"Nunya Bidnits" > wrote in message
...
> Cynic wrote:
>> On Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:10:15 -0700 (PDT), Olde Hippee
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> My DH takes off any part that will come off and puts it in a clean
>>> garbage bag with about a cup of ammonia and closes it tightly. Leave
>>> it overnight and most of the crud will just hose off. The ammonia
>>> fumes do the work for you. If it is really bad it might take 2 tries,
>>> but usually 1 will do it.
>>> Nan
>>
>> DJ mentioned to take off whatever can come off and clean separately,
>> but that's a great idea too with the ammonia and the garbage bag.
>> Never thought of that. A combination of the garbage bag trick and
>> some pressure washer should do the trick then. Thanks!
>
> The one thing that puts me off with all these remedies is the noxious
> chemicals. Degreasers, ammonia... I don't want that stuff on surfaces
> where
> I cook my food.
>
> Steam works very well and doesn't leave any chemical residue. Here's a
> bunch
> of them......
>
> http://www.allbrands.com/products/abc0086.html
>

Yes steam will do it but to buy a steam cleaner strong enough to do the job
will be expensive.

Not all degreasers are toxic or noxious, there are citrus based degreasers
that are designed for BBQ equipment and work quite well and if they are
rinsed and washed properly, they shouldn't leave any residue or bad smells.
I've never had a problem with any degreasers including oven cleaners as that
is what they are designed for.
I find my Weber Q will get a lot dirtier quicker because I use it at least 4
days a week and i give it a thorough clean up about every 6 weeks in the
way I stated before, but as far as the kettles are concerned, they are so
easy to clean and usually get done just prior to springtime.
I've never used amonia on my cookers so I can't comment on them.

Cheers

DJ