Prepare Your Backyard Grill for Spring

Spring is a time to get active and get moving. If spring includes cranking up the backyard grill for cookouts and get-togethers, you want to make sure your grill is ready for the job. Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to share some spring grill-prep tips you might find helpful.

Do a visual check

It may have been a while since you looked over your grill setup. Here’s what to do:

Check the propane or gas lines for leaks by pouring soapy water on them. Bubbles mean there’s a leak. Also check the ignition system and burner tubes.
Make sure the burner wires are in good shape and haven’t been chewed on by rodents.
Look for rust on any part of the grill assembly, including the wheels if your grill has them. Lubricate the wheels to make them roll smoothly.

Your grill owner’s manual should give you more steps for a thorough visual grill inspection.

Clean the grill

Start by removing ashes and leftover briquettes. Clean off greasy deposits anywhere you find them, as these can lead to a fire. Remember to clean the grease cup and replace it if necessary. Use warm soapy water for cleaning, never oven cleaner. The grates will clean up well with a water-and-soap solution and a wire brush. You may want to soak them in the cleaning water for a few hours if there’s a lot of buildup. After the grates and inside surfaces are clean, focus on the outside of the grill. Remove stains, grease and smudges so the unit looks brand new again.

Deal with rust

Grill grates can become rusty. The easiest way to remove the rust is to soak the grates overnight in a 4:1 solution of water and vinegar. You can prevent future rust by rubbing the rust-free grates with cooking oil and then baking them in your regular oven at 450 degrees for two hours. This will “cure” the surfaces.
If the outside of your grill is prone to rusting, consider applying a rustproof metal paint. (Don’t paint the grates.) Rust is a serious issue that can cause significant damage to a grill and its components if left to spread.

Gas appliance inspection

An inspection by a trained gas technician is a good way to get your spring grilling off to a great – and safe – start. The inspector will thoroughly inspect your grill, outdoor range, gas fireplace and other gas appliances to make sure the connections are secure and the components are working right.

Repairs

Should an inspection turn up damage or malfunction to any part of your grill or other outdoor appliances, the issues can be repaired before it’s time to start the busy grilling season.

Call your outdoor grill and outdoor kitchen experts

Is it time to have your outdoor appliances inspected, repaired or serviced as you prepare for spring? Are you looking for the perfect new grill or a custom-designed outdoor kitchen? Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store is here to help with all of it.

Visit our Pensacola showroom at 7555 Highway 98 West, Suite A. In the Destin area, head to 36054 Emerald Coast Pkwy. #100. Speak with an outdoor kitchen expert by calling (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area.