How to Clean and Maintain an Outdoor Built-In Gas Grill
An outdoor built-in gas grill is a great addition to any residence. In the right location, it can be an entertainment center for family, friends, and guests.
An outdoor gas grill has many advantages for homeowners. It is easy to use and maintain, burns clean, and does not require an additional fuel source such as wood or charcoal.
To complete your built-in gas grill, you can get a grill with other components such as two countertops, a warming oven, auxiliary lighting, a rotisserie, and even a smoker. Here are the procedures to maintain a built-in outdoor gas grill.
Clean the Cooking Grates
Each time you use your outdoor gas grill, clean the metal cooking grates while they are still slightly warm. Use a wire brush to scrape food residue from the grates and wipe the hood and surrounding countertops with a moist cloth.
Maintain the Grill
Depending on how often you use your outdoor gas grill, clean it thoroughly every few months. Before cleaning, close the main gas shutoff valve on your gas meter.
To do this, use a pipe wrench to turn the valve handle one-quarter turn so the handle is perpendicular to the gas line. After turning the gas off at the meter, turn it on at the grill to clear any gas that may still be in the line.
Mix a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water. Use this solution and a cloth to wipe all metal surfaces to clean away grease or cooking juices. No rinsing is needed with this solution.
Deep Clean the Grill
Once a year, disassemble and thoroughly clean all grill components with liquid oven and barbecue cleaner.
Cooking Grates and Ceramic Drip Plates
Remove the cooking grates and ceramic drip places and place them on a flat surface covered with newspaper. Use a wire brush to scrape off food residue on these components and then spray them with liquid oven and grill cleaner.
Let the cleaner soak in until any remaining food residue is soft enough easily remove. Rinse components with clear water and allow to dry.
Gas Burners
Remove the gas burners and place them on a flat surface covered with newspapers. Scrape away food debris with a wire brush and clean them with oven and grill cleaner.
Use a wooden toothpick to clear the fuel holes on the gas burners to dislodge rust, corrosion, and debris. Use water to moisten a cloth and then wipe the spray from the burners with it.
Inspect the Fuel Lines
Each time you deep clean the outdoor gas grill, inspect the gas lines for visible cracks or bends. Brush soapy water on each of the gas line connections and watch for bubbles.
If bubbles form at any of the connections, then tighten the connections.
Clean the Grill Box
Use a putty knife or paint scraper to loosen dried food particles and grease from the bottom of the grill box. Remove the particles and grease with a wet-dry vacuum and wipe the grill box with a damp cloth.
Clean and Restore the Grill Exterior
Gas grill hoods, sides, and panels can be made of brushed stainless steel or steel coated with a high-temperature paint. To clean these exterior surfaces, use a stainless steel cleaner, glass cleaner, or solution of dishwashing soap and water.
To restore these surfaces, you can sand them lightly with wet-dry sandpaper in various grits from 320-grit to 600-grit. Work from coarse to smooth and then remove all residue with a damp cloth.
Once cleaned and sanded, repaint the exterior with BBQ and Stove spray paint. This paint will protect the exterior from rust and corrosion and can withstand heat up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
After cleaning, turn on the gas at the gas meter and light the grill. Leave the grill to burn for a while to burn off any liquid cleaning residue.
To professionally maintain and remodel your outdoor gas grill, contact us at Alpine Fireplaces. We are experts in outdoor gas grills, pits, and fireplaces and can design, install, and customize one especially for you.
