How do I prepare my grill for spring?
Be sure to clean spider webs out of the venturi tubes as described below.
You may open your grill in the spring and find remnants of the meal you cooked on it last season. Don't worry. According to Howtocleananything.com, cleaning the grill is actually easier than most people realize, and you can usually forego the brushes, dirty sink and elbow grease if you start the day before you need the grill. However, use the following method only after checking with your owner's manual. Some manufacturers warn against using oven cleaner on any part of their grill.
Lay a plastic bag on the ground, followed by a newspaper, then lay your grill on top of the newspaper. Spray liberally with an oven cleaner, and cover with another layer of moist newspaper. Follow this with another plastic bag and weigh down the edges so the whole mess doesn’t end up in your neighbors yard. Now instead of scrubbing and scouring, just let the oven cleaner do the work for you overnight. The next day, remove the grill and place all the saturated newspaper into one of the garbage bags. Wear gloves and follow all of the manufacturers safety precautions whenever working with caustic cleaners, such as oven cleaner. Rinse the grill thoroughly, and then wash off any remaining oven cleaner residue with some soapy water. Rinse again, coat with a light brushing of vegetable oil, and you're ready to go!
It is a good plan to fire up your barbeque for 30 to 45 minutes on High temperature to sanitize everything before the first use of the season.
How do I season the cooking grids for the first time?
For a new grill, you need to burn off the protective oils that are applied by the manufacturer by running the grill on high for about 30 minutes. After the grill cools, coat the grids with a vegetable oil spray and run for 30-45 minutes on high. This will draw the oil into the grids and prevent foods from sticking.
How do I clean the cooking grids?
As soon as the food is removed from the grill, brush the grills with a grill brush for about 10 seconds. If you have porcelain-coated grills make sure you only use a brass bristle brush, never scraping the grill with the scraper that is usually attached to most brushes.
Then turn off the grill immediately. After the grill has cooled down spray vegetable oil, such as Pam, liberally on the grill (this should also be done before you light the grill each time as well). What this does is loosen whatever food is stuck to the grill, knocking it into the bottom of the grill where it will be incinerated the next time the grill is pre-heated.
Turning the grill on high for ten minutes will emulate a self-cleaning oven, but that is like using your grill twice. Of course you may forget you are burning off your grill, and it can easily be left on for 30 minutes or more. This puts your grill through the same stress as using it 3 or 4 times, meaning you will need to purchase new parts, or even a new grill, much sooner than you should have to.
If you feel you just must burn off your grill, once a month won't really hurt anything, but religiously brushing for 10 seconds as soon as you're done cooking and keeping the grills well oiled is all anyone should have to do.
To help make the grill easier to keep clean, don't apply tomato based sauces until the last few minutes before the food is removed from the grill. Marinade and baste the food with vinegar, citrus or soy-based mixtures to help make clean up easier.
How do I clean the burner?
You will from time to time have to clean the burner to keep the burner holes clean. The flame coming from the burner should be blue, if the flame is orange or red you may need to replace or clean the burner. At this time you should also check the gas supply (venturi) tubes to be sure that there are no obstructions. If you use your barbeque heavily you may want to spray a food safe organic cleaner or degreaser and let it sit for a while and hose the entire barbeque off. And for safety sake on your BBQ, you should only open the propane tank valve half a turn. It will work just as well and if there is ever an emergency, you can shut off the gas in an instant!
How do I clean the inside of my grill?
Remove the cooking grids. Using a soft brass wire brush, clean loose debris from casting sides and insides of the lid. Scrape sear plates with a putty knife or scraper, and use a wire brush to remove ash. Remove sear plates and brush debris off of burners with a brass wire brush. Brush all debris from inside the grill into the drip pan. Accumulated grease can cause a fire hazard. Do not line the drip pan with aluminum foil, as it can prevent the grease from flowing properly. The pan should be scraped out with a putty knife or scraper, and all the debris should be scraped into the disposable grease tray. This tray should be replaced every two to four weeks, depending on gas grill usage. For supplies, see your dealer.
How do I clean the outside of my grill?
Do not use abrasive cleaners to clean any painted, porcelain or stainless steel parts. Porcelain enamel components must be handled with additional care. The baked on enamel finish is glass like, and will chip if struck. Touch-up enamel is available from your dealer. Exterior grill surfaces should be cleaned while warm to the touch, with warm soapy water.
How do I clean the stainless steel parts of my grill?
According to the Specialty Steel Industry of North America, stainless steel needs to be cleaned for aesthetic considerations and to preserve corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is protected from corrosion by a thin layer of chromium oxide. Oxygen from the atmosphere combines with the chromium in the stainless steel to form this passive chromium oxide film that protects from further corrosion. Any contamination of the surface by dirt, or other material, hinders this passivation process and traps corrosive agents, reducing corrosion protection. Thus, some form of routine cleaning is necessary to preserve the appearance and integrity of the surface.
