How to Clean Your Big Green Egg Grill
You’re the envy of all your neighbors. That Big Green Egg sitting on your back deck is the talk of the neighborhood, and now you’ve become the designated grill site for everyone within a 10-mile radius of your house. But to get the best performance out of your Big Green Egg and keep the title of neighborhood grill-master, you’ve gotta keep it clean!
Cleaning the Ash Out of Your Big Green Egg
Cleaning the ash out of a Big Green Egg is a pain. Because of how the grill is designed, you’ll have to do some deep-grill diving to get all the ash and leftover charcoal out so you can start your next grill clean and tidy. So grab some gloves and get to it!
Follow these steps to clean the ash out of your Big Green Egg:
1. Wait for the Big Green Egg to Cool Down
The most important step to traditional cleaning is to make sure that your Big Green Egg has cooled! Don't try to clean it if it’s still hot. You’ll burn yourself, singe your eyebrows off, and maybe set your yard on fire. Just wait until it cools down completely to get started.
2. Shake Out Remaining Charcoal for Next Use
Shake the ashes out of the remaining charcoal. If you’ve got charcoal left in your grill, go ahead and spread them out evenly for your next grill session with the poker.
3. Manually Remove Leftover Charcoal
If you want to remove the leftover charcoal, you’ll have to do this manually. With the grill completely cool, use gloved hands to reach way down into the Big Green Egg and remove the leftover charcoal piece by piece.
It’s a good idea to store these leftover charcoal pieces in a metal storage container like a large baking pan for a day or two in a safe place just to be absolutely sure they are completely cool.
4. Empty Ashes from the Lower Vent Hole
Pull the ashes out of the lower vent hole on your grill and empty them into a fire-proof ash bucket. This can be tricky, and messy. Some BGE owners buy a separate ash-removal tool for this.
We find that metal ash buckets are the most convenient because they’re light as well as fireproof. Plastic buckets will melt if there are any leftover hot coals, and those suckers can hide for days. So avoid plastic ash buckets. Ceramic will also work (like a large flower pot) as long as they don’t have any drainage holes.
Sounds Like a Mess, Right? Yeah, It Is.
Cleaning a Big Green Egg is one of those situations where you need to be dressed head to toe in black and take a shower right after, which sounds like the most ominous advice ever, but it’s appropriate here.
There’s got to be a better way!
There is. If you want to avoid scuba diving into the black abyss of your Big Green Egg, we’ve got you covered.
A Better Way to Clean Your Big Green Egg Grill
The right tools for the job make all the difference. In the case of cleaning ash out of your Big Green Egg, those “right tools” are a Kick Ash Basket, a Kick Ash Can, a grate hook to catch the ashes.
1. Use a Grate Hook to remove the grate from your Big Green Egg safely and cleanly. Ever fumbled getting your grate out because it’s still warm or your gloved hands are too big to get a good grip? A Grate Hook fixes that. You can move and hold your ceramic heat deflector out of the way with a Super Lifter, too.
2. Get a Kick Ash Basket charcoal basket and stop dumpster diving in your grill. With a Kick Ash Basket, all you do to remove your leftover charcoal is lift up the basket. The ash falls down into the bottom of your grill, and all the bits of leftover charcoal come up with the basket in one fell swoop. You can pick out the unused pieces and reuse them, which saves a load of money, especially if you’re using expensive charcoal or rare wood. The only thing that gets dirty with soot is the gloves you’ll be wearing if the grill is still warm when you go to clean it.
3. A Kick Ash Can will take your Kick Ash Basket all the way. The assistant to the regional manager, if you will. With a Kick Ash Can, all you do is lift out the basket with leftover charcoal, give it a shimmy, and all the ash falls into the Kick Ash Can below. Grab the basket, empty it into a fire-proof ash bucket, and place it back into your grill. You’re ready to grill again in seconds with no fire-clogging ash cramping your style.
Will Any Old Charcoal Basket Do?
