Weber grills are awesome for getting that perfect sear – but to keep them performing their best, regular cleaning is key!
Whether you’re firing it up for a summer BBQ or winding down after a cookout, keeping your grill clean is important to ensuring its longevity – and cooking up tasty food every time.
Ready to show your Weber grill some love? Then, let’s roll up those sleeves, grab your grill brush, and get to work!
First things first: Gather your cleaning gear! You’ll need:
Running low on grill cleaning supplies? No worries – we’ve got everything you need!
From basting brushes to grid cleaning brushes and venturi cleaning brushes, we’ve got all the tools to keep your grill in top shape. Plus, we’ve got touch-up paint, grill cleaner, and more!
Your Weber’s shiny exterior deserves some TLC – and keeping the outside of your Weber grill in top shape helps protect it.
Before you get started, make sure your grill is cool to the touch! We don’t want you burning yourself.
Start by washing the grill’s exterior with warm, soapy water and get scrubbing. Water and soap is gentle enough for all surfaces – whether it’s stainless steel, painted, or porcelain-enamel coated.
Make sure to give the grill a good rinse and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Use a non-toxic stainless steel cleaner and a microfiber cloth to buff the grill, always moving in the direction of the grain. This is to make sure you don’t scratch the surface.
Skip the paper towels for this one – they can leave scratches on your stainless steel grill!
Do you often take your BBQ with you to the beach? Sounds fun! But if your grill is near the ocean (and salt water), you should clean the exterior more often. You may want to use a stainless steel cleaner weekly to prevent surface rust.
Want to make sure your grill is as good as new? Check out our complete guide to cleaning grills for more tips and tricks!
Grill parts wear down over time. So while you’re sprucing up your grill, we recommend you take a mental note of any parts that might need replacing.
Need new cooking grates, flavorizer bars, or even a burner tube? No problem! Replacing them is easy, and it’s a sure way to keep your grill working like new for years to come.
Head over to our grill parts selection and find replacement parts for your Weber grill. We have parts for over 2037 models!
The inside of your grill needs a little tender care, too. A clean interior not only helps your food cook evenly but also prevents pesky flare-ups caused by grease build-up.
Ever noticed flakes on in the inside of your grill’s lid? Don’t worry, that’s not paint! It’s carbon buildup from grease and smoke, which eventually peel and look similar to paint.
Though it’s not toxic, it’s good to clean it on a regular basis. It helps keep your grill performing at its best and keeps those flakes from landing on your food.
Notice any discoloration? Use the soapy water and a sponge with a non-lint cloth to remove any of that excess residue.
Pro tip: Clean the inside of the lid with a paper towel after grilling each time (when it’s warm, not hot).
Time to focus on the business end – the grates! It’s best to clean them after each use.
Here’s how to do it:
Need more tips on grate cleaning? Check out our post on how to clean grill grates for a detailed guide!
Your flavorizer bars catch all those tasty drippings, but they need a little cleaning every now and then.
Don’t forget to check for cracks or holes. If your flavorizer bars are looking worse for wear, it might be time to replace them!
For excellent grill performance, your burner tubes need some attention, too! They’re essential for safe and even cooking, so don’t skip this step!
Cleaning them regularly keeps your grill firing on all cylinders.
Need help cleaning a more specialized grill? Check out our guide on how to clean a flat-top grill or griddle for the best tips on getting those surfaces sparkling clean!
Weber grills have a nifty grease management system that helps prevent flare-ups by catching grease in a drip pan. But you still have to keep it clean!
Pro tip: Never line the bottom tray with foil – this can restrict airflow and affect performance!
That’s all we’ve got for now! With a bit of elbow grease, your Weber grill will be looking shiny and new – and ready for your next BBQ!
Remember: regular cleaning means fewer repairs and a longer grill life.
With these simple steps, your grill will not only last longer but also cook like a dream, keeping those burgers and steaks tasting as good as ever.
Now go fire it up – and happy grilling!
Soleen October 19th, 2024
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance
Love your flat-top grill or griddle, but not as much the cleanup? We hear you! Whether you’re flipping burgers, grilling steaks, or anything in between, these grills can get messy fast.
