Charcoal Grill Maintenance for Better Grilling

When it comes to grilling food, many people these days prefer charcoal barbecues colorado area—and for good reason. Charcoal grills don't require the hassle of dealing with a propane tank, for starters. Furthermore, they tend to add a flavorful, smoky element to grilled food that just can't be achieved in the same way with a gas grill. Still, there are some vital maintenance tasks that must be followed in order to keep a charcoal grill operating properly and grilling up delicious food.

Brush Grates Before Each Use

Before every use, the charcoal grill should be fired up for 10-15 minutes. This will allow any debris leftover form previous grilling to burn off as needed. Once it's had some time to burn off, it's also a good idea to take a grill brush and scrape any other debris off the grates. This will ensure a nice, clean grilling surface.

Use a Non-Stick Grill Spray

One of the most common problems people run into when using a charcoal grill is that of having food stick to the grates. Fortunately, this is an easy fix; simply invest in a quality non-stick spray that's specifically designed for use on grills. Spraying a small amount of this on the grates after they've had a chance to heat up and before putting food on the grill can make a huge difference and result in yummier food.

Clean Out the Bowl Regularly

This doesn't have to be done after every single use, but it should be done fairly regularly; remove the grates to the grill and clean out the entire bowl, being careful to remove any excess ashes or other debris. Keep in mind that this will require re-filling the bowl with charcoal. Generally, it should be done every few uses to ensure clean grilling.

Keep Covered When Not in Use

Whenever the charcoal grill isn't being used, it's a good idea to keep it fully covered. This will help to prevent unwanted debris and even critters form getting into the grill itself, making preparation for the next barbecue a lot easier. Many grill manufacturers make grill covers specifically designed to fit particular models, so for a perfect fit, consider buying one that matches the grill model itself. By following these basic maintenance tips on a charcoal grill, it's possible to enjoy the barbecue for many years to come.