Close
ARTICLE
February 15, 2024 - 4 min read
We’ve all seen the magazine articles telling us to get in shape for summer, but who knew the same advice could be applied to our trusty barbecues? Grills across the nation have been gathering dust in the winter months, but now that there’s a hint of spring in the air it’s time to start planning for a classic Aussie summer. With new models offering innovations like ultra-fast pre-heating and app-connected thermometers, you’d be forgiven for hoping your BBQ might also help out with the washing-up. While that technology may not be right around the corner, your barbie really is your summer MVP – cooking everything from pizza to cake. So what’s the easiest way to get your grill ready for duty? To find out, we asked our experts for their top tips on barbecue cleaning.
Before we dive in, it’s worth considering how to tell if there’s life in the old grill yet, or if you should invest in one of the great new options available. If your BBQ’s showing signs of wear and tear, including chipped finishes, rusting, cracks or ongoing ignition issues, it may be time to start looking for your next model.
“The barbecue’s a staple in most Aussie backyards, and if yours is old and worn it won’t deliver the best results,” says The Good Guys Seasonal Buyer, Scott Bazley. “Today’s barbecues really do have something for everyone. From a compact electric barbecue for a balcony to an extra-large gas grills for entertaining, the newest models make it easy to cook outdoors.”
If you think your current model’s still up to the task, read on for our handy guide to easy BBQ cleaning.
The most efficient way to clean a barbecue is to have the right tools for the job. “To keep your barbecue in prime condition, it’s worth investing in the basics,” says Scott Bazley. “You should have a heavy-duty metal scraper to remove grease and grime, as well as a plastic scraper, a nylon scourer and a wire brush that can get into the most difficult-to-reach places.”
Next up, make sure you’re striking when the iron’s hot – literally. The best time to clean dirty BBQ plates and grills is when they’re warm, which is when the grease and grime are easiest to remove. Scrape the surfaces with your spatula, then use a wet cloth or paper towel – hold them with long-handled tongs to avoid burns! – to soak up excess grease (don’t worry about removing every last bit of oil, as this actually does the handy job of protecting your plates from rust).
Every now and then it’s important to check the contents of your drip tray and empty it if it’s looking full. The same goes for your cookbox – it doesn’t need cleaning every time, but look out for a build-up of grease and debris, and scrape this off as required. While you have your plates and grills removed, it’s worth giving them a quick wash with soapy water. If you have a gas BBQ, this is a great time to gently clean your burner tubes with a wire brush.
When it comes to barbecues, it’s not just what’s inside that counts. If you’re entertaining guests, you won’t just want to dazzle them with your culinary skills – you’ll also want to keep the exterior of your BBQ sparkling clean. This can be done with soap and water, but for best results it’s worth investing in specially designed BBQ cleaning products – solutions that can be sprayed onto a cold barbecue before being removed with a microfibre cloth.
If you want to keep your barbecue working well for as long as possible, it’s important to develop good habits. To extend the life of your barbecue (and save yourself time in the long run), clean your grills and plates each time you cook. To maximise your barbecue’s longevity you can also move it to a sheltered spot, and use a full-length barbecue cover to protect against harsh conditions.
Is it time to upgrade your barbecue? Explore our barbecue range online or, if you need a little extra help, visit us in-store and one of our friendly team members will be happy to help.
If you’re looking to upgrade your oven – let us help find the right one for you.
Everything you need to know about air fryers including health benefits and our top tips.
Our guide to buying the right dishwasher for your kitchen, lifestyle and budget.
Here's why you should consider embracing Induction in your kitchen.
¤Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer.
>Qualifying conditions, including signing up to 90 Day StoreCash, activating a Digital Wallet before being eligible to earn/win and where a qualifying purchase is required, collecting the product within 60 days. 90 Day StoreCash expires 90 days after issue. Personal purchases only. Exclusions and purchase limits apply. Each 90 Day StoreCash reward must be used in one transaction and no change/credit for any unused balance. Refer to 90 Day StoreCash T&Cs for details, including how to receive 90 Day StoreCash deposit notifications, how to earn & timing for issue of 90 Day StoreCash.