But don’t worry – cleaning doesn’t have to be a pain.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean a flat top grill – whether it’s a Blackstone or another brand.
From everyday cleanups to tackling rust, this guide will show you how to clean a griddle grill quickly and easily, so you’re always ready to cook!
The golden rule? Clean your flat-top grill after every use.
The more often you clean it, the less work it’ll be later. If you stay on top of things, deep cleaning will only be necessary now and then. It means less time scrubbing and more time cooking!
Is nothing working? Then it might be time for some new grill parts. Check out our range of replacement grill parts to keep your flat-top in shape!
A clean grill isn’t just for looks – it’s for flavor!. Cooking on a dirty surface is no fun, and it can mess with the flavor of your food.
So, let’s walk you through how to clean your griddle after cooking – and maybe give it a little TLC along the way!
Cleaning your grill after each use is a must. Leftover food bits can stick, attract bugs, or even mess with the taste of your next meal.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to keep things simple:
Crank up the heat and let your grill get nice and hot. This loosens up leftover food and grease, making it easier to scrape off.
Plus, there’s something satisfying about seeing all that gunk disappear!
With a handy grill scraper (your new best friend), scrape off any food bits or grease. This keeps that smooth cooking surface ready for your next masterpiece.
Don’t forget to wear your heat-resistant gloves for this step!
Grab some warm water and slowly pour it onto the surface. The steam helps release any stubborn food, making it even easier to clean. Go over the surface with your scraper one more time for good measure.
Let the grill cool down a bit, then spread a light layer of cooking oil across the surface. This keeps everything non-stick and prevents rust! You can easily use a paper towel to spread the layer around.
… just don’t add too much oil, or your next cooking will be affected! A few tablespoons is fine.
Uh-oh, rust got you down? It happens to the best of us. If you’ve let your grill sit for a while or live in a humid area, rust can sneak up on you. Not to worry – we’ll show you the steps to getting it back to its shiny self!
Here’s how to clean a flat-top grill that has rust:
Grab some steel wool or a grill brush and give those rusty spots a good scrub. It may take a little elbow grease, but you’ll get there – just be careful not to scratch the surface too deeply.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour it on the rusty areas, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub again with a grill brick or scraper and watch the rust disappear.
Once the rust is gone, wipe down the grill with a clean rag and make sure it’s completely dry to avoid any future rust.
After tackling the rust, add a fresh layer of oil – not only to protect your grill but also to get it ready for your next cookout!
If you’re the proud owner of a Blackstone grill, you know it’s great for outdoor cooking! But like any grill, keeping it clean is key to making sure your food tastes amazing every time.
Luckily, it’s just like cleaning any flat-top grill!
Heat it, scrape it, add water, and scrape again. And don’t forget to season with the thin layer of oil! Your Blackstone will love you for it – and so will your taste buds!
If cleaning isn’t doing the trick, and your Blackstone grill is still not cooking like it used to, it might be time for some new parts! Check out our selection of Blackstone grill parts and get your trusty grill back in shape!
If your grill has been sitting for a while or you’ve had some heavy-duty cookouts, you might need to go for a deep clean.
Here’s how to bring your flat-top grill back to life:
Gently scrub the surface with a grill stone and a bit of oil. This will tackle any stubborn buildup. Just don’t go too hard – you want to avoid scratching the surface.
If there’s still gunk, go through the cleaning steps again until it’s spotless. A little patience now saves a lot of hassle later! Also try using steel wool or even sandpaper.
We cannot emphasize this tip enough: once your grill is clean, add a final layer of oil to protect it. Don’t overdo it – a thin coat is enough to protect it for the next use.
If your grill is starting to look a little worse for wear, don’t throw in the towel! We’ve got you covered with a huge selection of grill parts from 280 popular brands to help you keep your favorite flat-top grill or griddle in perfect shape.
Check out our complete guide for how to clean a grill or how to clean all types of grill grates.
