How well do you know how to cook on the grill? I am not a pro and every year I want to learn how to become a better griller. So this year I have made a decision that I am going to try to become the best I can be.
To start off the grilling season I would recommend giving your grill a good cleaning. Most grills over some time in their life will develop some rust on their grates. Especially if they are out in the elements. You don’t want your food tasting like rust.
About a year ago I noticed rust starting to form on the sides of our grill grates that was hardly used. I did not know how to solve the problem at that time. So I put it out of sight and out of mind. When I cooked on the grill I used reyonolds wrap or a grill plate and I never worried about the outer edge. Over the winter our grill got used a few times. Here we are grilling fish in a snow / ice storm. I think what caused most of the damage is when the grill grates became wet and left in sub zero temps
Then when I opened the grill for the first time this spring I noticed that our grates did not look their best, rust was starting to form and there was a charcoal marinade clumped all over. I am embrassed to even show the below picture. I knew we had to do something or we would lose our grill. The picture looks bad, huh?
I looked at purchasing some new grill grates. But for the price of just buying grates, I could almost buy a new smaller grill. I thought to myself, there has to be a way, to save our grill.
So wheredo you go if you need help? Pinterest!!! I just love Pinterest. You can find anything and everything there. Just like this article you are reading. I searched ways to clean cast iron grill grates. And yes there is many ways to clean them. I wished I would have known about this sooner.
You will need the following items:
Vinegar
Salt
Garbage bag(s)
A metal grill brush and some type of oil (vegetable, olive or coconut oil).
Place the grill grates in garbage bags add vinegar and salt. Some people say to use 2 cups of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of salt. I just put enough vinegar in the bag to reach the bottom of the grates and I sprinkled salt all over the grates. If I had to guess it was probably about 2 tbs of salt and 2 cups of vinegar. Leave the bag(s) with the grate and mixture set over night. I suggest placing the bag(s) in the yard. I layed mine on the concrete and I noticed the mixture had ran out leaving a white trail. Some people heat up their grates on the grill before they place them in the bag. I did not do this. But I think the next time I cook on the grill I might let the grates cool just enough that I could handle them and I will redo the cleaning method. My grates were so bad they need several cleanings.
While the grates are soaking use this time to clean out the grill around the burners and the drip pan.
When you remove your grates from the bag use the grill brush to remove everything and then spray them off. To finish up the grates you will need to oil the grates. Oiling the grates will help season the cast iron and help prevent rust from coming back. Also oil the grates before winter comes. It will be an added protector.
Now your grill should be in top notch condition to grill on. You will be amazed at the grime and grease that will be removed. The next step is to start making delicious recipes. Check back next Thursday for another session of learning to grill. I plan to be showing how to cook Chicken Kabobs with Coconut Oil.
If you would love to share a grill recipe or anything about grilling I would love to have you as a guest blogger during this series. Just comment or email me.
Happy Grilling!
Check the following grilling recipes:
Grilled Salmon
Coconut Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Soda Can Chicken
I have linked this post to the following sites:
Diana Rambles PinMe Link Party
FAQs
You should clean the grates of your grill immediately after every use, while the grill is still hot. Protect your hands by wearing gloves when you clean your grill. "Smoke, grease, and other barbecue stains are hard to get off of your hands and clothes, so using rubber gloves will make your life easier," says Kolman.
Should grill grates be pointy side up or down? ›
The wider, flat side of the cooking grates should be facing upwards for cast iron grates. The underside is more pointed like the top of a triangle. There are four small legs in each corner on the underside of the grate to ensure a level cooking surface. This will help stabilize the food.
What happens if you don't clean your grill grates? ›
When you don't clean your grill, grease and burnt-on food particles from past grilling sessions build up. That grease and food could harbor and even attract germs, which isn't just unsafe — it's unsavory. Rancid oil or burnt marinade are not the flavors you want your grill to add to your meal.
Should you oil grill grates after cooking? ›
Oil your grates right before placing food on them and after each use for best cooking results. There are several ways to oil your grates, depending on whether they're hot or cold. Wipe It On: When the grill is cool, coat all surfaces of your grates with a bunched up paper towel that is coated, but not saturated in oil.
Do you need to spray GrillGrates? ›
Oiling your grill grates on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your grill's condition for optimal taste and performance. You'll be able to flip food more easily and create those cross-hatched grill marks that make grilled food so appealing.
Can you flip GrillGrates? ›
Flipping your GrillGrates over and cooking on the back side or flip side has really gained a lot of momentum in the past few years. What other grill surface is reversible and produces two totally different types of cooks?
Should you grill with the lid up or down? ›
The heat doesn't build up and intensify the way it would if the lid was down. Thin pork chops, shrimp, and burgers tend to cook quickly. Leaving the grill lid up will slow the cooking process by reducing the temperature around the meat. For thicker cuts, you want to close the lid to keep the temperature high and even.
Should I put aluminum foil on my grill grates? ›
This is a major NO-NO. Laying the foil on the grates can restrict the intended air flow inside the grill, which could lead to damage of the internal components, not to mention create a dangerous situation.
Can you use a magic eraser on grill grates? ›
The last step for how to clean a grill is to get the crud off those grill grates and get them clean and shiny for your next cookout. Mix hot water and dish soap in a bucket. Use an old toothbrush to clean in between the grill grate openings. Soak a Magic Eraser in the soapy water and scrub both sides of the grate.
How often should I clean my grill grates? ›
You should do a simple grill cleaning after every use. It is best to do this after you are done cooking. When the grate cools down and is still pretty warm take your grill brush and clean any food particles that are stuck on the grate. The only thing needed for this is a wire brush.
After your cooking is finished, use a grill brush, wet rag, or grill pumice to remove any food particles, but do not aim to scrub off all the oil each time you cook. Luckily, a little rust on your steel grate is not a health concern if the particles are not chipping off into your food.
Is it better to clean grill hot or cold? ›
Immediately after each cooking session, brush off the grates and racks when they are cooler but still warm, using a high-quality stainless steel grill brush to clean off food particles.
Are you supposed to clean cast iron grill grates? ›
Cleaning your grill grates will help reduce rust buildup and ensure tasty food when you grill. You want to scrape your grates after each use, but you should also do a deep cleanse at least once a year.
Are you supposed to season grill grates? ›
Yes! You should always season a new grill. Oiling and heating the grill will create a protective barrier that prevents rust. Seasoning is also what creates a nonstick surface on your grates so that you don't end up with a frustrating mess of stuck-on food the first time you try out the grill.
Do you need to clean a charcoal barbecue after every use? ›
It depends on the intensely you clean it and how often you use the grill. But in general, you should give your grill grates a good wipe down after every use.
Do you need to spray grill grates? ›
Oiling your grill grates on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your grill's condition for optimal taste and performance. You'll be able to flip food more easily and create those cross-hatched grill marks that make grilled food so appealing.
