How to Clean and Maintain Your Charcoal Grill

A clean grill cooks better, lasts longer and is safer. Charcoal grills need very little upkeep if you build in a few simple habits.

After every cook

• Burn off residue: with the coals still hot, close the lid and let the grates heat, then brush them clean.
• Let the grill cool fully before doing anything else.

Every few cooks

• Empty the ash — built-up ash blocks airflow and holds moisture that causes rust.
• Wipe the inside of the lid; scrape off flaking carbon (that black “peeling” is not mould).
• Clean the ash catcher or one-touch cleaning system if your grill has one.

Keep rust away

• Store the grill dry and covered, especially through the monsoon.
• Lightly oil the cooking grates before storing for a while.
• Make sure the grill is completely cold and ash-free before covering it.

A quick seasonal check

Once a season, check the legs, wheels, handles and vents work freely, and that the bowl has no rust holes. Ten minutes of care keeps a good grill going for years. See our charcoal grills built to last.