We also have brand-specific cleaning tips for how to clean Traeger grills and how to clean Weber grills.
Soleen September 26th, 2024
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance, BBQing HowTos
We’ve all been there: you’re ready to grill, and then, oh – your grill grates look like they’ve seen better days.
Whether it’s last week’s burger remnants or caked-on grease from your last big BBQ party, it’s time to give those grates some love, don’t you think?
But hey – don’t worry.
We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to keep your grill grates ready for the next grilled meal!
Cleaning grill grates may not seem like a big deal. But trust us, it impacts more than just appearance!
Leftover residue can affect the taste of your food and even cause flare-ups. Plus, regular cleaning helps prevent rust, keeping your grates functional longer.
So, whether you’re looking to clean grill grates after a big barbeque or get ready for the next cookout, this is the guide for you!
PS. if you’re rocking a Traeger grill or a Weber grill, we’ve got dedicated guides for how to clean a Traeger grill and how to clean a Weber grill!)
Before we dive into the materials, here are some golden nuggets of wisdom to make the process smoother, quicker, and a lot less difficult for you:
Keeping your grates clean is key to their longevity. But sometimes, wear and tear means you’ll need a replacement.
If your grates are beyond saving, it might be time to browse our collection of grill parts to get your grill back to peak performance.
Now that you’re armed with our pro tips, let’s dive into the best way to clean grill grates based on what they’re made of.
Different grill grates come in all shapes and materials and require different care. Cast iron, stainless steel, and porcelain grates each have their own set of cleaning needs – and knowing how to treat each one is key to keeping them in perfect grilling condition.
Ah, the trusty cast iron. Cast iron grill grates are durable and can retain heat so well – but they do need a little extra TLC.
Cast iron grates love heat, but they can rust, you know. This method gives them the TLC they deserve:
Stainless steel grill grates are the low-maintenance champs of the grill world. They’re resistant to rust and corrosion, making them easier to clean.
… But don’t skip the cleaning entirely!
Porcelain-coated grill grates are perfect for even cooking… but they can chip if you’re too rough with them – and you wouldn’t want porcelain chip in your food, would you?
If your porcelain grates are beyond repair, or if you’re just looking to upgrade, check out our range of replacement grill parts for over 280 brands. Whether you need a fresh set of grates or other grill parts, we’ve got your grill covered!
If you’d rather skip the baking soda, vinegar, and elbow grease, we’ve got an alternative for you – but it’s only if you’re in no rush for instant gratification!
Whether you’ve got cast iron, stainless steel, or porcelain grill grates, keeping them clean is the best way to ensure your grill lasts and your food stays tasty. So go ahead and preheat the grill, use the right brush, and take care of the grates according to their material.
And remember: a little regular maintenance goes a long way!
If you’re thinking, “Wait, what about the rest of the grill?” then check out our complete guide for how to clean your grill. Oh, and don’t forget to check out how to clean a flat-top grill or griddle if that’s your style!
If cleaning your grill grates just isn’t cutting it, it might be time for a fresh start.
No worries, we’ve got you covered there, too! Whether your grates are looking a little worse for wear or you just want to upgrade, we have an awesome collection of cooking grids to choose from:
No matter what type of grid you need, we’ve got one that’ll fit your grill and cooking style. Check out our collection of rock grates – or browse our full range of grill parts by category.
Quick answer: brush them off after each grilling session! For deep cleaning, if you’re a frequent griller (think once a week or more), aim for every 4-6 months. If you’re more of a casual cookout type, once a year will do the trick.
Ah, you really don’t want to go there! Neglecting your grates means rust, decay, and pretty gross-tasting food. Plus, who wants their steaks flavored with old grease? Regular cleaning keeps your grates in top shape and your food delicious.
Surface rust? You’ve got this! A good scrub or seasoning with oil can handle most rust situations. But if your grates are deeply rusted or pitted, it’s time to say goodbye and get a replacement. Don’t grill on badly rusted grates – it’s just not worth it!
There comes a time when even the best grates need retiring. If the rust won’t budge, your porcelain coating is chipping, or they just refuse to clean no matter what you do, it’s probably time to swap them out. Keep an eye out for these signs and treat your grill to some shiny new grates!
