Keep the grill's grease path from becoming fuel for a fire
Grease and fat can collect below the cooking surface in trays, cups, channels, or pans that are easy to forget and can feed a flare-up or fire.
When it usually needs attention
Ongoing home-care habit
NFPA says to keep grills free of grease or fat buildup; inspect around use and follow the exact manual rather than applying a universal calendar interval.
When this guide applies
Applies whenever a grill is confirmed; grease paths and cleaning methods differ across gas, charcoal, pellet, electric, and griddle designs.
What to do
After the grill is completely off and cool, use the exact manual to identify each removable grease collector, check for buildup or damage, remove ordinary residue with the approved tool, and reinstall every part before the next use.
Applies when: Applies whenever a grill is confirmed; grease paths and cleaning methods differ across gas, charcoal, pellet, electric, and griddle designs.
Who should handle it: The user may clean removable grease parts shown in the manual; burner, fuel, igniter, wiring, internal fire damage, fixed outdoor-kitchen, or gas-line work belongs to qualified service and the responsible owner.
Tools
- Exact grill manual
- Manual-approved plastic or non-sparking scraper
- Flashlight for a cool, open grease compartment
Parts and supplies
- Noncombustible container or sealed waste bag for cool grease residue
- Replacement drip liner only when the exact model specifies it
Safety gear
- Grease-resistant household gloves
- Eye protection if the product label or scraping method requires it
Before you start
- Grill outdoors in its safe-use location
- Grease parts and reinstall direction confirmed from the exact manual
Power, water, or fuel shutoffs
- All burners and controls off, fuel valve closed when the manual requires it, electrical supply disconnected when specified, and grill completely cool
- Never work on a leaking fuel system
Cleaner or chemical limits
Do not spray water, aerosol cleaner, oven cleaner, solvent, bleach, or degreaser into a burner, igniter, pellet mechanism, electrical part, hot surface, or fuel system; use only model-approved products on cool removable parts.
Stop and get help when
- Stop for a gas or fuel odor, active flame, hot grease, warped or missing tray, fire damage, blocked burner, damaged wire, leaking pellet fuel, insect nest inside a fuel path, or a part that does not release as shown
- Do not pour grease into a drain or put hot residue in trash
Who to call: Keep the grill out of use and contact the manufacturer or qualified gas, electrical, appliance, or fire-damage service for fuel-system, burner, wiring, damage, or fit concerns.
Reviewed sources
- Grilling SafetyNational Fire Protection Association · reviewed July 13, 2026
- Gas Grill SafetyU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · reviewed July 13, 2026