A summer’s day, sunshine and the smell of barbecue – what could be better. To make sure these moments go off without a hitch, it’s a good idea to start the barbecue season by checking and servicing your LPG barbecue in good time. A well-maintained grill heats up evenly, making grilling hassle-free and, above all, safe.
LPG grill maintenance for the summer
With these tips, you can keep your barbecue in good shape and ensure a delicious and carefree start to the summer.
- Preheating – 20 minutes at full power
Start maintenance by heating up the barbecue. The heat will burn off stuck-on food debris and grease residue from the grates and burners, making cleaning easier with a grill brush. - Cleaning the grilles
When the grill has cooled down a little but the grates are still warm, brush them clean with a grill brush. If necessary, remove the grates and wash them with soapy water. Heat is an effective way to remove stuck-on dirt, so this step should be done immediately after preheating. - Cleaning the grease trap
After cleaning the grates and burners, clean the grease tray to get rid of all the loose dirt at once. This reduces the risk of fire and makes subsequent cleaning easier. - Inspection and cleaning of burners
Carefully remove the burners and check for blockages and rust. When clean, the flame is blue with a blue-green centre. A yellowish flame indicates the need for cleaning – a thin iron wire will help open up any blocked burner holes. - Wiping the interior and checking the grease ducts
Wipe the interior surfaces of the grill with a damp cloth and make sure that the grease ducts and vents are open. Blocked ducts can cause grease build-up and create a fire hazard. - Also wash the outside of the grill
Wash the grill lid, side plates and other external surfaces. Oil the wooden parts regularly and use a protective cover to keep the grill in good condition for longer. - Pressure regulator check
The pressure regulator is checked by pressing it against the cylinder. If you notice a smell of gas above the regulator, replace it with a new one. A good quality pressure regulator ensures correct gas flow and safe operation.
Note. If at any time you notice a gas smell, look for a leak before lighting the barbecue. - Check the condition of the gas hose and connections
The gas hose can become brittle over time and may develop small hairline cracks or crazing, especially if it has been exposed to the weather for a long time. You can find out the condition of the hose by gently bending it – if cracks appear on the surface, the hose should be replaced.
To check for leaks, you can use soapy water or a leak detection spray. Apply the solution or spray over the hose and fittings, open the gas cylinder but do not light the barbecue. If bubbles form on the surface, the joint is leaking and must be tightened before use.
After maintenance
Now the barbecue is serviced and ready to cook up a feast for the whole barbecue season. Remember to clean the grates and drain the grease trap after each use – this will ensure a safe, efficient and long-lasting grill.
Grilling in winter
Don’t give up your barbecue dreams in winter. All grills are suitable for year-round use. It takes longer to heat up in winter, but the temperatures do rise to the same level as in summer.
