Cleaning Burned On Grease from a Stainless Steel Gasser

[Bkhuna]

I've been using my Summit 650 side burner for doing pan frying occasionally to keep the mess/smell out of the kitchen. The last fry caused grease to be burned on to the inside of the side burner lid just above the hinge area and the lid to be discolored in the same area on the outside of the lid. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw it, since I like to keep my SS grill shiny.

I went on the Weber site and of course they don't address burned on grease. They are full of suggestions on what NOT to use, but are not too forthcoming with what will work on something this difficult to remove. Weber says use no abrasives of any kind on stainless steel because it could cause pitting. And definitely no caustic cleaners like oven cleaner.

I find it hard to believe that Simple Green degreaser or Weber SS Cleaner will do the trick on this burned on grease.

You Tube videos suggest soaking pans or stove surfaces that have this problem in a hot vinegar solution. They still scrub the heck out of the area with abrasives after the soak, though.

Any suggestions?

Kathryn

Bar Keepers Friend all purpose spray foam cleaner! I buy it at Home Depot.

[fzxdoc]

I've got some of that. I wonder how abrasive it is. I've still got the problem with the stain, so I may give it a try. Thanks, Bkhuna .

[Randy-Phx]

I have a stainless steel sear box on my smoker. I used Barkeepers Friend to clean it. It works pretty well but does require elbow grease and rub with the grain. Good luck.

[fzxdoc]

Thanks, Randy-Phx .

Kathryn

[Bkhuna]

I specifically mentioned Bar Keepers spray because it doesn't contain abrasives.

[fzxdoc]

I just got some BK spray last week, Bkhuna . I'll be giving it a try soon. Thanks again!

K.

[Bighorn Dave]

You Tube videos suggest soaking pans or stove surfaces that have this problem in a hot vinegar solution. They still scrub the heck out of the area with abrasives after the soak, though.

Any suggestions?

Kathryn

I recently contacted MAK Grills to confirm the following. When I bought mine I was told a good way to fight burned on grease is if possible, take the parts and soak them in a tub of hot water with a gallon of ammonia added. I had forgotten about that until my memory was jogged. Not sure if it is possible to remove the parts in question but if they can be, Ammonia is cheap, not harmful and is a very good degreaser so it may be worth a try. The following is a copy / paste of that email exchange.



Hello Dave,

I believe the solution you are referring to is Hot water and ammonia. Ammonia is a excellent degreaser and very inexpensive. Can usually get either a half gallon or gallon at your local dollar store. I used this in a galvanized tub to soak all my internal parts (grates, flame zone pan, grease tray, etc.) while I clean the exterior of my grill. Hope this is what you were looking for. Please let us know if you have any further questions.



Thank you,



Dennis Ogg

MAK Grills

Sales & Service Associate

503-623-1234

[fzxdoc]

Thanks a bunch! Another method to try. Hope it works. I've tried several things. I may have to put a warm ammonia-soaked cloth on the stain, as I'm not sure I want to remove the lid to the side burner. I appreciate your help, Bighorn Dave .

K.

[FireMan]

Just wonderin fzxdoc, how did the cleaning go? I’m about to tackle mine this weekend now that the weather is nice.

[HouseHomey]

I kinda feel like some math is necessary here. Am I the only one?

Edit: I send a pic of what we use at work.

[FireMan]

Do send pic & math for more than one. 😎

[fzxdoc]

Haven't tried Bighorn Dave 's ammonia technique yet, FireMan nor any of the abrasives. I've been using a soaked cloth with citrus cleaner on the stain each time I use the side burner and am doing the cleanup, getting a bit more off each time. When the weather gets/stays warm, I'll try the ammonia.

Kathryn

[FireMan]

Yup, it looks like weather will come into play on Sat. They are calling for cold & snow, go figure. Maybe next week.

[Spinaker]

I think the best way to clean stainless with with HD Oven cleaner. Make sure it has caustic in it. Let it sit for a while, then let wipe it clean. I can get my KBQ totally clean up like new using HD oven cleaner. That is the beauty of Stainless.

[fzxdoc]

Weber specifically states that oven cleaners (and abrasives) are not to be used. I'm guessing that's because they use various grades of stainless steel in their products. Oven cleaner works well on your KBQ with no damage because it's made of high-grade SS. Just a guess.

I would guess that my Summit is also made from higher quality SS but I'm hesitant to fly in the face of Weber recommendations.

K.

[Spinaker]

Yeah, you are probably right. Maybe try it under the lid and see how it does, in a small spot? fzxdoc

[fzxdoc]

Here's Meathead's/Max Good's take on cleaning stainless steel grills:

Warm soapy water with a clean water rinse works well. Do not burnish stainless steel with a circular motion. Rub, wipe and polish in the direction of the grain. Do not use abrasive pads or steel wool. Covering your grill will keep it cleaner and extend its life.

There are a variety of cleaning products available from branded and generic stainless steel polish to disposable grill wipes. Read the labels. Some can damage your deck and furniture. If you're so inclined to clean your grill, roll it onto your driveway, wash with warm soapy water, rinse with your hose, dry it off, then polish. But beware that these chemicals then find their way into the water table.

Blonder says "I pay more attention to cleaning the inside than the outside. On the outside, beware of kitchen cleaning products- they can erase the printed lettering around the knobs!"

I asked Meathead what he thinks and he said "I have a well-worn Char-Broil made with 430 and it is holding up fine after many years of heavy use. It looks like crap because I don't cover it. If you are a neat freak you'll go crazy polishing your smoker. But it's a barbecue for cryin' out loud. Who cares if it's dirty on the outside?"

I've found that beer applied to the cook improves the appearance of my grill. Particularly when I know a load of tasty meat is sizzling under the lid!


Kathryn

[IowaGirl]

"...I've found that beer applied to the cook..."

Well said, sistah!

[fzxdoc]

Max's comment on "beer applied to the cook" does indeed put things into perspective.

K.

[Bkhuna]

Just bring the whole thing over to my shop and it will sparkle in about a half an hour. LOL. 275 gallons of a solution equaling 5 lbs per gallon of Sodium Hydroxide at 190F. Safe for carbon and stainless steel.

[fzxdoc]

Wowza!

K.

[HouseHomey]

Hey Doc

This is what we use and it works great with elbow grease and green scrubbies.

attached are photos. I hope this helps. As you can see this is not a new pan. We beat the crud out of these every day.

[FireMan]

What, no pics of the green scrubbies? 😢

[HouseHomey]

FireMan I wasn’t that smart. They were on the left in a green bucket. I just rolled into the hand wash part of the dishpit and snapped some pics. I was still a little groggy as the "Clopen" got to me. 🧽 but green and thin.

[fzxdoc]

Thanks, HouseHomey !

K.