Whether you’re using baking soda, grill cleaner, or even steam, all these methods will help you tackle those burnt-on bits. Just follow our cleaning tips, and you’ll be back to grilling in no time!
Soleen September 18th, 2024
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance, BBQing HowTos
Keeping your Traeger grill clean is key to making sure it works well and keeps delivering those delicious, smoky flavors you love.
Luckily, with just a few easy-to-follow steps and a little know-how, you can get it done in no time.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean a Traeger grill and get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning key components like the pellet system, grates, and grease traps.
Let’s get started!
You might be thinking, “I just used it to grill up some burgers. Do I really need to clean it already?”
The answer is a big, fat yes!
Leftover grease, ash, and food particles can build up over time. This can mess with your grill’s performance, affect the taste of your food, and even lead to safety issues like grease fires.
No one wants their next burger tasting like last week’s BBQ chicken, right? Regular cleaning not only keeps your grill in top shape but also helps your food taste amazing and fresh every time.
Plus, it’s a great way to prevent rust and extend the life of your Traeger!
If you notice your grill’s looking a little worse for wear, you might need to replace a part or two. No worries – you can find all the parts you need at Appliance Factory Parts.
Before we get into the cleaning process, here’s a quick rundown of when you should be cleaning your Traeger grill:
Now, let’s get to the fun part – how to do all of the above!
First things first – let’s talk grates. After every BBQ session, they’re going to have some leftover food and grease, and if you don’t clean them, that gunk is just going to build up.
And let’s be honest, no one wants a dirty grill ruining a good steak!
Here’s how to keep your Traeger grill grates clean:
Pro tip: Feeling adventurous? Some people swear by scrubbing grates with half an onion or lemon – gentle on your grill and super effective!
Want more tips? Check out our post on how to clean grill grates for more in-depth advice!
Don’t forget the behind-the-scenes heroes of the pellet system: the hopper, auger tube, and firepot.
Whether you’re using a Traeger Redland or a Mesa Pellet Grill, the pellet system is the heart of your Traeger pellet grill – and it needs a little TLC to keep those smoky flavors coming.
Here’s how to keep it in top shape:
Need tools for this job? Check out our grid cleaning brushes, Venturi cleaning brushes, and basting brushes to get the job done right.
While the hopper handles the pellets, the grease channels make sure you don’t end up with unwanted flare-ups. So make sure to clean them out regularly to prevent blockages.
If your grill has a chimney, don’t forget to clean it out, too.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on these areas to avoid grease fires and help extend the life of your Traeger.
The grease trap does all the dirty work, catching drips and grease. But if you forget about it, you’re in for a nasty surprise.
Clogged grease traps can cause flare-ups and smoke. That’s something you definitely don’t want during your cookout!
So, make it a habit to empty the grease trap regularly. Don’t wait until it’s overflowing!
Tip: If you’ve got a newer Timberline or Ironwood model, don’t forget to clean the grease governor and ash keg!
Every couple of months (or more often, if you’re grilling fatty foods like pork belly), your Traeger is going to need a deep clean to keep it running like new.
It’s not as hard as it sounds – we promise!
Here’s how to deep clean your Traeger grill:
Want more in-depth tips on keeping your grill spotless? Check out our complete guide to cleaning a grill.
By staying on top of these simple steps, you’re making sure every cookout is a success. Trust us – just a little bit of maintenance can make a big difference in flavour.
Whether you’re grilling steaks on a Traeger Mesa Pellet Grill or smoking ribs on a Traeger Redland, a little cleaning goes a long way! Stay on top of regular cleanings, and your grill will be ready to go whenever you are.
Need more cleaning tips? Don’t forget to check out our posts on how to clean a Weber grill and how to clean a flat-top grill for even more handy advice!
Soleen September 11th, 2024
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance, BBQing HowTos
Cleaning might not be the glamorous part of grilling, but it’s definitely one of the most important. Keeping your BBQ grill clean doesn’t just make your food taste better – it also helps it last longer and ensures you avoid any greasy flare-ups while cooking.
