Become a grill master this summer: 5 tricks for grilling that you need to know

Summer comes in less than a month – on June 21. Higher temperatures and longer days will make you spend more time outdoors, which means grilling for family and friends.

Before organizing barbecues and pool parties this summer, you will want to improve grilling skills. Here’s what you need to know to impress your guests.

Professional advice: The tips below will help you get started, but there are there are many grill designs. Consult your grill manual for details on heating, cleaning and maintenance for your model.

What you need for a great grill

Every grill master needs a few crafts. Of course, they depend on the type of meat you use, but it’s generally a good idea to have at least one of the following:

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1. Season the grill

It is important to prepare a grill season it before cooking. Spices have nothing to do with the taste of food, only prepare the grills on your grill. If your grill is not brand new, preheat it and give it a good brush to remove all old debris.

Before using your grill for the first time, spray the grills evenly with a high-temperature cooking spray such as rapeseed oil while the grills are cold. Then turn on the grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the oil burns or starts to smoke. It is.

Some grills have porcelain enamel on them that does not require spices, so check the manual of your grill and avoid any unnecessary effort. The spice will prevent grilling rust and you should do this before each grilling session if you can.

2. Observe fire safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2011 and 2016, U.S. fire departments responded on average to 9,600 domestic fires started from grills per year. Don’t let your cooking become one of those fires.

Whether you are cooking indoors or outdoors, it is always important to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. If you do not have a good place for outdoor storage, keep it at the nearest entrance to your home.

Fire safety when grilling also means making sure that the area around the grill is clean of any flammable objects, as well as checking the grease tray on the grill. A full tray should be emptied to avoid burning fat.

3. Prepare the food before grilling

Once your grill is ready to work, it’s time to adjust your food. It is useful to prepare all your meats and vegetables before you reach the grill, instead of doing it while cooking. Cut the vegetables, make burgers and marinate the chicken inside, then take them outside. Casseroles are great to transport, as their high sides prevent food from slipping.

If you bring food from your kitchen, do not forget a clean plate on which to place the finished product, as well as clean pliers. It is important not to use utensils for removing or serving cooked meat if you have used it with raw meat.

Don’t forget any other grill accessories you may want nearby, such as corn cob holders or a meat thermometer. Remember to keep paper towels away (but away from flames) for any unexpected mess. If your grill has a side burner, a stand for holding hot pots will be useful.

4. Start your grill the right way

Refer to your grill manual for specific preheating instructions and times. In general, a charcoal grill will need more time to preheat than a gas model.

Charcoal grill

Charcoal grill need about 20 minutes to preheat, so keep this in mind when preparing your food. If you have cooked with charcoal before, be sure to dispose of any ashes from previous use.

Then open all the vents at the bottom of your grill to allow maximum airflow to blow the flame. Start your charcoal grill with a small amount of lighter fluid and a little old newspaper or with a chimney starter. Check the manual of your grill to find the right size and shape of charcoal for your model.

Gas grill

Gas grills they heat up pretty quickly, so you’ll only need to build in about 10 minutes of preheat time when planning your meal. Always keep the grill lid raised while lighting. Rotate the propane tank valve to open. Then turn on a burner and press the ignition button on your grill. Once the first burner is lit, continue to turn on as many other burners as you want to use.

5. Don’t forget the grill maintenance

Be sure to check your grease trap often and clean your grill thoroughly when debris starts to build up. During the grill season, check the propane tank for leaks and invest in a good grill lid to keep your grill protected when not in use!

You are now ready to grill!