BBQ Service Pros Blog

• 

We advertise on our website we can either clean your barbecue on site or we can take it to our shop and return it to you. The majority of our cleaning and repairs are done at your home. You can be present and see the process we use in giving your barbecue a thorough cleaning. We go over the unit with you after the job is complete. Any repairs that need to be done are also done on site. Sometimes the job requires a second trip to your home. The service call charge we request is just one service call. In other events where the barbecues repairs are a bit more extensive, such as replacing broken valves, we may recommend we take your barbecue to our shop to complete the job. We are honest and provide fair estimates before the job is performed. We aren’t like other barbecue repair companies who often times will bait and switch you. Other companies will provide an initial estimate, then when the job is complete you are hit with an extensive bill. We on the other hand will let you know what parts are required and the cost to you.

Have you trusted another company to take your barbecue away on Monday, then Friday comes and it doesn’t seem like the same barbecue? Maybe it was just in desperate need of a thorough cleaning and you aren’t used to looking at a clean barbecue. Possibly the technician switched barbecues on you. Maybe the parts are a little different. Or once you go to cook, you notice the flavor of your food just isn’t the same. Then come to think of it, the cooking grids aren’t made of the same cast iron you used to cook on. What do you do? Call the technician and come off a bit crazy or accusatory? Let it go and remain frustrated with the decision that was made? Well, going forward, trust an honest company that has been servicing barbecues, patio heaters, table top heaters, fireplaces for over 30 years. Call BBQ Service Pro’s.

It’s that time of year again for outside entertaining with warmth. Has it been a few years since you had your patio heaters serviced? Perhaps a forgotten tabletop heater has been left out in the elements and not turned on? Then you go to turn on your fire pit or outdoor fireplace and nothing happens. Call BBQ Service Pro’s today to have your outdoor heating devices serviced and ready to go. Often times the heat collects in one area and fails to distribute evenly. Clogged burners with cobwebs are a common issue that is almost invisible to routine cleans. There are many factors as to why your heating elements don’t perform like they used to. That doesn’t mean it’s time to upgrade and buy new patio heaters, fire pits and tabletop heaters. They can last you years as long as they are maintained properly. We clean, service and repair all makes of patio heaters and fireplaces. If it isn’t worth the cost to repair due to parts, we will give you honest advice. If we are unable to repair your device, the service call is at no charge to you.

Have rats eaten through the wires of your barbecue? Are your igniters not working or your burners not distributing heat properly? Call BBQ Service Pros today for a thorough cleaning and sanitation of your grill as well as a tune up to have your grill up and running safely. Call 480-589-2232 anytime, 7 days a week. Lately we have been receiving a number of callers regarding the wires of their barbecue being eaten by rats. Rats can be a constant nuisance here in Arizona. They come back year after year and if your barbecue isn’t properly screened off, they get into your barbecue and eat through all of the wires. Rats leave a lot of fecal matter causing your barbecue to be unsanitary for use. Yet often that is overlooked and well, so are the thorough cleanings forgotten. Here at BBQ Service Pro’s, we recommend a professional cleaning at least once a year, depending on usage. If rats have eaten through your wires, or just gobbled up the left over grease, then it is time for a cleaning, sanitization treatment and an overall tune up. Our prices are reasonable for the service provided and we guarantee repair work for one year.

Now have you noticed your burners aren’t distributing heat properly. Or your barbecue’s temperature just doesn’t seem to get as hot as it once did? Calling BBQ Service Pro’s for service on your barbecue can make a huge difference in your cooking and overall flavor of your food. Sometimes the orifices just need a little drilling to unclog them. Consider spiders and the build up of their webs inside your barbecue. With over 30 years of experience servicing and professionally cleaning barbecues, fire pits, patio heaters and more, we can resolve the majority of your problems. We give honest advice and perform detailed work to keep your barbecue in top shape, before having to go out and buy another one. Barbecues can last for years when properly maintained. Call today for an estimate or to book an appointment. We even work on weekends and holidays at no additional rate.

There’s absolutely no doubt about it … A clean grill is a safe and efficient grill. You got that right. Cleaning your grill on the regular is the best way to ensure safety and optimum performance when grilling up all of your signature BBQ dishes.

