Those grates look like cast iron, not porcelain. I'd fire it up, which will burn off any residue, then brush on a layer of vegetable oil, keep the heat low to season the grates. Keep a BBQ brush around to clean the grates. As far as the outside, a damp cloth is all I'd use. I find the rust on the inside components is the problem.

Thanks Seabornman and Dan1888. I appreciate the good advice.

Don’t use a wire brush on the grates. The little metal tines can break off and end up in your food… very dangerous. There are lots of different grill brushes you can buy, get a safe one. Happy grilling!

Thanks CC. I was just watching a few videos on this very same subject. I am thinking of a wooden scraper, or other safe possibilities.

Yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to some good food!

Hi again. I'm not able to buy a dedicated grate lifter locally. Is there something I can use that will work and not damage the grill grates? Someone recommended a garden cultiavotor tool. It looks like it could work. I would only be concerned that paint or other things might rub off onto the grill.

Any ideas?

Dealing with your grates is a matter of forethought. You don't use the brush or lifter if your grates were cleaned ready for use after the cool down after your last cook. You have control over that.

Dan1888 Sounds good. I like that.

I have another problem. Due to the reconstruction of the house, the barbeque was stored outside and was covered. Unfortunatley, the cover blew off during a rain and some moisture got inside. If you look at the pictures, you can see that a little rust developed both on the grill and on one of the grill grates.

How can I remove the rust without damaging the grill or the grill grate?

Speaking of the grill grates. It looks to me like it would be very easy to damage the grill grates, especially with the stainless steel spatulas they sell for flipping the burger over, etc. I bought one of these spatulas. I also bought tongs that have what appears to be plastic tips (designed for use with the barbeque) that look a little less likely to scratch the grates.

Is scratching the grates with spatulas and other stainless steel tools nothing to worry about?

I am going to cure/season the grates with vegetalbe oil. That should make the food stick less to the grill.

Finally, the company that made this barbeque grill recommends that before grilling that the grate be washed with warm, soapy water. What are your thoughts about that?

Thanks.

I think the company must know their product and how it should be treated. Water on the grill is only a bad thing if you don’t dry it off promptly.

Thank you Colleen. I think you are right.