How to Clean Your Electric BBQ
Cleaning your electric BBQ is an essential part of maintaining its performance and longevity. Not only does a clean BBQ ensure better-tasting food, it also promotes safety by preventing grease buildup, which could be a fire hazard. Regular cleaning will keep your grill in top shape for every cookout.
Whether you’re grilling burgers, vegetables, or steaks. You may be cooking pizzas or smoking your favourite cut of meat. This detailed step by step guide will walk you through how to clean your electric BBQ.
Why Clean Your Electric BBQ?
Before diving into the cleaning process, let’s briefly touch on why cleaning your electric BBQ is so important:
- Improved Performance: Grease and food buildup can affect the grill’s heating efficiency. Regular cleaning ensures that your BBQ heats evenly and reaches the desired temperature quickly.
- Hygiene: A clean BBQ reduces the chances of foodborne illnesses. It also ensures your food tastes fresh without being contaminated by lingering flavors or residue from previous grilling sessions. This is a must for anyone with a food allergy.
- Longevity: A well-maintained BBQ can last for years. Regular cleaning helps to prevent rust and wear on the internal components. Keeping your electric infrared grill functioning optimally.
- Safety: Removing grease and food particles reduces the risk of a grease fire or flare-ups. This can happen when the buildup ignites under high heat.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Grill brush (with stiff bristles or a brass brush for tougher grime). Be cautious using a stiff brush. You may get bristles breaking off and can possibly make there way into your food. For an organic way of cleaning, use a union cut in half.
- Soapy water (mild dish soap mixed with warm water)
- Microfiber cloths (for wiping down surfaces)
- Baking soda and vinegar (optional, for stubborn stains)
- Grease scraper (for scraping off hardened grease)
- Soft sponge (for delicate surfaces)
- Plastic scraper or spatula (for removing food residue)
- Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)
- Bucket (for soaking removable parts)
- Dishwasher-safe container (for soaking grates or trays, if applicable)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Electric BBQ
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the BBQ
The first step in cleaning your electric BBQ is to turn off the power and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Safety comes first. This prevents electrical accidents and ensures that the BBQ is completely cool before you start cleaning.
Wait for the grill to cool down to a safe temperature before you begin cleaning. This could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how long you’ve been grilling.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Grates
The cooking grates are where most of the mess happens. Food residues, grease, and marinades tend to stick to them during cooking. Here’s how to clean them:
- Remove the grates: Lift the grates off the BBQ carefully. If they’re heavy or have been in use for a while, you may want to use gloves to protect your hands from any remaining heat.
- Scrape off large debris: Use a plastic scraper or spatula to remove large food chunks, grease, or carbonised bits that are stuck to the grates.
- Use a grill brush or onion: For general cleaning, grab your grill brush with stiff bristles. Or put half an onion onto a fork. Scrub both sides of the grate to remove any smaller pieces of food. If your grates are heavily soiled, use a bit of warm, soapy water to loosen the debris.
- Soak if needed: If the grates have heavy grease buildup or stubborn stains, soak them in warm, soapy water for 20-30 minutes. Use a soft sponge to scrub off the softened grime.
- Rinse and dry: Once clean, rinse the grates with fresh water to remove any soap residue. Use a microfiber cloth or paper towel to thoroughly dry the grates to prevent rust.
Step 3: Clean the Drip Tray and Grease Tray
The Crossray infrared electric BBQ has a drip tray/grease tray that collects excess oil and grease from the cooking process. Cleaning this regularly is vital for both hygiene and safety.
- Remove the tray: Take out the drip tray and grease tray from their compartments.
- Scrape off the grease: If there’s any hardened grease, use a grease scraper or spatula to gently remove it.
- Wash with soapy water: Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to clean the trays. Be sure to scrub all corners to remove any grease buildup.
- Tackle stubborn grease: For stubborn grease, sprinkle a little baking soda on the tray, then apply a small amount of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grease, then scrub with a sponge.
- Rinse and dry: After scrubbing, rinse the trays with clean water and dry them with a cloth or paper towel.
Step 4: Clean the Infrared Heating Element
The heating element is the heart of your electric BBQ. While it doesn’t need frequent cleaning, it’s important to remove any grease or food splatter to maintain its efficiency.
- Wipe down: Once the BBQ is completely cool, take a microfiber cloth and wipe the infrared heating element to remove any visible grease or food remnants. Be gentle and avoid using any abrasive cleaning tools on the heating element.
- Use a damp cloth: If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with soapy water to clean any sticky spots. Be careful not to get the electrical components wet.
Step 5: Clean the BBQ’s Exterior
The exterior of the BBQ can accumulate dust, grease splatters, and other grime over time. Cleaning the exterior is straightforward but should be done carefully to protect the finish.
- Wipe with a damp cloth: Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water and wipe down the outer surfaces of the BBQ. Make sure not to forget the sides, front, and control panel.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish or leave streaks.
- Dry and polish: Once cleaned, use a dry microfiber cloth to polish the surfaces and give the BBQ a nice shine.
Step 6: Clean the Interior
To keep the interior of the BBQ in good condition, follow these steps:
- Vacuum loose debris: If any crumbs or debris have fallen inside the BBQ (in areas like the bottom), you can use a handheld vacuum cleaner to gently suck them up. Alternatively, use a brush to sweep out the debris.
- Wipe the interior: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior, making sure to get all corners and edges. You can use a small amount of mild dish soap to remove any greasy spots.
Step 7: Reassemble and Store Properly
Once everything is clean and dry, it’s time to reassemble your BBQ:
- Place the grates back: Once the grates are dry, carefully place them back into the BBQ.
- Insert the grease tray and drip tray: Ensure both trays are properly positioned and ready for the next grilling session.
- Cover the BBQ: If you’re storing your BBQ for a while, make sure to cover it with a weatherproof BBQ cover to keep it protected from dust, dirt, and the elements.
Conclusion
Cleaning your electric BBQ may seem like a chore, but with the right tools and a step-by-step approach, it’s quick and easy to keep your BBQ in top shape. Regular cleaning not only extends the lifespan of your grill but also ensures better cooking performance and safety.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll have a sparkling clean BBQ ready for every cookout.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cleaning tools, and get your electric infrared BBQ looking like new!
