Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

Christmas in Australia is all about sunshine, outdoor celebrations, beach outings, and of course, the Great Aussie BBQ.  A festive summer feast with family and friends wouldn’t be the same without the aroma of sausages and steaks sizzling on the grill. Now is the ideal time to get your BBQ ready with our essential BBQ maintenance and care tips for Christmas.  You’ll find everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable barbecue season. BBQ maintenance and proper care Taking care of your BBQ is essential for it to perform at its best and endure the hot summer months ahead. Why maintenance checks are important Helps extend the life of your BBQ by preventing the buildup of rust and corrosion Maintains cooking efficiency, so your BBQ cooks evenly every time Enhances safety, reducing the risk of flare-ups or gas leaks Improves flavours by removing old grease and food residue that can affect taste Increases the lifespan of your BBQ and saves money by avoiding costly major repairs Essential BBQ maintenance tasks Inspect gas connections Regularly check the gas hoses for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. If you spot any damage, replace the hoses right away to prevent gas leaks or fire hazards. Check for gas leaks Before every use, perform a gas leak test by applying soapy water to the gas connections. If you see bubbles forming when the gas is turned on, it indicates a leak that needs to be addressed. Check and clean the burners Inspect the burners for blockages and clean them thoroughly with a wire brush to remove grease, food particles, and debris. Examine the ignition system Ensure that your BBQ’s ignition system is functioning correctly. If the igniter isn’t sparking, consider replacing the battery or checking the connections. Test the thermometer To prevent uneven cooking, check the BBQ’s built-in thermometer or use a separate one to verify accurate temperature readings. Check the wheels and handles Make sure the wheels and handles are secure and working properly. Tighten any loose bolts or screws to ensure your BBQ is stable when moving or operating. Regularly check for any signs of rust Check the grill plates, burners and body for rust. Give everything a thorough clean and treat any affected areas. Ensure smooth operation of moving parts Keep the moving parts of your BBQ, like hinges and wheels, well-lubricated to ensure they operate smoothly. Use a food-safe oil to prevent squeaks and rust. By performing these maintenance checks regularly, you can extend the life of your BBQ, enhance its performance, and ensure safe cooking practices. How to easily clean your BBQ Cleaning your BBQ doesn’t have to be a hassle (not with our easy tips!) Safety First!  Let the BBQ cool down before cleaning. If it’s a gas BBQ, disconnect the gas supply and move it to a stable surface away from flammable materials. Step 1: Preheat for easy cleaning Turn on the grill for 15 minutes to loosen debris, making it easier to clean. Step 2: Scrub the grates Use a wire grill brush to remove food and residue from the grates. Step 3: Soak stubborn grime Soak the grates in warm soapy water, then scrub them again. Dry thoroughly and lightly oil to prevent rust. Step 4: Clean the drip tray Remove and wipe down the drip tray to eliminate grease build-up. Step 5: Interior care Using a  BBQ scraper, scrape away grease and fat. Clean excess build up with Aktivo Easy Off Oven and BBQ Cleaner.  Step 6: Burner maintenance Remove the burners and clean them with a wire brush or pipe cleaner. Scrape away excess grease and then place in a hot bucket of soapy water. Leave to soak before giving them a good scrub. Step 7: Exterior cleaning Use warm, soapy water and a sponge to clean the exterior of your BBQ, paying special attention to areas with built-up grease like knobs and handles. For stubborn grease, use a degreaser. Stainless steel exteriors should be cleaned with a non-scratch cleaner like Aktivo Stainless Steel Cooktop Cleaner. Finish by spraying with stainless-steel protectant to keep it looking shiny and protected from the elements. Step 8: Check for gas leaks  Before reconnecting the gas tank, test for leaks by applying soapy water to gas connections. If bubbles form, fix the leak before use. Our top 12 tips for the perfect BBQ Our expert tips to help you cook like a seasoned grill master: Clean your BBQ after every use to maintain it and avoid grease build-up. For charcoal BBQs, remove any old ash and coals before your next BBQ. Give it a wash with warm, soapy water for a fresh start. Use baking soda for stubborn grime. Just mix baking soda with water to create a paste, apply it to your grill, and scrub away any tough food residue. If you don’t have a grill brush, scrunch up a piece of aluminium foil and use it to scrub your BBQ grill. Choose the right brush. For cast iron grills, go for a wire brush with gold-coloured bristles. For stainless steel grills, select a brush with silver-coloured bristles. Avoid covering hotplates with aluminium foil, as it can block airflow and lead to uneven cooking. When not in use, keep your BBQ covered with a weather-resistant cover to shield it from the elements. Don’t use lighter fluid to ignite coals, as it can leave a chemical taste on your food, which is definitely not desirable! Always opt for lighting aids specifically made for BBQs. Soak skewers before grilling.  