Safety

Did you know greasy buildup is the leading cause of grill fires? It’s true. Stuck on grease can catch flame and hinder the performance of your grill. Charred meats exposed to direct heat are even said to contain carinogens that cause cancer. Gross! Limit your exposure to this harmful, carcinogenic charring by barbecuing on a clean grill. A deep cleaning is ideal to prep your grill for the upcoming grilling season, and light cleaning will keep it in tiptop shape between detailed washes. We offer full cleanings and surface cleanings to meet the needs of grill masters with varying concerns.

Flavor

Though we focus a great deal on safe grilling here at BBQ Service Pro’s, we have also found that a dirty grill can affect the flavor of your food. Start fresh with a clean slate each time you grill to make sure no remnants from a previous BBQ are left over. A thorough cleaning is recommended before each backyard BBQ so you can showcase your culinary skills with flavors that are pronounced and prominent. This allows you to change spices, flavorings, marinades, rubs and wood types without worrying about contamination from previous grill usage.

Bug Prevention

Another reason why we suggest frequent cleanings is because they ward off pests looking for a bite to eat. The gunk left on grills after cooking attracts all kinds of bugs,

so you better smarten up if you know what’s best for you and your family. You don’t want insects swarming around trying to feed themselves with droppings that fall between grill grates. To keep these pesky bugs away while backyard entertaining, have your grill professionally cleaned when done using it.

Performance & Appearance

A clean grill is proven to perform better and look better than a dirty grill. By cleaning all corners of the inside and outside, we help prolong the life of your grill. Cleanings are shown to prevent corrosion, keeping your grill in pristine condition for years and years to come. Grills are expensive to replace, so you best maintain the one you got. We provide the cleaning. You handle the grilling.

Fire prevention starts with awareness. Now that you are aware of our top reasons why grill cleaning is so important, we hope you practice responsible grilling this summer and beyond. Experienced and equipped with commercial grade cleaning products, our crew is prepared to improve the safety and the performance of your grill. We thoroughly clean all parts and components, leaving no trace of gunk, goo or residue behind. Once clean, your grill will perform and look like new.

Serving Maricopa County and its surrounding communities, we have had the pleasure of cleaning grills for local grilling teams, home chefs and dining establishments that serve some of the area’s most sought after BBQ. We clean much deeper than any other grill cleaners in these parts. Choose the leading grill cleaning service to take advantage of a safer and healthier grilling experience.

The premiere grill cleaning professionals long preferred by Maricopa residents, we go the distance. Our team is highly knowledgeable in regards to what a deep cleaning entails. We are at your service. Let us show you the difference. We guarantee you won’t regret it. Give us a call at 480-589-2232 to schedule your cleaning today!

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, barbecue grills have been the cause of nearly 10,000 home fires annually. Based on annual averages since 2013, July and August are the peak months for grill fires. Not surprisingly, the leading causes of these fires was a lack of good barbecue cleaning or the development of leaks or breaks. 

BBQ Service Pros barbecue-grill cleaning service can help. Consistent grill cleaning reduces smoke and dangerous flare-ups. Grease buildup is the leading cause of grill fires and the easiest way to ruin the taste of the meat. In addition to de-greasing your unit, our technicians also check the regulator and other key components of your grill. Don’t wait, schedule your barbecue cleaning today!

Each time you barbecue, follow these simple steps to ensure your safety:

1. Remove grease or fat buildup from the grill racks and from the drip-trays underneath the grill. 
2. Keep the lid open while lighting. Trapped propane under a lid will act like a bomb when lit. If your grill doesn’t start immediately, wait five minutes for gas fumes to clear before trying again. 
3. If you use a gas grill, check for dents in the propane tank. They could signal a potential leak.
4. Ensure the grill is positioned well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 

At the beginning of each grilling season, check the gas tank hose for leaks. Turn on the gas (but don’t light the grill) and apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. If there is a leak, you will see little bubbles at its source. At that point, turn off the gas and replace the hose or call a repairman. 

Outdoor kitchens are becoming all the rage these days making family barbecues easier than ever! Cooking on the grill is an excellent way to entertain company or just feed the family without heating up the kitchen or making a mess of that fact. Running back and forth from the kitchen to the patio gets old. These days grilling is easier and more enjoyable by putting together an outdoor kitchen. Even the simplest of setups can make outdoor cooking more efficient.  The fanciest ones mean you will not have to go back inside until all your guests leave because everything is right at your fingertips! Charcoal was great in the beginning, but the gas grill took over because of its convenience. Today’s most advanced BBQ grills have side burners, storage space and work areas built right in. Everything is incorporated to your outside patio and entertaining is no longer a chore to prepare.