The good news? It’s not that hard if you know the right steps!
We’ll walk you through cleaning a grill properly – from gas, charcoal, and propane to pellets and smokers. Plus, we’ll share tips on getting rid of rust and keeping your BBQ grill looking (and working) like new!
If you give your grill a quick clean after every use (and trust us, it’s worth it), you’ll be done in 5 to 10 minutes tops. For those deeper, seasonal cleanings, set aside 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your grill type.
As for what you’ll be needing: when it comes to the best way to clean a grill, having the right tools makes all the difference!
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for effective grill cleaning:
✅ 1. Safety first – make sure the grill is cool before you get started. But if you’re cleaning after cooking, leaving it slightly warm makes it easier to scrape off gunk.
✅ 2. Remove the grates, flavorizer bars, drip trays, and anything else that comes off. This will make cleaning much easier.
✅ 3. Grab a grill brush and get scrubbing to remove stuck-on food and grease from the grates and inside the grill.
✅ 4. Grill cleaner or soapy water works wonders. Use it to give everything a good scrub. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the grill, too!
✅ 5. Once you’ve scrubbed everything, rinse with water and dry the parts thoroughly to prevent rust.
✅ 6. Put everything back together, and voilà – your grill is clean and ready for the next BBQ!
Browse Our High-Quality Grill Brushes
Gas grills are great for quick and easy cooking, but they do need some extra TLC when it comes to cleaning.
Here’s how you can keep yours clean:
If you see buildup on the grill hood, a quick wipe with hot, soapy water and a scour pad should clear it up – luckily, this doesn’t need to be done too often.
While you’re at it, take a look at the burner ports. If any of them seem blocked (no flames where there should be), turn off the burners, close the propane tank, and use a wire poker (or a metal wire or cake tester) to clear any obstructions.
Need replacements for parts like burners or heat deflectors? Check our gas grill parts to find what you need.
Charcoal grills have a simple design, but they can get pretty dirty after just a few uses.
Here’s how to keep them clean:
For tips on how to keep the grill grates clean, check out or post about it here!
Propane grills work just like gas grills, with the added bonus of needing to take care of the propane tank:
Pellet grills need some special attention than your average charcoal or gas grill – but the flavor payoff is worth it!
Since you can’t just hose down a pellet grill (too many electronics!), you’ll want to remove the grates and grease pan to clean them properly. Plus, wet wood pellets can expand, leading to dreaded auger jams – so definitely keep the garden hose away!
Follow these guidelines to be safe:
Got a Traeger pellet grill? Check out our article about how to clean a Traeger grill in simple steps!
Smokers can get pretty dirty due to the long, slow cooking process. Follow these guidelines to keep them clean:
Got a bit of rust? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us – but it doesn’t mean your grill is doomed!
Here’s how to bring it back to life:
Got a stubborn rust spot? Try one of these easy fixes:
Make Cleaning Easy With Our Grill Brushes
Whether you’ve got a gas, charcoal, pellet, or propane grill, cleaning it regularly is key to better-tasting food and a longer-lasting grill. It might seem like a hassle at first, but once you get into the groove, it’s easy!
Keep your grill clean, and you’ll always be ready to fire it up for that next backyard BBQ.
The easiest way is to scrub the grates with a grill brush while they’re still slightly warm, then wipe them down with a damp cloth. For a deeper clean, grab some soapy water or a grill cleaner.
Give the grates a quick scrub after every cook. For a deep clean, once a season should do the trick, depending on how often you grill.
Tackle the rust with a wire brush, then mix up some vinegar and baking soda to scrub it off. Rinse it well and let it dry before firing up the grill again.
Soleen September 10th, 2024
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance, BBQing HowTos
Cast iron cooking grids are a grill lover’s best friend, providing an ideal surface for everything from searing steaks to slow-cooking lamb.
But to get the best performance out of cast iron, a bit of regular maintenance is essential.
The good news? After the initial seasoning, it’s a quick 30-second task every time you grill.
