Keeping the inside of your grill clean is important not only for sanitary reasons, but it helps to keep the components of your grill working properly to make sure that they last for as long as possible, and operate at peak performance. Knowing what to use to clean the inside of your grill, and how to do so, will help your grill last for years.
LID
Over time, you may notice a substance that looks like peeling paint on the inside of the lid, but we don't paint the inside of our grill lids.
During use, grease and smoke vapors slowly change into carbon and form deposits on the inside of your lid.
These deposits will eventually peel, and looks very similar to paint. These deposits are non-toxic, but the flakes could fall onto your food if you do not clean the lid regularly.
To clean the inside of the lid, brush the carbonized grease with a Weber Stainless Steel Grill Brush. To minimize further build-up, the inside of the lid can be wiped with a paper towel after grilling while the grill is still warm (not hot).
COOKING GRATES
We recommend cleaning your cooking grates every time you use your grill.
Simply preheat the grill on high for 15 minutes, with the lid closed, and then brush the grates clean with a Weber Stainless Steel Grill Brush.
For a more thorough cleaning, use our the grate cleaner and scrubber pads found in our Weber Maintenance Kits, after the grill has completely cooled.
FLAVORIZER BARS
To clean your Flavorizer Bars, allow your grill to cool completely, then scrape the Flavorizer Bars with a plastic scraper.
If necessary, you can brush the Flavorizer Bars with a Weber Stainless Steel Grill Brush.
For a more thorough cleaning, use the grate cleaner and scrubber pads found in our Weber Maintenance Kits.
Also, keep in mind that Flavorizer Bars can rust due to their exposure to high heat and food drippings. They don’t need to be replaced unless they have holes or cracks in them.
Click here for more info on this topic.
BURNER TUBES
Two areas on the burners that are key to optimum performance are the portholes (small openings running along the length of the burners) and the air shutter screens on the ends of the burner. Keeping these areas clean is essential for safe operation.
Use a clean stainless steel bristle grill brush to clean the outside of the burners by brushing across the top of the burner portholes.
Certain models have electrodes attached to the burners. Avoid damaging the ignition electrodes by carefully brushing around them.
To clean the air shutters screens, locate the ends of the burners on the underside of the control panel where they meet the valves. Depending on the exact model you own, the control panel may need to be removed to access the air shutters. Instructions for removing the control panel can be found in the owner's manual for your model grill.
Clean the air shutter screens on each of the burners using a soft bristle brush. Something like an old toothbrush works well. A special tool for cleaning the air shutter screens can be found in our maintenance kits.
When cleaning the burners, never use a brush that has already been used to clean the cooking grates, as this can transfer grease from the grates onto the burners. Also, never put sharp objects into the burner port holes, as this pushes debris into the burners, which can result in gas flow issues.
HEAT DEFLECTORS
Certain models have heat deflectors located under the burners. Heat deflectors
distribute heat evenly throughout the cookbox while cooking. Keeping them clean will enhance the cooking performance of your grill.
Scrape the heat deflectors with a plastic scraper. If necessary, brush the heat deflectors with a
Weber Stainless Steel Grill Brush.
The appearance of the heat deflectors may vary by model.
COOKBOX
Look inside the cookbox for any grease accumulation or leftover food residue. Excessive accumulation can cause flare ups.
Use a plastic scraper to scrape debris off the sides and bottom of the cookbox into the opening in bottom of the cookbox that leads into the slide-out grease tray.
GREASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Weber grills feature a grease management system that funnels grease away from food and into a disposable container.
Depending on the exact model, the grease management system may consist of either a slide-out grease tray or a slide-out catch pan, and all models will feature a disposable drip tray. These components were designed to be easily removed, cleaned, and replaced; an essential step every time you prepare to grill. This system should be cleaned each and every time you grill to prevent flare ups.
For models featuring one, remove the slide-out grease tray by pulling the tray out from underneath the cookbox.
Scrape off excess grease with a plastic scraper.
Remove the catch pan, and check for excessive amounts of grease in the disposable drip pan that lines the catch pan.
Discard disposable drip pans when necessary and replace it with a new one.
To learn how to clean the outside of your grill, click here.