Dust off that grill like a pit boss!

There are just so many reasons to dust off that grill right now: Cheeseburgers. Bacon Burgers. BBQ Burgers. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers...to name a few. But May is National BBQ Month, and without a seasoned and ready-to-barbecue grill and Kobe-Crafted Steakhouse Elite burgers, you, my friend, are more a of a "miss and loss" than a "pit boss."

But we got ya covered. De-winterizing your gas, coal or pellet grill is easy and will have you tossing up beef burgers like a baller in your own backyard in no time.

How to De-Winterize and Prepare Your Grill for Spring Cooking
 
Gas Grills
 
Spring Maintenance of Your Gas Grill:

• Remove the grates . Clean them on both sides with hot, soapy water, then air dry.
• Remove and clean the metal barriers over the burners and below the grates to remove drippings, grease, and other organic debris.
• Brush out the inside of the grill with a wire brush.  Loosen and dispose of debris by wiping them out or using a small vacuum.
• Attack stubborn stains with a steel wool pad.
• Turn on the burners and check the flame with the grates and barriers removed. If needed, clean out the burners with a pipe cleaner to remove any blockages that are preventing even distribution of the flame.
• Clean out or replace the drip pan.
• Give the grill exterior a good wipe down with soap and water (specific cleaners can be used for stainless steel or iron, depending on the finish).
• Replace everything and let smoke burn off on high for 10 minutes (or until the smoke clears) before using the grill again.

 
Every-Use Maintenance

• Always pre-heat the grill completely before using it to clean and disinfect the grill and grates to prevent contamination of organic matter.
• Brush off residue and debris with a grill brush to expose a clean grilling surface.
• Burn off grease and drippings on high after each use to clean off grill.
• Cover your grill after use (and when it’s cooled down) to help maintain it and keep it from being exposed to outside elements (and critters).
• Replace and clean the drip pan regularly.

 
Charcoal Grills
 
Spring Maintenance of Your Charcoal Grill

• Remove any leftover briquettes and ash and dispose of them in a noncombustible container.
• Remove the grates and clean them on both sides with hot, soapy water. Allow to air dry.
• Brush out the inside of the grill.  Loosen and dispose of debris by wiping them or vacuuming them out. Attack stubborn stains with a steel wool pad.
• Give the grill exterior a good wipe down.
• Restock with new coals according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

 
Every-Use Maintenance

• Always heat the grill completely before using it to clean and disinfect the grill and grates.
• Brush off residue and debris with a grill brush to expose a clean grilling surface.
• After grilling and while grill is still hot, clean the grates again with a grill brush.
• Oil or "season" the grill to prevent food from sticking by oiling a paper towel with a small amount of grease or fat and rubbing it along the grates (while the grill is not lit, please!).  Be sure to prevent oil or grease from dripping onto the coals.

Pellet Grills (Traeger Grills and similar)

Spring Maintenance of Your Pellet Grill:

• Scrape clean residue and build up in the smoke stack/chimney with a non-metallic tool.
• De-grease the chimney cap with soap and water.
• Do not use water, soap or cleaners on the inside of the grill; scrape the insides with a non-metallic tool or wipe clean with a paper towel.
• Scrape out the grease bucket with a non-metallic tool and wipe clean with paper towels.
• Disconnect the power and wipe the exterior with warm soapy water and a rag.

Every-Use Maintenance

• Clean the grates with a non-metallic tool while still warm.
• Inspect the fire pot after three to five uses and vacuum out any residual ash.
• Clean your grease pan and empty your grease bucket as needed.
• Cover your grill when not in use.
• Check and refill pellets as needed.

Rock that grill like a boss--a pit boss! Make sure your BBQ grill is ready for barbecue season and maintained all summer long with these tips for spring cleaning and every-use maintenance of your gas, coal or pellet barbecue grill.