One of the most common misconceptions about gas barbecues is that they don’t have to be cleaned as do charcoal grills. This is a misconception that can prove dangerous.
If you haven’t cleaned your gas barbecue, here are instructions on how to do it properly from the National Propane Gas Association, a trade group:
Clean burner and tubes. Greasy food drippings can clog the burner’s gas ports and short out the igniter’s flame. To clean this area properly, make sure the gas is turned off at the tank. Remove the briquettes and cooking grids. Following instructions in your owner’s manual, unfasten the burner, slip the venturi tubes off the gas lines and remove the unit.
Clean off any dirt or grease using a soft cloth and soapy water. Towel-dry the unit and then use a toothpick to clear each gas port on the burner unit. Clean the venturi tubes with a non-metallic bottlebrush and then set the entire assembly aside.
Clean the grill housing. To prevent grease buildup and to check for corrosion, clean the inside and outside of the grill. Cover the gas orifices beneath the control panel with aluminum foil to keep water from getting inside. Then scrub the grill’s inner and outer surfaces with a brass-bristle brush and soapy water. Rinse the grill thoroughly with a garden hose and towel-dry. (Don’t forget to remove the aluminum foil.)
Check the paint for any chips or scrapes. Most grills are made of cast aluminum and won’t rust, but moisture can corrode and weaken them if paint chips aren’t repaired. Sand scrapes or chip until the metal beneath is white and shiny. Then prime and touch up with paint specially made for high-heat applications. Always do such touchups when the grill is cold. Once the paint is dry, reattach the burner, venturi tubes and igniter.
Check the fuel-supply system. It’s always a wise idea to check your gas line, connections and propane tank before restarting your grill. Although propane tanks will last as long as your grill, dented or rusted tanks must be replaced immediately. Minor corrosion can be repaired the same way you touched up the grill.
Next, reconnect your propane tank to the grill by removing the safety plug in the tank and attaching the rubber gas lines from the grill. If you did not use a safety plug when you removed the cylinder during winter months, remember to use a cotton swab to clear any possible blockages.
Test the connections for leaks by brushing on soapy water and turning on the gas. If you see bubbles or detect the distinctive odor of gas, shut off the tank and tighten the connections. Run the test again. If the bubbles continue, shut off the gas and call a propane dealer.
Clean the briquettes and cooking grids. Unlike charcoal, briquettes do not burn. Instead, they transfer heat from the burner. Over the course of time, the briquettes and cooking grids can become coated with grease. To clean them, simply flip the briquettes so the greasy side faces the burner and place the cooking grids in the usual place. Light the grill, close the lid and set the flame on high for 15 minutes. The heat will burn the grease off the briquettes and grids.
After the grill cools, remove the grids and briquettes. Using a brass-bristle brush and some warm, soapy water, scrub the grids, rinse and towel-dry. As a precaution against corrosion, coat the grids with liquid cooking oil (do not use an aerosol spray).
