Pride in Ownership: Stainless Steel Use & Care
Special thanks to our Barbecues Galore Edmonton team for their contribution to this article.
A shiny stainless-steel grill is more than just a cooking machine—it’s a backyard statement piece. That mirror-like finish? It says you care about grilling in style. But here’s the catch: stainless steel isn’t maintenance-free.
Don’t worry—keeping your grill looking its best doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little regular care, you can protect your investment, extend its life, and keep it ready for every backyard feast.
Why Stainless-Steel Needs TLC
Stainless steel is durable and good-looking, but it’s not invincible. Grease, smoke, marinades, and even the weather can leave marks over time. High heat can cause discoloration, and leftover food particles can create that dreaded rust-like blush.
The key? Regular cleaning and smart care.
👉 Keep your BBQ spotless with our Brushes & Cleaners Collection.
⭐ Featured Stainless-Safe Products:
- Brander “The Shining” Stainless Steel Barbecue Polish
- Brander Barbecue Cleaner & Degreaser
- Broil King Stainless Steel Grill Cleaner & Polish
These cleaners are formulated specifically for stainless steel, helping you keep your barbecue polished without the risk of scratches or damage.
Caring for Your Cooking Grates
Your grates take the most heat (literally). Marinades, rubs, and drippings all leave behind salty residue that can stain.
Keep them in top shape with these steps:
- Wash and season with oil after grilling.
- Use oils with high burn temps like grape seed oil (our favourite), canola, or vegetable oil.
- Skip olive oil—it burns too fast.
- Skip peanut oil too—strong flavour + allergy risks.
- For a reset, try a pumice grill stone to scrub your grates back to near-new. (Just remember to wash well after!)
👉 Refresh your grates with our Grill Cleaning Tools & Accessories.
👉 Want a full grill refresh? Check out our guide on 10 Steps to Deep Cleaning Your Barbecue.
Understanding Discolouration
Notice golden or brown streaks on your lid? That’s not rust—it’s just grease and smoke baked onto hot stainless steel.
This “battle scar” look happens because smoke particles settle and cook into the metal. It’s normal, doesn’t hurt performance, and is a sign your grill has seen some serious action.
💡 Fun fact: stainless steel itself won’t discolour until it reaches 850°F (454°C). Most of the time, it’s just grease doing the decorating.
💡 Curious about how stainless-steel compares to cast iron? Read our breakdown: Cast Iron vs Stainless Steel Maintenance.
👉 Thinking about upgrading? Explore our Stainless Steel Gas BBQ Collection.
Cleaning the Body: Shelves, Doors & Frames
The outside of your grill deserves love too. Here’s the easiest way to restore that shine:
- Pre-soak greasy spots in warm water with a splash of ammonia.
- Wash with mild detergent and warm water.
- Rinse and dry to prevent water spots.
- Always wipe with the grain of the stainless steel.
Done regularly, this quick routine keeps your grill showroom-ready.
👉 Protect your investment with our BBQ Covers & Mats Collection.
What Not to Do
Not all cleaning tricks are grill-friendly. Avoid these stainless-steel no-no’s:
❌ Bleach or cleaners containing bleach
❌ Steel wool or metal scouring pads (they leave behind particles that look like rust)
❌ Harsh abrasives on lids, doors, or shelves—they’ll scratch the finish
❌ Wiping against the grain
Instead, stick to soft cloths, mild cleaners, and always finish with the grain.
👉 Still have questions about BBQ upkeep? Check out our Gas & Electric Barbecue Maintenance FAQ for even more pro tips.
Pride in Ownership = Pride in Grilling
Your stainless-steel grill is more than just a tool—it’s the centerpiece of your backyard. A little cleaning and oiling can go a long way in keeping it looking sharp and performing flawlessly.
Because nothing says pride in ownership like a grill that shines as bright as your cooking skills.
🔥 Need the right products? Explore our full Brushes & Cleaners Collection or upgrade your setup with a Stainless Steel Gas BBQ. And don’t forget to protect it with Covers & Mats for season-long shine.
Don’t feel like scrubbing? We also provide barbecue cleaning services near you! Whether you’re in Calgary, Edmonton, or Burlington to Toronto, our service partners can get your grill gleaming again. Learn more about our Barbecue Cleaning Services.
