portable grill — practical details

pack list

• vegetable oil — it really helps to oil the grill grating, to avoid meat sticking
• hand sanitizer — you will probably be touching raw meat
• foil ball — for a bristle-free method of cleaning the grill grate
• butane culinary torch — It's the easiest way to start the charcoal, though a paper towel + vegetable oil works too.

large workload

Doing a grill-out at a remote park is a LOT of work. It's important to move as much prep work as possible to the day before, and as much of the cleanup as possible to the day afterwards.

Work that can be moved to the day before:

• Buy food, and start marinating it.
• Pack the bags, and pack the car.

Work that can be moved to the day after:

• Unpack the car.
• Do the second more thorough grill cleaning (the one that's done at home, to get it ready to sit on a shelf for weeks).

notes

• I was surprised that most big parties arrive early and monopolize all nearby picnic tables. It can be good to either arrive earlier than we really need to, or to bring your own table and chairs.

cleaning

Random links: [1] [2] [3] [4]

The first cleaning (on-site, before putting it in the car):

1. While the grill is still hot, burn off any residue from the grate.
2. Use a foil ball to clean off the grate.
3. Dump most of the ash.

The second cleaning (at home, the more thorough cleaning so it can sit on the shelf for weeks/months):

1. Using dry tools (either a bristle brush or paper towels) remove as much of the stuck-on ash as possible.
2. Put the grill in the bathtub, and use a bucket of soap and water to clean it. (with no water drawn in the tub, it's only used to contain the mess) Things that can help this job:
   • a sturdy bristle brush that's soft enough to not scratch the paint
   • dish gloves (even just because the grates are a bit sharp)
   • a dish rag
   • scour pad / scour sponge (But only on grates! Don't use abrasives on the nicer painted parts.)
3. For when there are things really stuck onto the grates:
   • cleaning vinegar + baking soda
   • oven cleaner (but maybe make sure it's washed off before getting it near the painted bits)