Let's Get That Grill Ready!

Warmer weather marks the beginning of the outdoor grilling season. There is always that temptation to replace our greasy old grills with one that is new and sparkily. But with a little elbow grease we can save money by cleaning up the old grill. It may not look completely new, but it will cook your favorite foods just as well.

So, top on the list - get the grill out and get it ready for the season. It is also about that time that we realize that we didn't clean it before we stored it for the winter. This isn't necessarily a "bad thing," because the grease that was left in it could help prevent rust. But we still need to get rid of all the little creatures that built their winter homes there. So get ready to give it a good cleaning now as it probably won't get another all summer.

Cleaning Simple Charcoal Grills

1. Begin by removing the cooking grids and spray them with a degreasing cleaner (A foaming type works well) and set them aside.

2. Remove everything from the grill that isn't tied down...old charcoal (yuck), briquettes, baffles from gas grills etc.

3. You can then use an air hose or a water hose to clean the inside and a wire brush to work on the crud that is baked on.

4. Spray a thin coat of cooking oil (Spray Pam works well) inside the grill to discourage rust.

5. Replace everything back on the inside of grill, also clean the outside to make it look better which can do wonders for making food more appetizing.

6. Now finish cleaning the cooking grid and placing it in the grill. Rinse the entire grill thoroughly and towel dry.

7. Roll it out into the sun for further drying.

Cleaning Gas Grills

1. Begin by removing the cooking grids and spray them with a degreasing cleaner (A foaming type works well) and set them aside.

2. Check connections, hoses and burners for leaks or loose connections.

3. Turn the valve on at the supply tank and turn on the burners to check the operation.

4. Light the burners and check to see if any of the holes are stopped up. If they are, clean them with a small piece of stiff wire or a paper clip, working carefully in the holes that are not clear.

5. Spray a thin coat of cooking oil (Spray Pam works well) inside the grill to discourage rust.

6. Replace everything back on the inside of grill.

7. Don't neglect cleaning the outside. The more it sparkles the better the food tastes!

8. Now finish cleaning the cooking grid and placing it in the grill.

Tip: If you have a spare gas tank now would be a good time to have it filled and place it in a safe place. You will be glad you did when on a hot Sunday afternoon, everyone is yelling, "Where's the food!" and your gas fire sputters and goes out. The spare tank can be replaced in just a few minutes, that is if it has gas in it.

You're all set go - now enjoy the money you saved on all the great food you're going to eat!