It’s an old adage that the best way to keep a spotless kitchen is to clean it while cooking at the same time. This is a great way to make good use of your meal preparation time as you can get little cleaning tasks completed as you wait for cooking processes to finish. This same concept can also be applied to cooking on your grill, and you will find that cleaning, as you go, can save you a lot of time later. Let’s take a closer look at how you can minimize those dreaded post cookout cleanup woes.

Next Level Grilling

When you cook on your grill, use a high heat cooking spray to coat your grates. This will help to avoid sticking and remember that less is more when it comes to using oil on your grill. You can also avoid flare-ups by using leaner cuts of meat, trimming away fat and using less oily marinades. This is not only better from a health perspective, but it’s also a great way to reduce the amount of mess on your grill.

Some Useful Grilling Accessories

Grilling accessories are a great way to keep your grill under control, and many of them are squarely aimed at reducing splashes and mess.

1. A Shelf Mat

Cooking with grease and sauces ensures that some messes are likely to happen during a cookout no matter what. A shelf mat can help by offering protection from sauces, oil and marinades dripping off your grilling tools. Check your model; you may find a shelf mat that is compatible with your grill, look for one that won’t scratch stainless steel and make sure it’s dishwasher safe.

2. A Grill Brush

Brushing is the best way to remove stuck-on food deposits and other residues that can accumulate on your grill during cooking. A clean grill is less prone to dangerous flare-ups, and your food will taste far cleaner. It’s easier to brush a grill clean when it’s still hot, but take care and stay safe.

3. A Grill Mat

A grill mat under your grill will help catch any wayward splashes that occur during your cookout. Oil and sauce stains could easily tarnish your patio surface, so some extra protection is recommended. If you need to cover a very large area, a tarp could be an option in a pinch.

4. Dishwasher Safe Options

We touched on this above, but there are many modern grill accessories that are dishwasher safe. These are usually made of stainless steel, and increasingly we are seeing a lot of useful silicone products. These items can really help simplify cleanup at the end of your grilling session.

Prepping the Grill for Next Time 

When you’re getting ready for a grilling session, there is nothing worse than having a grill that’s not ready to go. When you finish a cookout, take a little time and get it prepared in advance to be used again. First, empty out and clean the grease tray. If you have a charcoal grill, wait till the ash is cool, remove it and then dispose of it safely. Finally, wipe down the grill exterior to remove any food debris or splatters to keep your grill looking great. Congratulations, now your grill is ready for your next cookout session, and all you have to do is fire it up.

If you’re not sure your grill can cope with the demands of summer and are considering an upgrade, you can explore your options with this online collection of grills and outdoor appliances. Alternatively, for additional help and guidance, speak to a home appliance expert for more specialized service.