If you are fond of outdoor cooking and probably own a gas grill, then you must need a wholesome guide on how to clean your gas grill burners. To clean gas grill burners is no doubt a labour-intensive and tedious task, but with a proper command, it becomes pretty easy and engaging.
Most people usually have a good knowledge of cleaning grill grates, but when it comes to cleaning grill burners, they are a little reluctant, as it is a bit more than simply wiping off. So, you usually delay cleaning as nobody likes to start scratching and scrubbing immediately after cooking and serving.
Unfortunately, you have no other option. But don’t worry. From supplies to process, precautions to instructions, we will provide detailed guidance and make it an enjoyable experience for you. Let’s go through it.
Why do you need to Clean Gas Grill Burners?
Gas grill burners are hollow metal tubes usually made up of cast iron, cast brass, stainless steel, or ceramics with tiny holes called gas ports all over the tubes.
They are an important part of your outdoor cooking adventures. Without their proper functioning, your cookouts may be affected badly. So, it is extremely important to clean them properly because it:
Ensures even cooking and flavour: When you use a gas grill without cleaning properly, the grease and leftover food may clog the burner holes. This results in uneven gas flow through these holes. Cleaning them properly allows even cooking and hence adds to the flavour of food.
Maintains grill’s performance and increases lifespan: Every time you clean your grill and burners thoroughly, it adds to the life of your grill. Leaving them dirty affects the performance of your grill, making it slow over time.
Prevents corrosion: As the grill burners are usually made up of metals, they are pretty vulnerable to rusting. So, good care is needed to avoid this unwanted happening.
Prevents flare-ups: With time, the burners may get cracks or large holes. These cracks may result in gas flare-ups and put your life at risk. Cleaning regularly helps to spot them early and avoid such damage.
Saves gas: A lot of gas is wasted when burner holes are clogged and greasy. Cleaning up holes helps you with less gas expenditure.
Supplies Needed to Clean the Gas Grill Burners
Before cleaning the gas grill burners, you need to gather certain tools to aid in the cleaning process. Here is a short list of cleaning tools:
- Grill brush: To remove grill grease and carbon buildup.
- Wire brush: It is used for intense scrubbing tasks.
- Protective gloves: To protect your hands from grease and grime.
- Safety goggles and mask: If you are allergic to debris. Otherwise, it is optional.
- Soapy water: It acts as a degreaser.
- Pipe cleaners/ bottle brush: To clean the inside of burners.
- Drillbit, paperclip, or toothpick: For cleaning clogged holes.
- Fire extinguisher: As a precaution, if there is any accidental flare-up.
- Compressed air: For pressure cleaning
- Stainless steel sponge: For scrubbing and scratching
Steps to Clean the Gas Grill Burners
Like every other cooling machinery, the gas grills may get dirty while using due to accumulation of dirt, grease, and leftover food. As a result, the grill burners become clogged. Here is a step-by-step process to clean them;
Switch off the gas grill
The first and foremost step in cleaning is to switch off the gas grill. It’s better to disconnect the grill from the gas tank to avoid any mishap. Double-check to ensure that your grill is shut off.
Remove the grill grates
Next, remove the grill grates and clean them. Spray degreaser on them and soak them in soapy water for one hour.
Remove any other coverings
Besides grates, there are other coverings like flame tamers, heat deflectors, or little covers over the burners. It’s necessary to remove them and clean them. Use a brush, stainless steel sponge, and soapy water for this purpose.
Clean the burners
- It’s better to remove the burners from the gas grill. You can also consult the owner’s manual to learn how to remove the burners of the particular gas grill.
- With gloves on, use a brush or stainless steel scrub to remove debris and grime from the surface. You can also use compressed gas for more effective cleaning.
- Gas ports are the holes through which gas leaves the burner. To clean these ports, use a drill bit or toothpick. However, you must take care while using the drill bit. Don’t push it too much into the holes.
- If your grill has ceramic burners, you’re a bit lucky because it is easy to clean them. You can simply turn on your grill at high temperatures to burn away the residue in gas ports.
Note: Don’t use water or any soap solution while cleaning burners, as it can result in rusting or premature failure of your burners.
Clean the area under the burners
Now, inspect the area under the burners. Clean this area and the remainder of the grill by spraying a degreaser and leaving it for some time. You can also use a scraper when needed.
Reassemble the grill
Finally, after doing the whole cleaning episode, reassemble the burners, coverings, grates, etc. You will feel quite fresh after getting rid of the whole grime.
Note: If you want to get through this hectic episode less frequently, The smokingrills is here to ease your life by providing you with gas grills that are easy to clean, hard to get greasy, and resistant to rust. So, grab one without any delay.
How can I clean a clogged burner tube?
While cleaning the burners, you may find that one or both burner tubes are clogged with debris, grease or food particles. Don’t worry, these can be sorted out with the following strategy;
- Firstly, loosen the clog with a small tool like a drill bit or a toothpick.
- Next, shake it well to get rid of the clog.
- If this doesn’t work, you can seek help from the owner’s manual.
- You can soak the burner tube in a degreaser, which may be simply a solution of water and dish soap for one hour, and rinse it.
- One thing you must keep in mind is that the burners should be dried completely with a paper towel to avoid corrosion.
How often should I clean the gas grill burners?
Cleaning or scrubbing the dirt is nobody’s favourite job. You definitely wouldn’t like to clean your grill now and then. How would you come to know that it’s time to get your burners cleaned? Well, there is a simple answer, i.e., whenever they get dirty and greasy. However, for a rough estimate:
- Clean your gas grill burners once or twice a month and get a deep clean at the end of the season if you use your gas grill frequently.
- If you sparingly use your grill, then cleaning burners after every 6 months or at the end of the season will work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When should I replace my gas grill burners?
If you find that burners are too rusty or greasy, or you notice any type of cracks or large holes in them, it’s time to get them replaced.
Q. How long do gas grill burners last?
The burners of a gas grill may last for 10 years or maybe for a lifetime, depending on their company quality and proper care.
Q. How to clean rusty gas grill burners?
To clean rusty burners, you can mix vinegar and baking soda and soak the burners in this solution for 30 minutes. However, it is important to properly dry them after rinsing.
Q. Can I wash my gas grill burners?
Although water works fine for other parts of the grill, it is usually not recommended to use water on your gas grill burners. However, if you have used all other tactics and are left with no other choice, you can go for it.
