It’s fun to cook delicious food on your Char-Broil infrared grill, but after you’re done, it’s time to show your grill some love. Keeping your grill clean is important not just for how it looks, but also for how well it works and how long it lasts. Whether you are a seasoned grill master or a casual cook in your garden, learning how to clean your Char-Broil infrared grill properly will make sure that every cooking session is a sizzling success.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, from the grates to the outside, giving you helpful hints along the way. So, get ready to say goodbye to greasy buildup and hello to a grill that is clean, shiny, and ready to make cooking magic.
How to Clean Your Infrared Char-Broil Grill
Cleaning your Char-Broil infrared grill is important if you want it to work well, last longer, and keep the taste of the food you cook. Infrared grills from Char-Broil use new technology to spread heat evenly and cook food that tastes great. Regular cleaning helps keep fires from starting, keeps grease from building up, and keeps food from getting contaminated. Follow these specific steps to clean your Char-Broil infrared grill well to make sure it stays in good shape:
Step 1: Put safety first
Before you start cleaning your Char-Broil infrared grill, it’s important to think about safety first. Start by making sure the grill is turned off and, if necessary, removed from its power source. This takes away the chance of accidentally starting a fire or getting an electric shock while you are cleaning. When you clean, you should always wear gloves to protect your hands from grease and dirt.
Step 2: Get the things you need
Getting all the cleaning materials you need before you start will speed up the process and keep you from having to stop. You’ll need a grill brush with strong bristles to get rid of stuck-on food, a grill scraper for tough spots, a strong bucket for soaking parts, warm soapy water (with mild dish soap) in the bucket, a non-abrasive cleaning cloth or sponge, absorbent paper towels, and a grill cover to protect your clean grill after the cleaning process.
Step 3: Take off the grates and emitter trays
Start by taking the lid off the grill and carefully taking out the food grates and emitter trays. Most likely, grease, burned bits, and bits of food have built up on these parts. Find a clean, safe place nearby to put these parts. Make sure they won’t damage the area or leave spots that look bad.
Step 4: Clean up the mess
After taking off the grates and emitter trays, the next step is to clean any obvious dirt from these parts. Use your grill brush or scraper to gently scrape away any big food particles, grease buildup, or other debris that may have stuck to these surfaces. This first scraping makes it possible to clean more thoroughly in the next steps.
Step 5: Put grates and trays in water
Fill your bucket with warm water and a light dish soap to get rid of the tougher grease and dirt. Make sure the cooking grates and emitter trays are fully submerged in the soapy water. Give them about 15 to 30 minutes to soak. This helps ease the buildup, which makes it easier to get rid of when you clean it later.
Step 6: Wash the inside
While the grates and trays are soaking, pay attention to the inside of the grill. Using your grill brush or scraper, gently clean the infrared cooking grates, burners, and other internal parts of any loose debris, ash, or grease. Be careful not to be too violent, because these parts can be fragile.
Step 7: Clean the inside surfaces
Once the loose dirt is gone, wet a soft cloth or sponge that won’t scratch with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the inside areas of the grill with a soft cloth. Pay extra attention to places like the stove cover and the sides of the grill where grease has built up. This step not only gets rid of grease, but it also takes care of any burned bits that are still there.
Step 8: Clean the emitter trays and grates
Back to the grates and emitter trays that are soaking, it’s time to clean them better. Use your cloth or sponge to scrub off the residue, which has now softened. Use a little more pressure in places where the growth is stubborn. As you clean, rinse the parts with clean water every so often to get rid of the loose residue and soap.
Step 9: Get rid of tough residue
If the first cleaning didn’t get rid of any stubborn messes, you might need to hire a professional grill cleaner. These items are made to break down and remove tough grease and grime. Follow the directions carefully, putting the cleaner where it says to and letting it work as told. Then, use your cloth or sponge to gently scrub away the loose waste, making sure to rinse off all of the cleaner afterward.
Step 10: Clean out the grease tray
Find the tray at the bottom of the grill where the grease collects. Carefully take the tray out and make a note of what’s on it. Follow the rules in your area for how to get rid of the grease. Wipe the tray down with a wet cloth to get rid of any leftover food. This step makes it less likely that old grease will build up and cause a fire.
