We know that season after season of use, the normal wear and tear on our grills from countless burgers, steaks, and veggies are bound to have an effect on their longevity. If properly cared for, the average grill will last about 5-7 years. Of course, the better you take care of it, the longer you can extend the life of your favorite grill. Stick to these helpful maintenance tips to make your grill last longer!
Keep it Clean
Want to know a grill’s worst enemy? A buildup of residue, grease, and carbon. Yuck! Be proactive and keep everything clean; this is critical to extending the life of your equipment. It can be tempting to quickly wrap up and abandon stations after you’ve plated your meals, but it’s important to take the time and do your due diligence here. Before and after use, be sure to clean your grill with a grill cleaner to wipe off any leftover food particles. Remember to avoid using strong chemicals and cleaning products, which can damage the coating.
Fire It Up
This goes without saying, but like any machine or appliance, your grill will stay in best working condition if you use it regularly. So, take advantage of any and all opportunities to fire up the grill and cook something delicious! Using the grill habitually will also allow you to test run everything and help you spot if something needs to be repaired or replaced.
Keep It Seasoned
In other words, make sure the grill is adequately seasoned. Keeping it seasoned will protect your grill, prevent food from sticking, and make cleaning easier in between grill sessions. (Especially after a deep clean, it’s a good idea to re-season the cooker.) Seasoning involves coating the grates and interior of the grill with a high-heat-resistant oil like canola oil. Then, turn up the heat cooker to its high setting and let it sit for about 30 to 40 minutes. Here’s an even quicker tip: cut an onion in half, dip it in the oil, and rub it over the grates before adding your food.
Routine Maintenance Checks
Check the working parts frequently. Sure, the grill will likely operate as normal even if one or two components are on their last leg, but that can further degrade the grill and eventually lead to dangerous usage if it persists. Depending on if you use your grill year-round or seasonally, inspect the grill before its first use after being stored away for a while. Better to fix smaller problems now than find out you have a larger, more costly issue down the line.
Store Away and Keep It Covered
Extreme sunlight, rain, snow, and harsh winds can all damage the grill’s exterior and wear them down over time. During off-grill periods, store it safely out of nature’s way. Carve out a small space in the garage or shed to keep your grill in top shape. Invest in a heavy-duty breathable grill cover — one that has some vents to allow moisture to escape. (No one wants to lift their cape after months to find rusted chrome.)
Over the years, a good grill becomes a crucial and beloved partner in your great cooks. You grow to know just the right adjustments, settings, and food placements to get just the right heat and flame for your creations. It would be a shame to have to start all over for lack of a bit of attention!