Kevin's Backyard

I know my last post was geared to all those gas grill lovers out there, but fret not my charcoal friends. I haven't forgotten about you. Grill cleaning and maintenance is just as important for charcoal grills as they are for gas, and now is the perfect time to learn the ropes. After all, year-round grilling brings great flavor to every season, but there are some particularly great grilling days coming up soon as the holidays approach.

Every griller knows how much families and friends look forward to this time of the year. Nothing beats gathering everyone together to enjoy a bold, delicious grilled meal. So in order to get your Weber charcoal grill ready for these important events, follow this simple checklist to ensure it's in perfect working order to fire up the most festive of feasts.

• The inside of our lids are coated with baked-on porcelain enamel that cannot peel, but occasionally you may see some small pieces of debris that look like paint. Don't worry though. These are not paint of any kind. They're actually deposits of grease and smoke that collect during normal use. They are non-toxic and can be easily removed by brushing them away with a stainless steel brush before you start grilling. To prevent future build-up, wipe with paper towels or a mild soap-and-water solution after every grilling session. Make sure the grill is warm, not hot, when you do so.
• Cleaning the inside of the bowl can be done in just two quick steps. First, use the One-Touch® system to clean excess debris and ash out of the kettle bowl. And second, clean any leftover residue with a mild dish soap and steel wool pad—for best results, make sure you have both, not just one or the other.
• Your cooking grates can be cleaned very easily before grilling is done. Before cooking, preheat the grill by opening all the vents and keeping the grill at a high temperature for 10­–15 minutes. Then use a stainless steel bristle brush to remove any excess debris left on the grates. This is important because any residue left on the cooking grate could cause food to stick during future grilling.
• With the charcoal grill cool to the touch, use a mild detergent soap or glass cleaner to wipe down the lid and the bowl. This will eliminate any excess debris and will help bring back your grill's original spotless liquid glass shine.
• Last, clean out the ash catcher and you are all done.

Really, a little cleaning can go a long way in keeping your charcoal grill at its best. So follow these 5 simple steps and you're sure to have a very happy grilling holiday—not to mention tasty grilled meals every other day of the year.