Advertisement


How to Clean a Weber Q BBQ

How to Clean a Weber Q BBQ

We use affiliate links and may receive a commission on purchases. Read more here.

Keeping your Weber Q clean helps to ensure it continues to work like it should and looks great. Grease can build up quickly and can be difficult to remove if it’s left for a long time. Regular light maintenance is all your Weber Q needs.

Cleaning The Grates

By giving your Weber Q a quick clean before you cook you will remove any residue from the last meal you cooked ensuring it doesn’t end up on your food. This can be done before or after every use. As long as the grill bars are hot it will be easy to brush any mess away.

Grill Cleaning Method:

Preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes. Once preheated, take a clean stainless steel brush and brush the grates. The heat makes sure any stuck-on food or grease will scrape off easily.

Once you have brushed the grate of your BBQ, you can use a clean damp cloth or wet paper towel on a pair of tongs (you don’t want to get your hand near the heated cast iron grills) to wipe the grate clean ready for use.

A stainless steel brush is inexpensive and makes cleaning the grills quick and easy. These brushes should be replaced each season or when the bristles are getting worn or clogged up.

Every 5 or so uses it’s recommended that you take the grates off the Weber Q and wash them in a hot water and detergent mix. This removes any residue and is a good way to ensure the underside of the grill plates are clean too.

Other Tips for Cleaning Grills:

Occasionally re-oil the grills by removing them from the Weber and generously spraying some oil on them. Reposition them on the grill and put the BBQ for 5-10 minutes on low. Heating the grill helps to re-seal the grates after oiling.

RELATED: Weber Family Q Vs Family Q Premium

Cleaning the Burner Tube

Food particles and debris can fall down onto the burner tube so a monthly clean is all that is needed to make sure the tubes are operating at their full potential.

When the Weber Q is cold, remove the grates and put them to one side. Then, using a clean stainless steel brush (this has to be one that is not used on the cooking grate), give the tubes a light brush to remove any grease and debris. If you notice any of the holes in the burner tube are clogged up, they can be cleared using the point of a metal paper clip.

This is quick scrub ensures the gas and flame is distributed evenly across the burner tube. Cleaning the tube of the grill is only needed every 5 uses.

Cleaning the Cook Box

The Cook Box is the bowl of the grill, it is where a lot of the grease and food pieces will end up if they don’t go into the drip pan. A build-up of fat in the bowl can be a fire hazard so regular maintenance is a must.

The best way to clean the inside of the BBQ is to take a plastic scraper (a plastic putty knife) and use this to scrape the inside of the grill. No water or cleaner is needed, just use the plastic spatula to push everything down towards to opening to the drip pan. This method is quick, easy and effective. The bowl should be cleaned like this every 5 uses.

You can also scrape the inside of the lid clean and give it a quick wipe with a cloth. The inside of the lid will show signs of use so don’t expect it to look like new after you’ve been cooking with your Weber. It’s best to use the scraper to tackle any loose debris and simply wipe it out.

Cleaning the Drip Pan

Now that you have cleaned the inside of the BBQ you can remove the drip tray and throw it away. This is the foil pan that sits underneath the BBQ and collects all of the grease. This should be replaced as needed, if you notice it is getting full simply remove it and replace it. Always check this tray before using the BBQ.

Drip pans are inexpensive and easy to replace so there’s not much point trying to clean out the grease in order to reuse the pan.

Cleaning The Lid

The outside of your Weber Q can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth. If possible, don’t let fat or food dry on the lid as it will bake on and become incredibly difficult to clean. Instead, cleaning the lid each use by wiping it with a damp cloth. You can use a non-caustic cleaning product if needed and this will keep the lid looking new.

Weber Q Cleaning Summary

Each Use

  • Scrape the grill clean when it is hot (this can be done before or after cooking).
  • Check the drip tray before you use the Weber Q and replace it if needed.
  • Wipe the inside and outside of the lid clean so any splashes of fat or food don’t get baked on.

Every 5 Uses

  • Wash the grates in a bowl of hot water and detergent.
  • Use a brush to clean the burner tubes and unclog the holes using a paper clip or pin.
  • Clean the Weber Q bowl by scraping any mess with a plastic spatula.
  • Check the drip pan after cleaning your Weber Q and replace it if necessary.

Other Maintenance Tips

  • Replace your cleaning brush every season or when you notice signs of wear or the bristles clogging.
  • Oil the grates every so often. After spraying with oil, heat the grates on a low heat for 5-10 minutes to reseal them.
  • Check your grill for signs of corrosion and keep it protected from the elements as much as possible.
  • Don’t use harsh chemicals when cleaning your Weber grill, these can do more damage than good.



This article was written by Jim Marsden

If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, you can get in touch with us using our contact form.