Cooking setups we see here
San Gabriel's neighborhoods range from older bungalows near the Mission to larger homes up toward the San Marino line, and the outdoor cooking gear is just as varied. A standard gas grill is still the most common thing we service. Next to it, more and more often, there's a flat-top griddle, a high-output side burner, or a pellet smoker.
Each one collects grease differently. A grill drips it down into a tray. A griddle pushes it into a trough at the front or back, where it hardens and blocks the drain hole. A side burner splatters onto the surrounding counter and clogs its own ports. A smoker leaves creosote and ash in places most people never look. Cleaning only the grill leaves half the problem behind.
What we clean on each appliance
| Appliance | Where the buildup hides | How we deal with it |
|---|---|---|
| Gas grill | Firebox floor, heat plates, burner ports, grease tray | Full teardown, degrease, clear ports, test each burner |
| Flat-top griddle | Grease trough, drain hole, under the cooktop, burner area | Scrape and degrease, clear drains, re-season the steel surface |
| Side or power burner | Burner cap ports, drip pan, valve area | Remove and clean cap and ring, check flame pattern |
| Pellet smoker | Fire pot, auger area, grease chute, chimney | Vacuum ash, scrape the grease path, inspect the igniter |
| Pizza oven | Soot on the dome, debris on the deck stone | Clean deck and interior, check burner on gas models |
Why griddles need extra attention
Flat tops are great for a crowd and they get used a lot, which is exactly why they cause trouble. The grease trough fills, overflows and runs down the side of the cart or island. The underside of the steel plate gets a crust that bakes on every time you cook. If the surface wasn't oiled after the last cook, it can rust within days.
We'll strip the buildup, clear the drain path, check that the burners underneath light evenly, and leave the surface seasoned and ready. Our flat top griddle care guide covers what to do between cleanings. For the rest of your setup, see smoker, griddle and pizza oven service.
Repairs we handle on the same visit
If something isn't working, tell us when you book so we bring the right parts.
Side burner won't light
Usually a clogged cap or a weak igniter. Sometimes the valve.
Learn moreWeak or uneven heat
Blocked ports, a failing regulator, or a burner rusting out from the inside.
Learn moreFlare-ups
Almost always a grease problem: packed heat plates or a blocked drain path.
Learn moreClicking with no spark
Electrodes coated in grease, a cracked insulator, or a dead ignition module.
Learn moreResults from recent jobs
Photos of grills and outdoor cooking equipment our techs have cleaned.
Common San Gabriel questions
Can you clean a griddle that's already rusted?
Yes, in most cases. Surface rust on a steel griddle plate can be removed and the surface re-seasoned. Deep pitting is harder, and we'll tell you if the plate is past saving.
Do you service commercial-style burners or wok burners at home?
We service high-output side and power burners that come built into outdoor kitchens and grill carts. Let us know the make and model when you call so we can confirm.
Do I have to book separately for each appliance?
No. Tell us everything you want looked at and we'll schedule enough time for all of it.
What does it cost?
Pricing depends on how many appliances there are, their size, brand and condition. Call or text us, or send a few photos, for a quote.
One visit for the whole setup
Call or text us, or send photos of each appliance and we'll quote the lot.