Coyote Grill Cleaning & Repair

Coyote is a Texas-based outdoor kitchen brand. Its grills come in several series, most commonly the C-Series and the higher-end S-Series, in a range of widths, as built-in heads or on carts. Many models offer an infrared burner option alongside conventional burners, and higher-end models add features like interior lighting and a rotisserie.

Coyote also makes side burners, power burners, refrigeration, storage, pellet grills and pizza ovens, so you'll sometimes find a full Coyote island.

In practice, a Coyote behaves like most well-built stainless grills: it rewards regular cleaning and punishes neglect. The heat distribution parts sit right under the grates and catch most of the drippings, and when they're coated, the grill smokes and flares. A burn-off after each cook and a proper service once a year keep it running the way it did when it was new.

• Ignition. Igniters that click but don't catch, usually from grease on the electrode, misalignment or a weak battery or module. See grill won't light.
• Infrared burners. Ceramic infrared faces cracked by water exposure or a dropped grate. See infrared burner repair.
• Heat distribution parts loaded with grease, causing flare-ups.
• Grease trays that haven't been emptied.
• Uneven flame from clogged ports or spiders in the venturis.

Grates and heat distribution parts come out, burners are pulled and ports cleared, and the firebox is scraped and degreased with a biodegradable cleaner. Infrared burners are cleaned dry and inspected. The grease tray and drip path get cleaned out. We test ignition and flame on every burner, then finish the stainless with a soft cloth along the grain. Drop cloths protect the island, and grease and rinse water leave with us. See BBQ grill cleaning.

Coyote parts are generally available through the manufacturer and dealers for current and recent models. Have the model and serial number handy; the rating label is usually inside the grill, visible with the drip tray removed, or underneath. Our model number guide has more help.

If you're choosing a built-in, Coyote is one of several mid-to-premium brands worth considering. Our choosing a built-in grill guide and premium brands compared walk through the tradeoffs. Near the coast, stainless care matters more than brand, and our stainless care guide covers the routine.

Coyote grills on carts get the same attention inside the cabinet as anything else we clean, since that's where grease drips, hoses and the regulator live.