Installing an outdoor kitchen may be just the thing for you if you have frequent cookouts and everyone is intrigued with your barbecue skills. Maybe you grill in large amounts and need more of an easier way to do this. An outdoor kitchen also could be just for you if you have an unused patio or deck.  If you want to move past the burgers and dogs and experiment with some savvy dishes an outdoor kitchen may be perfect for you. Also if you’re tired of the outrageous electric bills due to your heating up the kitchen and your air conditioner working overtime.  If any of these suggestions resonate with you, it’s probably time to do some outdoor kitchen shopping.

An outdoor kitchen can be as small or elaborate as you want with the grill being the centerpiece. The most common grills come with wheels that you can take with you when you move and come in a wide variety of sizes, features, and price.  These are also fun to take to the beach as well.  If you are planning to incorporate the kitchen as a permanent part of your home, select a built in grill that will drop into space on a cabinet with countertops that are integrated on the site. This is much like your kitchen inside. Some of the accessories you will need are baskets for grilling fish, vegetables or hush puppies, a griddle, tongs and a reliable meat thermometer.  Side burners are included in most grills today, but a camping stove can get the job done.  Make sure your work space is sanitized for food preparation. There are a variety of lights for your outdoor kitchen, but a direct light is best for the work area.

Clip-ons are available to clip directly onto your grill so you can get your meat perfect in the center! Another consideration is a patio heater or fire pit if you are going to use the space year round in chilly environments.  Insects can ruin the most elegant and well-planned parties so never forget to have repellents conducive to your location.  If bugs were not enough, smoke in your guest eyes is not comfortable so don’t forget the exhaust hood.  Other important things to remember is having enough electrical outlets, a refrigerator, sink and warming drawers to keep food heated till time to serve.  An ice machine is also convenient (no ugly, bulky coolers) and of course the wine storage.  Don’t forget the corkscrew!

• 

• Material used

The material used to make a barbeque grill affects how resistant or durable your grill will be. Using a grill regularly will lead to rust formation unless it is made from a high-quality model.

• Food residue

After barbecuing, a lot of food particles are left on your grill. If they are left to sit for long, they can lead to arusting grill. Therefore, you must clean your grill after every cookout. With the right tips, cleaning your grill can be easy.

• Chemicals in your backyard

The use of corrosive chemicals like bromine and chlorine in your swimming pool can cause a grill to rust when they escape in the form of vapor. Also, chemicals in the pesticides and fertilizers used on your lawn can cause the grill to rust. Place your grill away from the pool and lawn to avoid rusting.

• Moisture

Moisture plays a critical role in rusting and reducing the lifespan of your grill. After grilling, you need to cover your grill with a tight vinyl cover or fitting nylon.

• Salty water

Salt corrodes metals. The humidity mixed with salt in the air will cause your grill to rust if you live near the ocean. Also, avoid using salt to melt snow as it might get to your grill, causing rusting. To overcome rusting due to salt in the air, wax your grill every time you use it.

• Solutions used to melt snow.

Trying to get rid of snow from your BBQ grill using chemical solutions is not a good idea. These chemicals cause the grill to be prone to rust. You can use heat from the grill to melt the ice. However, you need to buy a grill cover so that you do not leave it exposed in the winter in future.

• Lack of oiling your grill

Applying a coat of vegetable oil to your grill prevents food particles from sticking on the grill. Also, the oil helps in repelling moisture and, ultimately, rust. Use a dishrag coated with oil to coat the grill rather than using an aerosol can of vegetable oil. Aerosols are known to explode when exposed to flames. 

• Lack of deep cleaning

Do a regular deep cleaning on your grill. Detach the grate and use hot water mixed with baking soda and mild dish soap to clean. Soak the grate for an hour, then use a brush to remove dirt.

• High temperature

It is the least common cause of rust but is common when using a super-powered grill. The high temperatures cause the carbon and chromium in the stainless steel to bond. The grill loses its resistance to rust leading to corrosion when the percentage of chromium is reduced. Avoid heating your grill to extreme temperatures to avoid this problem.

• Lack of drying after washing

Be sure to wipe the crevices and corners after cleaning. Fire your grill for 15 minutes to remove moisture from inside the grill.

