How to Clean a Pellet Grill?
After spending the afternoon smoking or grilling BBQ on your pellet grill, it’s time to tackle the aftermath. Blah! We get it, cleaning is no fun!
You know you have to clean your pellet grill or face a potential issue (such as a grease fire) next time you fire it up.
In this article, we’ll walk through a simple, step-by-step guide for how to clean a pellet grill.
From dealing with grease to clearing ash, we’ve got you covered on the basics.
Recommended items for cleaning a pellet grill:
- Gloves – prefer heat resistant but only if grill is hot
- Grill Brush – if your grill grates are porcelain-coated, opt for a nylon bristle brush to avoid damaging the coating (grill brushes come with metal or nylon/plastic bristles)
- Small vacuum (like a shop vac)
- Clean sponge
- Warm water with mild dish detergent
- Plastic/Silicone scraper
- Paper towels, rags, etc
How often should I clean my pellet grill?
The key to keeping your pellet grill running smoothly is regular cleaning. Here are the basics to keep in mind:
| What to do | How often? | Why and How to Do it |
|---|---|---|
| Brush or scrape the grill grates | After each use | Removes charred bits and debris. Use a grill brush, and every 5-10 cooks, scrub with a grill stone to prevent caked-on residue. |
| Check and empty the grease bucket | Every few uses | Prevents grease buildup that can impede airflow and affect cooking. Replace the grease bucket liner as needed. |
| Check and scrape drip tray | Every 5-10 cooks | Scrape debris from drip/grease tray or replace foil. |
| Vacuum out the interior | Every 5-10 cooks | Remove the grates, heat baffle, and grease tray to access all areas. Use a shop vac to remove ash and dust. |
| Check and empty the burn pot | Every 5-10 cooks | Excess ash can affect ignition and heat distribution. |
| Wipe down exterior surfaces | As needed | Pay attention to the hopper lid, which can collect dust and residue. |
| Deep clean the interior | 2-4 times per year | For carbonized grease deposits, use a degreasing spray like Simple Green. Rinse thoroughly before use. |
Instructions for How to Clean a Pellet Grill
Always let the grill cool down at least some before starting any step listed below…
Brush or scrape the grill grates
- Wear heat-resistant barbecue mitts to avoid burns.
- While the grill is still warm (not hot), use a grill brush to scrub the cooking grates clean of food debris and residue after each use.
- Scrub gently along the grill grate lines with a quality brush.
- To deep clean grill grates (every 5 – 10 cooks)
- Every 5-10 cooks, use water and mild dish soap on a scrub pad for a deeper clean to handle baked on grease and residue on the grates. Rinse thoroughly after soaping and allow to fully dry to prevent food from sticking.
Check and empty the grease bucket
- Remove the grease bucket.
- Pour grease into trash can or onto the ground somewhere in your yard.
- Optional –> Wash the tray with hot soapy water and rins.
- Optional –> Use a replaceable aluminum liner. This is what I do since they make life easier!!
- To deep clean –> Clean the grease chute by scrubbing the interior with a grill stone or brush and hot water.
Check and scrape drip tray
- Remove drip tray from pellet grill.
- Scrape debris from drip tray using plastic putty knife or replace foil.
Vacuum out the interior & Clean Firepot
On a pellet grill, ash will accumulate over time in barrel and firepot areas. Regular ash removal is essential for proper airflow and heat control. Here’s how:
- Remove grill grates and heat diffuser plate to access the firepot underneath.
- Carefully remove ash buildup inside the firepot using a small metal shovel or vacuum. Scrape off any large debris chunks or leftover pellet dust. You want to get down to the original metal surface.
- If your pellet grill has an ash drawer at the bottom, check it now. Empty it fully whenever it gets about half full. This helps prevent airflow restriction.
- Vacuum out the interior barrel to remove loose ash. Pay special attention to the firepot, ensuring all ventilation openings are debris-free.
- Check all gaskets and seals on lids, making sure they close tightly. Replace them if you see cracking, warping, or lots of buildup. Proper seals prevent air leaks.
- Give metal surfaces a good wipe down inside and out..