Like any surface that is exposed to the environment, stainless steel can get dirty. Dirt and soil can consist of accumulated dust and a variety of contaminates that come from many sources, ranging from the wind to everyday use. These contaminates will vary greatly in their effect on appearance and corrosivity and ease of removal. Frequently, warm water with or without gentle detergent is sufficient. Next in order are mild non-scratching abrasive powders such as typical household cleaners. These can be used with warm water, bristle brushes, sponges, or clean cloths.
Ordinary carbon steel brushes or steel wool should be avoided as they may leave particles embedded on the surface which can lead to RUSTING. For more aggressive cleaning, a small amount of vinegar can be added to the scouring powder. Cleaning should always be followed by rinsing in clean hot water. When water contains mineral soldis, which leave water spots, it is advisable to wipe the surface completely with dry towels.
Fingerprints and Stains - Fingerprints and mild stains resulting from normal use are the most common surface contaminates. Fortunately, these usually affect only appearance and seldom have an effect on corrosion resistance. They are easy to remove by a variety of simple cleaning methods. Fingerprints are probably the most troublesome marks to remove from the surface of smooth polished or bright finished stainless steel. Fortunately, they can be removed with a glass cleaner or by gentle rubbing with a paste of soda ash (sodium carbonate) and water applied with a soft rag. Once again, this should be followed by a thorough warm water rinse.
For more stubborn stains see the Specialty Steel Industry of North America's web site.
How do I clean the aluminum parts of my grill?
This is the beauty of cast aluminum...all you have to do is hose it down. About once a year, take some detergent soap that you would use to wash your automobile, and wash your aluminum grill. With die cast grills, you can leave it outdoors all year round, regardless of the climate. (taken from outdoor-patio-furniture.info)
How do I clean spider webs out of my venturi tubes?
If you notice that your grill is getting hard to light or that the flame isn't as strong as it should be, take the time to check and clean the venturis. See our pictures at www.gasgrillsnow.com/GasGrillHowTo.htm.
In some areas of the country, spiders or small insects have been known to create "flashback" problems. The spiders spin webs, build nests, and lay eggs in the grill's venturi tube(s), obstructing the flow of gas to the burner. The backed-up gas can ignite in the venturi behind the control panel. This is known as a flashback, and it can damage your grill and even cause personal injury.
Shut off, then disconnect the gas supply to your grill. Disconnect then tilt the burner down below your control panel. Run a long handled pipe cleaning brush back and forth in the venturi tubes as pictured below. Reconnect the venturi tubes and gas supply.
weber q grill | weber barbecue
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Gas Grill Buying Tips For Barbecue Enthusiasts
Gas grills are a popular choice among barbecue enthusiasts. Mainly because compared to charcoal grills, gas grills are easier to clean. In addition, there are lesser accidents related to the use of gas grills and in ten minutes it is ready to barbecue. For those thinking of buying a gas grill or upgrading to a gas grill for grilling, there are a number of things to consider before purchasing one. Taking these few tips into consideration will make the search faster and easier, and in the end the grill you purchase will be more satisfying for you to use.
1. Three Levels Of Gas Grills
Entry-level
Thesegas grills are the most basic gas grills available in the market today. They are reasonable priced starting at $ 150 to $ 300. Entry-level gas grills don't need wood or charcoal and produce their own heat. With regards to this type of gas grill, it is best to choose one made of stainless steel for the frame and main body.
Mid-Range
These gas grills on the other hand are a bit more expensive but also offer more features than the basic gas grill. Prices for mid-range gas grills range from $ 350 to $ 1150. For these types of gas grills it is best to choose those made by established manufacturers in order to get a quality product.
Deluxe Models
These gas grills are the cream of the crop with prices starting at $ 1500 and most models going for more than $ 5000. High-end gas grills often make use of big BTU ratings as a selling point for them. However the brand name and materials of the gas grill should be the main concern when buying a deluxe model gas grill.
2. Basic Elements Of A Gas Grill
The basic structure of most gas grills sold in the market is fairly straightforward. The burners generate heat and some type of heat dispersal system is above the burners. On top of all this are the cooking grates where the food is placed. The equipment underneath the hood is what separates a typical gas grill from an excellent gas grill. A gas grill that has at least two or more individual burners allow for greater heat control. This provides for even heat over the cooking surface thus producing better tasting food. Drippings cannot be avoided when barbecuing, however this causes flare-ups. Certain gas grills are equipped with systems to control flare-ups and turn it into flavorful smoke to enhance the flavor of the food.
