What is the best way to clean stainless steel BBQ plates?

The best way to clean stainless steel BBQ plates is by preheating the grill to loosen residue, then scrubbing with a stainless steel brush or scraper. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the surface. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry immediately to prevent rust.

Can I use vinegar to clean stainless steel BBQ plates?

Yes, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean stainless steel BBQ plates. Vinegar helps cut through grease and grime while being gentle on the steel. Spray the mixture on the plate, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.

How do I remove burnt-on grease from stainless steel BBQ plates?

To remove burnt-on grease, first, heat the BBQ to soften the residue. Use a grill scraper to remove the majority of the grease. For tougher stains, apply baking soda and water paste or a commercial degreaser, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.

What should I avoid when cleaning stainless steel BBQ plates?

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can damage the surface and cause rust. Always use non-abrasive scrubbers or brushes to protect the stainless steel finish.

Can I put stainless steel BBQ plates in the dishwasher?

It’s generally not recommended to clean BBQ plates in the dishwasher, as they can accumulate a lot of grease and food debris that may clog your dishwasher. Hand washing with warm soapy water and scrubbing is the preferred method.

How to clean stainless steel bbq plates

by dirt-2-tidy · January 23, 2023

Cleaning BBQ plates, including cast iron grill plates, cast iron hotplates, or stainless steel hotplates, may seem complex, but using the right tools and techniques can make it easy. These types of plates are popular in Australia and are commonly used for grilling and enjoying food in the backyard or park.

Proper cleaning tools essential

To effectively clean BBQ plates, it’s crucial to have the appropriate equipment. This includes heat-resistant gloves, a spatula (made of metal, plastic, or wood), BBQ tongs, a heavy-duty scotch Brite pad, a bucket, water, mild detergent, and a sponge. You can also wear work wear to be extra cautious.

Spatula (wooden, plastic, metal)

A spatula is a common tool used for cleaning BBQ plates. For Teflon-coated plates, wooden or plastic spatulas are preferable to avoid damage to the cooking surface. Stainless steel and cast iron plates are best cleaned with metal spatulas. When cleaning ribbed cast iron plates, wooden spatulas are the best choice as they conform to the shape of the ribs over time and make cleaning easy.

Cleaning BBQ Plates

Cleaning Teflon-coated or non-stick-coated plates:

wipe down the plate with a damp sponge or paper towel.
If there’s food or marinade stuck to the surface, heat the plate to cooking temperature (180-190 degrees C) and pour a small amount of water on it and wipe it down.
Never use abrasive pads or metal spatulas on non-stick cookware.

Cleaning cast iron plates/porcelain enameled plates:

Use a spatula to scrape excess food or marinades from the plate.
While the plate is still warm (not hot), use a scotch Brite pad and water to scrub the plate, then wipe it clean.
Another option is to remove the plate and place it in a bucket with mild detergent to clean it.
Cleaning stainless steel BBQ plates:
Use a metal spatula to scrape excess food or marinades from the plate.
Heat the plate to cooking temperature while wearing long-sleeved heat-resistant gloves. Pour a glass of water over the cooking surface and use a spatula to move the water around and clean the plate. Repeat if needed.
If further cleaning is needed, let the plate cool, then use a scotch Brite pad and water to scrub the plate.
Another option is to use a stainless steel cleaner, such as topnotch’s Super Clean, a simple wipe-on, heat-up, cool-down, and wipe-off process.
You may use natural cleaning products if it helps.

Cleaning The Cook Box

The cook box refers to the shell of the BBQ and includes the grill, plates, burners, and food. Keeping the level of grease build-up in the cook box low is important, as high levels can lead to a BBQ-fat fire. The best tool for cleaning the cook box is a scraper, such as the Weber Cook Box Scraper. To clean the cook box, lift the grills and place them somewhere safe, then use the cook box scraper to scrape the grease towards the drip tray at the bottom of the BBQ. It’s important to only use the scraper when the BBQ is cold.