Here’s How to Get Optimal Performance from Your BBQ

A little maintenance is all it takes to keep your BBQ looking pristine and performing great. First off, if you’re using a gas BBQ you should always check your gas or propane hose for leaks, and make sure the regulator is working properly. Then preheat your grill to disinfect it of any previous food residue. Use a good BBQ brush and grill scraper to thoroughly clean the grill grates. You should also periodically brush out the inside of the grill, and clean or replace the grill drip pan down below.

At least once a season you should also inspect the functional parts of your grill. The BBQ burners can become partially clogged with grease or food. Clean them out with a pipe cleaner or thin wire, then tap them on the ground to remove any loose debris. If rust is present you should replace the burners. The ignitor can also wear out over time. Avoid tinkering with it: universal BBQ ignitor kits are inexpensive and easy to install. Once the BBQ internals are all up to spec, use a good BBQ cleaner to polish up the external stainless steel surfaces.