Wooden skewers can burn easily on the grill, so soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. Prevent overheating by using a thermometer to check the grill’s temperature. High temperatures can cause flare-ups and uneven cooking. Let your meat cook properly before flipping it. Constant overturning can lead to uneven cooking and dryness. Use a meat thermometer to make sure your food reaches the right temperature. Don’t rely on guesswork. Elevate your BBQ game and get perfect results every time! 5 expert tips from renowned Australian grill masters and chefs: Preheat the grill for perfect cooking “Preheating your BBQ is key to getting a perfect cook. Always allow your BBQ to heat up properly before you start grilling. A hot grill ensures even cooking and helps prevent food from sticking to the grates.” – Adam Liaw, Celebrity Chef Use two-zone cooking for better control “Setting up a two-zone cooking system is a great way to control the heat. One side of the grill should be hot for searing, while the other side remains cooler for indirect cooking. This gives you more flexibility, especially for larger cuts of meat.” – Ben O’Donoghue, BBQ Expert and Chef Let meat rest before grilling “Let your meat come to room temperature before you throw it on the BBQ. This allows for more even cooking and helps prevent tough, chewy results. When grilling steaks, also allow the meat to rest after cooking – this helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender and flavourful.” – Scott Pickett, Australian Chef and BBQ Enthusiast Keep the lid closed for better results “One of the biggest mistakes people make is opening the BBQ lid too often. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain an even cooking temperature and preserves the smoky flavour. Trust the process, and let the grill do the work!” – Guy Grossi, Celebrity Chef Don’t overcrowd the grill “Grilling too much at once can lead to uneven cooking. Space out your food on the BBQ to ensure the heat can circulate properly around each piece. This gives you a much better result, with everything cooked to perfection.” – Paul West, Chef and Presenter of River Cottage Australia BBQ maintenance made easy at Statewide Is your BBQ in need of repairs or spare parts? Don’t wait for the festive season rush—visit Statewide Appliance Spares for all your BBQ needs. We stock Australia’s biggest range of spare parts, ensuring your BBQ performs at its best. With speedy delivery, you’ll have everything you need for that perfect Christmas BBQ.

With the sunshine and warm spring weather upon us, it’s time to ensure our BBQ is prepped and ready to go. From scrubbing grates to checking connections, these cleaning and maintenance tips will help you get your BBQ ready for a sizzling summer. Why cleaning and maintaining your BBQ is important Food safety A clean BBQ helps prevent cross-contamination and the build-up of harmful bacteria. Grease and food residue left on the grill grates can contaminate fresh food and cause foodborne illnesses. Regular cleaning ensures that your grilled dishes are safe to eat and enjoy. Enhanced flavours Residue from previous cooking sessions can impart undesirable flavours to your food. Cleaning the grill grates and interior surfaces helps maintain the true taste of your ingredients and ensures that the smoky essence of your BBQ shines through. Even cooking Grease and debris on the grill grates can cause uneven heating and hotspots, leading to undercooked or overcooked food. A clean grill ensures even distribution of heat, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes every time. Extended lifespan Regular maintenance and cleaning can significantly extend the lifespan of your BBQ. By keeping the grill in good condition, you reduce the risk of rust and corrosion, which can damage vital components and shorten the BBQs life. Safety from grease fires A buildup of grease in the drip tray or around the burners can be a fire hazard. Grease fires can quickly get out of control and lead to serious accidents. Cleaning your BBQ reduces the risk of flare-ups and potential fires. Cost effectiveness Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run. By addressing small issues promptly, you can prevent them from turning into major problems that require expensive repairs or BBQ replacements. Environmental impact Proper maintenance and cleaning can contribute to reducing waste. By taking care of your BBQ, you can avoid premature disposal and minimize your environmental footprint. Signs that your BBQ needs cleaning and care If you notice thick smoke or excessive flare-ups during grilling, it’s a sign that your BBQ might need cleaning. Built-up grease and food residue can cause smoke and flames, impacting the quality of your food. If your BBQ isn’t distributing heat evenly, certain areas may cook faster or slower than others. This could be due to clogged burners, or your burners and grates may not be aligned correctly. Rust spots or signs of corrosion on the grill grates, exterior, or other components are indications