Char-Griller Professional Grills & Smokers

Welcome to BBQ 101! Char-Griller and Kingsford have teamed up with Susie from Hey Grill Hey, and each week we're going to go through the basics of barbecue to help you become a backyard barbecue pro in no time.

In our final edition to BBQ 101, we're going to talk about one of the most important, and often overlooked aspects over grilling, clean-up.

When you are finished grilling, close the dampers on your grill to suffocate the fire. Always clean your grates with a grill brush. It'll be easier to do while the grill and grates are still slightly warm.

We recommend the Char-Griller 3-in-1 Grill Brush to clean your grill. This brush has a scraper to remove stuck-on grime, a heavy-duty scouring pad for easy scrubbing, and powerful, sturdy bristles for any and all deep cleaning.

After you've finished cleaning your grates, lightly coat them with your preferred oil. This protected the seasoning on your grates and makes sure they are ready to go for the next cook.

You'll need to wait until the coals and ash have completely cooled before you can remove then. Once the fire is extinguished and the grill is cool to the touch, you're ready to remove the ash.

Remove the grates from the grill with a grate lifter and set aside. The Smokin' Champ makes clean-up easy with the Easy Dump Ash Pan. Remove the ash pan from the grill. Give it a few firm taps to loosen any ash that may be stuck. Dump the ash into a metal container. You can then cover the ash with water to ensure there are no lit coals, and then you can dispose of the ashes.

After you've cleaned your grill and supposed of the ash, it is time to store your grill. Covering your grill with a cover helps to protect it from the elements, extending the life of your product. Now that your grill is clean and protected, it will be ready to go for your next cook!

Future you will thank past you the next time you go to fire up your grill and you have clean grates and an empty ash pan. When you get in the habit of cleaning your grill after each use, it makes it a regular habit, and helps you become a more regular griller because grilling is easier and more fun when you don't have to worry about clean-up before you even start cooking.

Consistent grill care is just as important as picking the right grill or high-quality charcoal. It is a crucial part of grilling and will make setting up for your next grilling session that much easier and more enjoyable, and when you're grilling experience is more enjoyable, you'll want to do it more often.

Now that you know how to clean-up your grill, and we've walked you through all the basics you need to know to get grilling, it's time to get outside and become the next backyard barbecue expert!