Wiping Down the Outside Surfaces
Keep your pellet grill looking shiny and new by regularly wiping down the outside surfaces. This prevents a buildup of dust, dirt, and grime which can make your grill look less than pristine:
Spray with cleaner
Wipe down
- Using a dry soft cloth or paper towel, give all outside surfaces a quick wipe-down to remove loose dirt and debris
- Pay special attention to the lid, side tables, and control panel.
- Use degreasing wipes or a spray degreaser for stubborn dirt or grease
- Apply the degreasing agent to the cloth instead of spraying directly on the grill to avoid getting cleaning chemicals into the interior components.
- Wipe in the direction of the grain of the metal to prevent scratches.
- Dry with a soft towel — prevents water spots
- Optional –> Use stainless steel polish on stainless steel models.
Wipe with damp paper towel
After cleaning
Maintaining Your Pellet Grill After Cleaning
After a good deep cleaning, keeping your pellet grill in tip-top shape is easier than you think. Follow these simple maintenance steps:
| Maintenance Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Inspect and vacuum often | Check for grease buildup, ash, dirt, or signs of rust every few cooks. Use a soft brush and vacuum to remove debris before it bakes on. |
| Empty the grease tray regularly | Don’t let grease overflow as it can be a fire hazard. Scrape excess grease after every use. |
| Cover when not in use | Invest in a waterproof grill cover to protect your grill from the elements when stored outside. This prevents rust and corrosion. |
| Check for damaged parts | Do a periodic inspection of interior components like the auger, fire pot, and heat baffle. Replace any broken or very worn parts. |
| Lubricate parts that move | Put a little cooking oil on the auger shaft so it moves smoothly. Grease the grill’s wheels as needed. |
| Calibrate the thermometer | Use an oven thermometer to double-check your grill’s thermometer for accuracy. Recalibrate if more than 15°F off. |
| Clean the pellet hopper | Remove all pellets, vacuum out dust and debris, and wipe with a dry cloth before refilling with fresh pellets. |
| Replace grill gaskets | Check the lid and body gaskets yearly. If cracked or flattened, replace to ensure an airtight seal for maximum efficiency. |
Conclusion
There you have it. You now know how to clean a pellet grill like a pro. Keep it clean and it will serve you well for years.
This regular maintenance will keep it running smoothly and efficiently while producing that perfect smoky flavor we all crave. Staying on top of these maintenance tasks will keep your pellet grill running smoothly for years of delicious BBQs to come.
Check the manufacturer’s care and maintenance guide too for any grill-specific steps. With a little TLC, your grill will keep on grilling season after season.
More Pellet Grill Resources from New Creation Food…
- Can you use a pellet grill in the garage?
- How a pellet grills work
- How long do pellet grills last
- How long do pellets last in a pellet grill
- Pellet Smoked Brisket
- Pellet Smoked pork belly burnt ends
- 11 BBQ Tips for Beginners
- Kid-Friendly Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
- Best Smokers for a Beginner
- Best Grill Smoker Combos (for beginners)
FAQ – How to Clean a Pellet Grill
Should I clean the inside of my pellet smoker?
Yes, but not all the time! Maintaining a fairly clean interior in your pellet smoker is crucial for consistently producing delicious BBQ. Don’t overdo it though…building up seasoning is important for flavoring.
What should I clean the inside of my smoker with?
When cleaning the inside of your smoker, opt for the simple, gentle tools and supplies mentioned earlier.
A light scrub using a grill brush or aluminum foil can do wonders for the grates.
Address stubborn spots with a mild dish soap and cloth, followed by a water rinse. For tougher residue, rely on a putty knife to remove it without harming your smoker.
Do you have to clean a pellet grill after every use?
I recommend at least scraping the grill grates as described above. Everything else can be done less often.
Reference this table for what to do and how often.
What happens if you don’t clean your pellet grill?
Skipping out on cleaning your pellet grill can lead to performance issues.
Can I pressure wash my pellet grill?
I do not recommend using a pressure washer to clean a pellet grill. The aggressive nature of pressure washers can damage components, all water to get inside (not desirable!), etc.
How to clean a Traeger Grill?
This entire article applies to cleaning Traeger Pellet Grills and any other brand!
