Grate Cleaning

RLT1037

After 10 great smokes and one slightly over done, I decided the stainless grate is a PIA to clean with steel wool soap pads and nearly impossible to get clean at the welds for my large GE. I admit I am a shinny freak but me as I am. I tried various soap/vinegar/etc. solutions on the web and none did their calling. I have found spraying the grate with a oil like "Pam" to aid in the cleaning. I tried various egg grate brushes and even made a brush holder to fit in my vibrating tool with little success.

Conclusion is the grate design is flawed. So I made a grate from Flat 304 Stainless steel using 9 gauge expanded steel with 3/4" diamond holes. That is 17.75" in diameter for the large green egg. The expanded steel circle is ringed with 1/8" x 1/2" rectangular 304 stock and spot welded about every 2-3". Three racks of ribs later and the test commenced. The steel wool pads wore out rapidly. So I resorted to a rotary wire cup brush in my drill. Success! About 3-4 minutes and every tarnish was gone. Still need to try the rotary wire brush on the original grate.

BTW - I found the "MEATER" thermometer to be a godsend in addition to the BGE thermostat.

Langner91

You scrubbed it with SOS after cooking on it?  Aren't you worried about one of those little wires getting lodged in your throat?  Aren't you worried about what is in the soap they put in those things?  I will take that grid off your hands and properly sanitize it on my egg at about 600°F if you'd like.

I hope no wires come out of your rotary wire brush.

Seriously, get it hot and scrape it with a screwdriver or putty knife.  It's a grill grid, not a medical device.  A little black stuff adds character.

Sit down before you read further.  Some guys here let their dogs lick their grid to clean it....

Soap?
Vinegar?
I don't know who Pam is, but I hope she doesn't get tired of waiting to eat while you clean your grid.

lousubcap

@RLT1037 - welcome aboartd and enjoy the journey.  Above all, have fun.

I have found that the best grate cleaner is the next fire.  Works every time. 

danhoo

The only time I "clean" cooking grates/grids is when I'm selling a grill or smoker. I use oven cleaner in a trash bag. 

I have done this twice in my life and I'm sure both times helped the grill sell in days.

Otherwise, I agree with @lousubcap

YukonRon

I get it. I scrub mine with automotive grade scuffing pads, until it is visually acceptable, and inspected for any remaining shreds, prior to cooking. It gets a clean burn a couple times per year, and it is fine. 

As long as you are satisfied in your process is all that matters, the food will always be excellent. 

Hope you are having fun. 

Elijah

I throw mine in the pizza oven whenever I get it out 

CGS

a 20 minute slow spin in the parts cleaning cabinet: 150°F at PH 12 and good spray rinse afterwards does the job. 

t

MaskedMarvel

Lots easier to clean when warm right after the cook…

Botch

Welcome!
Back when I was a "shiny freak" I'd place the lid of my Rubbermade trash can on the ground upside-down, fill it with hot water and white vinegar, and let the grid soak in that overnight.  Quick wipe with a green scrubbie thingie and they stayed clean.
I'm not a shiny freak anymore; use the CI grid almost exclusively, flat-side up, and hit it with a putty knife if necessary.  

RRP

Botch said:

Welcome!
Back when I was a "shiny freak" I'd place the lid of my Rubbermade trash can on the ground upside-down, fill it with hot water and white vinegar, and let the grid soak in that overnight.  Quick wipe with a green scrubbie thingie and they stayed clean.
I'm not a shiny freak anymore; use the CI grid almost exclusively, flat-side up, and hit it with a putty knife if necessary.  

Same idea here - except I use a metal lid. But besides using mine for cleaning only I also use mine for a huge drip pan for ingress loading the grill with messy meats such as my Georgia Red Wings that had been marinating and then egress of the hot foods so the fire doesn't go nuclear while unloading.

ColtsFan

Kill it with fire. Never cleaned a grate in my 10 year BGE life.