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11 Grill Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Barbecue

Are your eyebrows in jeopardy every time you fire up your grill? Whether you’re the BBQ legend of the annual block party or simply the grillmaster of your beautiful backyard garden, you need to treat your equipment carefully and respectfully.

Grill owners in backyards everywhere unintentionally shorten the lifespan of their grills through common mistakes that are easily avoidable. Knowing what not to do can keep your grill safe and primed for peak performance season after season.

To compile our list of grill no-nos, we sifted through manufacturer recommendations, expert opinions, and countless stories of grill blunders to identify the most damaging missteps. Each point on our list is backed by folks who have made mistakes, so you don’t have to.

Don’t Pour Water on It To Cool It Down

Vinegar, spray bottle, cleaning rag, clean
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Pouring water on a hot grill might seem like a quick way to cool it down, but it’s a big no-no. The sudden temperature change can cause thermal shock, meaning your metal components might warp or crack. It also triggers scalding steam that might really ruin the whole cookout vibe.

Instead, allow your grill to cool down naturally. Open the lid and vents to increase airflow. Patience is key when cooling down your grill — so play a round of badminton or take a dip in the poolwhile your grill cools down on its own.

Avoid Leaving It Outdoors Unprotected

outdoor grill
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Leaving your grill exposed to the elements is a recipe for disaster. Rain, snow, and intense sunlight are the gateway to rust and premature deterioration. Over time, weather conditions significantly shorten the lifespan of your beloved backyard cooking apparatus.

To protect your investment, use a grill cover that fits your model. This simple step can prevent weather-related damage and keep your grill looking new longer. During off-season months, consider storing the grill in a shed or garage to safeguard it from severe weather conditions.

Never Use Harsh Chemicals To Clean It

Hazardous Chemical Bottles
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Using harsh chemicals to clean your grill may seem like the easiest way to get rid of stubborn grime, but it can do more harm than good. Aggressive cleaning agents strip away protective coatings and damage the finish of your grill. Any residual chemicals can contaminate your food.

For regular cleaning, opt for mild dish soap and warm water. Baking soda and vinegar are gentle yet effective alternatives to tougher, cooked-on messes. After cleaning, rinse and dry the grill thoroughly to prevent soap residue and water spots.

Don’t Use Metal Scrapers or Utensils on Porcelain-Coated Grates

metal scraper
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Metal scrapers might seem like the perfect solution for stubborn residue, but they are incompatible with porcelain components. Metal tools can easily chip or crack porcelain parts, which are delicate and costly to replace. A small slip can lead to a big, expensive problem.

Instead, clean porcelain parts with a nylon grill brush or soft bristles. You can grab specific products designed to clean them without causing damage. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and reduces the need for that dreaded heavy scrubbing once-a-year project before summer. Treat your porcelain grates carefully, and they’ll reward you with years of dependable service.

Don’t Let Grease and Food Residues Accumulate

boy in apron preparing tasty stakes on barbecue
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Allowing grease and food residues to build up on your grill leads to a host of problems. Dangerous flare-ups aside, residue build-up can transfer cancer-causing carcinogens to your food. Plus, nobody wants last week’s burger grease on today’s veggies.

Cleaning your grill regularly after each use and performing a deep clean every few months can prevent buildup. If you frequently grill smaller items, consider using a grill basket to minimize debris falling into the grill. This simple grilling hack can keep your grill in top shape and make your food taste great.

Never Paint It With Non-Heat-Resistant Paint

Paint cans
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If your grill needs a touch-up, resist the urge to use regular paint. There are better places to let your inner artist shine. Non-heat-resistant paint emits harmful fumes when heated and will likely peel or blister when subjected to high temperatures. This is a bad look for your grill and your health.

If repainting is necessary, use paint specifically formulated for high-heat applications and grill exteriors. However, regular maintenance, cleaning, and care should reduce any need for repainting. If the grill is in bad shape, perhaps it’s time to consider getting a new one.

Avoid Covering It Before It Cools Down

grill smoker barbecue
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Covering a hot grill is like wrapping a cake fresh out of the oven — it just keeps cooking. When you cover your grill while it’s still warm, moisture gets trapped, allowing rust or mold to form. When you let your grill cool completely before covering it, you’re far less likely to deal with a mold colony infiltrating it.

If you don’t have one already, shop around for a breathable cover that helps evaporate any residual moisture. A well-ventilated cover protects your grill without causing unintended damage.

Never Forget To Check and Maintain the Burners

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Burners are the heart of your grill, so neglecting them isn’t wise. Uncared-for burners typically lead to uneven heating and potentially dangerous conditions. Your grilling experience shouldn’t be akin to a game of roulette, where the only consistent result is frustration.

Inspect and clean the burners regularly to free them of obstructions and make sure they function correctly. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for burner maintenance can help achieve optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Don’t Ignore Rusting Components

grill barbecue
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Rusting on your grill is like having a termite problem in a wooden house — it won’t fix itself and only worsens with time. It weakens the structural integrity of your grill, making it generally unsafe to use. If left unchecked, what starts as a minor issue can quickly escalate, requiring costly repairs or even a full replacement.

Replacement is usually the safest option for components showing extensive rust. Choosing stainless steel or coated parts can significantly decrease the likelihood of chronic rust-related issues and extend the lifespan of your grill.

Don’t Fully Cover Your Grill Grates With Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil
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Covering your entire grill grate with aluminum foil might seem like a clever hack for easier cleanup, but it can backfire. Full coverage restricts airflow and will leave your grilled goodies unevenly cooked — a real mood spoiler at your backyard barbecue.

Perhaps even more detrimental is that a fully foiled grate can trap gases, especially in gas grills. That means dangerous flare-ups could occur when you lift the lid. A grill basket or mat is a safer alternative and keeps small items from falling through.

You Can’t Double Your Grill as a Fire Pit

Wood Burning Fire Pit
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Turning your grill into a fire pit is nothing more than a shortcut to trouble. Grills aren’t built to handle the intense heat of burning wood or fire logs, and doing so can seriously damage the grill’s components and become a safety hazard.

Using your grill as a makeshift fire pit can lead to ‘thermal shock‘ due to the rapid expansion of the metal from the intense heat of fire logs. This sudden change can crack the enamel coating, compromising the grill’s integrity and future performance. Stick to s’mores the safe way—over a proper fire pit.

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