Start by washing your cast iron cooking grids thoroughly with mild dish soap. Rinse with hot water and pat dry completely with a cloth – don’t let them air dry or put them in the dishwasher.
Before you start grilling, season your grids to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface. Not sure how? We’ve got seasoning instructions for you below!
Many cast iron grids are coated with a matte porcelain enamel coating, making cleaning easier and reducing corrosion.
While some chipping may occur, it won’t affect performance. If rust appears, just use a good grill brush to remove it and re-season the grids.
Like cast iron skillets, cast iron cooking grids need regular seasoning. Seasoning protects the porcelain coating, reduces food sticking, and prevents rust. Properly seasoned grids will also keep your cast iron stove grates looking rich and black over time.
For the first seasoning, use solid unsalted vegetable shortening, although grape seed or olive oil will work. Spread a thin coating of oil across the entire surface of the cast iron grids with a paper towel. You can also melt some vegetable shortening in microwave and brush on using a silicone basting brush.
Make sure you cover every corner. Avoid using salted fats like margarine or butter. Non-stick sprays are also less effective as they burn off at low temperatures.
Preheat your grill on HIGH for about 10 minutes, then turn burners to MEDIUM with the lid closed for another 30 minutes. Turn off the grill and let the grids cool inside. They’re now seasoned and ready for grilling!
Re-seasoning Tips: Periodic re-seasoning with unsalted vegetable shortening or oil will keep your cast iron grids in great condition. Over time, the grids will build up a durable non-stick layer, making maintenance easier with each use.
Skip the burn-off right after you grill; leave the cooking residue on to act as a protective layer. Do the burn-off just before you start grilling again. Brush off any residue with a grill brush, and you’re set to go.
If you won’t be grilling for an extended period, we recommend you lightly season the grids before storing them in a dry place. This will help prevent any rust buildup, so they’re ready for action the next time you fire up the grill.
When it comes to barbecue grill grids, cast iron is in a class of its own. Its heat retention and durability make it ideal for everything from creating rich sear marks on steaks to grilling delicate vegetables.
Plus, when properly seasoned, cast iron grids offer an exceptionally non-stick surface that improves over time.
Although they require a bit more upkeep than stainless steel or porcelain-coated wire grids, the benefits of cast iron are well worth it for any grill enthusiast. With the right care, your cast iron cooking grids will reward you with years of peak grilling performance.
For more grill care tips, check out our blogpost How to Clean a Flat-Top Grill or Griddle or How to Clean Grill Grates. If you want more information, we’ve also got a complete guide for how to clean a grill!
David B. February 7th, 2017
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance
High-heat infrared gas grills are…pardon the pun…hot! Fans say they take grilling to the next level. But, just exactly how are they different from traditional gas grills? And are they really worth the hype?
Both infrared and traditional gas grills use propane or natural gas as fuel, but they cook differently. In a traditional gas grill, flames from the burner heat the grilling surface and circulate hot air around the food to cook it using a combination of conduction (direct contact with the grill grid) and convection (hot air circulation). While traditional grills work well, they often don’t reach high enough temperatures for a proper sear, and the circulating air can dry out your food.
An infrared grill cooks by radiant heat – the type of heat produced by the sun, and the same glowing, red, energy waves produced in a charcoal or wood fire. In an infrared grill, an emitter made of ceramic, stainless steel or glass, is either incorporated as part of the gas burner or positioned directly above it.
Flames from the burner heat the emitter, which radiates infrared energy waves. These waves directly penetrate the food to cook it. The emitter also dramatically reduces or eliminates the hot air convection effect, preventing food from drying.
Early infrared grills were known for their high-heat cooking abilities, excellent for searing, but they didn’t offer much flexibility for lower-temperature cooking. However, newer infrared models come with much broader temperature ranges, providing a wide variety of cooking options.
Infrared heat cooks food quickly, locking in moisture and juices. Studies show that infrared-cooked foods are 30% heavier than those cooked on traditional grills due to moisture retention.