Step 11: Clean Exterior Surfaces
You should also pay attention to the outside of your grill. Wipe down the outside of the grill gently with your wet cloth. This gets rid of any dirt, grease, or other grime that might have built up. If you need to, you can use a light cleaning solution, but you should avoid any harsh cleaners that could damage the finish of the grill.
Step 12: Clean and put back together
Make sure everything is completely dry before putting the grill back together. Rust and other kinds of wear and tear can be caused by moisture. Once the cooking grates, emitter trays, and all the other inner parts are dry, put them back together, making sure they are properly aligned and firmly in place.
Step 13: Rub the grates with oil
Take a moment to season the food grates before you fire up the grill for your next meal. Put a small layer of cooking oil on each surface of the grates. This helps keep food from sticking to the grill and adds to the taste and sear of your dishes as a whole.
Step 14: Put the grill cover on
Now that your grill has been cleaned, seasoned, and put back together, put a grill cover on it. This protective cover keeps the grill safe from things like rain, dust, and UV rays, which helps it last longer and stay clean between uses.
By carefully following these steps, you can make sure that your Char-Broil infrared grill will be a reliable cooking partner for years to come, giving you delicious, evenly cooked meals every time. Regular upkeep and thorough cleaning make grilling easy and enjoyable, and they also keep your grill running well and lasting for a long time.
Different Ways to Clean Your Char-Broil Infrared Grill
Even though the full step-by-step guide above gives you a complete way to clean your Char-Broil infrared grill, there are a few other methods and techniques that you might find useful in certain cleaning situations or if you just like doing things a certain way. You can add these extra ways to your normal cleaning routine or use them as needed:
Method 1: Soak in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Vinegar and baking soda are both common home items that can be used to clean very well. By putting them together, you can make a strong way to clean the parts of your Char-Broil infrared grill that are hard to clean.
Start by putting equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture all over the cooking grates and emitter trays, making sure that they are properly covered. After spraying, put a lot of baking soda on the areas that are still wet. When the vinegar and baking soda come in contact with each other, they make a natural fizzing action that helps break down grease and residue.
Give the solution about 15 to 20 minutes to do its thing. During this time, the acidity of the vinegar and the abrasiveness of the baking soda will soften the stubborn buildup. Once the time is up, gently scrub the surfaces with a grill brush or a cleaning pad. The softerened mess should be easier to clean up.
To finish, rinse the cooking grates and emitter trays well with clean water to get rid of any vinegar, baking soda, or loosening residue that is still on them. This method not only cleans well, but because vinegar is a natural deodorizer, it also makes your grill smell nice.
Method 2: Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a way to get tough dirt off your Char-Broil infrared grill by using the power of heat and water. This environmentally friendly method works well for parts with baked-on dust that can be hard to get off.
Start by turning on your grill and letting it heat up for a few minutes to get the cooking plates and emitter trays ready. While the grill is getting hot, soak a clean sponge or cloth in warm water. Wring out any extra water, but leave a little bit of water on the cloth.
Hold the wet cloth against the cooking grates and emitter trays to clean them. The heat from the grill will turn the water on the cloth into steam, which will help break up the stuck-on food. Leave the cloth in place for a few minutes to let the steam get to the buildup.
After the steam has had a chance to work, use the wet cloth to gently wipe away the softened residue. You can use a grill brush or tool to help with spots that are especially hard to clean. When heat and water are added to the material, it softens and becomes easier to remove without having to scrub too hard.
Method 3: Scrub with Lemon Juice and Salt
Lemon juice and salt are both natural things that can cut through grease and grime like magic. This method not only cleans your grill parts well, but it also leaves them smelling like fresh citrus.
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a bowl to start. Lemon juice is a strong degreaser because of how acidic it is. Mix an equal amount of lemon juice and table salt to make a paste. The salt acts as a soft agent that helps get rid of hard residue.
Spread a lot of the lemon juice and salt paste on the cooking grates and the emitter trays. Make sure to get rid of all the sticky spots. Give the paste about 10–15 minutes to sit. During this time, the lemon juice will break down the grease while the salt flakes will gently scrub.
After the paste has had time to work, gently scrub the surfaces with a grill brush or cleaning pad. The lemon juice and salt should make it easier to get the melted residue off. Lastly, rinse the parts well with water to get rid of any leftover lemon juice and salt.
