BBQ Source Forums > Oops...Cleaning question posted elsewhere by mistake

robocook

Dec 10 2008, 05:44 PM

Crap, sorry guys, I just joined and already f'd up on my very first post – I posted my cleaning question in the general discussion, somehow missed this area here.

I apologize, I can be a total ditz sometimes. Anyway, here's the original question. (I moved his original question here- Hike)

QUOTE

Hey guys,

I'm new here, so a quick intro first – I'm Rob, I love all things grill-related, but I'm not a total pro and am still hungry to learn. I cook mostly chicken and seafood, cast-iron grill, big seasoning adventurer – I'm always concocting my own weird rubs and marinades. And I'm excited to be a part of the community here, looking forward to participating.

So anyway, a quick question: What does everyone use to clean their equipment? Like I said, I have a cast-iron grill, nothing fancy. I do like a bit of build-up, think it kinda enhances the flavor, but as soon as it gets close do grimy-dirty, it's time to clean. And I think I must be missing something because my "technique" (wet paper towels while warm and an occasional pressure washer) doesn't really seem to cut it. So does anyone have any tips, tricks, etc.?

Much appreciated and, again, nice to "meet" you all.

Cheers.

takeahike66

Dec 10 2008, 08:22 PM

QUOTE (smokedjoint @ Dec 10 2008, 04:44 PM)

Crap, sorry guys, I just joined and already f'd up on my very first post – I posted my cleaning question in the general discussion, somehow missed this area here.

I apologize, I can be a total ditz sometimes. Anyway, here's the original question. Cheers.

In general the grates needs to be really hot not warm, and then brush with a brass bush dipped in water. The steam will make it fairly easy to loosen any crud which can then be wipe away. Afterward for cast iron, i would give a ligh coating of PAM or other light oil.

Your pressure washer should take care of the rest of the grill once or twice a year.

Hike

robocook

Dec 11 2008, 09:16 AM

Cool, thanks Hike. I may be totally off here, but wouldn't the brass brush start damaging the grates' surface coat, which is probably much more supple while hot? I mean, once obviously won't do anything, but if I keep doing it over time?

bluesin

Dec 11 2008, 09:35 AM

Your grill is all cast iron? What brand is it?

I pretty much differ with folks on cleaning as I usually just preheat my grill and brush off the grates with a stainless steel wire brush. I really never add any water or cleaners to the grill, especially when it is hot as heat & moisture will lead to corrosion very quickly. I personally think your method of pressure washing it a couple of times a year is fine, I would insure I remove the burners when pressure washing and let everything dry good before firing it up afterwards...

Bluesin

LogicBomB

Dec 11 2008, 10:53 AM

Get it scorchingly hot - engines firing on all cylinders. It will ash everything on the grates. Brush off with your brush of choice.

My routine on almost any recipe is to preheat on high for 10-20 minutes (during prep time), brush off last dinner's ashes, set heat to the temperature in recipe and throw the food on. I don't clean after use since I always scorch before my next meal.

cuskit

Dec 11 2008, 03:41 PM

QUOTE (LogicBomB @ Dec 11 2008, 10:53 AM)

Get it scorchingly hot - engines firing on all cylinders. It will ash everything on the grates. Brush off with your brush of choice.

My routine on almost any recipe is to preheat on high for 10-20 minutes (during prep time), brush off last dinner's ashes, set heat to the temperature in recipe and throw the food on. I don't clean after use since I always scorch before my next meal.

Are you guys implying that we have to start cleaning our grills now? Man, this is getting to be like work!

I LIKE my "steam cleaning" (water and brush) on stainless steel. I think it works great (it does) and is simple. Perhaps it will lead to an early demise of the grates, but sooner or later we all want to buy a new grill!