that your BBQ requires attention. Rust can compromise the structural integrity and safety of the BBQ. A noticeable build-up of grease and grime on the grill grates, inside surfaces, and drip tray is a clear sign that it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Grease accumulation can lead to unpleasant odours and safety hazards. If you’re having trouble igniting the grill or if the flames are weak and inconsistent, it might be due to clogged ignition ports or a faulty ignition system that needs cleaning or replacing. If flare-ups occur frequently during grilling, it’s likely that grease or food debris is causing them. Cleaning the grill thoroughly can help reduce flare-ups and prevent potential accidents. If you notice a decrease in gas efficiency or that your propane tank seems to run out faster than usual, it may indicate a gas leak or improper gas flow, which requires immediate attention. Worn or damaged parts such as loose screws, cracked components, or worn-out grill grates Cleaning your BBQ – You will need: Wire grill brush Dishwashing detergent and warm water Cleaning rags or soft cloth Sponge Step by step guide to cleaning your BBQ Safety first! Ensure the BBQ is completely cool before cleaning. Disconnect the gas supply if you have a gas BBQ. Place the BBQ on a stable and level surface away from flammable materials. Step 1: Preheat the grill Turn on the grill and let it heat up for about 15 minutes. This will help loosen any residue and make cleaning easier. Step 2: Clean the grill grates Use a wire grill brush to scrub the grates thoroughly, removing any leftover debris or charred bits. Step 3: Soak the grates For stubborn grime, soak the grill grates in warm soapy water for a few minutes. Scrub them again to remove any remaining residue. Dry thoroughly then lightly oil the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent rusting. Step 4: Clean the drip tray Remove and clean the drip tray to prevent grease buildup and potential flare-ups. Step 5: Clean the interior Wipe down the interior with warm soapy water and a cleaning rag. Step 6: Clean the interior Remove the burners and tubes carefully and clean them with a wire brush or pipe cleaner. Check for any clogs or obstructions that might affect gas flow. Step 7: Wipe down the exterior Clean the exterior surfaces with warm soapy water and a sponge or scrub brush. Pay attention to areas with built-up grease, such as knobs and handles. Use a degreaser for stubborn grease and grime. Then, rinse off the warm water. If you have a stainless steel exterior, you can use a stainless-steel cleaner, such as Aktivo Stainless Steel Cooktop Cleaner. It is a non-scratch, heavy duty cream cleanser that dissolves and removes stains.  Lastly give your stainless steel exterior a light spray of stainless-steel protectant to maintain shine and protect against the elements. Step 8: Check the gas leaks Before reconnecting the gas tank, conduct a gas leak test. Apply a mixture of soapy water to the gas connections and turn on the gas. If you see bubbles forming, there’s a leak that needs to be addressed. Maintenance and care Now that you have thoroughly cleaned your BBQ, you can tackle these easy maintenance tasks. Cover Up – Protect your grill from the elements by investing in a high-quality BBQ cover. It acts as a shield against rain, UV rays and debris, keeping your BBQ safe and ready for action. Seasonal Inspections – Regularly inspect your BBQ for signs of wear and tear. Check for loose screws, rust spots, or damaged components. Address these issues promptly to avoid further damage. After each cleaning session, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent rusting. Simply brush on some vegetable oil using a paper towel or basting brush. Store with Care – If you plan on storing your BBQ for an extended period, clean it thoroughly, and make sure it’s completely dry. Store it in a dry, covered area away from extreme temperatures. Take your BBQ cooking skills to the next level with these handy tips! Preheat the grill Always preheat your grill before adding the food. Preheating ensures even cooking and creates those beautiful grill marks. Oil the grates Before placing food on the grill, lightly oil the grates with a high smoke-point oil like canola or grapeseed oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a nice sear. Two zone cooking Divide your grill into two zones – a direct heat zone and an indirect heat zone. This allows you to sear food over high heat and then finish cooking it over lower heat, preventing overcooking and providing versatility. Use marinades and rubs Marinating meats and using dry rubs add depth of flavour and tenderize the food. Allow the food to marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Pat meat dry Before adding meat to the grill, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps create a better sear and reduces the risk of flare-ups. Keep the lid closed Avoid constantly lifting the grill lid to check on the food. