Cleaning the 22.5" Grates!? Any Tips?


 
JShoemaker

JShoemaker

TVWBB Member
I'm finding the most daunting task of smoking some bbq goodness must be the final cleanup, after everything has been cooked.

My 22.5" grates are too large to fit into my kitchen sink(or better yet, dishwasher). Does anyone have any tips on making the cleaning of the stuck-on tidbits any easier, and less messy? :confused:

Clean it when it's still warm perhaps?
Clean/Scrape the grates while they are still installed in the smoker?
I'm guessing chemicals are bad, since food will go back on the surface.

I'd like to find a ~24" OD shallow pan, where I can just soak them for awhile, so cleaning is easier/quicker. I was tempted to use my son's kiddie pool, but doubt the wife woulda like that!? ;)
 
I use a hot water heater drip pan from Blowes. I soak the grates in PBW. SWMBO painted a sun flower on the other side so it serves double duty by keeping rain water out of the fire pit.

 
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Dwain, new here, many, many initials used, what is PBW,and SWMBO, don't tell the others I didn't know this..ssshhhh :confused:
 
I use a 'billy bar' to scrape clean after i cook and before i cook. if i have the pressure washer out - i'll pressure wash the grates
 
The WSM grills are a lot easier to clean than those of the Kettle style, where the high heat really cooks the stuff on. The moisture and lower temperature in the WSM keeps the stuff on the grates softer, and easier to clean. I can clean my WSM grates in about 15 minutes - almost like brand new.

Here's what I use:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Eastman-26-in-I-D-x-28-in-O-D-Black-Electric-Water-Heater-Pan-60083/205364948

Don't worry about plugging the whole - no water needed until the end. I do both grates at the same time, both in the tub when I spray them.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ZEP-18-oz-Heavy-Duty-Foaming-Degreaser-ZUHFD18/202218291

Spray liberally and wait ten minutes. Then put nitrate gloves on.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Scotch-Brite-Stainless-Steel-Scrubbing-Pads-3-Pack-214C-CC/202511523

After ten minutes use the scrub pad. Then rinse. Done
 
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Thanks for the help everyone! Looks like the Water Heater Pan is the way to go, along with some spray degreaser.

I'll be sure to buy these prior to my next cook.
 
Never thought of using PBW on my grates. Great idea!!! I just got done cleaning my grates from a brisket smoke. I fill the kitchen sink with hot soapy water, and get to scrubbing. Going to Lowes tomorrow though and checking out the hot water heater pans. That with PBW sounds like a great idea.
 
I've been using a 1/4" open end wrench on all my grates for years. When I first saw the Billy Bar I knew I had something similar in the toolbox.

Tim
 
Mine barely fit but I can fit them into the dish washer as well. Turns out looking almost brand new.

I also have put my water pan in there too.
 
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