etc).
- Wash grids with hot, soapy water and rinse.
- Avoid using ammonia with cast iron or chrome-plated grids.
Lava Rock, Briquettes, Flavourizer Bars:
- Lava rock and briquettes should be discarded when they begin to disintegrate.
- Briquettes are preferable to lava rock as they are less porous, absorb less grease and won’t flare up as much.
- Lava rock and briquettes can be cleaned by regularly turning them to burn off fat and grease.
Burner:
- Barbecue flames should burn blue.
- To clean burners, pull them out of the barbecue and clean them thoroughly with a brass- or metal-bristled brush.
- Clean individual port holes and tubes with a long-handled brush to remove rust and debris that can hinder the flow of gas and propane.
- Remove ash that builds up around the burners, as it encourages rust.
- Burners with large holes need to be replaced to prevent cold spots in the barbecue.
Propane tanks:
- Tanks must be recertified every 10 years. Purchasing a new tank is preferable and cost efficient.