3. Understanding BTU (British Thermal Units)
Most gas grills sold in the market use BTUs as the main selling of their product. However most people don't understand the relevance of BTUs to a gas grill, let alone the meaning of BTU. BTU stands for British thermal unit, which indicates the amount of gas that a gas grill is able to burn. With gas grills, sometimes less BTU are better since it allows for food to cook more efficiently. Too much of it can damage the burners and cut short the life of the gas grill. However for larger grills, having higher BTUs is best in order to cover the larger cooking area.
4. Check For Solid Construction
It is important to select a gas grill with a stable and solid construction. A poorly built gas grill has the tendency to wiggle and may fall apart once set in place. Avoid buying a gas grill that is not displayed on the sales floor, make sure that there is a display available to be able to check out the stability of the gas grill before purchasing it. Select a gas grill that is crafted of high-grade U.S. Steel and also go for a gas grill with a baked-on, porcelain enamel finish. Check that the grates are made from either cast iron, porcelain-coated cast iron or aluminum and stainless steel.
5. Gas Grill Maintenance
When buying a gas grill it is important to consider the amount of maintenance required to keep it running for years to come. Select a brand of gas grill that provides uncomplicated yet comprehensive product information and offers a toll-free customer service line. Check if the brand provide trouble-free access to parts and services along with a reliable dealer network.
weber q grill | weber barbecue
1. Three Levels Of Gas Grills
Entry-level
Thesegas grills are the most basic gas grills available in the market today. They are reasonable priced starting at $ 150 to $ 300. Entry-level gas grills don't need wood or charcoal and produce their own heat. With regards to this type of gas grill, it is best to choose one made of stainless steel for the frame and main body.
Mid-Range
These gas grills on the other hand are a bit more expensive but also offer more features than the basic gas grill. Prices for mid-range gas grills range from $ 350 to $ 1150. For these types of gas grills it is best to choose those made by established manufacturers in order to get a quality product.
Deluxe Models
These gas grills are the cream of the crop with prices starting at $ 1500 and most models going for more than $ 5000. High-end gas grills often make use of big BTU ratings as a selling point for them. However the brand name and materials of the gas grill should be the main concern when buying a deluxe model gas grill.
2. Basic Elements Of A Gas Grill
The basic structure of most gas grills sold in the market is fairly straightforward. The burners generate heat and some type of heat dispersal system is above the burners. On top of all this are the cooking grates where the food is placed. The equipment underneath the hood is what separates a typical gas grill from an excellent gas grill. A gas grill that has at least two or more individual burners allow for greater heat control. This provides for even heat over the cooking surface thus producing better tasting food. Drippings cannot be avoided when barbecuing, however this causes flare-ups. Certain gas grills are equipped with systems to control flare-ups and turn it into flavorful smoke to enhance the flavor of the food.
3. Understanding BTU (British Thermal Units)
Most gas grills sold in the market use BTUs as the main selling of their product. However most people don't understand the relevance of BTUs to a gas grill, let alone the meaning of BTU. BTU stands for British thermal unit, which indicates the amount of gas that a gas grill is able to burn. With gas grills, sometimes less BTU are better since it allows for food to cook more efficiently. Too much of it can damage the burners and cut short the life of the gas grill. However for larger grills, having higher BTUs is best in order to cover the larger cooking area.
4. Check For Solid Construction
It is important to select a gas grill with a stable and solid construction. A poorly built gas grill has the tendency to wiggle and may fall apart once set in place. Avoid buying a gas grill that is not displayed on the sales floor, make sure that there is a display available to be able to check out the stability of the gas grill before purchasing it. Select a gas grill that is crafted of high-grade U.S. Steel and also go for a gas grill with a baked-on, porcelain enamel finish. Check that the grates are made from either cast iron, porcelain-coated cast iron or aluminum and stainless steel.
5. Gas Grill Maintenance
When buying a gas grill it is important to consider the amount of maintenance required to keep it running for years to come. Select a brand of gas grill that provides uncomplicated yet comprehensive product information and offers a toll-free customer service line. Check if the brand provide trouble-free access to parts and services along with a reliable dealer network.
weber q grill | weber barbecue
Gas Grill Burners: Getting to Know You
The cast brass and cast stainless steel burners have the smallest burrs -- by far. This will mean less chaos in the gas flow, fewer trapped particulate matter in the burner and a cleaner burning grill. The following comparison shows how the ports are formed.
Why is port formation important? Several reasons. If the hole is punched into a sheet metal burner, it leaves a large tab inside the burner that will cause more chaos while burning. It is more apt to hold trapped food particles and grease, and is therefore more likely to burn through. (Note the Alfresco burner photo below.)
