How To Best Clean Weber Grills: The Easy Way
Knowing how to clean Weber grills is extremely important if you want it to continue cooking to a high standard for many years.
In this article, we will explain what supplies you need and show you how to clean a Weber grill to achieve a sparkling result.
These few simple and easy steps won’t take long to complete, and yet will ensure that your Weber has a long, long lifespan. Let’s get started!
Which Weber Grill Do You Have?
The grill type that you own will affect the cleaning methods and grill maintenance that is required.
Weber’s signature grill is the Original Kettle which is a traditional charcoal grill. Charcoal grills are popular because they provide an authentic grilling experience and a great smoky flavor, however, these grills can get messy.
How to Clean a Weber Grill
In this article, we will focus on how to clean the Weber Kettle Grill and the cleaning supplies needed.
Cleaning Supplies You Will Need
Having all the necessary cleaning supplies on hand and lined up, makes cleaning so much faster, easier, and (dare I say more enjoyable). To tackle your Weber grill, make sure you have the following items:
- A pair of rubber gloves
- A bucket of warm, soapy water
- Weber exterior grill cleaner
- Stainless steel grill brush
- Plastic scraper
- A couple of nonlint terry cloths
- A sponge
- Some mild glass cleaner
How to Clean The Exterior of a Webber grill
Weber Kettle Grills have a distinctive bowl-shaped base and domed lid. The body of the grill is porcelain-enameled which is designed to prevent rusting and peeling whilst also being very effective at retaining heat.
You want to use your sponge, warm water, and Weber exterior grill cleaner for this job. The Weber exterior grill cleaner cuts through grease very effectively without damaging the enamel paintwork.
A plastic scraper or steel bristle grill brush will be too harsh on the surface and could scratch and damage it.
- Step 1 – Wearing your rubber gloves, pour some of the Weber exterior grill cleaner into the warm water and stir until bubbles form.
- Step 2 – Take your sponge and soak in the solution, then begin wiping down the outer shell of the grill. Don’t be shy, really slosh the soapy water on heartily.
- Step 3 – Use circular motions to lift grease and dirt that may have collected on the lid and base, paying particular attention to the vents and handles.
- Step 4 – On trouble areas, use a few squirts of glass cleaner and the nonlint terry cloth to really lift the dirt and polish the surface until it shines.
- Step 5 – We recommend rinsing the exterior with clean water to remove any soap residue as this can leave cloudy markings if it isn’t properly rinsed.
- Step 6 – Finally, leave the grill to fully air dry.
How to Clean The Interior Of Your Weber Grill
That was the easy part! Now it is time to show you how to clean a Weber grill on the inside. This process is more messier and time-consuming than the first. We divide the process into three separate areas:
- The lid
- The cooking grates
- The base
How to Clean The Lid of Your Weber Grill
Over time, moisture, grease, and food residue will bake themselves onto the inside of your grill lid and this carbonized grease looks very similar to paint and will start to curl and peel away from the surface.
Although these carbon deposits are non-toxic, it is important that you remove the build-up on a regular basis.
- Step 1 – Take your plastic scraper and gently scrape along the inside of the lid, lifting the carbonized grease as you go. (If the plastic scraper is not strong enough, you can use a stainless steel bristle grill brush to really get in there).
- Step 2 – Collect the scrapings and dispose of them.
- Step 3 – Use warm soapy water and a sponge to wash down the inside of the lid and then rinse with clean water to remove all soap residue.
- Step 4 – Leave the lid open as you allow it to completely air dry.
TOP TIP: If you want to avoid these carbon deposits from accumulating in the first place, a great idea is to use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the lid after each use when the grill is still warm.
Never attempt this when the lid is still hot, but doing so when it is warm will mean that the grease and moisture wipe away more easily than it would once it has cooled.
How To Clean Your Weber Grill Grates
It is important to clean your grill grates after each use if you want to keep your unit hygienic. Cleaning the grates is quick and easy and doing it regularly will save you lots of hassle in the long run.
- Step 1 – Use a stainless steel bristle grill brush to loosen and lift grease and food drippings from the bars. We recommend using a dry grill brush initially and then wetting the brush with soapy water for a second scrub. If you don’t have a grill brush, steel wool can work just as well.
- Step 2 – Use a sponge and warm soapy water to wash the grill grates, and then rinse with clean water to remove excess soap.
- Step 3 – Use paper towels to dry the grates, or alternatively, leave them to air dry.
TOP TIP: Be sure to use the correct grill brush for your type of grate. For example, cast-iron grates should not be cleaned with stainless steel bristles as they will become damaged. Use a sponge on these grates instead.
How to Clean The Base of Your Weber Grill
And finally, with your grates removed and air drying, you can take on the base of your grill.
- Step 1 – Remove the charcoal grate and dispose of any leftover blocks of charcoal before cleaning the grate.
- Step 2 – Use the Weber Grill’s one-touch cleaning system to remove any accumulated ash and food residue from the bottom of the bowl. The system involves three rotating blades that scrape and clear debris from the very bottom of the grill. (We recommend using it at the end of each grilling session).
- Step 3 – The three-blade system shovels the ash into a catch pan directly beneath the grill base. This catch pan can be removed simply by rotating it a quarter turn and drawing it out from under the grill. The ash, food particles, and leftover charcoal can now all be disposed of.
- Step 4 – Use a stainless steel bristle brush to scrape any large particles off the inner surface of the bowl.
- Step 5 – Use a sponge and warm soapy water to lather the bowl and thoroughly clean it.
- Step 6 – Use clean water to rinse the bowl and remove all soap residue.
- Step 7 – Use nonlint terry cloths to wipe and dry the interior of the bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you love to cook on your Weber grill then you will need to clean and maintain it. A clean grill is a happy grill, and performing these simple cleaning tasks regularly will improve the longevity and performance of your unit.
Doing little and often is the best option, and we also recommend performing a deep clean once every 3-4 uses.
Resources: How to Start a Charcoal Grill