Mastering the Grill_ The Owner's Manual for Outdoor Cooking - Andrew Schloss [11]
• Check the igniter (gas or gas-assist only). If it isn’t working, scrub the tip of the electrode with rubbing alcohol. Some electric igniters also require small batteries (such as AA). Replace old batteries as necessary.
• Check for corrosion. Scrub away any white spots or corrosion with a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water. To repaint your grill’s exterior (only portions that are not porcelain enameled), clean it, sand it lightly, and coat with one to three coats of heat-resistant grill paint. Let the paint dry completely before using.
• Keep it dry. Dry any wet surfaces to prevent rusting. Most grills are coated in enamel to prevent rusting, but it pays to keep your grill dry anyway.
* * *
D. Grill Storage
The lucky among us are able to grill outside year-round in a fair climate. Others may need to store their grills and equipment to protect them from foul weather. We live in the northeastern United States, where year-round grilling is possible, but grill storage (or covering) helps to prolong the life of a grill during the cold and rainy months.
* * *
To store a charcoal grill constructed of metal (such as a kettle grill), clean out any remaining ashes from the firebox before storage; residual ashes will attract moisture, which can lead to rust. Close the air vents in the fire bowl and lid to prevent small animals from nesting inside the grill. A tarp or grill cover also helps to protect your grill from the elements so that it will last longer before succumbing to rust and entropy.
To store a gas grill, turn off all valves and control knobs, especially the valves at the fuel source, such as the propane tank. Disconnect the propane tank and cover it with the safety cap supplied on the tank. Store the tank in an open yet secluded area, away from children. Avoid storing a propane tank in a garage, shed, or other enclosed area, which poses a safety hazard due to heat buildup.
Store tools and utensils inside on a pot rack or pegboard or in a drawer to shield them from the corrosive effects of moisture. Or store them outside in a sealed storage container or tackle box. If your grill has utensil hooks and/or cabinets, you can store your tools there, but be aware that they may still be exposed to moisture outside if the grill is not well covered.
* * *
E. Grill Tools and Accessories
Grill tools are like toys for fire lovers. Some have practical purposes, but others are just fun to play with. The “essential” tools will vary according to the type and amount of grilling you do. We think our heatproof silicone grill gloves are essential, but you may find them frivolous if you rarely need to pull a large, hot roast or roasting rack off the grill. Here’s a list of tools that make it easier (or at least more fun) to manage your grill, your food, and your flavors.
* * *
TOOLS FOR THE GRILL
GRILL BRUSHES, SCRAPERS, AND SCRUBBERS. Basic cleaning tools, grill scrapers come in a variety of styles. Look for brushes with long handles and a large head of stiff bristles for easy cleaning of grill grates. Stainless steel should be cleaned only with a brass-bristled brush, since a steel brush can scratch its surface; iron grates can be scrubbed with any metal brush. Many brushes have metal scrapers at the tip of the head to remove stubborn debris. A V-shaped brush or scraper makes it easier to clean individual bars on a grill grate. Scrubbers resemble scouring pads and are designed to clean the firebox and lid (or the grill grate).
* * *
GRILL LAMP. Have you ever shone a flashlight onto your grill to check the food? If so, get a grill lamp to free up your hands. These lamps clamp to the side of your grill and often have adjustable necks to position the light where you need it. Some require an outlet and/or extension cord, while others are battery powered. You could also use an inexpensive work lamp from a hardware store. Or look for a handle lamp, which replaces the handle on your