Cleaning a gas grill? Soot builds up on the food and something smells a bit like plastic?

Question

I have a gas oven that heats my kitchen to 5 billion degrees when I use it in this hot summer weather :( ...I need to fix this grill!

The rocks in the grill are a bit old and probably need to be replaced, but this all started when I replaced the 'guts' to the grill because they were rusted and falling apart.

The first time I noticed it, soot (or something) built up on my chicken breast. I could take the spatula and scrap most of it off... it was slimey. Something smelled like plastic, but I thought maybe it was the new 'guts' breaking in or something. I ate the chicken... yeah I know, I shouldn't have.

The next time I used it, the plastic smell wasn't as bad, but the soot was still there. I cooked a pork loin (wrapped in foil). The loin was fine, but when I put the potatoes on, the soot was back. I tried leaving the lid open, but the potatoes wouldn't get done in the middle. I threw them out and ate the loin.

My boyfriend said something about too much gas and not enough oxygen causing the smell and soot. He said maybe a vent was blocked (he put the new guts in). What about this?

Maybe the grill is just really dirty? How to clean it?

Tips? Suggestions?

Anything appreciated; I want my grill back :(

Answer 1

You are getting too much air.

Is it LP or Natural gas you are using? Are the new parts for LP or Natural gas? The LP burners have large orifices than Natural Gas.

Also, before the burner is a collar type sleeve that goes over the gas pipe going to the burner. It will have 1 or 2 holes on it. When the fire is on medium turn this collar to adjust the air to gas ratio. The flame will change color and size. Try for a nice blue flame with small yellow tips.Not a big orange flame.

Replace the lava rock yearly and use more than you think you need.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You are supposed to brush down the grill EVERY TIME YOU USE IT, with a wire brush..... and replace the lava rocks underneat