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Get Grillin' Week 2026Welcome to Get Grillin' Week 2026 here at Tom's Guide. We're celebrating everything about the perfect backyard cookout. We want to help you choose the best grill (and the gear to go with it) as well as learn new tips and tricks when it comes to maintenance and best practices. Because now summer is here, it's time to get outside and get grillin'.I am, quite frankly, obsessed with my electric grill. I used to think that grilling wasn't worth the clean-up or the preparation, when I could just throw the same food into my air fryer and get other chores done while I wait for it to beep.This was until I tested an electric grill, which has truly changed the game when it comes to hosting in the summer. But, like any grill, it needs a deep clean after a few uses.While cleaning any grill is intricate and in some cases, messy, an electric grill is a totally different ball game. While it's definitely a little less messy than a charcoal grill, there are a few things to consider if you've just invested in one. Or, perhaps you're considering investing but want to know what the maintenance is like?I've deep-cleaned mine, and here are some things I wish I knew before deciding to keep my electric grill over my charcoal model.Full disclosure: despite its maintenance schedule, I still swear by my electric grill. So, let's get started. Before, though, it's important to note that just as you would with your house, it's smart to start cleaning your electric grill (or any grill) from top to bottom. Here's how to clean an electric grill the right way.1. Remove the heating element before doing ANY cleaningUnlike charcoal and gas grills, an electric model has a heating element. This heating element attaches to the side of your grill, and the other end needs to be plugged into a socket. This is what gives it power.Before you do ANY cleaning, or even remove anything from your grill, you need to detach this heating element and store it somewhere safe and dry. You don't want to risk any electricity shocks while cleaning, or the risk of accidentally turning a dial and switching it on.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.2. The lid might look like it's peeling paint, but it's probably not
