How to clean a BBQ
Keep your barbecue in tip top shape with our step-by-step guide to cleaning gas and charcoal BBQs, from tackling grease to maintaining grill grates.
Deep cleaning a BBQ, whether it's charcoal or gas, is rarely a pleasant task, but one that's essential for your barbecue to work at its best and for safety. A barbecue will work more efficiently and heat up quicker and evenly when it's clean. Dangerous flare-ups can easily be caused by old grease and leftover food; the food can also develop mould and unwanted bacteria, as well as attract vermin, so it's best to keep your barbecue clean.
The best time to start cleaning is as soon as you have finished cooking, taking advantage of the remaining heat while the cooking grates are still hot. Wearing oven gloves, simply scrunch up a piece of aluminium foil and rub the cooking grates. This is a preferred method as using wire brushes is now not recommended because they can shed tiny splinters of steel, which can be swallowed if they come into contact with food. There are alternative brush heads out there that don't shed, such as the OXO Good Grips Bristle-Free Coiled Grill Brush. Make this quick and easy way to clean a habit, so when you come to do a deep clean, it will be much easier.
How to clean a BBQ
Kit list
- Rubber gloves
- Washing-up liquid for light cleaning
- White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda for heavily soiled areas
- Eco cream cleaner
- All-purpose antibacterial spray
- Eco-sponge
- J-cloths or old rags
- Cooking oil
- Brush and dustpan or BBQ vacuum
- Bristle scrubbing brush
Deep cleaning the BBQ goes beyond just wiping the grates: it's a chance to clean up any heavy grease deposits and burnt food on the grates and walls, inside and out. You'll be so glad you did the next time you use it. How often you clean depends on how much you use it, and if you do a light clean each time.
How to clean a charcoal BBQ
1. Begin your deep clean by removing the cooking grates. Depending on how dirty they are, you can either clean them with a cream cleaner if they're not too bad, or soak them in a large sink or tub with hot, soapy water if the dirt is persistent. Alternatively, use hot water with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda for heavily burnt-on food and grease.
2. Soak until the grease and food starts to lift, then scrub with a soft nylon or bristle brush.
3. Remove any leftover used charcoal or briquettes. Empty the ashtray and give it a good clean out with a brush or a BBQ vacuum cleaner – yes, they do exist.
4. If needed, wash the walls and inside the hood (if you have one) with a sponge and soapy water. Dry off with cloths or rags.
5. Wipe down all handles, the outside and any side tables of the barbecue with antibacterial spray.
6. Replace the cooking grates. Lightly dampen a cloth or paper towel with cooking oil and wipe it over the grates, unless they are non-stick.
7. Using a soft cloth, rub over any handles or stainless steel to shine them up
How to clean a gas BBQ
1. Disconnect the gas bottle.
2. Remove the cooking grates and flavouriser bars. Depending on how dirty they are, either soak them in a large sink or tub in hot, soapy water if the dirt is not too bad or use hot water with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda for difficult burnt-on food and grease.
3. Soak until the grease and food starts to lift, then scrub with a soft nylon or bristle brush.
4. Remove and carefully clean the burners. Use a soft brush and a paper clip to remove blockages, ensuring all burners are clear.
5. Brush the inside of the barbecue with a soft brush to remove any debris or dust.
6. If needed, wash the walls and inside the hood (if you have one) with a sponge and soapy water. Dry off with cloths or rags.
7. Wipe down all handles, outside and any side tables of the BBQ with antibacterial spray.
8. Replace the burners, flavouriser bars and the cooking grates. Lightly dampen a J-cloth or paper towel with cooking oil and wipe over the grates.
9. Using a soft cloth, rub over any handles or stainless steel to give them a good shine.
10. Reconnect the gas bottle.
How to clean Kamado-style BBQs
With Kamado styles such as Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe, or larger grills where washing by hand is difficult, the easiest way to clean them is the 'burn off' method.
1. Load the BBQ with coals, heat to a high temperature of around 250–300C for a couple of hours with the lid down, then leave to cool.
2. Remove any ash or debris and wipe down the exterior, handles and side tables with antibacterial spray.
Cleaning BBQ tools and accessories
If the tools and accessories are filthy or have burnt-on food, soak them in hot, soapy water until the food is loosened. Scrub lightly with a dishwashing brush or scrubbing brush. Rinse, then dry thoroughly.
Most BBQ tools and accessories are also dishwasher-proof. Check first with the manufacturer for the tools you want to clean.
How to clean a rusty BBQ
Most rusty barbecues can be cleaned, but it requires some effort.
1. Start by scrubbing away loose rust using a stiff, bristled brush.
2. An eco-friendly cleaning solution is to use equal quantities of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to create a thick paste. Alternatively, you can use commercial rust removers.
3. Spread your chosen cleaner over the rusty areas, grates and other surfaces, and leave it to soak for up to an hour. Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush to remove as much as possible, and repeat as needed. Rinse and dry.
4. Once dry, reassemble any parts and heat the BBQ for 20-30 minutes to burn off any residue.
5. If you have cleaned the cooking grates, lightly dampen a cloth or paper towel with cooking oil and wipe over to season and prevent food from sticking.
Top-rated BBQs
Weber Genesis Series EPX-335 Smart gas barbecue
Available from BBQ World (£1,543.20)
This high-end gas barbecue is built for serious outdoor cooks, with space to feed up to 10 and premium features like a large sear zone, meat thermometer and illuminated controls. It’s intuitive to use, packed with clever extras (including app connectivity) and built to last. While pricey and bulky, it delivers top-tier performance and convenience for frequent entertainers.
Available from:
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe
Available from BBQ World (£1,999)
This striking ceramic charcoal barbecue offers fantastic grilling and flexible control, whether you prefer hands-on cooking or app-assisted ease. It’s stylish, smart and delivers near-perfect results with minimal effort. Setup is heavy going and the price is high, but once in place, it’s a showstopping, user-friendly choice that’s built to impress.
Available from:
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker
Available from Amazon (£229), Ninja (£229.99), Argos (£229.99), Lakeland (£229.99)
Compact and versatile, this electric BBQ offers seven cooking functions and a built-in smoker box for subtle wood-fired flavour, without the hassle of gas or charcoal. It’s easy to use, clean and built for year-round use, though the short cord and pellet limitations are worth noting. A clever and space-saving option for modern outdoor cooks.
Available from:
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