You invested in a Big Green Egg because you’re serious about grilling. And that big investment deserves a charcoal basket and ash can that are built to last and specifically designed to fit your egg.
Cleaning the Cooking Grates
Now that the ash is under control, let’s move on to the cooking grates. After all, you can’t have a perfect grill session with grates full of leftover gunk.
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Clean the grates after every cook. After the grill cools down, grab your grill brush and scrub the grates clean. You don’t need to go crazy, but getting off food residue and grease will help keep your grill’s airflow intact.
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Tough grease buildup? Soak the grates in warm water with a bit of dish soap or degreaser. Let them sit for a bit, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or scouring pad. No one wants to be scraping off burnt bits forever.
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Bonus tip: For really stubborn gunk, try a baking soda paste (baking soda + water) and let it sit for a while before scrubbing. It’ll loosen up even the most tenacious grease.
Cleaning the Firebox and Fire Ring
Once your grates are sparkling, let’s turn our attention to the heart of your grill—the firebox and fire ring. These parts can get a little messy with ash, grease, and leftover charcoal.
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Clean out the firebox. Carefully remove any leftover bits of charcoal or food debris from the firebox. You can use a spatula or a small grill brush to scrape the sides.
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Check the air vents. Make sure no ash or debris is clogging the air vents. Proper airflow is key to keeping your Big Green Egg running efficiently and giving you that perfect cook every time.
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Clean the fire ring. Wipe down the ceramic fire ring with a damp cloth, being careful not to scratch it. If you see any build-up, gently scrub it away with a soft brush.
Cleaning the Exterior of the Grill
While you’re diving into the guts of your Big Green Egg, don’t forget the outside! Sure, the inside gets all the glory, but keeping the exterior clean ensures your grill looks great too.
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Wipe down the outer shell. Use a damp cloth to give the exterior a good wipe. Be gentle on the ceramic surface and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives.
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Tough stains? If you’ve got greasy fingerprints or stubborn stains, a mild cleaner that’s safe for ceramic surfaces will do the trick.
Maintaining the Gasket
The gasket around the lid is your Big Green Egg’s seal, and it’s crucial for keeping heat inside where it belongs. Over time, it can wear down or get dirty.
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Clean the gasket gently. Use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild soap solution to wipe the gasket. Be sure not to scrub too hard—it’s delicate and needs to stay intact for a proper seal.
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Replacing the gasket. If you notice cracks or if the gasket is falling apart, it’s time to replace it. A worn gasket can cause heat loss, which can impact your cooking. Replacing it is simple, and a new gasket is well worth it.
Cleaning the Lid and Vent
Don’t forget to clean the lid and vents! They can collect grease, soot, and resin from smoke over time, which can affect the grill’s performance.
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Clean the lid. Use a non-abrasive cloth to wipe down the underside of the lid and remove any grease buildup. This area can accumulate drips, so it’s a good idea to give it a wipe every so often.
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Check the vents. Clean out any debris from the top and bottom vents to ensure smooth airflow. A small brush can help with this, especially if there’s any leftover ash that could clog the vents.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Now that your grill is looking sharp, let’s talk about keeping it in top shape. Regular cleaning will not only keep your Big Green Egg running smoothly, but it will also extend its lifespan.
Clean After Every Cook
Give the grates a quick scrub and shake out the ash after each cook. This keeps your grill ready for the next grilling adventure.
Regular Maintenance for Your Big Green Egg
To keep your Big Green Egg in top condition, make sure to perform regular maintenance. Periodically scrub the grates, clean the firebox, and wipe down the exterior. This ensures your Egg is always ready for your next grilling session, whether you grill year-round or only during certain seasons.
Keep Your Big Green Egg Clean!
Now that you know how to clean your Big Green Egg, keeping it clean is key to making sure it works as well as the day you bought it. Regular maintenance will give you the best performance, improve airflow, and keep your food tasting amazing. So go ahead, get that grill shining, and keep your status as the neighborhood grill master!