This method takes me back to a local pub that has a huge ss grill in the center of a large oval bar, covered with a nice copper hood. The bartenders each take one night per week to grill the usual fare (burgers, wings, clams, etc.) and I often see them throwing ice cubes over the grates and then following with a brush. That grill has been there since I was a kid (sixties) and I think the grates are original. Works for me! I love the smell when the cubes hit the hot grates.

Mike

takeahike66

Dec 11 2008, 05:21 PM

QUOTE (robocook @ Dec 11 2008, 08:16 AM)

Cool, thanks Hike. I may be totally off here, but wouldn't the brass brush start damaging the grates' surface coat, which is probably much more supple while hot? I mean, once obviously won't do anything, but if I keep doing it over time?

Others ans in the previous post, but I don't think you will ever be able to wear down a cast iron or SS grate with a brass brush, or for that matter a SS one. I'm like Bluesin, I use a SS scrubber and it quickly remove any substance with the grates hot with water. The hot heat will dry up any water within seconds.

This takes a few minutes to do the whole grate, 19 x 36, and it has a nice dark oily shiny golden glow when finished. I do not clean the bottom side of the grates.

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

DrDave

Dec 11 2008, 08:36 PM

I use peanuut oil before and after. I use my wifes old scrub sponges to apply it and it helps keep the grills clean. I also use the cheap wooden SS or Brass brushes to knock off the crud that accumulates. The oil helps to prevent sticking also when applied just before the meat hits the grill.

robocook

Dec 15 2008, 10:34 AM

QUOTE (cuskit @ Dec 11 2008, 03:41 PM)

Are you guys implying that we have to start cleaning our grills now? Man, this is getting to be like work!

Ha, Mike, seems like this is for you: Dirty Grills Gone Wild

My buddy Jeff sent this to me, now we're both entering the contest just for kicks -- plus, I wouldn't mind winning a brand new grill

GrillinIt

May 16 2009, 12:31 AM

And should you decide to go the route of using a cleaner on it. Going with a eco-friendly or "green living" type of cleaner can't hurt. No need to contaminate your grill with some heavy degrease chemicals. They probably are not all that good for you.

http://www.bayescleaners.com/products/DfE-...BQ-Cleaner.html
Is one such product.

cuskit

May 16 2009, 03:17 AM

QUOTE (GrillinIt @ May 16 2009, 01:31 AM)

And should you decide to go the route of using a cleaner on it. Going with a eco-friendly or "green living" type of cleaner can't hurt. No need to contaminate your grill with some heavy degrease chemicals. They probably are not all that good for you.

http://www.bayescleaners.com/products/DfE-...BQ-Cleaner.html
Is one such product.

GrillinIt,

Welcome to the Source!

Thanks for the tip - and also the link to the product. Have you used Barkeepers Friend, and if so, how does it compare to this stuff? I just love BKF, but would switch in the interest of staying "green", as long as it's effective and easily used (I'm a bit lazy and don't like to work)!

Mike

GrillinIt

May 18 2009, 04:13 PM

QUOTE (cuskit @ May 16 2009, 01:17 AM)

GrillinIt,

Welcome to the Source!

Thanks for the tip - and also the link to the product. Have you used Barkeepers Friend, and if so, how does it compare to this stuff? I just love BKF, but would switch in the interest of staying "green", as long as it's effective and easily used (I'm a bit lazy and don't like to work)!

Mike

Thanks Mike,

I've used alot of stainless steel cleaners, brass cleaners etc.. Worked behind a bar for about 15 years. Just about with anything it takes a little "elbow grease" but sometimes thats half the fun, once you step back and see it all shiny and purty.. I've never used Barkeepers friend or if i did i didn't pay attention to it. The Bayes BBQ cleaner helped i think, few squirts some scrubbin, few more. etc..Wasn't tougher thats for sure. Hope that helps. I've just appreciated that fact that its a non-toxic cleaner. I live on the west coast in a beach town.. Its scary to see some of the stuff that makes it into the ocean, so "green living" has alot more meaning for me.

Chris.