Buschbeck NZ at the Auckland Home Show 2026: Where Great Backyards Begin
September 1, 2026Keep your Buschbeck cooking surfaces clean, protected and ready for your next outdoor feast.
There’s nothing better than firing up your Buschbeck, cooking a delicious feast outdoors and enjoying good food with family and friends.
But once the cooking is done, it’s important to give your cast iron hotplate and grill a little TLC. Regular cleaning helps remove leftover food and grease, while proper maintenance can help protect your cooking surfaces from rust, extend their lifespan and keep them ready for your next BBQ.
The good news? Cleaning your Buschbeck hotplate and grill doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, you’ll find it’s easy.
What you’ll need
- Warm water
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- A non-abrasive scrubbing brush or suitable grill scraper
- A clean cloth
- Paper towel
- Cooking oil suitable for seasoning cast iron
Step 1: Let your hotplate and grill cool
After cooking, allow your hotplate and grill to cool to a safe temperature before cleaning.
Avoid handling hot cast iron directly, and never pour cold water over extremely hot cast iron. Sudden temperature changes can cause thermal shock and potentially damage the surface.
Step 2: Remove food and grease
Once the cooking surface is cool enough to handle, remove any leftover food, grease and cooking residue.
Cleaning it while it is still slightly warm can make residue easier to remove, but if you prefer to leave it until the next day, that’s fine too.
Use a suitable brush or scraper to gently loosen stuck-on food. For more stubborn residue, sprinkle a little coarse salt onto the hotplate and gently scrub to loosen it.
Alternatively, boil a small amount of water directly on the hotplate to help lift stubborn grime. Avoid harsh cleaning products and abrasive tools.
Step 3: Clean and dry thoroughly
Clean the surface using warm water and a mild detergent, rinse away any residue, then dry the hotplate or grill thoroughly. This is particularly important because moisture left on cast iron can contribute to rust.
Don’t forget to check the underside and edges, where water and grease can collect.
Quick drying tip: To help remove moisture from hard-to-reach areas, place the hotplate or grill in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
Important: Do not soak the cast iron or place it in the dishwasher, as prolonged exposure to water can encourage rust and damage the seasoning.
Once completely dry, allow it to cool before applying a thin layer of oil.
Step 4: Protect your cooking surface
Using a paper towel, spread a thin, even layer of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable or grapeseed oil, over the entire surface to help protect the cast iron from moisture and rust.
Only oil the surface and remove any excess oil, rather than leaving a thick or sticky coating.
A little bit of regular maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your cooking surfaces in good condition.
How to help prevent rust
Unlike a BBQ with a fully enclosed lid, your outdoor Buschbeck cooking surfaces are exposed to the elements. Rain, moisture and humidity can increase the risk of rust, particularly when cast iron is left wet.
To help protect your hotplate and grill:
- Clean away food residue after cooking.
- Dry the cooking surfaces thoroughly.
- Follow the recommended care instructions for your cast iron equipment.
- Store removable cooking accessories in a dry place when they’re not in use, where practical.
- Consider suitable protection for your Buschbeck, such as the Outdoor Fireplace Cover.
Regular care helps keep your outdoor cooking setup ready for everything from weekend BBQs to Friday night pizzas.
Ready for your next outdoor feast?
Your Buschbeck is made for more than just cooking. It’s where family and friends gather, food is shared and outdoor moments are enjoyed. With the right cleaning routine and regular care, you can keep your hotplate and grill ready for your next cook-up and in top-notch condition for years to come.
