With our ever-optimistic outlook of us having a nice sunshine filled summer, with BBQ's aplenty, we thought it a good idea to compile a useful guide to maintain and clean your barbecue.
General Maintenance Tips
- Before every BBQ, its important to check that the gas bottle and lines are connected firmly, without blockages or leaks. If the hose is worn or leaking, tighten the fittings or replace as required. You can test for leaks by spraying a mixture of soapy water over the fittings. If it bubbles, then there is a leak.
- Remember to turn off the BBQ after each use. It is a good idea once you have finished cooking to turn the gas bottle off before turning off the BBQ knobs. This will allow any excess gas to be burnt away.
- Check the fat absorber in the drip tray, it will need to be changed after every 10 BBQs (more if you cook fatty foods). Inspect the grill and hotplate - if either is rusted then they may need replacing.
- When you finish cooking, clean all cooking surfaces. If you have cast iron burners or cooking surfaces, once the BBQ is cooled, spray Canola oil on the surface to prevent rusting.
- If the BBQ is not going to be used for a long period, this step is the most important. (Do not use olive oil, butter or margarine to coat the BBQ. They are fine to cook with though.)
- If your BBQ has charcoal under the grill, replace this every 10 BBQs or as required. This will help to stop fat fires from starting.
- If you have a stainless-steel BBQ, it can be susceptible to surface rust. Surface rust can be easily removed with a fine scourer and soap.
Ongoing Use Maintenance Tips
- For ongoing maintenance for your BBQ, we recommend the below tips:
- Make sure the gas bottle is turned off and disconnected.
- Lift up the hood and remove the hot plate, grill and the drip tray.
- Remove the burners and if cast iron, scrape off loose flaky crust with a wire brush.
- Replace the aluminium foil on the drip tray and the absorbent material.
- Clean the hot plate and grill with a BBQ degreaser.
- Clean the body of the BBQ with soapy water and a soft scourer pad or BBQ wipes. You may wish to use a stainless-steel polish to guard against fingerprints.
- Use canola oil on all cast iron surfaces to prevent rusting. Do not use olive oil, butter, or margarine to coat the BBQ. They are OK to cook with though.)
- Check all hoses and replace if they show any signs of cracking.
