Kashering a BBQ Grill

A BBQ GRILL typically consists of three main parts: the grate, the housing (the part beneath the grate that holds the charcoal or gas pipes), and the cover.

On a gas grill, each component has different kashering procedures: 
The grate comes into direct contact with food and requires libun gamur. One does not need to clean the grate or wait 24 hours before kashering when doing libun gamur.

Kashering can be done by placing the grate in your oven and running a self-clean cycle or using a blowtorch to heat the metal until it becomes red-hot.

The grill housing (body) can be kashered by libun kal, as it typically doesn’t come into direct contact with food. Clean the body of the grill thoroughly,  close the grill, and turn it on to the highest temperature setting for one hour.

Libun kal burns off any absorbed taste, so there is no need to wait 24 hours before kashering (per the Shulchan Aruch Ha Rav, O”C 451:10). Even according to the Pri Megadim (O”C, M”Z 452:4), who holds that libun kal is ineffective for a ben yoma, there is room to be lenient here  since direct food contact is uncommon.

Certainly, if one is unsure whether the grill was used in the past 24 hours,  one may proceed with kashering.

The grill cover on a gas grill can be kashered by libun kal. After cleaning  the cover thoroughly, light the BBQ and leave it at the highest temperature for one hour with the lid closed.

Like the grill housing, the same rules regarding kashering a ben yoma apply here.

Note: Any surface level with the grate, where food might directly touch, must also undergo libun gamur (using coals or a blowtorch).

To kasher a charcoal grill:

• EMPTY the grill completely, including any small pieces of debris.
• FILL the grill with fresh coal and make sure the grate is
  sandwiched between two layers of coal.
• LIGHT the coals and allow them to burn out completely.
• If you put the lid on the grill while kashering, the lid will
  be kashered as well.

SINCE a charcoal grill is kashered by libun gamur, one does not need to  clean it thoroughly or wait 24 hours.

Using a Public Grill in the Park
Public grills are not kosher by default. However, it is possible to kasher them with proper care.

To kasher:

• REMOVE the grate and clean out all remnants from inside the grill housing.
• FILL the grill with fresh charcoal and lower the grate so it sits  directly on top of the coal.
• PLACE additional coal on top of the grate, sandwiching it between layers of coal.
• LIGHT the coals and allow them to burn out completely.
• CLEAN the handles and pour boiling water over them.
• DISCARD all the used coals and the grill is now ready to use.

Using a Personal Tabletop Grill in a Public Park
Q Can I use a non-kosher public BBQ as a stand for my kosher portable grill?
A Yes, if the public grill is properly covered. To cover, lay down two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil over the non-kosher grate and then place your portable grill on top. The double-layer barrier ensures kashrus is maintained, even if one layer of foil is compromised.