Preparation
Warmer days are here, and before you fire up the grill, we’re here to remind you how important it is to clean and maintain it; having the best tools to do just that will help you stick to a schedule. Matthew Eads, cookbook author, gourmet griller, and founder of the blog Grillseeker, recommends a quick cleaning of the grill grates after every use, ideally when they are still warm and he suggests using a bristle-free brush (more on that later). “You want to get any food, sauce, and residue off of your grill grates to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold which can be dangerous,” he says. “These things tend to attract insects and critters that you don’t want setting up a new home inside your grill.”
Every now and then, and definitely before you put your grill away for the season, you should also do a deep cleaning using a brush, cleaning block, and some grill cleaning spray. “During these cleanings, you should also clean out any charcoal ash or residue in the bottom of your grill, as well as the burners if you have a gas grill,” says Eads, who recommends following that up with a thorough scrubbing using a degreaser solution that’s designed for grill cleaning.
Best Set: Schmidt Brothers BBQ CleanersBest Bristle Brush: Grand Grill Daddy Grill Cleaning BrushBest Bristle-Free Brush: Grillart Grill Brush and ScraperBest Grate Cleaning Brick: Elaziy Grill Cleaning BrickBest Best for Cleaning Between Grates: GrillFlossBest Scraper: Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper
