Grill Maintenance Calendar
Most grill problems trace back to one thing: skipped maintenance. Pick your grill, tell us how often you cook and what your climate is like, and we'll build the schedule that keeps it running for a decade.
YOUR SETUP
AFTER EVERY COOK
1 TASKBrush grates while hot
CRITICALBurn off residue on high for 10 minutes, then scrape with a bristle-free scraper or wood scraper.
STEP-BY-STEP HOW-TOWEEKLY
1 TASKEmpty the grease tray
CRITICALFull grease trays are the #1 cause of flare-ups and grease fires. Empty after every couple of cooks.
STEP-BY-STEP HOW-TOMONTHLY
3 TASKSDeep clean grates
RECOMMENDEDSoak in degreaser, scrub, dry, and re-oil. Cast iron grates also get a thin layer of high-heat oil.
STEP-BY-STEP HOW-TOInspect burner tubes and ports
RECOMMENDEDLook for clogged ports, rust, or spiders nesting in the venturi. Clear with a wire brush.
STEP-BY-STEP HOW-TOSoapy-water leak test on gas lines
CRITICALBrush soapy water on all connections and look for bubbles when the tank is open. Tighten or replace any leaking hose.
EVERY 3 MONTHS
1 TASKCalibrate lid thermometer
RECOMMENDEDIce-water and boiling-water test. A 25°F drift will ruin low-and-slow cooks.
STEP-BY-STEP HOW-TOSEASONAL
1 TASKSpring startup checkup
CRITICALFull visual inspection, leak test, burner cleaning, fresh batteries in the igniter, replace cracked hoses.
ONCE A YEAR
2 TASKSInspect / replace burner tubes
RECOMMENDEDBurner tubes are wear items. If you see rust-through, holes, or uneven flame, replace them.
STEP-BY-STEP HOW-TOLubricate hinges and wheels
NICE-TO-HAVEHigh-temp grease on lid hinges, food-safe lube on cart wheels. Five-minute job.
Troubleshooting Hub
Already seeing problems? Diagnose flare-ups, temp swings, and smoke issues.
All How-To Guides
Detailed walkthroughs for every maintenance task on this schedule.
Cold-Weather Hub
Winter storage, snow grilling, and protecting your rig from the freeze.