Flare-up or grease fire?
A flare-up is short: fat drips, flames jump, and it dies down in a few seconds. A grease fire is sustained. It keeps going after the food is moved, often burns under the grates or in the firebox, sometimes in the grease tray, and can get big fast. Grease fires almost always start from accumulated grease, not from what's on the grill at the moment.
In our experience, almost every grill with a grease fire problem has the same story: it hasn't had a deep cleaning in a long time, and grease has built up on the heat plates, the firebox floor and the drip tray until there's enough fuel for a real fire.
Common causes
Most common first.
Grease buildup on heat plates
Heat plates are meant to vaporize drips. Once they're caked, grease pools on them and ignites.
Learn moreClogged grease path
Grease is supposed to run to the drip tray. When the path is blocked, it pools on the firebox floor.
Learn moreFull or missing drip tray
An overflowing tray, or one that's been left out, lets grease collect under the burners.
Warped or burned-through plates
Damaged plates let grease drip straight onto the burners.
Cooking habits
Very fatty food on high heat with the hood open, or leaving the grill unattended while preheating with old grease inside.
Rodent nests
Mice and rats sometimes nest in grill cabinets and fireboxes. Nesting material burns readily.
Learn moreWhat you can do
- Empty and clean the drip tray and grease cup regularly, more often in summer.
- With the grill cold, lift the grates and scrape loose grease off the heat plates and firebox floor.
- Preheat on high for 10 to 15 minutes with the hood closed to burn off residue, but stay nearby.
- Trim excess fat from meat and keep a cooler zone to move food to when it flares.
- Keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires near your outdoor kitchen.
- After any real grease fire, have the grill inspected before using it again.
Why we inspect after a fire
A grease fire inside a built-in grill can get hot enough to damage parts you can't see from the top: the gas valves and wiring behind the control panel, igniter wires, the knobs, the grill's insulating jacket, and sometimes the island structure. We look at all of that. A grill that's had a serious fire may need valve replacement, new knobs and bezels, or ignition parts. If you smell gas after a fire, stop and read our gas smell page.
How we fix a flare-up problem
- 1
Deep clean
Grates, heat plates, burners, firebox, hood and grease tray come out and get properly degreased with biodegradable cleaners. Grease and rinse water are contained and hauled away.
- 2
Clear the grease path
We make sure grease can actually run from the firebox to the tray, which is where most chronic flare-ups start.
- 3
Replace damaged parts
Burned-through heat plates, warped drip trays and damaged burners are replaced.
- 4
Inspect for fire damage
After a real fire we check valves, wiring, knobs, igniters and the island for heat damage.
- 5
Test
We light and run the grill to confirm everything is working and the grease flows where it should.
Flare-up questions
Is it safe to use my grill after a grease fire?
Not until it's been cleaned and checked. The fire may have damaged valves, wires or seals you can't see. A quick inspection is worth it.
Can I put out a grease fire with baking soda?
Baking soda can smother a small fire. For anything bigger, close the hood, shut off the gas and use a Class B or ABC extinguisher. Never use water.
How often should my grill be cleaned to prevent this?
Depends on use. Most home grills do well with a deep cleaning once or twice a year. Heavy use or frequent fatty cooks may need more. Our guide on how often to clean has details.
Why does my grill flare up more than it used to?
Usually grease buildup, or damaged heat plates that no longer catch and vaporize drips. Both get worse over time.
How much does a cleaning or repair cost?
It depends on the grill's size, brand, condition and any parts needed. Send photos with the grates off and we'll quote it.
Related guides
BBQ Grill Cleaning
A full teardown cleaning of your grill on site: burners, grates, heat plates, firebox and grease path, with food-safe degreasers and nothing hosed into the yard.
Care & how-toHow Often Should You Clean Your Grill?
A realistic cleaning schedule for gas grills in LA: what to do after every cook, once a month, and once or twice a year, and what shortens the interval.
Care & how-toBasic Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
The difference between a routine grill cleaning and a full teardown, with step-by-step instructions for both.
SafetyGrill Safety Checklist
A practical safety checklist for gas grills and outdoor kitchens, from placement and gas checks to grease fires and what to do in an emergency.
Care & how-toWhat Happens During a Professional Grill Cleaning
What a professional grill cleaning actually involves, step by step, plus what to ask any company before you book and how to get ready for the visit.
Grill keeps flaring up?
Call or text us, or send a few photos with the grates off. We'll clean it properly and fix what's damaged.