Essential BBQ maintenance & care tips for Christmas

Christmas in Australia is all about sunshine, outdoor celebrations, beach outings, and of course, the Great Aussie BBQ.  A festive summer feast with family and friends wouldn’t be the same without the aroma of sausages and steaks sizzling on the grill. Now is the ideal time to get your BBQ ready with our essential BBQ maintenance and care tips for Christmas.  You’ll find everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable barbecue season.

BBQ maintenance and proper care

Taking care of your BBQ is essential for it to perform at its best and endure the hot summer months ahead.

Why maintenance checks are important

• Helps extend the life of your BBQ by preventing the buildup of rust and corrosion
• Maintains cooking efficiency, so your BBQ cooks evenly every time
• Enhances safety, reducing the risk of flare-ups or gas leaks
• Improves flavours by removing old grease and food residue that can affect taste
• Increases the lifespan of your BBQ and saves money by avoiding costly major repairs

Essential BBQ maintenance tasks

Inspect gas connections

• Regularly check the gas hoses for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. If you spot any damage, replace the hoses right away to prevent gas leaks or fire hazards.

Check for gas leaks

• Before every use, perform a gas leak test by applying soapy water to the gas connections. If you see bubbles forming when the gas is turned on, it indicates a leak that needs to be addressed.

Check and clean the burners

• Inspect the burners for blockages and clean them thoroughly with a wire brush to remove grease, food particles, and debris.

Examine the ignition system

• Ensure that your BBQ’s ignition system is functioning correctly. If the igniter isn’t sparking, consider replacing the battery or checking the connections.

Test the thermometer

• To prevent uneven cooking, check the BBQ’s built-in thermometer or use a separate one to verify accurate temperature readings.

Check the wheels and handles

• Make sure the wheels and handles are secure and working properly. Tighten any loose bolts or screws to ensure your BBQ is stable when moving or operating.

Regularly check for any signs of rust

• Check the grill plates, burners and body for rust. Give everything a thorough clean and treat any affected areas.

Ensure smooth operation of moving parts

• Keep the moving parts of your BBQ, like hinges and wheels, well-lubricated to ensure they operate smoothly. Use a food-safe oil to prevent squeaks and rust.

By performing these maintenance checks regularly, you can extend the life of your BBQ, enhance its performance, and ensure safe cooking practices.

How to easily clean your BBQ

Cleaning your BBQ doesn’t have to be a hassle (not with our easy tips!)

Safety First!  Let the BBQ cool down before cleaning. If it’s a gas BBQ, disconnect the gas supply and move it to a stable surface away from flammable materials.

Step 1: Preheat for easy cleaning

Turn on the grill for 15 minutes to loosen debris, making it easier to clean.

Step 2: Scrub the grates

Use a wire grill brush to remove food and residue from the grates.

Step 3: Soak stubborn grime

Soak the grates in warm soapy water, then scrub them again. Dry thoroughly and lightly oil to prevent rust.

Step 4: Clean the drip tray

Remove and wipe down the drip tray to eliminate grease build-up.

Step 5: Interior care

Using a  BBQ scraper, scrape away grease and fat. Clean excess build up with Aktivo Easy Off Oven and BBQ Cleaner. 

Step 6: Burner maintenance

Remove the burners and clean them with a wire brush or pipe cleaner. Scrape away excess grease and then place in a hot bucket of soapy water. Leave to soak before giving them a good scrub.

Step 7: Exterior cleaning

Use warm, soapy water and a sponge to clean the exterior of your BBQ, paying special attention to areas with built-up grease like knobs and handles. For stubborn grease, use a degreaser. Stainless steel exteriors should be cleaned with a non-scratch cleaner like Aktivo Stainless Steel Cooktop Cleaner.

Finish by spraying with stainless-steel protectant to keep it looking shiny and protected from the elements.

Step 8: Check for gas leaks

 Before reconnecting the gas tank, test for leaks by applying soapy water to gas connections. If bubbles form, fix the leak before use.

Our top 12 tips for the perfect BBQ

Our expert tips to help you cook like a seasoned grill master:

• Clean your BBQ after every use to maintain it and avoid grease build-up.
• For charcoal BBQs, remove any old ash and coals before your next BBQ. Give it a wash with warm, soapy water for a fresh start.
• Use baking soda for stubborn grime. Just mix baking soda with water to create a paste, apply it to your grill, and scrub away any tough food residue.
• If you don’t have a grill brush, scrunch up a piece of aluminium foil and use it to scrub your BBQ grill.
• Choose the right brush. For cast iron grills, go for a wire brush with gold-coloured bristles. For stainless steel grills, select a brush with silver-coloured bristles.
• Avoid covering hotplates with aluminium foil, as it can block airflow and lead to uneven cooking.
• When not in use, keep your BBQ covered with a weather-resistant cover to shield it from the elements.
• Don’t use lighter fluid to ignite coals, as it can leave a chemical taste on your food, which is definitely not desirable! Always opt for lighting aids specifically made for BBQs.
• Soak skewers before grilling.  Wooden skewers can burn easily on the grill, so soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Prevent overheating by using a thermometer to check the grill’s temperature. High temperatures can cause flare-ups and uneven cooking.
• Let your meat cook properly before flipping it. Constant overturning can lead to uneven cooking and dryness.
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure your food reaches the right temperature. Don’t rely on guesswork.

Elevate your BBQ game and get perfect results every time!

5 expert tips from renowned Australian grill masters and chefs:

Preheat the grill for perfect cooking

“Preheating your BBQ is key to getting a perfect cook. Always allow your BBQ to heat up properly before you start grilling. A hot grill ensures even cooking and helps prevent food from sticking to the grates.” – Adam Liaw, Celebrity Chef

Use two-zone cooking for better control

“Setting up a two-zone cooking system is a great way to control the heat. One side of the grill should be hot for searing, while the other side remains cooler for indirect cooking. This gives you more flexibility, especially for larger cuts of meat.” – Ben O’Donoghue, BBQ Expert and Chef

Let meat rest before grilling

“Let your meat come to room temperature before you throw it on the BBQ. This allows for more even cooking and helps prevent tough, chewy results. When grilling steaks, also allow the meat to rest after cooking – this helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender and flavourful.” – Scott Pickett, Australian Chef and BBQ Enthusiast

Keep the lid closed for better results

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is opening the BBQ lid too often. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain an even cooking temperature and preserves the smoky flavour. Trust the process, and let the grill do the work!” – Guy Grossi, Celebrity Chef

Don’t overcrowd the grill

“Grilling too much at once can lead to uneven cooking. Space out your food on the BBQ to ensure the heat can circulate properly around each piece. This gives you a much better result, with everything cooked to perfection.” – Paul West, Chef and Presenter of River Cottage Australia

BBQ maintenance made easy at Statewide

Is your BBQ in need of repairs or spare parts? Don’t wait for the festive season rush—visit Statewide Appliance Spares for all your BBQ needs. We stock Australia’s biggest range of spare parts, ensuring your BBQ performs at its best. With speedy delivery, you’ll have everything you need for that perfect Christmas BBQ.