Make Sure Your Grill is BBQ Ready!

As I type this my husband is busy putting together the final pieces of an outdoor patio set for our new patio and pergola. Finally, after years of planning, we’ll be able to dine outside on more than just a blanket in the grass. There is much rejoicing going on.

Considering we’ll be spending a fair deal of time eating outside, it only makes sense that we would also do the cooking outside as well. Grilling season, here we come. But not before we give our grill a bit of a once-over and make sure it’s ready to perform.

For basic grill maintenance:

–Get a grill brush and use it. Scraping off those food bits and grease buildup will keep your grill clean, which means fewer flare-ups and a cleaner cooking surface.

–Citrus-based grill cleaners will also help keep your grates clean.

–Check for stability. Are screws loose? Is there rust? Make sure your grill isn’t rotting before you light up.

Charcoal users:

–A chimney starter is worth its weight in steaks. Say goodbye to lighter fluid and chemical fire.

–Lump charcoal doesn’t have additives and will give you a hotter, cleaner burn. Plus, you’ll get a smoky flavor to your meat.

–Check your vents. Charcoal needs air to flow, so be sure your vents are working.

Gas it up:

–Your burners can also collect food and cause flare-ups. Pull the grates off and clean your burners, too.

–Hoses and valves should be in good condition. You don’t want any gas leaks when you go to make dinner, and be sure you have a full tank, too.

–Finally, check that you still have some spark left in the igniter.

That’s all there is to it to make sure your grill is bar-b-que-day ready. A few minutes of time to protect yourself and ensure that your grillables taste as good as they possibly can.

Editor’s note: This post was written by Shaina Olmanson, author of the Food for My Family blog.