Keys to Grilling & Maintaining Your Grill

Be on your way to perfecting the art of grilling with these simple steps for beginners. For the experienced, die-hard grill masters, we have a handy checklist to help you tune up your grill for the season.


Skill
Intermediate
Time
One Day
Cost
Less Than $500
Skewers of meats and vegetables grilling on a BBQ
alt="Skewers of meats and vegetables grilling on a BBQ"

What You Need for This Project

Tools

Materials

Keys to Grilling

  1. 1

    Read Before Starting

    Read the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly before grilling.

  2. Steps:

Preparing tiles for installation
  1. 2

    Open the Lid First

    Open the grill lid before lighting.

  2. Steps:

A BBQ with the lid open
  1. 3

    Prepare Let the Grill Heat Up

    Let the grill heat up according to the manufacturer's instructions before adding your food. Meat sticks to a cold grill.

  2. Steps:

BBQ element emitting blue flames
  1. 4

    Keep the Lid Closed

    Close the lid while cooking and keep the grill away from deck or patio edges and any structures. Constantly open and closing the lid while cooking can have an adverse effect on keeping an even heat level, making the cooking process longer.

  2. Steps:

A BBQ with a closed lid
  1. 5

    Stay a Safe Distance Away from Flames

    Keep sleeves and long hair away from flames. Tuck your hair up or put a hat on, and roll up your sleeves.

  2. Steps:

Hamburgers grilling on a BBQ with lots of flames
  1. 6

    Store Gas Tanks Safely

    Gas tanks are flammable, so always store them outside and never indoors.

  2. Steps:

A BBQ propane tank safely put away
  1. 7

    Regularly Clean the Grill

    Keep the grill as clean as possible. If you can't wipe the food residue off, turn the grill on high and burn it off. To prevent sticking on any grid apply a light coat of cooking oil while the grid is cold.

  2. Steps:

Cleaning a BBQ grill with a wire brush
  1. 8

    Turn Off the Heat or Gas

    Make sure to close the gas nozzle when you're finished cooking.

  2. Steps:

A hand turning off the gas nozzle on a BBQ

For this next section, if you have a charcoal grill, skip to steps 5 and 6.



Grill Tune-Up

  1. 1

    Prep the Grill

    Make sure the gas is off. Remove the grill grid and stone or briquettes.

  2. Steps:

BBQ
  1. 2

    Clean the Burners & Venturi Tubes

    Venturi tubes mix air and gas and feed it to the burners, but they need to be clear to work properly and not become a home for spiders and insects in the off-season. Even a small blockage can be a fire hazard.
    Remove the entire burner/tube assembly and clean with soapy water, then clean the holes with a wire brush, paper clip, or toothpick. Replace when dry.
    Don't forget to check the burners — food acids can cause the burner to corrode. Check for rust and replace if necessary.

  2. Steps:

BBQ Burner and Venturi tubes
  1. 3

    Test the Igniter

    Try the igniter with the gas off. You should see a spark at the electrode tip. If you do not see a spark, check to see if the wire is loose. If the electrode is cracked or dirty, replace it. When you try the igniter later with the gas on, the spark should ignite the burner. If not, the venturi may be clogged. Go back to step one.

  2. Steps:

BBQ ignition switch
  1. 4

    Check the Gas Supply Line

    Hoses can develop dangerous leaks over time. Cooking residue also accumulates on hoses. Animals, such as mice and squirrels, may find them appealing as a snack and chew on them. Turn the gas on. Rub a light coat of soapy water on the hose and look for bubbles. Replace the hose if necessary.

  2. Steps:

BBQ Gas hose and coupling
  1. 5

    Clean the Grill Body

    Clean inside and out, especially the inside of the lid. Scrape and remove built-up grease from the interior. The exterior can be sanded and repainted with specially-formulated, heat-resistant grill paint.
    If your grill has grease traps, keep them clean and empty them regularly throughout the season.

  2. Steps:

Closeup of the outside of a BBQ lid
  1. 6

    Don't Forget about the Grid

    Clean the cooking grid. Replace the stone or briquettes.

  2. Steps:

A grill brush cleaning a BBQ

How To Terms

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.


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