You may not use your grill that often. Or you may prefer to cook in your kitchen because you are not a grill jockey. Or maybe you just don't find enough time to grill. Well, whatever the reason is, there is no excuse not to take care of the grill, be it gas or charcoal.
Just like the other appliances you have in your house, you also shelled money on your gas or charcoal grill and it provides you service in return so it is only proper that you find time to clean and maintain it. How? Here are four easy tips on how to take care of your grill. Don't worry; cleaning it is so much easier than cleaning the charcoal ones.
Coat the grill grates before cooking
Don't make it a habit to place meat and vegetables directly on the grill grates (also called grids). Instead, make it a habit to coat the grill grates with some oil before cooking. This prevents excess food and particles from sticking into your grates. Food stuck in the grates may be difficult to remove. Also, a well-oiled grill grate gives the food better grill marks.
In oiling the grill grates, you can use any of the three options: an oiled paper towel or rag, some bacon or beef fat, or a can of cooking spray. If you use the first option, it will be best if the grill grates are very hot before wiping it with the oil-soaked paper towel. Some prefer using bacon or beef fat because it give the food extra flavor. The third option, using a cooking spray, is the most convenient among the three.
However, for the third option, make sure you apply the spray before you turn the grill on. You can also remove the grill grates from the fire and apply spray on it. Never attempt to spray the grates over flame as the spray tends to catch fire.
Clean the entire grill
The grill grates are the most important part of the grill because this is where you place your food. Because of this, you also have to prioritize cleaning the grates. Just after grilling, clean the grill grates so that whatever food particles that might have stuck to it will be easily removed. To clean the grates, use a wire brush. Serious grillers prefer long-handled stiff wire brushes. Scrub the grates twice and if you're still not contented, you can wash it with soapy water.
Next, clean the entire grill. After using it, wait for the grill to completely cool down. Then, with a wet paper towel or a damp cloth, wipe off the grease from the surfaces. Grease, if not removed immediately, may cause corrosion on your grill.
It is also recommended that you schedule a day once a year for a thorough cleaning of your grill. Make a mixture of half water and half white vinegar. Clean the grill with the mixture by spraying it inside the grill. Leave it for 30 minutes to around an hour. Afterward, wipe the entire thing with a damp rag or paper towel.
Drain the drip pan, empty the ash catcher
Generally, grilling tends to generate a lot of drippings from food such as meat and chicken. Expect that after your grilling session, the drip pan (which you hopefully set up properly) is guaranteed to be full of fat and oil. Don't throw that fat immediately. Let the drip pan cool off first before attempting to tackle it.
Once it has already cooled off, don't throw the drippings directly on the ground. Use an empty milk carton or anything similar and drain the fat into it. You'll never know when you can use this fat again, right? Just be sure that the drippings are completely free of ash before you attempt to use it again.
Aside from the drip pan, many charcoal grills come with ash catchers. The ash catcher is usually shaped like a saucepan and is located at the bottom of the grill. As their name suggests, their main purpose is to catch the ashes generated during your grilling session. After using the grill, remove the ash catcher from the base and throw the ashes. However, make sure the ashes are already cold before attempting to throw them in the trash. If you throw them while they are still hot, it may cause flame among your other flammable garbage. To be sure and safe, wait one day.
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