It’s summertime, which means it’s grilling time. But before you fire up your grill, especially if it’s been sitting out all winter, it’s a good idea that you take a moment to check that everything is in proper working order.

By taking steps to maintain your grill, you’ll protect your initial investment and avoid malfunctions at the same time. There’s nothing more frustrating than stepping outside to prepare a barbecue dinner, only to find out your grill won’t start, or there’s some other problem you could have addressed ahead of time.

How to Maintain Your Grill

Here are a few tips for getting your grill summer-ready, including what to look for to help you if you run into a problem. However, if you uncover a problem, contact the Wolf Factory Certified Service company in your area for assistance.

Clean Your Grill After Every Use

Any grill master will tell you that the best way to maintain your grill is to clean it after every use. This may seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually quite simple. For further details on how to clean your grill, click here.

  1. Scrub the grates with a grill brush
  2. Wash the burner protectors
  3. Wipe the burners
  4. Clean the plates below the burners
  5. Clean the removable tray
  6. Put your grill back together

Perform a Deep Clean Twice Per Year

Even if you clean your grill after every use, giving it a deep clean twice per year is still important. Read our step-by-step guide on how to clean your Wolf Outdoor Grill.

Check for Leaks in the Fuel Lines

It’s a good idea to check your fuel lines for leaks when you replace your propane tank or at least once per year. You can check your fuel line by following this simple process:

  1. Mix a solution of dish soap and water.
  2. Use a brush to coat the entire fuel line, including the connections, with soapy water.
  3. Turn the knob to release the air. If bubbles start forming, there’s a leak. It may be your regulator or tank.
  4. Turn off the gas. If a leak was detected, contact a Factory Certified Service technician.

Check the Fuel Levels in the Tank

If you don’t have a gauge, an easy way to check fuel levels is to pour some warm water over the side of the tank and then slide your hand down the side of the tank. Your propane level is where the temperature changes from warm to cold.

Make Sure There Isn’t Damage to the Propane Tank

Look at the expiration date and check for dents and rust. Propane tanks expire 12 years from the date of manufacture. If your tank is expired, exchange it for a new one or have it inspected and requalified for five more years of use. If you find dents or rust on a tank, the safest thing to do is replace it.

Inspect Your Grill’s Burners

To ensure you get the most even cook possible, it’s important to routinely inspect your grill’s burners for build-up. It’s not uncommon for fat drippings to clog the burner ports and block the gas. Wolf recommends cleaning the inside of your grill with a no-scratch Scotch-Brite pad and mild detergent or spray degreaser.

Look for Rust

Rust and corrosion indicate moisture inside the grill when not in use. You can protect your grill from water by using a waterproof cover. When rust is spotted, clean it right away. Too much rust will prevent the burner and grates from delivering the desired heat.

You might be able to remove light rust buildup with sandpaper and degreasing spray. In the case of heavy rust buildup, contact a certified Wolf service company for assistance with cleaning and replacement of damaged components.

At some point, every grill will need a little bit of TLC. Whether it’s a simple cleaning or a more serious repair, call the professionals at Don Bacon Appliance Service.