It’s summertime, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill. Don’t have one or have an old one that’s on its way out? Well, that just means that it’s time for a new one. Once you’ve got it, make sure you take the time to care for it properly. Doing so can make a huge difference in the overall experience you have with your grill.

While You’re Cooking

When you very first get your grill, it’s always a good idea to give it a good cleaning before you start using it. After that, taking care of your grill and keeping it clean starts when you start cooking. Food that’s been burnt onto the grill can be tough to clean off, so get yourself off to a good start by lightly coating the grate with an oil with a high smoking temperature. Cooking spray or peanut oil are both good options. This will help keep food from sticking, meaning there will be less you’ll need to clean off.

A Matter of Timing

It’s easiest to clean off a grill while it’s still warm. After you’ve turned the grill off, let it cool for a bit. Then, when it’s still a bit warm, but not hot, use your cleaning tools to scrub off any food that’s been left behind. Wait until the grill has cooled completely before wiping up spills with a damp paper towel. Give your grill a thorough deep cleaning at least once a year. If you use your grill all year long, do it twice a year instead.

Using the Right Tools

The right tools can make all the difference in how well you’re able to care for and maintain your grill. Stainless steel grates should be cleaned using brass wire brushes, while cast-iron grates are best cleaned with stainless steel brushes. A damp cloth or paper towel should be effective at picking up spills. If you end up with rust on the exterior of the grill down the road, a fine steel wool pad can help with removal.

Perfect for outdoor gatherings, your new grill can offer you years of tasty food, especially if you take good care of it. Set yourself up for success while you’re cooking, clean it at the right time, and use the right tools for the job. If you don’t know it already, you’ll find that cooking on an outdoor grill can be a great way to keep things a little cooler in the house while still enjoying an amazing meal. 

We offer a range of high-quality outdoor grills that you can use to start this summer right. Check out our collection of gorgeous Grillstoday!