Deep Cleaning Your Kamado Grill: Step-by-Step

Keeping your Kamado grill in peak condition doesn’t just make your food taste better—it also extends the life of your investment. Whether you’re gearing up for grilling season or wrapping up a weekend BBQ bash, performing a deep clean kamado grill routine is essential. At Vessils, we believe that consistent kamado grill care enhances every cook, from low-and-slow briskets to fiery seared steaks. This guide walks you through the full deep cleaning your kamado grill process so your Vessils grill stays in top shape year-round. Learn more maintenance tips by visiting our all accessories page.

Why Deep Cleaning Matters

Grease buildup, ash deposits, and leftover food residue can affect airflow, temperature control, and even the flavor of your food. Routine wipe-downs are great, but a full cleaning your bbq grill every few months—or more often if you’re a frequent griller—is one of the smartest kamado grill maintenance tips you can follow. Think of it like seasoning your cast iron pan: it’s part of the ritual that makes the experience better over time. For replacement parts that may wear out during heavy use, like gaskets, check out our fiberglass gasket.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into cleaning your kamado grill, gather the right grill cleaning tools. You’ll want:

• A sturdy grill cleaning brush (preferably with stainless steel or brass bristles)

• Ash tool or scoop

• Shop vac or handheld vacuum (for fine ash)

• Mild dish soap and warm water

• Non-metallic scraper or putty knife

• Microfiber cloth or towel

• Heat-resistant gloves

Avoid harsh chemicals—your ceramic grill is porous, and harsh cleaners can linger and affect flavor. Stick with gentle soap and elbow grease for the best grill cleaning results.

Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean Your Kamado Grill

Step 1: Empty the Ash

Remove the ash drawer or open the bottom vent to scoop out accumulated ash. Use a shop vac to get fine particles, especially from air holes and hard-to-reach spots. This improves airflow and ensures optimal kamado grill ash cleaning importance for your next cook.

Step 2: Disassemble Internal Components

Take out the cooking grates, fire ring, and firebox. Carefully remove each part and set them aside. Use your grill cleaner brush to scrub off any loose debris and grease.

Step 3: Burn Off Residue with a Hot Cook

With internal parts removed, do a high-temp burn (around 600–700°F) for 15–20 minutes. This incinerates any lingering grease or food bits stuck to the inner walls. Once cooled, use a scraper to remove carbonized flakes. Burning off residue is an important step when you clean kamado grill surfaces thoroughly.

Step 4: Clean the Ceramic Interior

After the grill cools, gently scrub the inside walls using warm soapy water and a non-metal brush. Avoid hosing down—instead, rinse with a damp cloth. Let the ceramic dry fully with the lid open.

Step 5: Scrub and Soak the Grates

Use warm soapy water and your grill cleaning brush to clean the grates. For stubborn grease, let them soak. This ensures effective cleaning kamado grill grates.

Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior

Use a damp cloth to clean the outside of your Kamado grill. For stainless steel bands and parts, you can use a stainless steel polish. Dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

Step 7: Reassemble and Protect

After thoroughly drying everything, reassemble your grill. Protect your newly cleaned grill by using a heavy-duty grill cover or the correct cover size for your model—such as the 13" Kamado cover or 15" Kamado cover.

If you need tips about keeping your charcoal fresh after cleaning, explore our blog on beginners guide-to char grilling.

Maintaining Your Kamado Grill Between Deep Cleanings

• Regularly empty ash using a reliable ash tool.

• Clean cooking grates after each use with a grill cleaning brush.

• Use a Vessils Charcoal Basket (future linking: Using Charcoal Baskets for Better Heat Control) for easier ash removal.

• Check your temperature control periodically; see our upcoming blog How to Control Temperature in a Kamado Grill for more tips.

• If rust is an issue on cast iron parts, refer to our upcoming guide on How to Prevent Rust on Cast Iron Grills.

A clean grill is a happy grill—and your food will thank you for it. Taking the time to deep clean kamado grill surfaces improves performance, flavour, and longevity. With proper kamado grill maintenance and a few simple grill cleaning kit tools, your Vessils grill will continue delivering outstanding results for years. Visit our grill parts and accessories and check out our warranty page to see how Vessils supports you throughout your grilling journey.

Ready to refresh your grill? Start today and enjoy better BBQs tomorrow!