Spring Grill Tune-Up: How to Prep Your Grill or Smoker for the Season

In the U.S., 70% of households now own a grill or smoker (Peak Grilling Season Is Underway - Practice Grill Safety). As soon as the winter frost melts, people are eager to fire them up for spring cookouts—spring is actually the second most popular season for grilling, with 62% of grillers cooking out at least weekly in spring (BBQ And Grill Statistics for 2022 - Traeger Grills). That means now is the perfect time to get your barbecue ready for action. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to clean and set up your grill and gear for a successful spring grilling season, so you can enjoy delicious BBQ from the very first warm weekend.

Step 1: Deep Clean Your Grill

Remove grease and ash: Start by clearing out any leftover ash (for charcoal grills) or grease debris (for gas grills) from last season. Empty the ash catcher and drip trays to prevent old gunk from causing flare-ups.
Scrub the grates: Give your cooking grates a thorough cleaning. Use a sturdy grill brush to scrape off charred bits and carbon buildup. (Tip: If the grates are especially dirty, soak them in warm, soapy water for 15–30 minutes first, then scrub.)
Clean the interior: Wipe down the inside of the lid and grill body with warm soapy water or a specialized grill cleaner. Removing soot and grease from the walls and lid will prevent bitter flavors and excessive smoke.
Check the drip pan: If your grill has a grease drip pan or foil liner, empty or replace it. A clean drip pan reduces the risk of grease fires.
Why it matters: Starting with a clean grill ensures better heat distribution and prevents old residues from tainting the flavor of your fresh spring BBQ. A clean grill also means a safer grill, since you’ll have less chance of flare-ups from old grease.

Step 2: Inspect and Test Your Grill

Examine for wear and tear: Inspect all the grill components after cleaning. Look for any rusted or cracked parts, especially on grates, burners, and flavorizer bars. If something like a burner or grill grate is heavily rusted or damaged, consider replacing it now so it doesn’t fail mid-season.
Check gas lines and connections (for gas grills): Safety first – inspect the propane tank and gas hose. Make sure the hose has no cracks and the connections are tight. You can perform a quick leak test by brushing soapy water on the hose and regulator connections, then turning on the gas briefly (if you see bubbles, you have a leak that needs fixing). Ensure burner holes are clear of cobwebs or blockages so gas flows properly.
Check vents and charcoal grates (for charcoal grills): Make sure the air vents open and close freely (no rust buildup) and that the charcoal grate and ash pan are intact. Good airflow is key to controlling temperature when you grill.
Do a test run: Before your first big cook, do a quick test fire. For gas grills, ignite the burners to ensure they light up evenly and the grill heats to the expected temperature. For charcoal grills, light a small batch of charcoal to confirm you can get a steady burn. Let the grill heat up for 10–15 minutes to burn off any remaining cleaning residue. This test run gives you peace of mind that everything is in working order before you load it up with food.

Step 3: Refresh Your BBQ Tools and Accessories

Take inventory of your tools: Gather all your grilling utensils and gear. Key tools include a spatula, tongs, long-handled fork, basting brush, and heat-resistant grill gloves. Make sure you also have a good wire grill brush for ongoing cleaning, and an instant-read meat thermometer for checking doneness.
Replace or upgrade worn items: Inspect each tool. Are your tongs springy and rust-free? Is your spatula handle sturdy? If any tools are rusty, wobbly, or past their prime, now’s the time to replace them. For example, a frayed grill brush can shed bristles – definitely get a new one to avoid ingesting wire bits. Consider upgrading to a digital meat thermometer if you’ve been using an old analog one; it can greatly improve your accuracy and avoid overcooking.
Add useful accessories: Think about what could make grilling easier or more fun this year. Tired of veggies falling through the grate? Grab a grill basket. Want perfect kebabs? Invest in some quality skewers. If you plan to smoke meats, consider a wireless BBQ thermometer or smoker box for your gas grill. By equipping yourself with the right accessories (many of which are available at BBQ Pro Shop), you’ll be ready to handle any recipe and cook with confidence.

Step 4: Stock Up on Fuel (Charcoal, Wood, or Propane)

Refill or replace your fuel: Don’t get caught mid-BBQ with an empty tank. If you use a gas grill, check your propane tank’s level and refill or have a spare on hand. Charcoal grillers should buy a fresh bag of charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal. (Charcoal can absorb moisture and off-odors over winter, so a new supply ensures easier lighting and better flavor.)
Have wood for smoke flavor: Spring is a great time to experiment with wood smoking chips or chunks. Pick up a bag of wood chips in flavors like hickory, applewood, or mesquite to add extra smoky goodness to your cooks. Soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before use, then use a smoker box or foil pouch on your grill. If you have a dedicated smoker, make sure you’ve got your preferred smoking wood chunks or splits ready for those long cooks.
Store fuels safely: As you stock up, remember to store everything properly. Keep charcoal in a dry place so it lights easily. Store propane tanks outside in a shaded, ventilated area. Having ample fuel on hand (and keeping it dry/safe) means you can grill at a moment’s notice when that first perfect spring day arrives.

Step 5: Refresh Your Spices, Rubs, and Sauces

Purge the old, in with the new: Check your pantry or grilling stash for any leftover spices, dry rubs, or sauces from last year. Spices and herbs lose potency over time, and that half-empty bottle of BBQ sauce might be past its prime. Discard anything that’s expired or lost its flavor. This makes room for fresh seasoning blends that will truly enhance your cooking.
Explore new flavors: One of the easiest ways to get excited for spring grilling is to try out new rubs and sauces. Maybe you want to change up your usual chicken seasoning with a zesty lemon-pepper rub, or add a touch of heat with a spicy dry rub for ribs. How about a new marinade or injection for your brisket? Spring is the time to experiment. Pro tip: Browse BBQ Pro Shop’s selection of gourmet rubs – from sweet and smoky profiles to herbal blends – to find a few new ones to test this season.
Sauce it up: Along with rubs, make sure you have a variety of BBQ sauces ready. A tangy vinegar-based sauce, a sweet smoky glaze, a spicy hot BBQ sauce – different meats pair well with different sauces. Stock your fridge with your favorites or try something new, like a fruity habanero glaze for wings or a classic thick molasses BBQ sauce for pulled pork. Having a sauce selection lets your guests customize their plates and keeps your barbecue menu versatile.

By following these steps, your grill will be primed for an amazing spring BBQ season. A little spring cleaning and preparation now means you’ll spend less time dealing with grill issues and more time enjoying delicious food with friends and family. From a spotless grate to a spice cabinet full of flavor, you’ll be ready to dive into outdoor cooking as soon as the weather cooperates.

Ready to take your spring grilling to the next level? Make sure you have the right tools and flavors on hand for the job. Visit BBQ Pro Shop to stock up on all the seasonings, sauces, and high-quality grilling accessories you need. Our store has everything mentioned above to help you grill like a pro. It’s time to fire up that grill and make this spring your tastiest one yet!