How to Clean a Pellet Grill
Regular Pellet Grill Maintenance
You need to clean your pellet grill after every use. Regular upkeep mostly involves cleaning the grill grates and making sure any leftover pellets are removed from the hopper; this regular maintenance also makes it easier to clean your grill between uses. To properly clean the grates, ensure they've cooled completely before using a grill brush (ideally with nylon bristles, not wire bristles) to scrub away burnt-on food. Some brands also make dishwasher-safe grates; if they fit inside your dishwasher, this is a great way to get them extra clean.
If you use your grill often, there's no need to replace the remaining pellets every time (unless you want to use a different type of pellet). However, if you're not planning to grill for a while (grill season is over, you're going on vacation, etc.), it's best to dump the pellets as old pellets lose their flavor. You'll also want to empty the compartment that catches the ash from the burnt pellets after every use. The design and location of these components will vary depending on your brand and model of pellet grill, so make sure to consult the manual to locate everything before you start cleaning. If the compartment has a liner, be sure to change it regularly. If it's a built-in component, be sure to remove all the ash; a shop vac can help get this done.
Deep Cleaning Your Pellet Grill
Occasional deep cleaning is crucial to get into the nooks and crannies that might get missed during a quick daily cleaning. If you use your pellet grill often, like multiple times a week, you should do a deep clean every 2-3 months. If you're only an occasional user, then you might be able to get away with waiting longer between deep cleaning sessions; if you tend to only use your pellet grill in the summer, for example, make sure you do a deep clean before putting it away for the season. Let's break down deep cleaning your pellet grill step by step:
Empty out the grill
Remove the components inside that are meant to be easily removable, including the grates and drip pan (keep in mind that some pellet grills have built-in drip trays). The goal is to be able to clean the interior of the grill without components in your way.
Empty the pellet hopper
If there are pellets in the hopper, you don't want them getting water or degreaser on them while you clean.
Clean the lid
Food and grease buildup will accumulate on the inside of the lid, which can impact the flavor of your food. Use tools like a scrubbing brush and a putty knife/scraper to gently remove the buildup.
Clean the grates
You can either scrub them with a nylon bristle brush or throw dishwasher-safe grates in the dishwasher, as mentioned above.
Scrub the inside of the chimney
Removing soot from the inside of the chimney and the chimney cap ensures proper airflow.
Vacuum the interior
We recommend using a shop vac (not the vacuum you use inside your house) to suck up residue, debris or sawdust from the wood pellets inside your grill.
Clean the drip tray
Some grills have compatible liners with the drip tray. Change the liner regularly to keep the actual tray cleaner. You'll still want to occasionally clean the tray with warm, soapy water to remove any grease that the liner didn't catch.
Clean the exterior of the grill
You can try a mixture of warm, soapy water and vinegar, but you might be better off using a degreaser. Be careful not to use anything too harsh that can damage the grill. Many grill brands make their own degreaser, so see if there's one from the same brand as your grill. Once the solution has soaked for several minutes, wipe clean. Don't leave any moisture on the grill to avoid rust.
Replace all the components removed in step one
Your pellet grill is ready to use again!
And finally, remember that even the deepest clean won't get your pellet grill back to how it looked the day you brought it home—after all, it's made for cooking outdoors. The goal here is proper care for functionality and safety. The better you are about cleaning your pellet grill, the better it will look and work.
Get Help From Abt's Pellet Grill Experts
New to the world of pellet grills? We have an article with everything you need to know about cooking with pellet grills. And if you still have questions about cleaning your pellet grill, Abt's grill specialists are here to help at 800-860-3577.
Pellet Grill Cleaning FAQs
How often should I clean my pellet grill?
It's best to clean your pellet grill after every use, within 24 hours of cooking. Deep cleaning of the inside and outside should be done every 2-3 months, depending on how often you grill.
How do you clean ash out of a pellet grill?
This varies by brand; in general, your pellet grill will have some sort of compartment that's meant to catch the ash as the pellets burn. Clean this regularly, whether it's replacing the liner of that compartment or vacuuming it out and wiping it clean.
How do I prevent my pellet grill from rusting?
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prevent rusting. Just be sure that if you're using water to clean any component of your grill, that you fully dry it.
