Your guide to long lasting pellet fueled barbecues
Pellet grills offer incredible versatility and flavor, but they require regular maintenance to ensure consistent performance, even heat distribution, and longevity. Follow this step-by-step guide to keep your pellet grill in excellent shape and always ready for your next cook.
What you'll need
- Grill brush (with stainless steel bristles)
- Scraper (plastic or metal, depending on grill surface)
- Grill grate cleaner
- Scouring pads
- Exterior grill cleaner or stainless-steel cleaner
- Cleaner for stubborn stains
- Dish soap and warm water
- Sponge and microfiber cloth
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide:
Cool Down
1. Power Down and Cool Off
Safety first. Before starting any maintenance, always unplug your pellet grill and allow it to cool down completely. Cleaning a hot or powered grill can be dangerous and may damage components.
Barbecue Lid
2. Brush the Lid
The inside of the lid collects carbonized grease that hardens into black flakes over time. Use a grill brush or scraper to remove this residue. Keeping the lid clean prevents these flakes from falling onto your food during cooking.
Grates
3. Clean the Grates
Use a grill grate cleaner along with a scouring pad or heavy-duty scrubber to remove any stuck-on food and grease from the cooking grates. For best results, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water before scrubbing.
Flavourizer Bars
4. Brush the Flavorizer Bars & Heat Deflectors
These components help distribute heat and flavor but are prone to buildup. Brush off any debris and carbonized grease, as buildup here can cause flare-ups, smoke, and uneven cooking. Keep them clean to maintain optimal grill performance.
Interior Sidewalls
5. Scrape Down the Sides
Use a scraper to remove any grease or soot stuck to the interior sidewalls of the grill. Regular cleaning of the interior walls helps maintain better airflow and temperature control inside the grill.
Diffuser Plate
6. Empty the Diffuser Plate
The diffuser (or drip tray) helps control heat and catches grease and ash. Ensure it’s clear of ash or debris to avoid blockages or hot spots. Scrape it clean and wipe it down if needed.
Ash Drawer
7. Empty the Ash Drawer
Ash from burned pellets collects in the ash drawer or cup. Too much buildup can restrict airflow and impact performance. Always empty the ash drawer after a few uses—more often if you grill frequently or cook for long periods.
Pellet Inspection
8. Check the Pellets
Before firing up the grill, check the pellet hopper and auger. If pellets have been sitting unused for a while, they may have absorbed moisture and become soft. Discard old pellets and refill with fresh ones to ensure efficient burning and avoid jams in the auger system.
Exterior
9. Clean the Exterior
Use an exterior grill cleaner or a mild mix of dish soap and warm water with a sponge or microfiber cloth to clean the grill body. For stainless steel models, use a specialized stainless steel cleaner to polish and protect the surface. Don’t forget to clean control knobs and handles.
Assembly
10. Reassemble and Power Up
Once all components are clean and dry, reassemble your grill. Plug it back in and perform a quick check to ensure everything is in working order before your next grilling session.
Protective Cover
11. Use a Protective Cover
Protect your grill from rain, snow, or excessive moisture by using a high-quality cover designed for your specific model. This helps prevent rust and extends the life of your grill.
Need further assistence?
Let us know what product you are looking to maintain and one of our staff members will be happy to help you discover the best maintenance solutions.