Cleaning Traeger Drip Pan: How Often Should You Do It?

Keeping your Traeger grill clean is essential for ensuring optimal performance and preserving the taste of your food. While the grill is designed to be easy to maintain, it requires regular cleaning to prevent grease and carbon accumulation, which can lead to off-flavours and even fires. The drip pan, in particular, needs attention as it collects food debris and grease, preventing flare-ups. The recommended cleaning schedule for the drip pan and other components will depend on your cooking habits, such as the type of food and duration of cooks. For example, cooking high-fat foods will require more frequent cleaning than grilling vegetables or bread.

How to clean a Traeger drip pan

Step 1: Prepare the grill for cleaning

Before you begin cleaning your Traeger drip pan, it is important to take some safety precautions and prepare your grill for the cleaning process. Ensure that the grill is turned off and completely cooled down to a safe temperature. This is crucial to prevent any accidents or injuries.

Step 2: Remove the drip tray

Locate the drip tray beneath the cooking grates. Depending on your specific Traeger model, the drip tray may slide out or require lifting to be removed. Carefully take out the drip tray and set it aside for the next step.

Step 3: Dispose of grease and drippings

The drip tray collects grease and food drippings during the cooking process. Before cleaning the drip tray, you should carefully dispose of these accumulated grease and drippings. Use a spatula or rubber scraper to collect the residue and transfer it to a suitable container for disposal. Be cautious not to damage your grill with the tool you are using.

Step 4: Clean the drip tray

Now it's time to clean the drip tray itself. Wash the drip tray with warm, soapy water using a sponge or cloth. This will help remove any remaining grease and food particles that may be stuck on the surface. For tougher stains or buildup, you can use a specialised Traeger cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Ensure that you thoroughly clean all surfaces of the drip tray.

Step 5: Rinse and dry the drip tray

After cleaning the drip tray, it is important to rinse it with clean water to remove any soap residue. Soap residue can affect the taste of your food or leave an unpleasant smell if not properly rinsed. Once rinsed, make sure to dry the drip tray completely before placing it back into the grill. This step is crucial to prevent rust from forming on the drip tray.

Step 6: Reinsert the drip tray

Once the drip tray is clean, dry, and free of any residue, you can slide or place it back into its original position under the cooking grates. Ensure that it is securely in place and ready for your next cooking session.

Optional: Use drip tray liners or aluminium foil

To make the cleaning process even easier, you can purchase Traeger Drip Tray Liners or cover the drip tray with aluminium foil. These liners or foil sheets can be replaced after each use, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning of the drip tray. However, be cautious when using foil, as some users have reported issues with foil melting at higher temperatures. Always follow the recommended guidelines for your specific Traeger model.

Maintenance and Regular Cleaning

To maintain the performance and longevity of your Traeger grill, it is important to clean the drip pan and other components regularly. The recommended cleaning schedule may vary depending on your cooking habits and the types of food you prepare. It is suggested to clean the drip tray after every use, especially if you are cooking high-fat foods that produce more grease. Additionally, a thorough cleaning of the entire grill is recommended every 2-3 cooks or every 20-24 hours of cook time.

How often to clean the drip pan

The drip tray or drip pan is an essential component of your Traeger grill. Located beneath the grill grates, it collects food debris and grease, preventing flare-ups and helping to manage grease effectively.

To keep your Traeger grill in top condition, it is recommended to clean the drip tray regularly. The frequency of cleaning will depend on your usage and the types of food you cook. For example, cooking high-fat foods like pork belly or brisket will require more frequent cleaning compared to grilling vegetables or bread.

• After every use: It is recommended to wipe down any spills and scrape off the grill grates if food has touched them.
• Every 2-3 cooks (approximately every 20-24 hours of cook time): Perform a deep clean of the inside of the grill, including the drip tray.
• Every 3 months: Clean the outside of the grill. If you do not use a grill cover, you may need to clean it more frequently due to exposure to the elements.
• Every 6 months: Clean the grease chute, or the downdraft if your grill does not have a chimney.
• Before cleaning, ensure that your Traeger grill is turned off and completely cooled down to a safe temperature.
• Remove the drip tray by sliding it out or lifting it, depending on your model.
• Carefully dispose of any accumulated grease and drippings from the drip tray into a suitable container. You can use a spatula or rubber scraper to collect stubborn residue.
• Wash the drip tray with warm, soapy water and a sponge or cloth to remove any remaining grease and food particles. For tougher stains or buildup, you can use a Traeger cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Rinse the drip tray thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Ensure it is completely dry before placing it back into the grill to prevent rust.
• Once clean and dry, slide or place the drip tray back into its position under the cooking grates.

