It’s June – time to get the grill out and barbecue juicy steaks, delicious hamburgers and seasonal vegetables. But you want to make sure you can get the most out of your grill. To make it last and improve its performance, take a few minutes to ensure your grill is clean and ready to go. Your taste buds will thank you!

“(Summer) is quickly approaching, but there are a few things you will want to do before you take the cover off and get to cooking your favorite cuts of meat,” said Steve Gauci, director of Retail Operations at Napoleon Gourmet Grills. “After a long winter in storage – or a winter where you have been grilling throughout the cold – follow a few simple steps to improve the life and performance of your grill.”

1. Clean the searing grids
Soak the cooking grills in warm water and soap before giving them a
good cleaning to get rid of the grease and food crust that has been burnt on. Season them for the coming season and get ready for incredible grilled flavors all summer long.

2. Clean the grease cup
The more you use your grill, the more you will have to clean or
replace your grease cup. Before firing up your grill, take out the old and put in the new.

3. Scrape off the grease tray
All the grease and food remnants from past meals collect and char on the grease tray. No need to get out the soap and water for this one, but give it a good scrape with a spatula or putty knife to clean off all the bits.

4. Check for leaks
Inspect your hose and fittings to ensure everything is in order and that
there are no leaks. Do a soap test to be safe: In a spray bottle or small bowl, mix one part water to one part dish soap. Apply the mixture (spritz it or apply it with a small brush) to all fittings. Make sure your lid is open and all the control knobs are turned off. Turn on your gas – any growing bubbles are a sign of a leak that needs to be addressed.

5. Clean the igniter and burners
While your searing grids are soaking, remove the heat shields (give
them a good scrape, as well) so you can run your barbecue brush over the burners. This is also a good time to check your igniter and rear burner to make sure all is in working order.

For more information, visit napoleonproducts.com

Napoleon is North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of wood and gas fireplaces (inserts and stoves), gourmet gas and charcoal grills, outdoor living products and a complete line of heating and cooling equipment. Napoleon is located in Ontario, Canada.