Molded ports in cast burners seem like they would be a good idea, but there is considerable difficulty in making them uniform. Thus, it is quicker and less expensive to drill.
Drilled ports are the most uniform and the most precisely placed. They tend to leave a burr on the inside of the burner, which is more noticeable (oddly enough) in a sheet metal burner. Cast burners tend to have smaller burrs.
Fire Magic grill burner has drilled orifices
Notice (from the photo on our site) the lack of extensive burring, allowing for a smooth flow of gas. Cast stainless leaves few, if any, burrs when drilled. This burner has a lifetime warranty, including against rust and burn-through.
Notice the placement of the ports: on the side, safely below the ridge. This placement will help prevent grease from dripping into the burner, minimizing the possibility of grease entering the burner.
Lynx grill burner is drilled
Notice (from the picture on our site) the lack of extensive burring, allowing for a smooth flow of gas. Cast brass is similar to cast stainless steel when drilled, leaving few, if any, burrs. This burner carries a lifetime warranty, including against rust and burn-through. It is also interesting to note that Lynx does not offer a replacement burner for any of their grills: simply, you'll never need one.
Orifice placement is not as good with this burner as with the Fire Magic, but when you consider that you'll never replace this burner, it probably doesn't matter all that much.
Alfresco grill burner has punched orifices
Punched ports like these create substantial ledges where carbon particles and moisture can collect and foster burn-through. This burner has a limited lifetime warranty that only covers manufacturer's defect. With this design, this burner *will* burn through, and faster than most other burners on the market.
Further, notice the placement of the ports: at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock; if any grease were to drip onto this burner, it is almost guaranteed to enter these ports, thereby compounding the rust and burn-through issue.
DCS grill burner has drilled orifices
At least DCS drills burner ports. The burrs, however, are substantial when compared to cast stainless steel, and these will also collect particulates and moisture, which will foster burn-through. This burner also has a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturer's defects only, not rust or burn-through.
This burner has a thicker steel than the Alfresco, but it also has a serious design flaw: the ports are drilled directly on top. If grease were to drip on this burner, it is guaranteed to enter the burner, compounding the rust and burn-through issue!
weber q grill | weber barbecue
Why is port formation important? Several reasons. If the hole is punched into a sheet metal burner, it leaves a large tab inside the burner that will cause more chaos while burning. It is more apt to hold trapped food particles and grease, and is therefore more likely to burn through. (Note the Alfresco burner photo below.)
Molded ports in cast burners seem like they would be a good idea, but there is considerable difficulty in making them uniform. Thus, it is quicker and less expensive to drill.
Drilled ports are the most uniform and the most precisely placed. They tend to leave a burr on the inside of the burner, which is more noticeable (oddly enough) in a sheet metal burner. Cast burners tend to have smaller burrs.
Fire Magic grill burner has drilled orifices
Notice (from the photo on our site) the lack of extensive burring, allowing for a smooth flow of gas. Cast stainless leaves few, if any, burrs when drilled. This burner has a lifetime warranty, including against rust and burn-through.
Notice the placement of the ports: on the side, safely below the ridge. This placement will help prevent grease from dripping into the burner, minimizing the possibility of grease entering the burner.
Lynx grill burner is drilled
Notice (from the picture on our site) the lack of extensive burring, allowing for a smooth flow of gas. Cast brass is similar to cast stainless steel when drilled, leaving few, if any, burrs. This burner carries a lifetime warranty, including against rust and burn-through. It is also interesting to note that Lynx does not offer a replacement burner for any of their grills: simply, you'll never need one.
Orifice placement is not as good with this burner as with the Fire Magic, but when you consider that you'll never replace this burner, it probably doesn't matter all that much.
Alfresco grill burner has punched orifices
Punched ports like these create substantial ledges where carbon particles and moisture can collect and foster burn-through. This burner has a limited lifetime warranty that only covers manufacturer's defect. With this design, this burner *will* burn through, and faster than most other burners on the market.
Further, notice the placement of the ports: at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock; if any grease were to drip onto this burner, it is almost guaranteed to enter these ports, thereby compounding the rust and burn-through issue.
DCS grill burner has drilled orifices
At least DCS drills burner ports. The burrs, however, are substantial when compared to cast stainless steel, and these will also collect particulates and moisture, which will foster burn-through. This burner also has a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturer's defects only, not rust or burn-through.
This burner has a thicker steel than the Alfresco, but it also has a serious design flaw: the ports are drilled directly on top. If grease were to drip on this burner, it is guaranteed to enter the burner, compounding the rust and burn-through issue!
weber q grill | weber barbecue
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