Maintaining Your PGS Legacy Grills

Outdoor Grill Maintenance with PGS Legacy Grills

So, you’ve bought a PGS Legacy Series grill and had an amazing summer full of barbecues for friends and family. You know maintaining your grill is essential to keep it performing at its best, but you’re not quite sure how to go about it. Good news! All our outdoor gas grills are designed to last long and are easy to maintain. After all, the only way to keep making those unforgettable memories is by having a grill that works perfectly. Although our Legacy grills are built to last, neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance can shorten their lifespan significantly. If you don’t maintain your grill, clogs can form in the burners, and grime can accumulate, potentially damaging the interior. Left unchecked, rust can ruin the sleek look of your grill. But don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through the process!

Maintaining Your Gas Grill

Keeping your grill in top condition isn’t rocket science, but it does require some effort. Experts generally agree that a deep clean is necessary once or twice a year. Regular maintenance cleaning every few months is also a good idea. Sometimes, marinades splatter or veggies slip through the grates, and grease builds up. A quick visual inspection can help you determine what needs to be cleaned. While you can clean your grill at any time, it’s best to do a thorough cleaning before the summer starts.

Grease Tray

For our Legacy grills, we recommend lining your grease tray with heavy-duty aluminum foil before each use. Regularly checking and emptying the grease tray is a smart move to ensure the long-term health of your grill. Replace the aluminum foil every five to ten uses, depending on the fatty meats you cook. If your grill has been exposed to rain without a cover, always check the grease tray as water can accumulate inside. Replacing the aluminum foil regularly will extend the life of your grease tray and keep your grill running smoothly. Remember, the foil should be cool before replacing it.

Burners

Removing and replacing the burners makes it easier to thoroughly clean your Legacy grill. Before starting, ensure your gas supply is off and the feedline is free of gas. Take your time—rushing this process can lead to mistakes. To remove the burner assembly, start by taking out the cooking grids and rock grates. Gently pull up on the back of the burner assembly. Cover the valve openings to prevent dirt from getting in. Use a stiff wire brush to clean both sides and the bottom of the burner. For clogged flame holes, use a thin wire brush to unclog them. A small bottle brush or a long flexible wire can be used to clean out the venturis.

Cooking Grids

Cleaning the cooking grids is pretty straightforward. The best time to clean your Legacy grill grids is before and after cooking, while the grill is still hot. Wear a barbecue mitt to protect your hands from the heat. If you notice a significant buildup, you can remove the grids and scrub them with a mild soap solution. Remember to rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reinstalling the grids back onto your grill.

Stainless Steel Maintenance

Our stainless steel Legacy grills are made in California and make a fantastic addition to any outdoor space. Built with enhanced durability, these grills can resist corrosion. However, some care is needed to ensure your stainless steel grill lives up to its reputation for both quality and longevity. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to the deterioration of the grill’s surface, and in severe cases, even cause corrosion. The most common causes of corrosion on your stainless steel grill are rust marks and pitting on the grill surface. Rust Marks: Often, rust marks on your stainless steel grill are remnants of “normal” steel particles that have stuck to your grill’s surface. Wire wool scouring pads are a common culprit, but carbon steel utensils can also leave residues. You can remove these marks using a soft, damp cloth and a stainless steel cleaner. Address rust marks as soon as you spot them to prevent staining. Pitting: Bleach and certain foods are usually responsible for pitting on the grill surface. Some bleach concentrations can damage the stainless steel, so use bleach approved for stainless steel and always rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward. Most foodstuffs are not an issue for stainless steel grills, but concentrated salt and vinegar mixtures can harm the surface if left on for too long. Always wipe down your grill thoroughly during and after cooking to avoid damage.

Daily Care in a Nutshell

To keep your Legacy grill looking like new, follow these guidelines:

1. After use, especially after grilling fatty meats, wipe your grill with a soft, damp cloth and rinse with warm/hot clean water. This helps remove any excess substances created during the grilling process.
2. Avoid using harsh abrasives and scouring materials when cleaning your grill’s stainless steel surfaces. These can leave marks and damage your grill’s appearance. Be cautious with the tools you use on the stainless steel.
3. Your PGS Grill has a directional polished grain. Clean along this grain, not across it.
4. Use soft, dry cloths or towels to dry your grill after cleaning.
5. Check for propane leaks regularly. You can test for leaks by applying soapy water to the gas line and connections (with the propane turned on). If bubbles form, there’s a leak—either tighten the connection or replace the line.
6. Cover your grill. Protect your Legacy grill from the elements when not in use to prevent rust and dirt accumulation.

The Bottom Line

Clean your grill regularly. Besides the detailed cleaning mentioned above, wiping your grill after each use is crucial. AEI Corporation has been leading the grilling industry for over 50 years and continues to innovate with products for both indoor and outdoor dining. If you’re not interested in our residential grills, check out our commercial grills with built-in timers here. For further questions or concerns, reach out to our team today.