10 Steps to a New Summer BBQ
by Abigail Franks

Description: Tips for cleaning and maintaining your barbecue for summer.

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Ok, so summer is coming and you need to start thinking about getting out the old BBQ. Many people replace their BBQ equipment every couple of years because it looks bad. Well, if I replaced everything in my home whenever it looked bad, I'd be looking for a new husband. LOL (just kidding darling)

The point is that it's a real shame to simply junk a BBQ because of looks. The most popular BBQ designs are the larger propane type with a double or sometimes even triple burner design. Give it a quick renewal and have a beautiful, like new BBQ for the next few years without replacing a perfectly serviceable unit.

Now, the cost of a BBQ rehabilitation is not as expensive as you might think.

Parts and Supplies:

1 Gallon Natural Degreaser - 12.00
1 Propane extension hose - 8.00
1 Bag of BBQ Volcanic Rock - 10.00
1 Can High Temperature Spray Paint - 5.00
1 Igniter Circuit - 10.00

TOTAL amount spent if all parts on list needed replacement 45 dollars.

Here are a 10 steps to giving that old BBQ a quick tune up and having a like new unit that will give you years of additional service for just a small investment.

1. Remove the propane tank and set aside. We're not going to mess with this part of the unit. Check the regulator and hose. This is the piece that fits onto the propane tank and makes the connection to the BBQ unit itself. If the hose is cracked, simply remove it with an adjustable wrench and take it to the hardware store. They have replacement hoses available for most units. Don't worry about getting a brand name hose either. A universal one with the same type of ends is fine. Check with a store employee about making the connection correctly. It's not difficult but you may need some thread sealant depending on the type of connection.

2. Remove the cooking grates. Now these are probably the dirtiest, grimiest things to clean. While you "could" get a can of oven cleaner, I prefer to use products like Simple Green or a natural degreaser. This product is available at those big box retailers by the gallon for under 10 bucks. There are other degreaser products that work just as well that you can get at the automotive parts store also. Just be certain to get the largest container and cheapest product. Oh, and don't forget to pick up a spray bottle if you don't have an extra at home.

The thing I like about the natural cleaners is that they aren't nearly as toxic to the environment or us. Simply take the grates to a corner of your yard and using a spray bottle of degreaser, give them a good spray on both the top and bottom. Wait a few minutes, scrub with that old BBQ grate brush from last year and spray again. After a couple of coats, wash it all off with water and your grates will look grate..I mean great.

3. Next, there "may" be some volcanic rock or other non combustible type briquettes that were included under the cooking grates to evenly distribute heat from the burners. If you have these, carefully lift out the grate holding these briquettes and throw the rock pieces in the trash. You can get replacements cheap and cleaning them is a real pain. Once again, if the briquette grate is greasy, clean it using the above method.

4. Next, look inside and you will see the burners. If you don't have the briquette layer mentioned above, you will just see the burners. The burners set in place and can be easily removed for cleaning. Once removed, if needed, clean them like your just did to the grates. Spray, scrub and clean. The key here is to make certain all the holes in the burner are clean so the BBQ heats evenly. Note the size of each burner so you can return them back to the same location. Some BBQ units may have one or more different sized burners to fit the total size of the unit.

5. At this point, your BBQ is essentially a metal shell with maybe some wood trim, the valves and possibly a temperature gauge. Use some masking or cellophane tape and cover the tips of the control valves. For identification, they are attached to the knobs. They are also made of brass and have a very small hole in the center of them. You want to keep dirt from getting into the orifice when cleaning. And then, just like all the other pieces, take the BBQ carcass out to the cleaning area and give it a good spray with the degreaser, scrape and remove all the gunk build up and clean it up good!

6. Once dry, the next step is to use masking tape and tape off all parts you wouldn't want to have painted. This would be any wood trim, that thermostat the gas valves and the control panel with the graphics.

7. Use the high temperature paint and give that old BBQ and new look. Most hardware stores carry high temperature spray paint for BBQ's. Give it two good coats outside to freshen it up and make it look like new. Because it's high temperature paint, you "CAN" the inside, I prefer just to leave it. It's clean and even though it may not all be black, there's less chance of flaking paint getting into the food. It's never happened but I prefer being safe than sorry, your choice.

8. Ignitor. Some units have a special, push the button type ignitor circuit. These are available as replacement items if yours doesn't work.

9. Reinstall the burners, grates and other parts.

10. Enjoy your new BBQ.

That's 45 dollars for a completely refurbished, like new BBQ! If you don't HAVE a BBQ, think about picking up one at a local flea market or Garage Tag Sale for cheap and refurb it yourself. Their loss would be your gain.

Now if only I could refurbish the husband for under 50 dollars.

Abigail Franks has 7 children and 7 grandchildren and spends a lot of time cleaning the house. Saving money is always a good thing and her husband refurbs her BBQ every couple of years. Look here for more good fast cleaning tips and information on vacuum cleaner reviews to keep your home fresh and clean.

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