Summer is just around the corner! What’s a better way to celebrate than by getting your barbeque ready? If you’re an avid griller or you want to start this summer, then this is the guide for you. We will talk about how to clean up your grill, how to check if it needs to be repaired or replaced, some outdoor grill appliances that you should look into, and some tips for perfect grilling.
So grab your apron, a pen, a notepad, and let’s dive in.
Check Your Barbeque
The first thing that you want to do is check your grill to make sure that it’s still functional or if it needs any maintenance. Unfortunately, some people don’t store their grills properly over the winter which leads to rusted or damaged parts.
Inspect the grill for signs of damage like rust, cracking, splitting or leaking. If you stored the grill in a damp place over the winter, you might notice these things are prevalent. Pay specific attention to the hose and make sure that there’s no splitting or cracking. If you notice that the hose is damaged, do not use the grill until the hose has been swapped. Performing a leak test is the safest and most effective way you can test your hose. All you have to do is:
- Mix a 1:1 solution of water and dish soap in a bowl.
- Turn all the control knobs on your grill off.
- Turn the gas or propane valve on.
- Take a paint brush or sponge and apply the solution to the gas valve, the hose, the regulator, and all other side hoses.
If you see bubbles growing at any point, then you know that you have a leak. If this is the case, you’ll need to shut off the tank right away and do not use the grill until it’s been fixed or find a new gas cylinder for sale. No bubbles? Then you’re good to go.
If you’re noticing that your grill is a bit worse for wear and you’re not sure if you should continue using it, you can have it inspected by an appliance repair expert, or you can search for a new grill altogether. Modern outdoor barbecue grills come with a wide range of fantastic features and can make your outdoor cooking space sleek. If you’ve come to the conclusion that you need to purchase a new grill entirely, look for ones that have secondary cooking surfaces, rotisserie prongs and intuitive lighting. These modern features will really spice up your barbecue experience.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Whether you’ve purchased a new grill or you’re dusting off your old one, it’s important to maintain proper cleanliness in order to keep it running smoothly.
If you’re keeping your old grill
To prep your older grill, you’ll want to turn the heat on high for about 15 minutes. This will get rid of any leftover grease or bits that might have been missed when you put it away last season. Make sure you turn the gas off for this part as well.
Next, you’ll want to clean the grates. Over the past few years, it’s been recommended that people avoid using grill wire brushes since the wires can fall out and stick to the grill, creating potentially hazardous situations. So instead, look for grill brush alternatives. Grill stones or bristle-free brushes are great alternatives. Take a look around at the different options available to you and find one that works for you.
Once you’ve found a trustworthy cleaning tool, you can use soapy water to clean off the grill grates. The steam from the water and the grease-cutting action from the soap can do wonders. You can then wipe the grate clean with a damp cloth—just make sure you keep your hands away from the actual grill! Once cleaned, you can oil the grates with your choice of cooking oil to prevent future sticking.
After the grill has been cleaned, you can then remove it and clean the heat deflectors with warm soapy water which will help prevent excessive flames. You can also go a step further and clean the burners themselves, unclogging any blockages to enhance the cooking experience.
The final step is cleaning the cookbox itself. You can do this by again using soapy water and a brush. Before you start, remove the propane tank entirely so that it’s out of the way and you can catch the dirty water that pours out of it with a bucket.
If you’ve purchased a new grill
You might be excited to dive right into cooking once you purchase a new grill, but there are a few things you’ll want to do before you start. You might consider buying one of the best electric grills suggested here.
First, you’ll really want to read the manual that comes with the grill itself. It might seem tedious, but it’s an important first step to ensure that you’re using it correctly. The second thing that you’ll want to do is perform a leak test, which was mentioned earlier. Even new grills should be tested as a formality, just in case.
Third, you’ll want to season your grill. This clears off any dust or grease that could have accumulated on the grill while in the store and prep it for cooking. You won’t need to clean it as thoroughly as you’d clean an older grill, but the steps are pretty much the same. Turn on the grill so that it’s on high heat for 20-30 minutes with the lids closed. After time is up, open the lid and continue bruning for about 5 minutes. Then, you can brush off any residue and turn the grill off. You’re all set!
Get Additional Outdoor Kitchen Supplies
To make the most of your summer grilling fun, why not look for more cooking supplies that can really set your cooking apart?
If you love hosting parties, outdoor appliances like minifridges, wine fridges, or cooling drawers are perfect for storing cold drinks and appetizers. Keep ice on hand with mini ice makers so that your guests’ never go without a cold, refreshing drink.
For more grilling room and counter space, you can look for grill add-ons like a secondary cooktop burner. They’re great for heating up sauces or other sides that require the use of a saucepan. Stainless steel pull-out drawers are great for storing dishes, utensils, servingware or prepped veggies. If you have an outdoor counter space, look into implementing stainless steel drawers or cabinets.
Get Your Grill On
Outdoor grilling is a summer staple, and it just wouldn’t be the same without it. Now that you know how to prep your grill, maintain it, and enhance it, you can begin your summer fun.
Looking for a new grill or outdoor grilling appliances but don’t know where to start? You can reach out to trusted appliance experts who will be happy to help you navigate the world of grilling and answer any of your questions.
Happy grilling!