How to maintain your grill!

Whether you have a gas grill, charcoal grill or electric grill, there are some points you should keep in mind when it comes to maintenance. Here we list what you need to know about safety and cleaning to maintain a clean and nice barbecue throughout the season.

To prepare the grill:

1. Check the gas hose and connections
2. Check gas bottle
3. Check the regulator for damage
4. Clean the grates and brush them with suitable cooking oil
5. Wash the inside of the grill 
6. Wash and polish the outside of the grill
7. Fill the grease trap with grease-absorbing material
8. Have a grill cover ready for regular use

1. Check the gas hose

The first and most important thing to do is to check that the gas hose has no cracks or damage. You do this by bending the hose and looking carefully. A gas hose is a consumable and should be replaced every 2-3 years. Furthermore, you should perform a gas leak test on a well-ventilated area. Such a test should be done regularly and otherwise every time the gas tank, regulator or hose is replaced, or when the grill has not been used for a while. 

To take a gas leak test:

• Make a mixture with two parts dish soap and one part water. Evn buy ready-made leak test mixture.
• Extinguish all live flames, heat sources and cigarettes in the area where you are conducting the test
• Turn all switches on the grill to the OFF position
• Put the regulator in the OFF position and connect it to the gas tank
• Brush the soap mixture or leak test mixture on all joints and connections on the gas tank, regulator, the entire hose and all valves on the grill
• Open the gas supply on the regulator and carefully check for bubbles in any of the places where the mixture is applied
• If no bubbles occur, there are no leaks
• If bubbles occur, close the gas supply and tighten all connections / joints. Then do a new test. The grill must not be used until you are sure that there are no leaks
• If gas leaks occur after repeated attempts, replace the hose or contact your dealer to rectify the problem.

And remember, a gas leak test should be performed before each season or if there is a longer time between use of the grill.

2. Check gas cylinder

Check that the gas cylinder is in good condition and that it contains gas. You do this easily by, for example, weighing it. Use the total weight stated on the bottle itself and subtract from the bottle's dead weight. If you have a composite bottle, it is easy to see how much gas is left as the bottle is transparent. Also remember that the smell of gas can indicate a leak, and the bottle must then be replaced. 

3. Check the controller for damage

Check that the controller has not been damaged and is working properly. Check that the switch can be opened without resistance when it is placed on the container.

4. Clean the grates and brush them with suitable cooking oil

Hopefully you clean your grill frequently throughout the season. Then you can most likely disregard this point. If you read on, all you have to do is find a grill brush, soapy water and a sponge. If food remains have accumulated on the grates, you should fire up the grill to maximum level and then brush away what has stuck to the grates with a grill brush. If something has burned on, use washing-up liquid and a nylon brush to clean the grill grates, then dry well. Brushing the grill grates after cleaning helps to take care of the grates and ensures that food does not escape. 

5. Wash the inside of the grill

Wash the grill inside, down in the grill body. Use cloth, sponge, dish soap and warm water. Wipe over with paper towels. All grills should be cleaned regularly to minimize wear and tear, and for optimal power and maximum service life. 

6. Wash and polish the outside of the grill 

Wash the outside of the grill with warm water, detergent and a sponge, and wipe with paper towels. Use plastic sponge and not metal sponge. Furthermore, you polish the grill with a grill cleaner or car polish to remove dust and dirt, and to make it easier to clean later. Stainless steel surfaces should be treated two to three times a year with acid-free oils to protect the metal from surface rust, and for easier cleaning. 

To easily see how it can be done, take a look at our film here.

7. Fill the grease trap with grease-absorbing material

Fill the grease trap with cat litter or shell sand. This minimizes the risk of fat burning. Aluminum foil can be placed under the sand to facilitate cleaning. But then it is important that both sand and foil are changed regularly to avoid larger accumulations. 

8. Have a grill cover ready for regular use

If there is one thing we can never tell enough times, it is to use a grill cover on your grill after each time you grill. The reason why it is important to use a grill cover is precisely about taking care of your grill. In addition, a grill cover extends the life of the grill in that it protects it from the weather conditions throughout all seasons and ensures that wind, snow, sun and rain do not come into contact with the grill's surface. An important tip is to make sure that the grill is completely dry before putting on the cover. This prevents condensation from accumulating inside the cover and damaging the grill.