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature and prevents heat loss. Use a meat thermometer Invest in a good-quality meat thermometer to accurately gauge the doneness of your food. This ensures perfectly cooked meat every time. Rest the meat After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavourful bite. Grilled veggie packets Wrap vegetables in foil packets with a little olive oil, seasoning, and butter, and grill them over indirect heat. This method creates tender and delicious veggies with minimal effort. Grill sliced citrus Grill citrus slices like lemons, limes, or oranges for a few minutes to release their natural sugars. Squeeze the grilled citrus over your grilled dishes to add brightness and complexity to the flavours. Use skewers Skewer vegetables, prawns, or cubed meats for easy and mess-free grilling. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water before use to prevent burning. Basting with butter Baste your meat with a mixture of melted butter and herbs while cooking. This adds richness and enhances the flavour. Grill desserts Don’t limit BBQ cooking to savoury dishes. Grill sliced fruits like peaches, pineapples, or watermelon and serve them with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert. Experimenting with these expert tips will make you a true BBQ master! A little care and attention go a long way in ensuring that your BBQ performs at its best and delivers outstanding results, year after year. All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog where you can find our ultimate guide to spring cleaning your home appliances and our tips for getting the most out of your freezer. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Find your replacement BBQ spare parts and accessories at Statewide Statewide Appliance Spares have Australia’s biggest range of spare parts with fast Australia wide delivery. Shop for BBQ spare parts and accessories at Statewide Appliance Spares. All the big brands and the lowest prices, guaranteed.   Tags: appliancespares, bbqcare, bbqcleaningtips, bbqspareparts, bbqspares, bbqtips

Warm summer evenings are often spent entertaining outdoors with a well-cooked barbecue, shared with family and friends. Get ready for the barbeque season with our step by step guide to cleaning your gas BBQ. To clean your BBQ, you will need: Rubber gloves (optional) Grill brushes Scraping tool Sponge Soft cloth or paper towels Drip pans Aluminium foil Warm soapy water (just add a few drops dishwashing detergent Non-toxic degreaser Cleaning your gas barbecue Safety first! Check all connections, seals and pipes for any cracks or signs of wear and tear. Check the gas bottle expiry date. Switch off the gas valve and disconnect your gas bottle. Step 1 Remove the BBQ plates, warmer racks and grills. Place in a bucket or small tub and fill with warm, soapy water. Leave to soak for a few minutes. Use a grill brush to scrub excess food and build up. Rinse with hot water and dry completely. Step 2 Remove the drip trays. Use your scraping tool to scrub grease, grime and build up. Wash your trays with warm soapy water and a non-scratch sponge. Line your drip tray with aluminium foil and cover with a fat-absorbing material (you can purchase this from a hardware store). Step 3 Give the exterior of your barbecue a good clean. Use warm soapy water and a sponge to remove built up grime. To effectively remove grease and oil, spray with Aktivo Easy Off Oven + BBQ Cleaner. Don’t forget to wipe down all knobs and handles too. For stainless steel finishes, spray Aktivo Stainless Steel Polish and buff with a soft cloth. This will remove smears, water spots and finger prints, whilst the protective barrier will deter marks from reappearing. Step 4 Lightly spray both sides of the grill with oil to protect them and prevent rusting. Step 5 Once all parts are clean and dry, it's time to reassemble the BBQ and connect the gas. Handy tips and BBQ cleaning hacks The best way to clean a barbecue grill is to do so after every use, when the barbecue grill is still warm When not in use, keep your barbecue under cover and away from the elements. Consider investing in a weather-resistant cover Never cover hotplates with alfoil For charcoal barbecues, remove old ash and coals before you start cooking again. Tip into a bucket and remove any remnants with a damp cloth. Using warm soapy water, give it a good wash Steam cleaning is an easy way to make your barbecue even easier to clean. Fill a shallow container with boiling water and place on the BBQ before closing the hood. The steam will help to loosen build up Baking soda is great for cleaning a dirty grill. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply to a warm grill before scrubbing with a grill brush If you don’t have a scrubbing tool, scrunched up foil works well too! If the grill is cast iron, you can use a wire BBQ brush (usually gold coloured bristles). For a stainless-steel grill, use a stainless-steel wire brush instead (usually silver coloured bristles) The barbecue is an iconic part of the Australian lifestyle. Take the time to clean and care for your barbecue now, so it’s ready to go next time your have friends and family over. For more cleaning tips, check out our handy guide. We've put together our top hacks to save you time. Need bbq spare parts, cleaning products and accessories? We’ve got you covered! Find the spare part you need at Statewide Appliance Spares, with fast Australia wide delivery.