How to Clean a BBQ Basket

BBQ baskets come in all sizes and styles—from square grilling baskets designed for vegetables to specialty tumbler baskets for roasting chilies or poultry. Whatever type of BBQ basket you have, it needs some basic cleaning to keep it in top shape for your next cookout.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check what material your BBQ basket is made from. Stainless steel and metal with a porcelain non-stick coating are the most popular materials, but baskets are made of other metals as well. The cleaning method varies slightly for each material.
2. Prepare a stainless steel or other metal basket before use to help with clean up later on. A light coating of oil or a non-stick spray helps you avoid stuck-on food.
3. Clean your basket immediately after you use it. Soak stainless steel and non-stick baskets in warm, soapy water to help loosen any debris. Rinse baskets made from other metals but don't soak them.
4. Use a scouring brush on your basket if it doesn't have a non-stick coating; use a cloth if it does. Scrub well until you remove all debris.
5. Spray your BBQ basket with oven cleaner and let it sit overnight if it has too much burned-on food to remove. Wash it thoroughly after you remove the oven cleaner.

Tips & Warnings

• Baking soda applied with a little water or vinegar makes an effective and gentle cleaner for removing burned juices and oils.
• BBQ baskets generally get stained and blackened with use, so don't expect your basket to look pristine forever, even if you clean it well.