To make cleaning easier, you can use drip tray liners or cover the drip tray with aluminum foil. These can be changed or replaced as needed, typically after a few cooks or whenever they appear dirty. However, some users have reported issues with the official Traeger drip tray liners melting at high temperatures, so heavy-duty aluminum foil from other sources may be a better option.

What to clean the drip pan with

Traeger recommends using a stiff, non-metallic tool to scrape the drip tray. Suitable options include a plastic putty knife, plastic scraper, or a wooden spatula or grill scraper. You can also use a nylon brush or a silicone/rubber putty knife to remove cooked-on residue. Avoid using any abrasive or metal products like steel wool or steel brushes, as these can scratch the drip tray and cause rust.

If you're looking for a chemical-free option, you can use a non-chemical degreaser like Traeger All-Natural Grill Cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and vinegar. For a deeper clean, you can also use a power washer or pressure washer to remove any stubborn residue.

Some people choose to line their drip pans with aluminium foil instead of cleaning the pan itself. If you do this, be sure to change the foil regularly, as it can get brittle and stick to the pan if left for too long.

How to prevent grease build-up

Grease is inevitable when cooking, but there are several ways to prevent excessive grease build-up in your Traeger grill. Firstly, it is important to clean frequently. Scrape grease and food build-up from the grates, flat top, and drip tray after each use. The grill grates are easiest to clean while they are still warm, so it is recommended to keep a long-handled cleaning brush near the grill. The drip tray should be cleaned at least twice a year, but more often if you use your grill frequently or cook high-fat foods.

Secondly, use drip tray liners to catch extra grease and food particles. These can be purchased from Traeger and should be thrown away and replaced when necessary.

Thirdly, monitor cooking temperatures. Cooking at lower temperatures can result in more grease build-up compared to higher temperatures.

Finally, use a grill cover. This will protect your grill from rain and humidity, which can accelerate grease accumulation, and will also block debris and sunlight, making grease harder to clean.

In addition to these strategies, Traeger recommends the following cleaning timeline:

• After every use: wipe down spills and scrape off grill grates (if food touched grates).
• Every 2-3 cooks (every 20-24 hours of cook time): deep clean the inside of the grill.
• Every 3 months: clean the outside of the grill (more often if you don't have a grill cover).
• Every 6 months: clean the grease chute (or the downdraft if the grill doesn't have a chimney).

How to clean a porcelain-coated grid

How Often to Clean a Traeger Drip Pan

It is recommended that you clean the drip tray of your Traeger after every 2-3 cooks, or 20-24 hours of cook time. This will involve turning off the grill and allowing it to cool down completely, removing the drip tray, disposing of grease and drippings, and then cleaning the tray with warm soapy water.

Porcelain-coated grids can be tricky to clean as they can chip easily, so it's important to use the right tools and products. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Heat the grill for about 10 minutes to burn off any excess food or grease, then turn it off and let it cool down.
• Place the porcelain grids on a trash bag outside to protect your lawn from any residual cleaner.
• Choose a grill cleaner that is safe for porcelain and ceramic-coated grids. Spray the cleaner onto both sides of the grids, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Let the cleaner sit for at least 30 minutes to give it time to break down the grease and grime.
• Put on some gloves and scrub the grids with a rag, focusing on any particularly dirty areas. For hard-to-reach spots, use an old toothbrush. Avoid using a metal brush as this can scratch the porcelain.
• Rinse the grids thoroughly with a hose on both sides until the water runs clear.
• Allow the grids to air dry in the sun before placing them back on the grill.

For a quicker clean after each use, simply use a nylon brush to wipe down the warm grids, focusing on areas with grease build-up. You can also use a sheet of aluminium foil to scrub the grids and remove caked-on grease.

Frequently asked questions