A pellet grill is for you if you do not like too much effort while grilling some mind-blowing foods. Pellet grills offer incredible ease of use because they are created to run on their own. You can let the grill work by setting beef brisket on smoking overnight without worrying.
Though cleaning a pellet grill seems to be a complicated task, actually it is not the case. Unfortunately, these grills do not have self-cleaning functionality, so you need to perform this chore yourself. I will thoroughly explain how to clean a pellet grill in this post, so keep on reading.
How To Clean A Pellet Grill? – A Super Easy Approach
Cleaning a pellet grill is not as stubborn as a mule, but you have to put in some time and keep patience. Following steps will be beneficial if you want to clean a dirty pellet grill:
Clean The Lid
Firstly, you have to clean the lid of your smoker. Remove all the ash from inside the lid and then rub a little oil on it to keep it in shape. After this, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the top part of the lid. Use warm water and soap if needed, but be careful because too much force can cause damage to the lid.
Remove Every Component From The Grill
Next, remove every component of the grill to clean it thoroughly. It includes all parts like grates, thermometers, and more. Remove all parts from the grill before cleaning it so that they do not get damaged while cleaning it up. After removing all components from the grill, please place them in a plastic bag and seal them tightly with tape so they do not get damaged during the cleaning process.
Scrape Everything
After removing everything from your pellet grill, scrape it well using a plastic scraper or spatula so that everything gets removed from there ideally for easy cleaning later on. Scrape everything inside and outside with a pellet grill cleaner so that there are no leftover food particles or residue left behind.
Clean The Grates
You should clean the pellet grill grates with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. If you want to get rid of the grease accumulated on the grill, you can use a nylon brush to clean it. You can also spray it with some dish soap or hot water. After that, dry the grate with a paper towel and apply oil to prevent rust.
Do Not Forget The Thermometer And Grill Chute
The thermometer and grill chute is present in the bottom of the smoker. To know the temperature inside your smoker, you should check if this part is working properly. You can also check whether any debris or food is stuck inside it. You must reinstall them correctly after cleaning them, so they do not fall off when you open up the smoker.
Vacuum Out All The Debris
After cleaning everything out, vacuum out all the debris inside your pellet grill using an air compressor or a shop vacuum. It will help ensure that there are no stubborn particles left inside your pellet grill, which can be harmful to your health if ingested into your body through food consumption.
Clean The Exterior
Cleaning your pellet grill from the outside will prevent rust and other stains from forming on the surface of your grill. You can clean the exterior of the pellet grill using a pellet grill degreaser and a damp cloth. Keep the drip pan and tray dry by not getting any water in them. If any water is left on the surface, let it dry before you reassemble all parts together.
Reassemble Everything
After cleaning all the exterior parts, it is time to reassemble your grill. It will ensure that everything is working correctly and that there are no leaks from any joints or connections. Use pliers or tweezers to tighten any loose screws or bolts.
Watch following videos to understand it practically:
How Often To Clean Pellet Grill?
Pellet grills are easy to use, reliable, and produce great results. However, they still need regular maintenance to keep them functioning at their best. Proper care is inevitable to make your grill perform well and increase its life. By doing so, you will also less the risk of food contamination due to the germs and other impurities.
Here are some tips on how often you should clean your pellet grill:
Every Time You Use It
After each use, you should thoroughly clean your grill before storing it away for future use if you have enough. It will prevent food particles from sticking in between the cracks and causing a mess when you next use your appliance.
Weekly
I recommend a weekly cleaning routine to keep your pellet grill in good form if you are short of time. It helps maintain the hygiene of your kitchen while also reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses due to bacteria or other harmful substances.
How To Clean Pellet Grates?
The key to maintaining a clean pellet grill is to clean it after each use. A little bit of time spent cleaning up after cooking can save you from a lot of frustration later. Here is the best way to clean pellet grill grates:
A wire brush is a valuable tool for cleaning your pellet grill as it will not scratch or damage the finish on the grate. You should use the brush at an angle to get into the grooves and crevices on the grate. Scrub lightly with one hand while holding the brush handle with the other. It will prevent you from bending or breaking the brush, which could happen if you use too much force when cleaning the grate.
If your grill has stubborn stains or burnt bits, you can use soap and water before you go for stronger cleaners like bleach or ammonia-based products. Soap and water may not smell as good as ammonia, but they are safer for your health and better for your grill’s finish. The reason is they will not eat away at its coating like strong chemicals might over time.
If soap and water do not work, try using a stainless steel cleaner for pellet grills. These cleaners contain no harsh chemicals, so they will not damage your grill’s coating over time. Just spray directly onto the surface of your grill grate and let sit for about 30 seconds before scrubbing with a scouring pad or brush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward.
There are two main types of cleaners for pellet grates: those that work with water and those that use a spray bottle. The spray-on cleaners are explicitly designed for pellet grates, so they will not leave any residue. While water-based cleaners are safe for your grill’s stainless steel housing and even the glass window, they can leave residue on the metal grate.
Final Words
How To Clean A Pellet Grill? Despite having a small water reservoir, a pellet grill does not require you to perform any special maintenance schedule. You should still clean it regularly to keep it in good condition and get rid of the dirt, but all you need to do is maintain a pellet grill.
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