Cleaning an infrared grill properly is crucial to keep it working efficiently and lasting a long time. Neglecting cleaning can lead to fat and grease buildup that poses safety risks and negatively impacts grilling performance. Follow this comprehensive, step-by-step guide to thoroughly clean your infrared grill.
Table of Contents
Assessing the Situation
Before cleaning, take a close look at all components of your infrared grill to evaluate the cleaning needs. Check the cooking grates, heat plates or emitters, burners, interior walls, grease traps, and exterior surfaces. Make notes on areas with significant grease buildup, stuck-on food debris, thick layers of ash, and other cleaning issues you identify. This initial assessment informs the cleaning steps and helps focus your efforts on problem areas. Donning the proper barbecue gloves and taking your time during inspection protects your hands and gives an accurate appraisal.
Cleaning the Grates
The grates directly over the infrared burners likely have the most stuck-on grease and food debris. Start cleaning them first before debris bakes on further during subsequent grill usage. When the grill is thoroughly cooled after use, use a thick brass wire grill brush to scrape the cooking grates clean. Apply elbow grease to remove all debris without damaging the grate material. Another option is to place grates in a heavy-duty garbage bag and shake baking soda over them. Let them sit for 30 minutes before rinsing clean. Barbecue stainless steel cleaner and a soft cloth also helps restore grates to a clean shine.
Tackling Interiors
With grates removed, tackle interior grill surfaces. Use a plastic putty knife to gently release any grease buildup and a wire brush to clear away stubborn deposits on heat plates or emitters without damaging them. For porcelain-coated grill walls, dip a cloth or scrub pad in warm, soapy water. Scrub walls and wipe down with clean water, taking care not to damage the coating.
Remove ash accumulation from the bottom of gas infrared grills by gently sweeping it into a dust pan for safe disposal. For charcoal models, scoop out ashes once grill interiors are cooled. The small ash door on some models simplifies clearing ashes.
Ensuring Proper Grease Management
Grease traps on infrared grills should be emptied and wiped down thoroughly each time you clean the barbecue. Neglecting this step allows flammable grease to accumulate to potentially dangerous levels. Safely dispose of grease in an approved container, never down drains leading to sewer systems.
Also assess grease drip pans under the grill. Replace foil pans once soiled, or wash permanent versions in hot soapy water. Thorough scrubbing removes baked-on grease that could melt and lead to flare-ups during grilling.
Cleaning Burners and Components
Some infrared grill models have ceramic burners you can remove for cleaning. Use a soft brush and warm, soapy water to clear ports clogged with debris without damaging delicate ceramic. Rinse and thoroughly dry burners before carefully reinstalling them according to manufacturer guidelines.
For gas grills, inspect all gas lines, valves and ignite buttons to ensure proper function and check for damage when cleaning. Wipe any exterior soiling from components to keep your barbecue looking its best.
Refreshing Exterior Surfaces
Don’t forget exterior grill surfaces when cleaning your barbecue. Warm, soapy water helps tackle stained stainless steel while ammonia glass cleaner clears accumulated debris on viewing windows.
For paint, porcelain or enamel finishes, wipe down with a soft cloth wetted in warm water with dish soap. Rinse surfaces and wipe dry to prevent water spots. Touch up any chips in finishes right away to prevent rusting.
Why Choose Affordable Cleaning Services?
As a leading cleaning company serving Parramatta for over 20 years, Affordable Cleaning Services brings extensive experience to all cleaning tasks. Our fully insured and bonded cleaners use the latest equipment and eco-friendly products for impeccable results. We offer competitive quotes for house, office, strata or commercial cleaning tailored to your unique needs. Contact our friendly team today on 0481321530 to discuss your situation and receive an instant quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
✓How often should I clean my infrared grill?
Thoroughly clean your infrared grill inside and out after every 3-5 uses. This prevents grease buildup and stuck-on debris that are harder to remove if left longer.
✓Can I use oven cleaner on my infrared grill?
No, the caustic chemicals in oven cleaner should never touch grill surfaces. Stick to warm, soapy water and commercial grill cleaning products designed for barbecues.
✓What is the safest way to clean an infrared grill?
Allow the grill to thoroughly cool after use before cleaning. Don protective gloves, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes. Use only commercial grill brushes and cleaners, never wire wool or abrasive scouring pads that damage surfaces.
✓Why is grease management important when cleaning an infrared grill?
Infrared grills reach extremely high temperatures that can ignite accumulated grease, causing dangerous flare-ups. Proper grease management while cleaning minimises this safety issue.
Keeping your infrared grill well-maintained through regular, thorough cleaning allows you to enjoy safe, great-tasting grilled foods for years to come. Follow these comprehensive steps for sparkling results, and contact the friendly team at Affordable Cleaning Services when you need a helping hand with your barbecue or any other cleaning jobs around your Parramatta property.