The high heat of an infrared grill (up to 1,000 degrees or more) creates a restaurant-quality sear, something difficult to replicate on most traditional grills.
Infrared grills are highly efficient, using 30% to 50% less fuel than traditional gas grills. They heat up in just 3-5 minutes and cook food twice as fast, saving both time and money.
Unlike traditional gas grills, which lose heat in cold or windy weather, infrared grills maintain consistent temperatures regardless of conditions, even when the lid is opened.
Due to the high heat, grease drippings are vaporised before they can reach the grease tray, resulting in less maintenance and easier cleanup.
After the original infrared grill patent expired, more manufacturers began offering them, resulting in lower prices. Today, second- and third-generation infrared grills are more affordable, with some models using standard gas burners combined with metal or glass emitter plates.
Infrared grills come in various configurations. Some are entirely infrared, while others combine infrared searing burners with traditional burners for versatile cooking.
Many grills feature a searing station or infrared side burner designed specifically for high-heat searing. If your grill has a vertical rotisserie burner at the back, it’s likely infrared as well.
It takes a little trial and error to master infrared grilling. Because food cooks faster, timing on recipes may have to be adjusted. And, when you’re cooking at these high temperatures, you definitely don’t want to walk away from the grill, or you may come back to hockey pucks.
But with a little practice, an infrared grill is just as easy to use as a traditional grill and yields very tasty, restaurant-worthy results.
David B. August 4th, 2015
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance
Great grilled food starts with a quality cooking grid. It’s the secret to perfect sear marks, that mouthwatering crusty exterior, and the smoky flavour everyone craves. If your grid is rusted, warped, or burned through, it’s time for an upgrade.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the best replacement!
Grilling relies on three types of heat energy:
Your cooking grid is responsible for conduction cooking. It’s what transforms regular cooking into grilling magic.
Most cooking grids are made from one of five materials. Each type offers unique advantages in durability, heat retention, maintenance, and price.
The shape, thickness, and spacing of the grid bars also play a key role in grilling performance:
Hot Tip: Choose wider bars for more pronounced grill marks and enhanced searing.
Hot Tip: To make those iconic, cross-hatch grill marks, rotate food a quarter turn halfway through the cooking time required on the first side. Then repeat the process on the second side.
A little ongoing maintenance will help preserve your cooking grid for years to come, no matter the material or configuration. Whether you’re grilling filet mignon or a humble hot dog, it’s important to start with a clean, hot, oiled cooking grid.
If your cooking grid has seen better days, it’s time for a replacement. Whether you prefer cast iron for superior searing or stainless steel for durability, there’s a grid for every grilling style.
Shop Replacement Cooking Grids by brand and model to find the perfect fit for your grill.
David B. June 16th, 2015
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance, BBQing HowTos
Igniters are responsible for lighting the gas in the grill’s burners. When they work well, igniters make grill-lighting as eay and convenient as pushing a button or turning a dial.
But, not surprisingly, considering they do their job in an abusive environment of high heat, acidic meat drippings, and corrosive weather conditions, sometimes things go wrong. In fact, igniter failure is a common complaint – and source of frustration – for gas grillers.
True, you can usually light the grill by manually inserting a long match or lighter through a hole in the base of the grill. But, replacing the igniter is an easy and relatively inexpensive fix that will have you back in business faster than you can say finger-lickin-good.
Grill igniters use a spark to ignite gas within the burners. The magic happens behind the control panel, where a piezoelectric crystal generates an electric spark when activated. This spark travels through a wire to an electrode tip inside a collector box, where it ignites trapped gas, which then lights the burner.
If none of these easy fixes works, it may be necessary to replace the igniter unit. But before you do, try one more test. Manually light the grill with a match.
If it lights, the problem is likely the igniter. If it doesn’t light, the issue may actually be a clogged or dirty burner. Clean the burner and test the igniter again. If the grill lights, there’s no need to replace the igniter. If it doesn’t, a new igniter will probably do the trick.
Safety Tip: If a grill ever fails to light, always wait 5 minutes before attempting to relight it to allow the gas to dissipate.
