I know my last post was geared to all those gas grill lovers out there, but fret not my charcoal friends. I haven't forgotten about you. Grill cleaning and maintenance is just as important for charcoal grills as they are for gas, and now is the perfect time to learn the ropes. After all, year-round grilling brings great flavor to every season, but there are some particularly great grilling days coming up soon as the holidays approach.
Nothing beats gathering everyone together to enjoy a bold, delicious grilled meal. So in order to get your Weber charcoal grill ready for the holidays, follow this simple checklist to ensure it's in perfect working order to fire up the most festive of feasts.
The inside of our lids cannot peel because they are coated with baked-on porcelain enamel, but occasionally you may see some small pieces of debris that look like paint. Don't worry though, these pieces are not paint of any kind. They're actually deposits of grease and smoke that collect during normal use. They are non-toxic and can be easily removed by brushing them away with a stainless steel brush before you start grilling. To prevent future build-up, wipe with paper towels or a mild soap-and-water solution after every grilling session. Make sure the grill is warm, not hot, when you do so.
Cleaning the inside of the bowl can be done in just two quick steps. First, use the One-Touch® system to clean excess debris and ash out of the kettle bowl. Second, clean any leftover residue with a mild dish soap and steel wool pad—for best results, make sure you have both, not just one or the other.
Cleaning your cooking grates can be done very easily before you begin grilling. Before cooking, preheat the grill by opening all the vents and keeping the grill at a high temperature for 10–15 minutes. Then use a stainless steel bristle brush to remove any excess debris left on the grates. This is important because any residue left on the grate could cause food to stick during future grilling.
Wipe down the lid and bowl while your charcoal grill is cool to the touch, using a mild detergent soap or glass cleaner. This will eliminate any excess debris, and will help bring back your grill's original spotless liquid-glass shine.
Clean out the ash catcher last, and you are all done!
Really, a little cleaning can go a long way in keeping your charcoal grill at its best. So follow these 5 simple steps and you're sure to have a very great time grilling!