Method 4: Keep a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Setting up a regular degreasing process after each time you grill can cut down on the number of times you have to do a lot of cleaning. This method focuses on avoiding too much buildup by adding a few easy steps to your routine after you grill.
Take advantage of the heat left in the grill after you are done cooking. Turn the heat up a little bit and let the grill run for a few minutes. This last burst of heat helps loosen any food bits and grease that are still stuck on the cooking grates and emitter trays.
Use a grill brush to gently remove any leftover dirt from the grill while it is still hot. Using heat and a brush will help remove any food that stuck to the pan while it was cooking. As you brush, pay attention to all areas and make sure the whole cooking surface is covered.
Use a wet cloth or sponge to clean the inside of the grill after you’ve brushed it. This step makes sure that your grill is clean and ready to use again. It catches any loose dirt that you brushed off. This regular degreasing practice not only keeps the grill cleaner, but it also helps it work better.
Method 5: Use Aluminum Foil to Get Rid of Tough Residue
Aluminum foil is a flexible material that you can use in different ways. For example, you can use it as a soft abrasive tool to get rid of baked-on residue on your Char-Broil infrared grill.
Start by making a ball out of a piece of metal foil. The uneven surface of the foil makes it easy to scrub without being rough. Scrub the cooking grates and emitter trays gently with the foil ball in your hand. Use modest pressure in places where the buildup is especially stubborn.
The rough surface of the aluminum foil will help break up the tough waste without hurting the grill’s parts. As you scrub, you’ll probably see the material break up and get easier to get off.
After scrubbing away the leftover food, thoroughly rinse the cooking grates and emitter trays with water. This makes sure that no pieces of metal foil are left on the parts. This method is an easy and effective way to get rid of tough buildup without using strong chemicals or rough scrubbers.
Tips for Keeping Your Char-Broil Infrared Grill in Good Shape
Keeping your Char-Broil infrared grill clean and working well is important if you want to have consistent grilling success and get more use out of your purchase. By adding preventive steps to your routine, you can avoid too much waste and make cleaning sessions easier to handle. Here is a complete list of maintenance tips to keep your grill in great shape:
Pre-Heat and Pre-Clean
Let your grill warm up for a few minutes before each time you use it. This not only makes sure the food cooks evenly, but it also helps burn off any food residue from the last use. Once the grill is hot, use a grill brush to clean the cooking grates fast and get rid of any loose food.
Use a Dripping Pan
Put a drip pan under the stove grate to catch grease and other liquids that fall through. This not only stops flare-ups and lowers the chance of a fire, but also makes it easier to clean the inside of the grill. Regularly empty the drip pan so it doesn’t overflow and cause damage.
Brush During Grilling
Use a grill brush to remove any trash or food from the cooking grates every so often as you grill. This keeps buildup from happening and keeps food from sticking to the grates while cooking.
Oil the Grates
Oil the cooking plates with a high-heat cooking oil before you put food on them. This not only keeps things from sticking, but also makes a protective layer that makes cleaning up after grilling easy.
Use Foil or Grill Mats
For delicate foods that might stick to the grill grates, you might want to use grill mats or aluminum foil. These items make it easy to clean up because they put a barrier between the food and the grates.
Don’t Open the Lid
Don’t keep opening the lid of the grill while you’re cooking. Keeping the lid closed helps keep the temperature even, cuts down on cooking time, and reduces the chance of flare-ups caused by air getting in.
Brush After Grilling
When you’re done grilling and the grill is still hot, use a grill brush to clean the cooking grates of any food that is stuck to them. This keeps grease from getting hard and makes the next time you grill more fun.
Regular Deep Cleaning
At least once a month, or more often if you use your grill a lot, give it a good, thorough cleaning. This includes taking out the cooking grates, emitter trays, and other parts of the inside to clean them, and then putting them back together after cleaning.
Cover Your Grill
Spend money on a good cover that fits your Char-Broil infrared grill. Covering the grill when it’s not being used keeps dust, dirt, and other things from getting into it. A cover also keeps water from building up, which makes rust less likely.
Check for Leaks
Check the gas lines and links for leaks or damage every so often. When the grill is turned on, use a mixture of soapy water to look for bubbles at the connection places. If you find a break, fix it right away so you can use the grill again.
