The busy season is on its way, and your restaurant’s gas grill is about to get a whole lot more use. Though grilling is pretty simple, regular maintenance is key to ensuring your grill works properly for a long time to come. There are some steps you will need to take the prepare your grill. Keep reading to learn how to get your commercial gas grill ready for the season.
Start with a Safety Check
Before you do anything else, you will need to perform a basic safety check of your grill. Thoroughly inspect the grill and keep your eye out for any debris or abnormalities that could be potentially hazardous. You will need to examine for hose leaks, too. Make sure the hose is attached securely before you put on the gas for the first time. One way to check for leaks and loose connections is to rub soapy water on them. Then, turn the gas on and inspect the connections. If you see bubbles form, it means that the hose is loose and will be to be tightened or replaced.
Clean the Grates
Once you guarantee the grill is safe, you can start cleaning it. The easiest way to clean the grates is by first burning off all the leftover food and gunk. Turn on the heat and flip the grates to heat all sides. This will burn off the hardened debris and make it easier to clean. Scrub off any tough residue using a stainless-steel brush. After the grates cool down, take them out and wipe them off using warm water and soap. Rinse them off and dry them completely before putting them back in the grill. Once clean, it is most important to season the grates, especially cast-iron grates like used in our Champion Tuff grills.
Burners
If your commercial grill has burners, you will need to clean them separately. Start by removing the burner protectors and scraping off any stuck-on debris using a putty knife. Any leftover grime can be scrubbed with soapy water. To clean the burners, wipe them side to side using the stainless-steel brush. This motion stops debris from falling into the hole of the burner. Don’t forget to check the gas jets and ensure they are not clogged or rusted.
Wipe Off the Interior and Exterior
Last, give the interior and exterior one last wipe down. Scrape the walls of the inside using a putty knife to get rid of any carbonized grease. Depending on how dirty the interior is, you may need to use degreaser and water to thoroughly clean off the grime. Then, wipe down the outside of the grill. If it is stainless steel, use a stainless cleaner and a soft sponge. For other finishes, you can just use warm water to clean it.
Don’t Clean Every Day
Surprisingly, cleaning your grill after every use can actually cause it to rust and wear down more quickly. When you finish grilling for the night, brush off any leftover debris. There’s no need to worry about leaving it spotless, however. When you start the grill the next day, you can brush off any excess buildup before you start grilling.
If you need a new commercial grill before the busy season officially kicks off, visit us at Champion Tuff Grill to see our selection of grills.
