How to clean a Traeger grill
If you own a Traeger grill, then you know how important it is to keep it clean.
A dirty grill can lead to all sorts of problems, including decreased performance and even dangerous flare-ups. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps that you need to take to clean your Traeger grill properly.
We’ll start with the basics and work our way up to more advanced techniques.
So, whether your grill is just a little bit dirty or downright disgusting, we’ve got you covered and will get your Trager clean as a whistle!
The basics of cleaning a Traeger grill
Traeger grills are a popular choice for many homeowners because they offer a convenient way to cook outdoors.
However, like any grill, they require regular cleaning in order to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan.
The good news is that cleaning a Traeger grill is relatively easy, and only takes a few simple steps.
What you’ll need to clean your Traeger grill
- A Trager grill– they make many different types of pellet grills
- Grill cleaner- We recommend using Trager’s own cleaner
- A Wire Grill Brush
- Newspaper or something to put your grill grates on
- grease trap/ grease bucket/ aluminum foil
- soapy water (if you’re not using grill cleaner)
- Rags/paper towel (disposal)
- Aluminum foil
- Rubber gloves to keep your hands clean
Step 1 – Cleaning The Outside
We are going to start the cleaning on the outside of the grill and work our way in.
Chances are that even if you cover your pellet grill with some sort of grill cover (which you really should) the elements are still going to make your Traeger dirty as well.
So start by spraying down your grill with your choice of grill cleaner; give a generous application to the outside of your grill. Make sure whatever cleaner you use is safe for your particular grill, we recommend the official Traeger cleaner.
Let the product soak for 2-5 min, this really lets the cleaner penetrate the grease. After the 5 minutes use a clean cloth and wipe down your Traeger. The outside should now have a shine to it, this is the first step to a clean grill!
Step 2-4 – Cleaning The Inside
Drip Tray
This is where we get messy, if you want to keep your hands clean, I would recommend some rubber gloves at this point. Anytime you’re cooking any food that has a high-fat content, that grease is going to make a mess of your Traeger Grills. That’s why cleaning your grill grates frequently is so important, not to mention the unsung heroes of grills, the drip pan. Your drip will collect grease via all the fat drip off and these pans should occasionally be wiped down and cleaned. Using soap to remove any stubborn residue is very needed here too.
Grill Grates
Go ahead and start removing the grill grates and use a wire brush to remove any loose debris. Go ahead and lay the grates down in some grass or on some old newspaper. These grates will be coved in gunk.
Spray Down
Next, spray down everything you just removed (grill grates, heat disturbers) with the BBQ cleaner or if you don’t have Traeger’s grill stainless steel cleaner go ahead and mix some warm water and soap in a bucket and use a sponge to scrub down the interior of the grill.
Gunk Time
Next is the “ Gunk”: All this black crud is really what you’re after.
Regardless if you have a pellet grill, gas grill, or a traditional smoker, after consistent cooking this grease piles up. A grease buildup on any grill can lead to grease fires.
Grease can cause some serious flareups on your grill. If you’ve ever seen a video of a grill that’s consumed in flames there’s a good chance it was related to an excess buildup of this gunk. Grease can accumulate anywhere on the grill but it mostly collects under your grill grates.
To remove the gunk, do whatever you can do to get it down the hole at the bottom of the grill. Use a scraper, and your hand+ cloth to get the piles down the hole. Make sure there is a grease tray/drip tray underneath to catch it.
Be sure to pay special attention to the area around the burner, as this is where most of the grease and grime will accumulate.
Wipe Down
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the grill with clean water and dry it with a soft towel. Your Traeger grill is one step closer to cooking again!
Once everything is clean and dry go ahead and put all your grates back after you’ve wiped them down, and go ahead and get grilling on your clean Traeger grill!
Advanced techniques for cleaning a Traeger grill
If you thought the above steps were too easy, or you are looking for some extra deep detailing tips on how to clean a Traeger grill, then let us share some pro tips to give your Traeger grill that extra clean finish.
If you own a Traeger grill, then you know how difficult it can be to keep the grill clean. However, there are some advanced techniques that you can use to make cleaning your grill easier.
Specialty Brushes
One method is to use a rotisserie brush. This type of brush is designed to reach all the nooks and crannies of your grill, making it easy to remove built-up grease and grime.
Degreasers
Another cleaning method is to use a grill degreaser, Traeger makes their own brand but there are also many other products on the market that do a great job.
The grill degreaser will help to break down tough grease and oil deposits, making them much easier to remove. However, be sure to use a degreaser specifically designed for use on stainless steel grills, as other types of cleaners can damage the finish of your grill.
Drip Tray Cleaning
A pro tip is to remove the drip tray/grease trap/ grease bucket and clean them with soapy water. All these items can accumulate gunk and can cause grease fires.
Every time I deep clean my Traeger grill grates I clean my drip tray/ pan, grease trap, and grease bucket as well.
How to keep your Traeger grill clean all year round
It’s important to clean your Traeger grill regularly to prevent the build-up of grease and debris.
A clean grill will also help to ensure that your food tastes its best. There are a few simple steps that you can follow to clean your grill and keep it in top condition all year round.
Components Cleaning
First, be sure to clean the grill grates after each use. Every time you finish cooking you should scrape your grill grates. You can do this by scrubbing them with a wire brush or using a degreaser.
As a pro tip I usually give my grates a good scrub as soon as I take my food off the grill once it’s finished cooking. Grill grates are one of the most important aspects of a clean grill, just think your grill grates are what your food touches.
Standard Maintenace
If you have tried all sorts of cleaners and your Trager grill grates are still dirty you can always get a new set of grates. I tend to buy new grill grates every other year.
Monthly Cleanings
Next, clean the drip pan on a monthly basis. This will help to prevent the build-up of grease and debris. Finally, wipe down the outside of the grill with a damp cloth on a regular basis. Performing all these actions on a regular basis will also greatly reduce the risk of grease fires.
Grill Covers
Another investment you should make for your Traeger grill is a grill cover. A grill cover can protect your Traeger grill from the elements. A grill cover will also lengthen the frequency you need to clean your pellet grill.
Pellet Grill Best Practices
Another pro tip for properly maintaining your pellet grill is to not leave your pellets in the pellet hopper. Keeping your pellets in the hopper will expose them to the elements and can alter their cooking ability.
The pellets are made of wood and water and wood do not mix. If it rains while your pellets are in the hopper they can get moldy and affect your cooking.
When in doubt throw them out. If you are unsure how long your pellets have been inside the hoper its best to just chuck them and start fresh.
Deep Clean
If you own a Traeger grill, then you know how important it is to keep it clean. A dirty grill can lead to all sorts of problems, including decreased performance and even dangerous flare-ups.
If you follow all of the above steps that we have provided in this guide, your Traeger grill will last for years!
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to deep clean your Traeger grill quickly and easily.
Whether you’re just doing a quick once-over or giving it a deep cleaning, these tips will help you get the job done right.
So, don’t wait any longer – get out there and start grilling! Thank you for reading. Until next time!
If you’re looking for help with cleaning your Traeger grill, or any other type of grill, then contact Hemphill BBQ.
We are the experts when it comes to grills and outdoor cooking, and we would be happy to assist you. We hope our guide on how to clean a Traeger was helpful.
Happy grilling!