Our Grill Care & Maintenance Guide: Ways to Enhance Your Flavor This Summer

The sun is finally out, and your grill has been sitting quietly on the deck, or tucked away in the garage for the whole winter. Even if you only use it a couple times a year, it’s time to get back into the grilling groove. But before you fire it up, we want make sure your grill gets the pre-season love it needs to ensure the flavor is perfect, every single bite!

Give Your Grill a Solid Inspection

Whether your grill is gas, charcoal, or a ceramic cooker, your first move should be a visual once over:

Check for rust on the grates, burners, or frame
Look for any signs of small animals, bugs, etc., that may be nestled in
For propane and gas grills, make sure any hoses and connections are proper
Make sure the grill is stable and safe, with no wobbly legs or loose parts

How to Get Rid of Rust on your Grill:

If you do encounter some rust, it can be easily dealt with using a 2:1 mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Just apply the mixture to the rusted areas of your grill and scrub it with a bristled brush. After that you can just wash away the paste with some water.

If it’s looking beyond repair, we’ve got some of the best New Grill options at Alpin Haus, but if everything else looks good, it’s time to get cleaning!

Gas: Preparing Your Fuel Line, Burners, and Tubes

For gas grills, you’ll want to check hoses and connections for cracks or leaks. A simple way to test this is by brushing soapy water along the connections and turning on the grill. If bubbles start to appear while the gas is on, you may need to tighten connections or replace the line.

Now it’s time to clean! Make sure the propane is turned off, remove the grates, and carefully detach the gas tubes and burner. You can clean the tubes with warm soap water followed by a towel, and burners with a damp cloth.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gas grill game, there’s no better option than the Weber Genesis E-330, available at Alpin Haus!

If you’re in need of a Propane Tank Refill, stop by Alpin Haus in Saratoga or Amsterdam!

Charcoal: Ash, Airflow, and Fresh Coal

If you use a charcoal grill, your checklist looks a little different, but it’s just as important!

Check the air vents to make sure they seamlessly open and close, and clean out any debris that may have built up. Also, if your coals have been sitting in a damp area since last season, they may not light or burn properly. Start fresh with a dry bag of charcoal or hardwood lump for the best results.

Before replacing your coal, make sure to empty out ash from the bottom of the grill or ash catcher. Built up ash can block airflow, making it much harder to control the temperature and flavor. Afterwards, you can scrub the grill bowl using soapy warm water and a grill brush to remove any leftover grease or soot.

Looking to level up your charcoal grill? Check out the legendary Big Green Egg, a fan favorite ceramic cooker that’s perfect for family meals and entertaining your friends outdoors! We also carry Big Green Egg charcoal, perfectly made for your Egg, or any charcoal grill!

Shop the Big Green Egg at our Amsterdam and Clifton Park locations!

Clean Grates, Limited Grease, and Perfect Taste

The grates may have some leftover residue from years prior, so it’s important to give them a thorough wash. Here’s how:

Prepare a mixture of 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar
Submerge the grate in the solution overnight
Remove the next day and wash leftover debris off with water

A quick coat of oil over those grates and you’ll be cooking in no time!

Don’t forget to check your grease pan! Cleaning your grease pan is crucial to avoid the possibility of grease fires. Continue to check every few uses to ensure there’s no overflowing in the pan.

Exterior Grill Maintenance

Exterior maintenance isn’t just about looks, it helps protect your grill from rust, wear, and weather damage. Regularly cleaning the outside prevents buildup of grime and grease that can corrode surfaces over time, keeping your grill in top shape for years to come! Here’s how you can keep it spic and span:

Make a soapy water solution (teaspoon of dish soap for every quart of water)
Wet a soft cloth with solution
Wipe down each surface, especially the top, front, and sides.
Hose down clean spots (watch for flooding inside grill)
Dry thoroughly using another soft cloth

Now that your grill is clean inside and out, you’ll be ready for a spectacular summer of cooking!

Need Supplies or a Tune-Up? Let Alpin Haus Help!

Whether you’re grilling low and slow on a Big Green Egg or firing up your Weber for a quick weeknight dinner, we’ve got the gear, accessories, and expert advice to keep your grill in top shape.

Need some inspiration for your next grill session? We’ve got a whole list of amazing Tips, Recipes and Ideas you can try out to spice up your next session!