Summertime is here, meaning it’s time to dust off the Traeger Grill and head out to the patio.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just grilling some burgers for dinner, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as the smoky flavor of food cooked over charcoal.
However, Traeger Grills require regular upkeep if you want them to last for years, and one of the most important maintenance tasks is cleaning the grates.
Cleaning grill grates can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple steps and materials, you’ll be able to keep your Traeger shining like new.
In this article, I’ll show you exactly what to do so that your next BBQ will shine.
Why cleaning Traeger grates is important?
You’ve just finished all your delicious Traeger-grilled burgers, sausages, and steaks. Now, it’s time to think about cleaning the grill grate.
As tempting as it may be to leave it until later, cleaning your grill grates is an important task that you should never skip.
A clean Traeger grill grate will not only help ensure your food tastes better by preventing cross-contamination between meals, but it will also help maintain the longevity of your grill.
Cooking on a dirty grate can cause extra wear and tear on the metal surface, leading to rust or pitting in the long run.
Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can restore your grate to its former glory and keep your Traeger looking like new.
Popular cleaning tools for Traeger grates
Now that you understand why cleaning your grill grates is important, let’s look at the popular tools you’ll need to get the work done.
Firstly, you’ll need an appropriate brush.
Traeger Grills recommend using their Pro-Series Grill Brush, but it’s worth noting that normal grill brushes can cause damage to porcelain grates.
Secondly, you could also consider investing in a specialized cleaning solution such as Traegers’ wood pellet cleaner.
Using a vacuum cleaner to clean your grill is a great way to keep it clean and free of debris.
With a vacuum cleaner, you can easily and quickly remove dirt, grease, and other particles that accumulate on your grill.
Finally, you can always use water or a mild all-purpose cleaner to keep your grill grates shiny and new.
The step-by-step process of cleaning Traeger grates
Once you’ve gathered the necessary items, it’s time to begin the process of cleaning your grate.
Cleaning these grates can be a little bit trickier than cleaning traditional gas or charcoal grills, so first-timers may want to take their time and go slow.
To get started, follow these simple steps.
Turn off the heat
Before you start any cleaning project on your grill, make sure to turn off the heat source and wait until the grill is completely cool.
Take off the top grill, the grease bucket, the drip tray, and the heat baffle to access the base of your grill.
Clean out debris
Once your heating element has cooled, you can use a brush to get rid of any leftover ash or food particles from previous uses.
Scrub it
Use an abrasive brush or wooden scraper, and warm soapy water to clear the leftovers and make your grates shiny.
This will remove any built-up oils and grease that may have accumulated over time.
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse with warm water to clear away excess residue.
Dry off grate
Once complete, dry off your Traeger’s grate by hand with a sponge or cloth – no harsh chemicals or paper towels are required!
Tips and tricks for getting the work done quickly
Cleaning grill grates don’t have to be a hassle if you know the right tips and tricks.
Here are some simple steps for speedy, effective cleaning:
- Start with a hot grill – when the grates are hot, any stuck-on grease will be easier to clean off.
- Use a putty knife or wire brush to scrape off any remaining debris – try to avoid using metal tools as these can scratch the surface of the grates.
- You can make an easy degreaser with lukewarm water, a few drops of dawn soap, and vinegar, mix this in a spray bottle, and spray the grill down.
- Brush on a natural degreaser like vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth or a paper towel. Remove and wipe down the drip tray and the heat baffle.
- Using a vacuum cleaner with a thin head part will easily suck up ash and dry food debris in places you can’t reach.
- Use heat-proof aluminum foil to line the drip tray and grease bucket or use the Traeger drip tray liners.
- To clean your grill cover, wipe it down with warm, soapy water or a mild detergent, and rinse clean.
- To sanitize, spray on an FDA-approved sanitizing solution and let that sit for five minutes before wiping with a damp cloth or heavy-duty paper towels again.
- If your cook was particularly greasy, consider changing out the aluminum foil on the greased pan early.
When to use soap to clean your Traeger grill
Detergent soap can be used on the Traeger pellet grill, even on a grease bucket and grease tray. For grilling, you must use no harsh cleaners.
Adding water to a damp cloth is best for cleaning a grill.
Wipe off the grill using a clean cloth.
Traeger recommends using soap in stainless steel grill grates to clean them properly.
Traeger’s pellet grill cleaning solution can be cleaned by using heavy-duty paper towels to remove dirt from the grill.
Things to remember before cleaning Traeger grill grates
It is important to keep in mind that cleaning your Traeger grill trays is an easy procedure. Using paper towels to remove grease from the scrubbing area is important.
Grates could be cleaned using wire brushes or abrasive sponges.
Unlike cast metal cleaning it can cause scratches to be more effective than a normal cleaning process.
How to clean Traeger pellet grills
A Traeger pellet grill is a grill fueled with wood pellets and feeds into the firebox by electronic hoppers controlled by automatic ignition systems.
When you use a pellet grill, the grill temperature can be adjusted to your taste, allowing the food to be grilled easily and efficiently while keeping its natural juices.
Can your Traeger grill have a grease fire?
That’s entirely possible but not likely. If grease builds up on the drip pan, a grease fire may occur and the need for changing the aluminum foil is very important.
Cleaning other Traeger parts like the drip tray and burner
Now, onto all the other Traeger grill parts that you should give a clean now and then. After all, a clean grill can help your food taste better.
It’s important to remember that cleaning the different parts of your grill can vary depending on the material they’re made out of.
That said, here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning other parts.
Drip tray
After each use, the drip tray should be emptied and washed with water and soap. Make sure it’s completely dry before replacing it to avoid corrosion and rusting.
Burners and heat distribution plates
Burners should be inspected visually before use (looking for blockages) and brushed off with a wire brush if necessary. Heat distribution plates will usually ash from combustion; these should also be brushed off with a wire brush before grilling again.
FAQs on cleaning Traeger grill grates
What do I need to clean my Traeger grill grates?
You don’t need a lot of stuff: just warm water, dish soap, a paper towel or sponge, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease! And it is not necessary to use any chemicals or abrasives.
How often do I need to clean my Traeger grill grates?
It depends on how often you use it—if you’re using Traeger Grill regularly then aim for every couple of weeks.
What can I do to maintain my Traeger grill grates and keep them in tip-top shape?
Regular maintenance is key. Make sure you scrape off any large pieces of food or debris after each cooking session (just use a wooden grill scraper or brush), then give them a good deep clean every month or so.
Should I season a cast iron grill?
Cast iron grill grates are prized for their durability and versatility, and seasoning cast iron grill grates is an important part of keeping them in good condition. Seasoning cast iron grill helps protect the metal from rust, and also helps create a non-stick surface.
What is the best way to clean a Traeger grill grate?
The best way to clean a Traeger grate is to use a brush with sturdy bristles specifically designed for porcelain-coated grates. Alternatively, you can soak the grates in hot water with dish soap or use a steam cleaner to remove any grease or food particles.
What is the best way to clean smoker grates?
The best way to clean smoker grates is to use a grill brush with sturdy bristles or to soak the grates in hot water with soap and scrub them with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
Conclusion
While there are several ways to clean grill grates, the safest and most effective is to use a combination of hot soapy water, a stainless steel brush, and a wooden scraper.
Whether you are a first-time or an experienced Traeger user, it is always important to clean grill grates for safety and the best possible taste.
This simple process should ensure that your next BBQ will be one to remember!