Store Properly in Off-Season
When you won’t be using the grill much, you might want to put it somewhere dry and out of the way. If you can, take the gas tank off and put it somewhere with good airflow.
Season Your Grill Grates
Season your grill edges by putting a thin layer of cooking oil on them every so often. This stops rust and makes the surface less sticky over time.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Put your grill far away from things that can catch fire, like trees, plants, and buildings. This lowers the chance of fires starting by mistake and makes sure there is enough airflow for safe grilling.
By using these preventive tips every time you grill, you can make sure your Char-Broil infrared grill stays in good shape. Not only will you get regularly tasty food, but you will also make your grill last longer, making it a reliable and fun cooking partner for years to come.
How Often Should My Char-Broil Infrared Grill Be Cleaned?
Cleaning your Char-Broil infrared grill is an important part of keeping it in good shape and making sure it lasts as long as possible. How often you clean your grill relies on things like how often you use it and how intense your grilling sessions are. As a general rule, it’s best to give your Char-Broil infrared grill a full cleaning at least once a month.
Regular cleaning once a month keeps grease, food residue, and other garbage from building up, which can cause uneven heat distribution, flare-ups, and even possible food contamination. But it’s important to remember that this monthly cleaning needs to be paired with more instant steps.
After each time you grill, it’s a good idea to do a quick cleanup by using a grill brush to clean the food grates and inside surfaces of the grill. This practice after grilling not only keeps the grill cleaner but also makes the deep cleanings you do once a month easier to do.
If you cook a lot or have a lot of people over, you might find that you need to clean your grill more often. When the grill is used a lot, it gets dirty faster, which can affect how well it works overall. On the other hand, if you use your grill less often, you might be able to wait 6 to 8 weeks between deep cleanings. However, you should still clean up after each use.
In the end, the goal is to find a good mix between routine maintenance and deep cleaning. By sticking to a regular cleaning routine, you can make sure that your Char-Broil infrared grill gives you consistent and tasty results, as well as extend its life and keep it in great shape.
How Do You Clean the Outside of a Char-Broil Infrared Grill?
Cleaning the outside of your Char-Broil infrared grill is important not only to keep it looking good but also to make it last longer. To clean the outside well, use a methodical approach that includes gentle cleaning techniques with the right cleaning products. Before you start cleaning, make sure the grill is off and has cooled down totally.
First, use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to remove any loose dust, dirt, or spider webs. This first step keeps the cleaning process from scratching the grill’s surface. Pay attention to places like cracks, handles, and knobs where dirt can gather.
Next, mix together some light soap or dish soap and warm water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water, squeeze out any extra water, and wipe down the outside surfaces softly. This method gets rid of general dirt and stains without hurting the finish of the grill. For tough stains, you might need to press a little harder, but don’t use rough scrubbers because they could scratch the surface.
If your Char-Broil infrared grill is made of stainless steel, you can use a stainless steel cleaner or polish to make it shine and keep fingerprints from showing. Using a clean cloth and a small amount of the polish, rub the stainless steel surfaces in the direction of the grain. Always read the instructions on the cleaner to make sure it works with the material of your grill.
After you’ve cleaned all the outside surfaces, give the cloth or sponge a good rinse and wipe off any wet spots. Wipe everything down with a clean, damp cloth to get rid of any soap that is still there. Lastly, use a dry, lint-free cloth to dry the outside as much as possible to avoid water spots and reduce the chance of rust.
FAQs
Can I clean my grill with regular cleaners?
If you want to clean your Char-Broil infrared grill, it’s best to use light dish soap or cleaners made just for grills. Don’t use harsh chemicals or rough cleaners. These can hurt the surface of the grill and make it work less well. Use soft solutions and tools that don’t scratch to clean well without hurting anything.
How do I clean the plates that send out infrared light?
To clean the infrared emitter plates, take them off the grill and clean them as directed by the maker. Use a grill brush to gently remove any loose debris. Use a cloth or sponge that won’t scratch and warm soapy water to clean the plates. Use a special grill cleaner, as directed by the maker, to get rid of residue that won’t come off.
How should the cooking plates be cleaned?
