There\u2019s nothing quite like the summer entertaining season in Australia. Good friends, some fresh Aussie fare and a few drinks combine to create lazy evenings and perfect weekends. Running a clean outdoor kitchen is critical. You want to be party-ready at all times, but spending hours slaving over the cleaning is no one\u2019s idea of a good time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So how can you keep the BBQ slick and sanity with minimal effort? We\u2019ve compiled Australia\u2019s top tips on everything from brushes to beer and potatoes. Here\u2019s how to clean a BBQ properly without breaking a sweat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few reasons why cooking on a dirty BBQ is a terrible idea. The one at the top of every entertainer\u2019s mind is committing the worst food foul \u2013 food that smells and tastes like last week\u2019s left-behinds. Fishy snags or prawny haloumi, anyone?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For health and hygiene reasons, you want to keep it clean because overflowing grease traps or animal fats building up on the grill are known to attract vermin. Also, a drip tray full of oil is a fire hazard, and burning oil under a BBQ can be extremely dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the hip-pocket perspective, a BBQ that\u2019s not well maintained may not live for long. You should be able to get at least 10 good years out of your BBQ, minimum. And lastly, leave it long enough and it\u2019s inevitable that you will end up spending a very long time cleaning it \u2013 because it will<\/em> eventually need some love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A quick wipe down with a paper towel has its place, but a bit of extra elbow grease is better. You should clean your BBQ:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a simple checklist of what you’ll want to keep in your cleaning kit. If you have a cupboard under your BBQ, most of these should fit right in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most manufacturers recommend warm soapy water to clean your BBQ. But, if you’re looking for a few clever natural hacks, you can also use: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply, drying and oiling helps keep rust at bay so your plates are ready to cook when you are.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Before joining your BBQ guests, turn off the gas and, while it\u2019s still hot, scrape down the plates with a metal BBQ scraper to remove any burnt bits and built-up grease. Don’t let anything cool down and harden. (Try not to use anything bristly on your BBQ either \u2013 a soft cloth or sponge is better on the finish.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, remove the plates and drip tray and get washing. Most reputable makers of BBQs suggest using warm soapy water. No need for harsh chemicals. A quick tip, take a look at your manufacturer\u2019s instructions \u2013 some plates may be able to go straight into your dishwasher! Remember to give washed plates a rinse with warm water once clean to remove any soap residue \u2013 then dry them, oil them, and wipe the excess away so they\u2019re ready for next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you get cooking again, this step should take you no more than two minutes \u2013 assuming you did a thorough job of cleaning your BBQ after its last use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s strongly recommended to do an annual deep clean your BBQ. The effort is slightly more than what you\u2019d do after BBQ cooking and is designed to help you maintain your appliance\u2019s shelf life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a step-by-step guide: <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few different ways to remove rust, but below is one of the more common ways is the scrape\/soak\/scrape<\/a> method. If you can\u2019t remove your BBQ grates, you can also apply a paste directly to the grates \u2013 scrape\/paste\/scrape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your chief BBQ chef is somewhat of a Messy Marvin, show them these BBQ cooking hacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Quick Swap gas bottles<\/a> are perfect for outdoor living.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen should you clean your BBQ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cleaning tools you’ll need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cleaning products for your BBQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to prep a new BBQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you dry and oil your BBQ?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clean immediately after you BBQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What to clean after every grill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A once-over before firing it up again<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Give your BBQ a deep clean once a year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to clean rust off your BBQ grates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cooking hacks for cleaner BBQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cooking oil on the food<\/td>
No need to throw cooking oil all over the plate. Just lightly on the food. (It’ll help stop the food from blistering, too.)
<\/td><\/tr>Patience<\/td>
Patience is everything, particularly with meat. If you try to turn it too soon, the meat will stick and cause you grief
<\/td><\/tr>Fish<\/td>
Delicate foods like fish need an aluminium foil baking tray or foil pouch, or they\u2019ll stick and make your BBQ smell. They may also leave grime on the cooking surfaces
<\/td><\/tr>Roasts and marinades<\/td>
Seal the meat on direct heat then pop it onto a metal rack on top of a foil tray for tidier cooking
<\/td><\/tr>Foil watch-points<\/td>
We\u2019ve mentioned foil above, but bear in mind that you should never cover the whole plate with aluminium foil \u2013 it restricts the heat flow
<\/td><\/tr>Clean both sides of the plates and the grill grates<\/td> Don\u2019t forget all the bits that have dropped through to the other side<\/td><\/tr> Drip tray cleaning<\/td>
1. Scrape it down after each use
2. Lay down foil and remove after each use (check manufacturer\u2019s instructions)
3. Lay down foil and sprinkle it with clean kitty litter (not the paper kind!) or Fat-sorb \u2013 this might last you 5-10 BBQs
<\/td><\/tr>BBQ wipes<\/td>
Wipes are an easy way to keep your BBQ looking fresh between big cleans or before guests arrive. Don\u2019t rely on wipes for the full clean, as you\u2019ll go through too many (soapy warm water is best)
<\/td><\/tr>Paper towels<\/td>
These are great for absorbing fat in those hard to reach nooks and crannies.
<\/td><\/tr>Can\u2019t bear cleaning?<\/td>
You can lay down a washable Teflon sheet on the cooking surface before heating it, which helps to avoid getting the plate dirty. (Note: Teflon is avoided by some due to health and environmental concerns)
<\/td><\/tr>Public BBQs<\/td>
If it\u2019s a grill plate, scrunch up some foil, grab a set of tongs and give it a scrub.
If it\u2019s a flat plate, throw half a stubby of beer onto it and scrape.
Or, as above, you can lay down a Teflon sheet
<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNeed gas to power your BBQ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n