Cleaning Grillgrates?

[tugboat]

When you clean the griddle side of your Grillgrates, how do you clean them? So far I've been hearing them up before each sear and scrubbing them with a clean, wet paper towel. Just wasn't sure if this is adequate or not. What does everyone else do?

As a side note I'm thinking about getting that Grillgrates Grilddle just for searing so I don't have to worry about flipping them over.

[Dr ROK]

I just run some water over them in the sink and use a stainless steel scrubber to rub off the reside. Takes about 30 seconds. They are by no means shiny, I just get the crud off so the meat can come into direct contact with the metal.

[Mosca]

I do this as well. A little dish soap won't hurt, either. The seasoning gets baked pretty well on.

[CeramicChef]

I just leave them in the grill and let the heat take care of cleaning them. I take my food in, let it rest, eat, and then go to shut down the grill. Grill grates are always clean. All I do to remove any ash is hit them with a nylon grill brush.

[chudzikb]

Every once in a while, probably not as much as necessary, I take them over a trash can and use a large screwdriver to scrape off the buildup. Make sure all the holes are clear again. Seems to be the ticket.

[LA Pork Butt]

Putting them in a garbage bag with some ammonia will break uP,the grease before you clean them.

[JimmieOhio]

I do that ammonia thing with a lot of cookware with great success. However, I would avoid using it with anything aluminum.

EDIT: The GrillGrate website specifically mentions NOT to use oven cleaner or other caustic cleaners. Household ammonia is caustic.

[LA Pork Butt]

Putting them in a garbage bag with some ammonia before you clean them will break up the grease.

[CurlingDog]

nuke'em from orbit.... only way to be sure.

[Gunsmokers]

Every once in a while, probably not as much as necessary, I take them over a trash can and use a large screwdriver to scrape off the buildup. Make sure all the holes are clear again. Seems to be the ticket.

Yup - me too.

Of course the manufacturer offers tips for what it's worth:

http://www.grillgrate.com/using-and-caring-for-your-grillgrates/

~Gunsmokers~

[chudzikb]

I remember seeing those instructions when I first got my grill grates. The large screw driver over a trash can was an adaptation to make it easier. And it sure is easier. I would estimate about 4 times a year with reasonably heavy usage of the grill.

[Spinaker]

I just scrape them quick, while the grill is still hot. Then run a lodge poly-scraping tool over them to get all the fine stuff, then I simply spray them with cooking oil. i wipe the excess off and let the cooling Keg season the new oil in. Works like a charm. Non-stick and clean grates. Just do it right after you cook.

[Breadhead]

I put them on my BGE during my cleaning burn. I take the heat up to about 700° and let it burn for 10 minutes.😎

[ribeyeguy]

Heat them up and scrub them with a bristle brush before each cook. Anything I miss I figure the heat sterilizes. I do buy new ones every year though.

[Breadhead]

You buy new GG's every year?

[ribeyeguy]

I don't buy them personally, I put them on my Christmas wish list and for the last few years I've gotten them. I only have a Weber Performer and an 18" WSM so it's not a huge expense.

[Dr ROK]

You can send me your old ones!

[tugboat]

Mine are gunk free but I was mainly wondering about the black seasoning and if I should be concerned about getting that off. Sounds like my regular cleaning procedures are about as good as anything, save a possible deep clean every once in a while.

[Breadhead]

Don't worry about your GG's turning black. I saw in one of their videos once where they say they will turn black as they are used.

I just scrape them after each cook and make sure I burn off any residue before using them again. My GG's are very dark in color.

[Spinaker]

The black stuff is the good stuff. Thats why properly seasoned cast iron is that shiny black color.