To clean the grill regularly, heat it up first and then use a grill brush to remove any extra food from the cooking grates. Remove the grates, soak them in warm soapy water, and scrub them with a cloth or brush to clean them better. If you need to, use a special grill cleaner to get rid of stubborn buildup. Rinse well and let dry before putting back together.
How do I keep my infrared grill from getting flare-ups?
When grease and drips come in touch with high heat, flare-ups happen. Before cooking, get rid of any extra fat on the meat and don’t put too much oily sauce on it. Keep an eye on your grill so you can quickly change the heat or move the food away from the flames if a fire starts.
Can I clean my grill with a power washer?
It’s not a good idea to clean your grill with a power washer. The high pressure could hurt sensitive parts like the control knobs and IR emitter plates. Stick to cleaning your grill by hand with gentle solutions and non-abrasive tools to keep it from getting damaged by accident.
How do I keep the outside of my grill in good shape?
Use a wet cloth or sponge to clean the outside of your grill regularly. Use a mild cleaner that is safe for the grill’s finish on spots that won’t come off. Avoid using rough materials or strong chemicals on the outside, as they can scratch or damage it. Putting a coat of automotive wax on the grill’s finish can help protect it from the weather.
When I’m not using my Char-Broil infrared grill, should I cover it?
Yes, you should cover your grill when you’re not using it. A grill cover guards the grill from rain, sun, dust, and other things that can happen outside. This keeps your grill from rusting, fading, and breaking down in other ways, making it last longer.
How do I get rid of rust on the sides of my grill?
Use a wire brush or a grill tool to get rid of the rust on your grill grates. After brushing, wipe the grates with a cloth that has been wet with cooking oil. This will make a barrier against rust that will keep it from coming back. Seasoning the grates regularly also keeps them from getting rusty and keeps them from sticking.
Can I use water to clean the inside of my grill?
You can clean the inside of your grill with water, but you should be careful not to use too much because it could get into sensitive parts. Don’t let electrical parts, like the starting system, get wet. Instead, wipe down the inside with a wet cloth or sponge, and make sure to dry everything well when you’re done.
How should the stove cover be cleaned?
Grease and other gunk can build up on the burner cover. Take it off and scrub it gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Use a special grill cleaner and follow the instructions from the maker to get rid of residue that won’t come off. Rinse the burner cover well and make sure it is completely dry before putting it back on.
I have a Char-Broil electric grill. Can I use aluminum foil on it?
Yes, aluminum foil can be used on a grill. It’s a good way to protect fragile foods or keep them from coming in direct touch with the grates. But make sure that the foil doesn’t cover the whole grilling area. If it does, it could affect how well the grill works and how evenly the food cooks.
How do I store my grill when it’s not being used?
When you don’t use your Char-Broil infrared grill as often, keep it in a dry, protected place. If you can, take the gas tank off and put it somewhere with good airflow. Use a grill cover to keep dust and other things from getting into the grill.
Can the buttons on my grill be cleaned?
Yes, you can clean the control knobs, but don’t let water or cleaning products get into the holes. To clean the knobs, use a damp cloth or a cloth with light soapy water. Dry them well so that water doesn’t get into the ignition or control systems and mess them up.
How can I tell if the heat emitter plate on my grill needs to be replaced?
Check the infrared emitter plates for signs of damage or wear and tear on a frequent basis. If you see a lot of rust, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear, it might be time to replace them. Damaged emitter plates can affect how heat is spread and how well the grill works generally. Check with the company that made your grill to find new parts that will work with it.
Final Thoughts
A clean Char-Broil infrared grill isn’t just nice to look at; it also shows that you take care of your outdoor cooking equipment. By following the cleaning steps in this guide, you’ll not only keep the grill looking good, but you’ll also keep it working well and extending its life.
Regular cleaning keeps tough residues from building up, makes sure heat is spread evenly, and reduces the chance of flare-ups that could hurt the quality of your food. Whether you like to grill on the weekends or are a seasoned pitmaster, taking the time to clean your Char-Broil infrared grill is an investment in the tasty meals and special times it helps you make.
So, remember to do these things, from cleaning the sides to cleaning the outside, to keep your grill in great shape and ready to cook your favorite foods every time you turn it on. If you take care of your Char-Broil infrared grill, it will keep giving you delicious food and outdoor fun for years to come.