Contact us

Grill owners can use certain precautions mentioned above to prevent rust. However, you can contact BBQ Service Pro’s for any rusting grill repair, they are professionals in Maricopa County to look at your grill if it has formed extensive rust.

We’re Partying Like It’s 1999!

One of our long-time clients had upgraded to a large, built-in grill and had stowed-away their little Weber™ Genesis in the back of their garage… about 15 years ago! It was well-used, not working, missing parts, and pretty much covered in dirt, dust, and whatever grease was hanging around from their last 2004 cook-out.

They told me about their little Weber™ and said they were about to take it to the curb. Then they asked me whether I wanted to salvage any parts from it first. It was in sad shape, but rather than kick it to the curb, I asked if I could just throw it in the back of my truck and take it home and assess it. I found the model and serial number. Turns out it’s 20 YEARS OLD! Built in America by Weber™ in May of 1999.

Well, this little Genesis had some life left in it! I scrubbed, degreased, and scoured it clean. I replaced the burners and flavor bars. I cleaned the igniter contacts and fit it with a new, up-to-date gas line and regulator, and then polished it up!
 

Not only does it like like new, but works like new too!

It fires up on the first touch of the igniter! The coated steel cooking grates are original and cleaned-up beautifully with our degreasing process and a little elbow grease. Everything from the igniter to the built-in thermometer work great! I updated the gas line and regulator to today’s safer versions. You can see that even the fuel level gauge still works, 20 years later!

We invested less than $100 in parts to get this 20 year old Genesis back to safe working order, and it’s ready for another 30 years of service in Scottsdale Grilling Paradise.

Let it be a lesson to all of us… Don’t give up on your grill! Call me and we can take a look at it together and decide if we can save it or not. You never know!

Has Your Grill Seen Better Days?

Whether it’s an expensive model or budget model, if your grill is still partying like it’s 1999, give us a call or email us at Barbequeservicepros@gmail.com. Grills can be expensive, and we can often restore them to as good-as-new condition for much less than the cost of a replacement grill. Our phone number is 480-589-2232.

Do Patio Heaters Work?

People who love the outdoors are willing to put up with a lot to stay out there. However, staying warm outdoors can be challenging as the colder months arrive. One such solution is the patio heater, but do patio heaters work?

The short answer is yes, but you need to be aware of the effective distance. Each patio heater has a different power source and level, making these heaters effective at different distances. Ideally, you will want one that measures the reach of your patio space.

Below, we will provide you a few methods you can use to determine the reach of your patio heater.

Different Methods To Determine How Effective Your Patio Heater Is

Method #1: Distance Claims

The first method you can use to determine the effectiveness of patio heaters is from their claims. Each patio heater will make some distance claim based on several factors.

You’ll want to pay attention to those claims and apply them to the space of your patio. Pay attention to those advertisements, as false advertising can entitle you to a refund or replacement if the patio heater is ineffective.

Method #2: BTUs

The British Thermal Units (BTUs) are a great way to determine the power source of your heater. This technique applies to heaters, gas grills, and anything that burns fuel for heat.

Bear in mind that more significant numbers are part of more attractive advertising. The BTUs are a good measure of effectiveness, but they won’t always be efficient.

Most of the time, you’ll find that no patio heaters can cover an entire space. Typically, you’ll want to pick a specific patio space you plan on using.

If you plan to have guests over, it would be best to rent multiple patio heaters. More extensive patios require more than 200 thousand BTUs to heat complete spaces.  Given that the cost of this energy use can add up quickly, you won’t want to overdo it.

Method #3: Good Brands & Customer Reviews

Another way to determine the effectiveness of patio heaters is through experience. This experience comes in one of three forms:

• Ask someone you trust
• Check out online reviews
• Go with a brand that has a good reputation

If you know someone who owns a patio heater, come by for a visit. Anything can be an excuse to chat, and you can ask to test out your friend’s patio heater in the process.

If you don’t know anyone who owns a heater like this, your best bet is to check out online reviews. These can come in the form of customer reviews on the website or professional reviews by other bloggers.

You don’t necessarily have to buy them online; you can check out your local store and do research elsewhere. Before purchasing anything you want to rely on to stay warm, it’s good to do your research.

Wrap Up

If you want to purchase a solid patio heater, research is your friend. But if you need help servicing it, we offer that service in addition to barbeque cleaning.

Before Professional Barbeque Cleaning