The meals hack you are positive to make use of over and over this summer time is cleansing your grill with an onion. That is proper. As grilling season heats up, there’s a neater approach to clear up post-barbecue that avoids using caustic grill cleaners and detergents.
With only a freshly halved onion, you possibly can break down char and stuck-on gunk in seconds, with out all of the scrubbing and brushing. All you want is a white onion and a grilling fork. Observe these step-by-step instructions on easy methods to clear your grill with an onion, and different common tricks to care on your grill all summer time lengthy.
How you can clear your grill with an onion
1. By no means use water instantly on forged iron grates
Do not use water instantly on forged iron grill grates—it may trigger them to rust, which can hinder the success of future BBQs. As a substitute, keep on with the onion hack (extra on that under) or use a cast-iron pleasant pure grill cleaner.
For those who do not have cast-iron grates, water is okay, notably for end-of-season deep cleanings. To do that, take away the grates and soak them in a bathtub of soapy water (or with a water-vinegar solution). You may also dip your grill brush in some water to assist scrape away particles on the grates post-grill.
2. Use an onion to scrub the grates
After you are executed grilling, go away your grill on. Then, stick half of a white onion on the top of your grilling fork and scrub it face-down alongside the grates. The warmth paired with the natural antibacterial properties of the onion will break down any cussed char or sticky sauce. Bear in mind: The grates needs to be scorching, so use a fork or a pair of tongs to carry the onion (you do not wish to burn your palms). And if meals is absolutely caught, strive utilizing a pure acid, like lemon juice or white wine vinegar, to expedite the method.
For these of you with a charcoal grill, save that onion to cut back food waste. When you’re executed, toss it into the new coals and let the smoky flavors infuse no matter you prepare dinner subsequent.
3. Scrape away extra carbon
Every time you utilize your grill, grease builds up on its elements and smoke vaporizes into carbon, the little flakes that sit in your grill hood. To keep away from dust and carbon entering into your meals, you need to scrape your hood, drip plates, and burners repeatedly.
While you’re soaking these grill grates, use a grill brush alongside the hood to take away any extra carbon and particles. (Be aware: Steel grill brushes are greatest used on the finish of the season fairly than every single day as a result of the bristles can break off and find yourself in your meals.) This Weber grill brush makes use of stainless-steel bristles that can face up to wear-and-tear. And this Grill Brush & Scrape Set ($14) removes any pesky build-up with out leaving a scratch.
Our editors independently choose these merchandise. Making a purchase order by means of our hyperlinks might earn Effectively+Good a fee.