Summer is here, and everyone is ready for grilling season, full of time spent with friends, family and throwing meat on the barbecue (from Silver Fern Farms of course).

So you’ve probably dusted off your summer wardrobe, the flip flops have come out, and your cooler is stocked up and ready to go.

But is your grill?

Even if you’ve braved the elements and had the odd cold-weather cook-out the past few months, you’re probably going to need to give that grill a spring clean before you send out the invites to your pals.

Here at Silver Fern Farms, we’re so obsessed with the quality of our 100% Grass-fed Angus Beef - we firmly believe that the care we take should be matched by the care of the surface it’s cooked on.

So, here’s some tips for getting your grill ready for a long season of entertaining, good company and great food.

1. Prepare with the right tools for the job

They say that a tradespersonn is only as good as their tools, and that is absolutely true when it comes to cleaning a barbecue. No matter how you clean it, you’re going to need a sturdy brush, a bucket for soaking grill parts and some paper towels to clean up the mess (you might have to get a little dirty to get that grill clean!).

2. Choose your cleaning solution

There are a lot of options to choose from here, and a lot of it depends on your personal preference.

Some people prefer to go off the shelf and buy a specialized barbecue cleaning product (Google reviews will be your friend here).

But we think that the natural way is also great - a mix of dishwashing liquid and warm water in a bucket will usually do the trick.

3. Inspect the Hardware 

If you’re using a gas grill - have a quick check of the technical/vital components such as burners, igniters, and thermometers. For charcoal grills, check the grates and ventilation. Ensuring everything is in proper working order sets the stage for a successful and consistent grilling season.

4. Light it up (and brush it off)

To clean a gas grill, start by firing it up, closing the hood, and letting it come to full temperature. Wait around half an hour to burn off any existing residue, fat or loose debris, then turn the grill off. While it’s still warm, use your brush to finish off the job.

If you’ve got a charcoal grill, it’s a little simpler. Get rid of the old charcoal briquettes, and then scrape away any residue or charcoal dust.

5. Soak and clean

Once your grates are completely cool, take them and soak them (along with any other removable parts) in warm, soapy water for at least 30 minutes for a thorough clean.

Scrub away any stubborn grime from the grill grates and interior. Once clean, rinse the parts and let them dry.

6. Reassemble - and reignite!

Almost there now!

Take your freshly clean components and carefully reassemble the grill - ensuring everything fits snugly into place.

Reconnect any gas lines, or add a new batch of charcoal, and fire up your grill for 15 minutes.

Again, let it cool down and then use a paper towel dipped in oil to wipe it down. You’ll want an oil with a high smoke point (vegetable, avocado or canola oil work great). Give them a quick wipe-down. You’re now ready to go!

Or are you?

7. The perfect pairing.

A perfectly prepared grill deserves perfectly prepared meat, and Silver Fern Farms 100% Grass-fed Angus Beef is exactly that. And you can even get some here (just in case you were wondering…)

Happy Grilling!