- Care & Maintenance
Cleaning and winterizing your gas grill
Burning off alone is not enough. What to do after grilling, what needs to be done once a year – and where the gas cylinder should go in winter.
See us more on GoogleKey takeaways
- Burn off right after grilling at full heat, then brush the still-warm grate – once it gets cold, almost nothing will come off.
- The grease tray should be emptied regularly; it is the most common cause of flare-ups in the housing.
- Never store gas cylinders in the basement – only outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms above ground level.
The effort for a well-maintained gas grill is spread over a few minutes after every grilling session and a thorough round at the end of the season. Those who stick to both will have free burner ports and a housing without baked-on grease even after years.
After every grilling session
The easiest cleaning is done by the grill itself: After the meal, turn all burners to full power for ten to fifteen minutes and close the lid. Residue on the grate will char and can then be brushed off with the brush while the metal is still warm.
- Brush the grate while it's warm – once cooled, the residue sticks much more firmly.
- Check and empty the grease tray before it overflows.
- After cleaning, rub cast iron grates thinly with heat-resistant oil.
- Wipe the exterior of the housing with warm water, no abrasives on stainless steel.
Once a year: the thorough round
At the end of the season, it’s worth taking the grill apart. The grates and burner covers can usually be removed without tools. The burner tubes are important: if individual holes are clogged, the flame burns unevenly. This is fixed by running a wire brush lengthwise over the tubes and a thin wire through the clogged holes.
Afterwards, the grill should be stored dry and covered. A cover protects against moisture but should be breathable—tight tarps trap condensation and thereby promote the very rust they are meant to prevent.
Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest way to clean the grill grate?
After grilling, turn all burners to full power for ten to fifteen minutes and close the lid. The residue will char and can be brushed off with the brush while still warm.
Can the gas grill stay outside in winter?
Yes, provided it is covered and the cover allows moisture to escape. Cast iron grates should be stored dry indoors, and the gas cylinder should be kept separate and outside.
How do I recognize a gas leak?
Apply some soapy water to the connections and open the valve: if bubbles form, that spot is leaking. The hose itself should be replaced every few years – the date is stamped on it.
Share article
About the author
Home & garden editor
Miriam looks after the home and garden guides at cybermag – from robot vacuums and washing machines to lawn mowers. She is less interested in spec sheets than in what still works after two years of everyday use.
Facts checked and approved for publication by Miriam Kohl · as of August 27, 2026 · How our texts are written →