Tips for the Perfect Barbecue – Celebrate National BBQ Month

May is National BBQ Month and having a barbecue is the only way to celebrate, even if it’s just you and the family. Before you knock the dust off your outdoor culinary skills and fire up the grill, make sure you are well prepared. Here are some tips to make sure your barbeque is a success.

Check Out Your Grill

The first tip for the perfect barbecue is to make sure your existing grill is up to the task. If it’s been with you for multiple grilling seasons, It might be time for an upgrade. Not only can cooking on an old, worn-out grill make it tougher to show off your grill master expertise but it can also be a safety hazard. There are some issues to look for that are a good indication that your grill needs some repair or that it might be time to invest in a new one.

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Rust 

If you bought a shiny new grill last season, don’t be alarmed if you find a little rust when you pull it out of the shed this year. That’s normal and can be taken care of with a stainless steel brush and little elbow grease. However, if cleaning away the rust reveals cracks in the grates or the firebox, you have a more serious issue. If your grates have deteriorated to the point where they’re warped it can cause your food to cook unevenly. If they are cracked or flaking, the cast iron could contaminate your food. Depending on the make, model and age of your grill, you may be able to replace your grates. However, if your firebox is cracked, it’s definitely time for a new grill.

Leaks

Check the hoses and connections on your gas grill. Spray the hoses and connectors with soapy water, then turn on the gas. Bubbles will appear anywhere there is a leak. If there are no bubbles, then you’re good to go. However, if bubbles do appear, those hoses and connectors will need to be replaced before firing up the grill.

Keep it Clean

The burner ports on your gas grill should be cleaned regularly. If not, you could end up with yellow flames and uneven cooking heat. You don’t need any fancy tools to clean them, just a toothpick or a paper clip. If the issues persist once you’ve cleaned the burner, you will need to replace them.

Regular cleaning is also important to prevent grease from building up on your grill. Grease build-up can result in your grill catching fire. If grease has bonded to your grill and you can’t get it clean, it’s time to replace it.

If you use a charcoal grill, make sure your air vents are clean and working properly. Otherwise, it will be impossible to control the air intake and cooking temperature.  

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Barbecue Safety

Another way to ensure a successful barbecue is to keep it safe. Nothing will ruin a barbecue faster than an accident or injury. Here are safety tips to follow.

  • Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from any structure and out from under any overhanging trees or structures.
  • Always grill outside – never in the garage, shed or any other structure.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grilling area. Playing near the grill could result in injury or a trip to the vet when Fido grabs something off the grill that makes him sick. 
  • When the grilling is done, turn off the gas or, on a charcoal grill, close the air vents and put the lid on. You can also extinguish the coal with water.
  • Once the grill is completely cool, clean it thoroughly. Charcoal should always be disposed of in a metal container.

Prepare for the Perfect Barbecue

The only other preparation necessary for a great barbecue is plenty of food, drinks and maybe a BBQ grill upgrade. If it’s time to replace your old grill, the expert sales staff at Jersey Coast Appliance is ready to help. We’re your BBQ grill headquarters here at the Jersey Shore. It doesn’t matter if your preference is gas or charcoal, our expert staff can help you choose the perfect grill. We proudly carry quality grills manufactured by Weber, DCS, and Lynx and are authorized parts depot for Weber. Contact us or stop into one of our two locations for all your BBQ repair and replacement needs.

 

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