Find the right igniter for your grill at Appliance Factory Parts. Select your grill brand and explore our full range of quality replacements to keep your grill in top condition.
David B. April 21st, 2015
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance
Think a high-BTU burner is the secret to the perfect sear on your steak? Think again. The real MVP of your grill’s heat control is the heat diffuser.
It’s a common myth that the higher a grill’s BTU rating, the more powerful it is. But, it’s really the design of the diffuser system together with the burner that determines how hot the grill can cook. A well-designed diffuser system can crank out more heat on a lower-BTU grill than a poorly designed system on a mega-BTU unit. That saves gas and money.
Heat diffusers are like middle children. They’re sandwiched between the burner and the cooking grid, and they’re often overlooked. But, they’re vital to your gas grill’s cooking performance and deserve some attention.
So, let’s dive into why heat diffusers are essential, the different types, and how to keep them working their magic.
Heat diffusers have been used for ages – probably since right after people discovered food tastes better cooked over an open fire. Ancient civilizations realized that by putting stones, rocks or balls made of clay into the fire, they could increase the heat, spread it over a larger area, and make it last longer. Their food cooked better, too.
A barbecue grill works the same way. The burner generates the flames, and the diffusers hold, radiate and distribute the heat for better, more even cooking. Diffusers can bring heat to all areas of the cooking surface, beyond where the burner flames reach.
Depending on the grill brand, diffusers might also be called heat deflectors, heat distributors, flame tamers, burner shields, heat plates, vaporizers, or even flavorizer bars. Whatever the name, diffusers perform 3 important functions to make barbecuing better.
Here’s a breakdown of the three main types of heat diffusers:
Lava rocks are craggy, reddish brown, irregularly shaped pieces of volcanic rock dotted with tiny holes. They were popular on early gas grills, but are less common today. The rocks sit on a rock grate an inch or two above the burner and a few inches below the grilling grid.
They hold and reflect heat well, last long, and are inexpensive. Since they are porous and absorb grease, some believe they create more flavorful smoke. Downsides: they take longer to heat up, and because they’re not uniformly shaped, grease can drip through the gaps between the rocks and reach the burner, causing flare-ups, hot spots, corrosion and clogs.
Ceramic diffusers are made of light-colored, heat-retaining ceramic material like the firebrick found inside many pizza ovens. They can be formed into pillow-shaped briquettes, rounded pucks, thin rods, or perforated flat tiles. Aligned edge-to-edge in a single layer, they can protect the burner better and distribute heat more evenly than lava rock. But, there may still be little gaps for grease to slip through and flare up when it hits the burner. Ceramic diffusers last a long time and are relatively inexpensive.
Metal diffusers are most common today. Stainless steel or porcelain-coated steel is formed into inverted-V tents, accordion-folded sheets, or flat plates. The metal heats up fast so the grill is ready for cooking very quickly. The angled diffusers channel grease away from the burner into a drip pan in the base of the grill. Though this virtually eliminates flare-ups, some argue it generates less smoke and flavor. These are also more expensive than other types of diffusers.
To clean ceramic briquettes, flip them over so the soiled side is toward the burner. Turn the burner to high for about 15 minutes and let the grease burn off. If they are especially dirty, use a stiff brush to remove caked-on residue before burning. The process can be repeated whenever grease builds up.
Lava rocks are cleaned the same way. It’s just a little trickier to get the grease out of the nooks and crannies. Also, because they’re porous, lava rock should be cleaned before a grill is put into storage or unused for a period of time, or they can get moldy.
Soak metal diffusers in a tub of soapy water. Use a grill brush to scrape excess residue off stainless steel diffusers. But, use a nylon scrub pad on porcelain-coated metals or they’ll scratch.
Replace lava rock and ceramic briquettes when they are crumbling or the accumulated grease is hard to burn off. Replace the rock grates if they are rusted, or warped and don’t sit evenly.
On metal diffusers, areas of rust or burned-through metal, are signs they should be replaced.
Find Heat Diffusers for Your Brand
David B. February 18th, 2015
Posted In: BBQ Maintenance
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