Tips to Get Your Gas Grill Ready for the Season
As temperatures start to rise, grilling season is here and in full glory. Before you toss on your burgers or kebabs, it’s essential to get your gas grill in top shape. A well-maintained grill not only performs better but also lasts longer, keeps your food tasting great, and ensures safety during backyard cookouts.
Here are the top ten spring maintenance topics every gas grill owner should cover.
1. Inspect for Gas Leaks
Safety first—always. After a long winter of disuse, it’s critical to inspect your gas connections and hoses for leaks.
How to check:
· Mix water with a few drops of dish soap and brush it onto the hose and connections.
· Turn on the gas (without lighting the grill).
· If bubbles form, you have a leak that needs fixing immediately—replace the hose or tighten the connections.
A gas leak is not only dangerous but can cause uneven heating or poor performance. Always resolve leaks before using your grill.
2. Deep Clean the Grates
The grates are where the magic happens—and where the mess builds up. Grime, grease, and charred food can build up from the previous season, even if you gave it a quick clean after your last use.
Spring deep clean:
· Remove grates and soak them in warm, soapy water.
· Scrub with a stiff wire brush or grill-specific cleaning tool.
· Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before reinstalling.
Clean grates help prevent sticking, reduce flare-ups, and improve the flavor of your food.
3. Clear Out the Burners
Clogged or dirty burners are a common issue after winter storage. Blockages can lead to uneven flames, poor ignition, or even dangerous flare-ups.
Steps to clean burners:
· Remove burners per the manufacturer’s instructions.
· Use a small wire brush or toothpick to clean out the burner ports.
· Look for signs of rust, cracks, or pests nesting inside. Replace damaged burners.
Well-maintained burners ensure consistent heat and efficient cooking.
4. Empty and Clean the Grease Tray
Neglecting the grease tray can lead to grease fires, pests, and bad smells. Spring is the perfect time to clean it out.
Maintenance tip:
· Slide out the grease tray and dump old grease into a disposable container (never down the drain).
· Scrape off residue and clean the tray with warm, soapy water.
· Dry thoroughly before reinserting.
For future convenience, consider lining the tray with aluminum foil or a disposable liner.
5. Wipe Down the Interior and Exterior
Dust, cobwebs, and critters may have taken up residence inside your grill over winter. A general wipe-down of all surfaces is a must.
Where to clean:
· Use a damp cloth or degreaser on the grill lid, walls, shelves, knobs, and control panel.
· Remove any debris inside the grill housing, especially under the burners.
· Use a vacuum if needed to suck out leaves, droppings, or insects.
Clean surfaces not only look better—they keep your food clean and your grill working efficiently.
6. Inspect the Ignition System
There’s nothing more frustrating than pushing the igniter and hearing... nothing. Ignition issues are common in grills that sit idle for months.
Quick fix checklist:
· Ensure the battery (if electric) is still good; replace if needed.
· Clear any gunk or spiderwebs around the electrode.
· Realign or replace the electrode if it’s damaged or misfiring.
If you hear clicking but there’s no spark, clean the contact points. If it still fails, manual ignition with a long lighter is your workaround until you replace the part.
7. Check the Fuel Supply
Whether you use propane or natural gas, it’s important to make sure your fuel source is ready.
Propane tank checklist:
· Inspect for rust, dents, or expiration (tanks typically expire after 12 years).
· Weigh the tank or use a gauge to ensure it’s full enough.
· Always keep a spare tank on hand—you’ll thank yourself during your first BBQ of the season.
Natural gas line users: Inspect the hose and connections for damage or kinks. Contact a licensed professional for repairs if needed.
8. Lubricate Moving Parts
Spring is a great time to lubricate hinges, wheels, and knobs that may have stiffened over winter.
Use food-safe grill oil or high-temp lubricant for:
· Lid hinges
· Control knobs
· Caster wheels
· Drawer tracks (if applicable)
Avoid WD-40 or non-food-safe products, as they can leave harmful residue near cooking areas.
9. Re-season the Grates
After a deep cleaning, your grates may need re-seasoning to create a nonstick, rust-resistant surface.
How to season:
· Coat grates lightly with a high-heat oil like canola or grapeseed.
· Heat the grill on high for 15–20 minutes until the oil burns off and leaves a sheen.
· Repeat if grates look dull or feel sticky.
This step improves cooking performance and protects your grill throughout the season.
10. Test the Temperature Control
Once everything’s clean and reassembled, fire up your grill and run a test.
What to check:
· Do all burners ignite?
· Is the flame blue and even (not yellow or flickering)?
· Do the temperature knobs respond correctly?
· Does the grill reach high temps (450°F–550°F) within 10–15 minutes?
Use a grill thermometer if your built-in gauge seems inaccurate. If your grill takes longer to heat or won’t hold temperature, there may be blockages or faulty parts.
Bonus Tips: Storage & Cover Care
· Clean your grill cover: Wash with mild soap and rinse well. Let it dry completely before putting it back on.
· Move the grill away from walls or wooden decks: Heat and grease can damage nearby surfaces.
· Store grilling tools nearby but out of the elements: Use a weatherproof box or inside your garage.
This information is provided for entertainment and information purposes by Fireplace and Grill Experts, Inc. We are a family owned and operated Colorado business with over 30 years’ experience in the hearth industry. We provide service, repair and installation of gas fireplaces, outdoor natural gas and propane grills, gas fire pits, gas patio heaters and gas lines. If its gas related, we are your professional and experienced service team. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.