Caring for your barbecue

Barbecue maintenance tends to be one of those things we put off until it's time to use it again, so we thought it might be helpful to compile a list of tips to keep your barbecue in tip top condition. Here's five we though were worth trying to stick to.

Clean it regularly

Although it might seem like a hassle, a wipe down at the end of each use is the best way to keep your BBQ in good nick. You can give it a more thorough wash every 3 months, but getting the worst off after each use will make this a much quicker job. Check your BBQS cleaning instructions to make sure you’re using the right products that won’t cause any damage to the surfaces or things like rusting.

Turn up the heat

If you’ve “accidentally” left some food or grease on the barbecue since the last time you cooked, turn the heat up to high and leave it to burn off. It’ll be much easier to scrub it off and should save you time in the long-run.

Leave some oil behind

Most grills or barbecues need to be left with a layer of fresh oil after cleaning to prevent rusting. It may depend on the surface type of the grill as to which you’ll use. ‘Which?’ suggest using lard or palm oil for cast-iron grills, vegetable oil for stainless-steel grills, and cooking oil for chrome-coated wire grills. This is one of the best things you can do to prevent rusting becoming a problem.

Use foil

Before lining the base of the barbecue or grill with coals, some people suggest lining it with foil so that the foil can be quickly disposed of after you’ve finished cooking. This can be a handy low-maintenance way to keep your grill clean

Keep it warm

Try to protect your BBQ from the harsh weather in Winter. If you can’t store it anywhere undercover, make sure to cover it with a durable cover that won’t blow off easily.

Think we've forgotten anything? Let us know how you keep your barbecue in great nick in the comments below...