How to extend the life of your BBQ

While the grate is still cool, give it a good scrub with a stiff-bristled grill brush. Don’t forget to lean into it and use some elbow grease for best results.

Add some oil to your grates while they’re cool with a saturated piece of paper towel. This will not only stop your food from sticking, but also keep your grates free of excess bits of food.

Avoid the desire to clean the grate right away. Leaving a layer of char between uses can actually help to protect your grill from rust.

Once your barbecue cools down, cover it up to protect it.

Before you retire your barbecue for the season, give the cook box a thorough cleaning. If you’re a year-round or heavy user, consider cleaning it a couple of times per year. Using a de-greaser spray and some muscle, scrub the cook box and heat tents. A long-handled venturi tube brush will be an invaluable tool to clean debris from burners. If you are taking the winter off from grilling, grates should be cleaned and stored inside, to protect them from moisture.

If your barbecue is four or five years old, check your heat tents to see if they’ve rusted. Replace as required. If your flames look broken and uneven or their blue hue has turned to yellow or orange, it’s a good indication that your burners need to be cleaned or replaced. And, if your starter has stopped working, you can replace it with a universal kit. Take care of your barbecue and it will take care of your grilling needs for many years to come.