A high-quality BBQ is an investment in better meals, better gatherings, and better outdoor living. Whether you’re grilling on a Napoleon gas BBQ, smoking low-and-slow on a Traeger pellet grill, or mastering charcoal cooking with a Big Green Egg, proper care and maintenance will keep your grill performing at its best for years.
In this guide, we break down how to clean and maintain different types of BBQs - plus how to care for various cooking surfaces and materials.
Keeping your grill clean and well-maintained will:
Extend the life of your BBQ
Improve cooking performance and consistency
Prevent flare-ups and grease fires
Enhance flavour by eliminating residue buildup
No matter which premium brand you own - Napoleon, Traeger, Big Green Egg, Crown Verity, Gozney, or ENO - routine care is essential.
Gas grills are known for convenience, power, and precision - especially premium models like Napoleon Prestige and Crown Verity BBQs.
Leave your BBQ on for 10-15 minutes to burn off food residue
Brush cooking grates thoroughly
Turn off burners and gas supply safely
Remove and clean cooking grates
Stainless steel cooking grids can be cleaned with soap and water
Cast iron cooking grates require more care and maintenance. Clean your grills thoroughly and treat with a high smoke point oil to prevent rusting
Check burner tubes for blockages (spiders and debris are common)
Empty and clean grease trays
Clean the interior cookbox and lid
Inspect gas hoses for wear or leaks
Clean the outside of your grill and give it a good shine
Pro Tip: A clean grill always works best. Consistent cleaning helps maintain even heat distribution and reduce the risk of flare ups.
Ceramic charcoal grills like the Big Green Egg are incredibly durable and versatile - but they require proper airflow management and ash control.
Close vents to extinguish charcoal
Brush cooking grates while still warm
Remove excess ash once cooled
Keep air vents clear for proper temperature control
Check firebox and fire ring alignment
Perform a high-heat “burn off” to clean interior ceramics
Remove and clean internal components carefully
Pro Tip: Natural lump charcoal works best in a Big Green Egg, producing less ash and better airflow.
Pellet grills like the Traeger Pro Series offer unmatched flavour and convenience - but require consistent cleaning to function properly.
Brush grates clean
Run the shutdown cycle
Clean temperature probe for accurate readings
Inspect pellet hopper for moisture or buildup
Empty grease bucket
Vacuum ash from the fire pot
Deep clean internal components
Check auger and fan system
Pro Tip: Always use high-quality hardwood pellets in your Traeger grill to reduce ash and improve flavour consistency.
Flat-top grills and pizza ovens require a slightly different maintenance approach.
ENO planchas are known for their durable enamel-coated cast iron cooking surface that make them easy to clean and maintain.
Use water to lift buildup off surface
Scrape surface while warm to remove residue
Wipe clean with a cloth or paper towel
Polish cast iron cooktop
Avoid harsh chemicals to protect enamel coating
Gozney ovens bring restaurant-quality pizza to your backyard.
Burn off excess food at high heat
Brush out ash and debris once cooled
Keep exterior clean and covered
Pro Tip: High heat naturally cleans the interior of a Gozney pizza oven, making maintenance simple. Just try not to let your pizza toppings fall off!
Understanding your grill’s materials is key to avoiding damage and extending its lifespan.
Common in Napoleon and Crown Verity grills.
Care Tips:
Use a stainless steel brush or soft cloth
Clean with mild soap and water
Wipe in the direction of the grain
Avoid: Abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface
Found in many high-performance grills.
Care Tips:
Clean while warm
Lightly oil after each use using a high smoke point oil
Store in a dry environment
Avoid: Soaking in water or leaving exposed to moisture
Extremely durable but requires gentle handling.
Care Tips:
Use heat to self-clean interior
Avoid harsh chemicals
Handle internal components carefully
To properly maintain your grill, keep these essentials on hand:
Living in Canada means your BBQ faces all kinds of weather.
Always use a fitted cover
Grease tray liners make cleanup much easier
Store in a sheltered area when possible
Clean thoroughly before winter storage
This is especially important for premium grills like Napoleon, Crown Verity, Traeger, and Big Green Egg.
No matter what you’re cooking on - whether it’s a Napoleon gas grill, a Traeger pellet smoker, a Big Green Egg charcoal grill, or an ENO plancha - proper maintenance is the key to better performance, better flavour, and a longer-lasting BBQ.
At Classic Fireplace & BBQ Store, we carry industry-leading brands including:
Plus all the cleaning tools, covers, and accessories you need to keep your grill in peak condition.
Visit classicfireplace.ca or stop by one of our showrooms to get expert advice and everything you need for BBQ season.
