It's really not that hard to clean the grill. When I used to grill, I'd reserve half a bag of charcoal and another 6 pack for "cleaning." Build up a very hot fire, let er burn with the lid closed for a half hour or so, have a couple drinks, scrape grill while hot. You want to season the grill like a cast iron skillet. After several cleanings like that, stuff won't stick as much and the stuff that does will come off fairly easily while warm.
PS you should get a gas burner for the side so you can cook/heat sides while grilling.
