How to clean the heating element? Is there any safe way to clean the buildup off of the electric heating element on the Weber Q140 Electric Grill?
1134682
I don't recommend the use of steel wool of any grade on the heating element of an electric grill. The danger is that tiny bits of steel wool could be left on the element that could potentially spark and cause a fire. I use and highly recommend a nylon-based scrubber like Scotch Brite or a microfiber-based scrubber. Use it while the grill is still warm but not so hot as to burn yourself. Regular use after grilling will prevent buildup on the element.
2179263
Cleaning the grills is easy. Cleaning the insides requires a lot of work. I have tried chemical de-greasers, bar keepers friend, steel wool, and oven cleaner. Steel wool works best for me. The aluminum surfaces are just plain difficult.
684469
I've had this grill for four or five years and it has done a great job for me. Alas, however, I have never washed it. If you use it on your grill you may try this cleaning method: After cooking on it, I spread aluminum foil over the grill and let it stay until the next time I grill. I then turn on the grill on high (it's a gas grill) and cook the covered grate for about five minutes or long enough to turn all the residue left over from the the last meal into crispy little morsels that come right off with a grill brush and I'm sure all the germs have met their maker. I always oil the grill after use to keep the rust off and keep it seasoned. Good luck. I've had this grill for four or five years and it has done a great job for me. Alas, however, I have never washed it. If you use it on your grill you may try this cleaning method: After cooking on it, I spread aluminum foil over the grill and let it stay until the next time I grill. I then turn on the grill on high (it's a gas grill) and cook the covered grate for about five minutes or long enough to turn all the residue left over from the the last meal into crispy little morsels that come right off with a grill brush and I'm sure all the germs have met their maker. I always oil the grill... » Read More I've had this grill for four or five years and it has done a great job for me. Alas, however, I have never washed it. If you use it on your grill you may try this cleaning method: After cooking on it, I spread aluminum foil over the grill and let it stay until the next time I grill. I then turn on the grill on high (it's a gas grill) and cook the covered grate for about five minutes or long enough to turn all the residue left over from the the last meal into crispy little morsels that come right off with a grill brush and I'm sure all the germs have met their maker. I always oil the grill after use to keep the rust off and keep it seasoned. Good luck. « Show Less
1283923
I agree, just get a grill brush and clean off the worst of the gunk. The high temperature of the grill will kill any potential bacteria that probably isn't there anyway. Cast iron needs to be seasoned and stay seasoned, the dishwasher can result in starting the process over from scratch.
1021232
Thermal cleaning (running the grill on high for 15 minutes after removing food off the grill) is the best suggestion for cleaning. When cleaning the cooking surface with a wire brush, do so while the grill surface is still hot. It's easier to clean while still hot than when it's cold.
723278
wipe out the bits with stiff brush or other similar thing. paper towel for excess oil. the oil can stay on the grill a long time without harm to the next batch.My unit died and I threw it away. Not well made inside I guess.
350681
Disconnect the heating control from the grill and then it is easy to lift up the gril to clean both sides and the drip pan. While the grill is still hot Idampen paper towels grip them with tongs and clean the upper grilling area by scrubbing vigoriously in all the grooves. After the grill is cool then turn it over and clean the bottom area - using an old toothbrush where something is difficult to remove. Wash the drip pan as you would other cooking utensils.
467020
Well after I clean it I spray a light coating of "high heat" Pam cooking spray and with a cloth wipe the entire grill down and then cover with a plastic cover for the winter! I hope this helps.
113616
The grilling surface sits on top of the heating element. Neither the heat element nor the grilling surface are removable ( for cleaning). Overall, we are very happy with the grill. We live in a high rise and cannot have a gas grill.
1967590
Clean the grill while it is still hot with water and soap. Rub rub rub and done. It will clean easily.
563854
Yes, the heat element is under the top grill. I generally use an aluminum foil to collect the grease and drips, then wipe with a wet cloth.
718554
First, you line the top and bottom with heavy tin foil. Make sure to leave a hole at the bottom for the grease dripping to fall to the pan below. After I cook, I have a water mist sprayer. I have a grill brush and scrub the grates. The mist turns to steam and helps get the stubborn stuff off. When the tin foil gets yucky, I replace it with fresh. Especially good if you travel with the grill and don't want grease in your car. Deb
136818
Very easy to clean..2 min tops....I've owned several electric grills and this is the best I've found..
1221067
We use a scraper and scrape the griddle lightly before each use. The high heat pretty much burns off everything. I've never had to remove to clean. We've owned it for awhile now and it permanently stays on one side of our grill. It's the BEST purchase for our Weber we have ever made! We even purchased one for my father in law, and he loves it! Hope this helps!
368839
I will generously rub vegetable oil over the entire grate while hot every time it looks dry. I would suggest doing this before you use it for the first time. This keeps the grates conditioned and rust free. If you do this to any cast iron cooking surface it is very easy to clean. I use a cheap Dollar General grill brush. Works great. This grill is a little pricey for the size but I love it and I think you will too. Hope this helps.
365834
No the grill grates cannot be removed for cleaning so do not even waste your time with this piece of junk. Thus, I purchased an electrical bbq guys stainless steel tabletop grill and it cooks better then my weber gas grill because it is so easy to clean. Lastly the grill grates for bbq guys is removeable. Best of luck, and please let me know if you need anything else Ronald, Omar.
387046
Anything non-abrasive. Don't use soap. If you have ever used a George Forman grille it should be cleaned the same way. Just gently scrape it with a sponge or plastic/wood utensil.