How to load your dishwasher after a barbecue

A summer barbecue means more grease to get rid of – whether that's on your grill or cooking utensils – plus extra plates and glasses if you're having a party. 

The good news is that you don't need to wash up all those extras by hand. Most of them can go in the dishwasher – including some barbecue grills.

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5 tips for loading your dishwasher after a barbecue

These five tips will help you get the best results from your dishwasher after a summer barbecue:

1. Separate out your most greasy items for the first wash. Check your barbecue grill is dishwasher-safe, and whether it can fit in your dishwasher (more below).
2. Depending on the size of your grill, you might need to make space in your dishwasher first. This could involve flattening down support prongs and raising the height of the upper rack to give more room below. Just make sure the grill or any long utensils do not block the spray arms. 
3. The dirty side of every item should face the centre of the dishwasher rack. The jet spray from the dishwasher arms comes out like a garden sprinkler, so make sure it won't be blocked, or that dishes face away from the spray.
4. Use an intensive (usually 70°C) wash to make sure the grills, serving bowls, spatulas, prongs and grubby pans stand the best chance of getting clean. You shouldn't normally need to rinse your dishes before loading, but when it comes to fatty, greasy barbecue kit, it is worth doing. A quick rinse (not down the sink) of anything really dirty stops your dishwasher pipes getting clogged up with fat and grease.
5. Save glasses, plates and anything more delicate for a gentle second wash. Depending on the model, you might be able to load it with tall wine glasses and champagne flutes. If your dishwasher doesn't have a delicate or glassware program, we'd recommend washing your crystal and china by hand instead. See all our reviews of dishwashers with a delicates program.

For more dishwasher stacking tips, read how to load your dishwasher

Can a barbecue grill go in the dishwasher?

Chrome plated and stainless steel grills can go in the dishwasher.

Don't worry if you've read horror stories about grills corroding or getting tarnished in the dishwasher. The worst that can happen is the heat could cause the grill to develop some rainbow sheen in places. This isn't a problem, though – it's only an aesthetic issue and doesn't affect cooking.

You can get rid of the rainbow stain by soaking the stainless steel in a solution of diluted white vinegar and warm water for a minute or two, then rinsing.

Aluminium grills can also potentially go into the dishwasher, but you need to check if it's been anodised – this means it has a protective layer of oxide. 

If it hasn't been anodised, the harsh detergent can cause it to turn black. Finding out should be as simple as checking the manual or manufacturer's website.

You should never put cast-iron barbecue grills in the dishwasher. The 'seasoning' – a protective, non-stick layer of baked-on oil – will be washed off and the iron beneath will rust.

The same goes for enamelled cast iron – over time the dishwasher could wear away the enamel coating.

Extra grill-cleaning tip: cook off nasty grease

Leave your barbecue grill over the hot coals or flames for a bit once you've removed the food. This will allow the grease to burn off.

You don't want this grease in your dishwasher, as it could end up blocking the filters or drains.

It's best to collect any excess to be disposed of separately.

From portable sizzlers and charcoal smokers to six-burner, gas-powered grills, discover the best barbecues according to our tests

What other barbecue stuff can and can't go in the dishwasher?

Can go in

• You can cut down on washing up by sticking stainless steel spatulas and prongs in your dishwasher. Some plastic ones can go in, too.
• If your dishwasher has a low-temperature delicate program, you can also put in wine glasses, gin globes and champagne flutes.
• Large plastic or glass serving bowls can go in. To give them the best chance of getting clean, make sure they're face down at an angle.

Can't go in

• Nothing wooden – whether it's spoons or chopping boards – can go in your dishwasher. The heat will cause it to split and splinter.
• Nonstick pots and pans might be labelled as dishwasher-safe, but the nonstick coating can deteriorate in the high heat of the drying stage of each wash. It's best to handwash instead. 
• Insulated pitchers or reusable water bottles that keep your drinks cool will need washing by hand, as the high temperature could damage the vacuum seal.
• You can put sharp kitchen knives in your dishwasher, but it will dull the blade, so you're better off cleaning them by hand.

For more expert tips, read surprising items you can and can't put in the dishwasher