If you own a wood pellet grill, you need to know how to clean your grill grates properly. A good clean will ensure your food comes out tasty, and it can lengthen the life of your grill by reducing rust buildup.
After every use, you should scrape your grill grates. And you should give your grill a good deep clean at least once a year.
How to Clean Porcelain, Cast Iron, and Stainless Steel Grill Grates
Although all types of grill grates can deliver top-quality food, they are not all made equal. The material your grill grates are made from determines the best way to clean them as well as the best grill brush to use.
How to Clean Porcelain Grill Grates
- Porcelain grill grates are made of more than just porcelain. They contain an outer layer of porcelain to protect an inner layer of metal, making them rust-resistant.
- You want to keep porcelain grill grates clean, and you need to care for them properly to avoid chips and scrapes that lead to rust.
- When using metal tools for cooking, you need to be careful. And you should never use metal or wire brushes to clean porcelain grill grates. Instead, choose a soft bristle brush or nylon grill brush.
- To clean porcelain grill grates, burn off any residual food. Then, use a soft brush to gently scrub the remaining char off once the grill has cooled down.
How to Clean Cast Iron Grill Grates
Cast iron grill grates are durable and tough—but their number one enemy is water since they’re extremely prone to rust.
- To clean a cast iron grill, burn off any leftover food and allow the grill to cool before scrubbing the grates with a nylon brush.
- Once your cast iron grill grates are clean, dry them.
- Then, saturate them with vegetable oil to form a protective coating against rust.
How to Clean Stainless Grill Grates
- Stainless steel grill grates are fairly rust-resistant and can tolerate intense heat. Since they generally need just a quick brush, they’re easy to clean, too.
- When burning off leftover food, cover the tops of your grill grates with aluminum foil. This concentrates the heat, so when you heat the grates for 10-15 minutes, they get extra hot and burn away food easily.
- Then, allow the grates to cool and clean them with a grill brush.
The Best Grill Brushes and Cleaning Tools to Clean Your Grill Grates
Here are some of the best grill brushes and cleaning tools for your grill.
1. Stainless Steel BBQ Grill Scraper
Use this Stainless Steel BBQ Grill Scraper to scrape away unwanted food. It works great with cast iron grill grates!
2. Grill Rack Scrape & Grab Tool
This Grill Rack Scrape & Grab Tool gives you an easy way to grab and lift your grill rack with a single hand. It’s safe for all grill racks, including ceramic and porcelain.
3. Bristle-Free Grill Cleaning Brush
This Bristle-Free Grill Cleaning Brush features a coiled stainless steel wire that won’t break, bend, loosen, or shed.
4. Stainless Steel Grill Cleaning Brush with Scraper
This Stainless Steel Grill Cleaning Brush with Scraper is sure to get into the nooks and crannies. It comes with a grooved scraper on one end to make cleaning even easier.
Should You Clean Your Grill Grates After Every Use?
With the right grill tools, cleaning your grill doesn’t need to be a pain. Knowing how to clean grill grates is the first step—and getting the right accessories for your grill is the next. Then, regular cleaning can become a simple and quick part of your grilling routine.
And consider using a Z Grills Grill Mat to catch excess oil, crumbs, and ash if you’re looking for an even easier clean-up after grilling!
