Why does my barbecue take much longer to cool down than expected?

If your barbecue stays hot for a long time, that can be normal to a point, but it should cool in a reasonable period once switched off and unplugged. A unit that seems to hold heat unusually long may also have trapped grease, poor ventilation or a fault, so use caution.

1. Switch off the barbecue, unplug it and leave it in an open, ventilated area. Expected result: the temperature should gradually fall without any smell of burning or electrical heat. If not, stop using it.
2. Do not cover the barbecue while it is still warm. Expected result: better airflow should help it cool more predictably.
3. Once fully cool, remove grease and residue from the collector, water reservoir and grill surface. Expected result: cleaner parts should reduce trapped heat and odour.
4. Check whether any part remains abnormally hot long after use, especially the plug or cord. Expected result: only the cooking parts should retain heat for a while. If electrical parts feel hot, stop using the appliance.
5. If the barbecue cools unusually slowly every time, or if you notice smoke, repeated overheating or a hot cable, stop using it and contact the retailer or store where it was purchased.

Always let the barbecue cool completely before cleaning, moving or storing it.