Throw off the grill cover, add some fire, and throw on some food! The long, anticipated season of grilling brings food lovers together from all over. It’s no argument; mostly everything tastes better on the grill! Whether you prefer vegetables, a huge burger, or some seafood, everything has more taste when it’s got those brown, charred lines running down them.
Grilling also makes for the perfect spectator sport! Who doesn't love watching your meal bathe in flames and flavor right before your eyes?! If you want those flavors to be delicious ones though, there are some steps you need to take to keep your grill up to par! The food is only as good as the person cooking it, and the device cooking it. When it comes time to wow your guests with that steak, make sure it’s cooked right and doesn't taste like gas instead.
Maintenance
The maintenance that you need to put into your grill is minimal, making this a very simple relationship. No matter the type of grill, quality, or cost, you can be cooking for years to come with minimal upkeep. One of the best ways to keep your grill in lasting shape is by keeping it covered! Even if you live in a warm climate year round, investing in a gas grill cover is a smart way of protecting your grill from weather damage. If the grill becomes tampered, worn, or faded it may not work properly, leaving you with charred food, or nothing to cook on at all!
Cleaning Your Grill
Invest in a grill brush, because cleaning those grill grates is key in safety, maintenance, and delicious food! After you light it up, begin scrubbing at those grill grates to release old, stuck on foods and debris. A hot, large burning fire can help melt away some of that gunk and aide in the cleaning process. It doesn't take anything more than a little elbow grease to make sure you’re cooking on a clean and safe surface.
Some people use this next step to oil those same grill grates. Oiling the grates prevents food from sticking, and is all about a matter of preference. The key here is not to overindulge and cause a roaring grease fire. Less is more. A simple wipe with an oil-dampened paper towel will do the trick. This doesn't have to be done, but is a great option when cooking foods that don’t already have some oils to them.
It may seem silly, but once that delicious meal is all done and served up, you don’t want to clean those grates! Sure, you should take off any massive hunks of food that are left lying around, but leave that black, charred stuff intact. This actually helps protect your grill grates until the next use. While it should have its trusty grill cover on as it is, this little trick is just another way of making sure you get the most out of your food-making machine.
If you’re keeping it simpler and cooking with charcoal, the opposite is true after cooking. Take a good look at the pile of ash that’s accumulated in your grill, and clean it out! Charcoal ash that is left behind in your grill can attract moisture, and turn into a cement-like disaster that will ruin your grill.
After the heat has subsided, take your meat-filled belly over to the grill and dump the ashes out into a bucket or trash receptacle. You’ll be glad you did!
Maintaining your grill is less work than getting ready for your day! With a few cleaning and storage techniques, you’re guaranteed to have a grill that will cook for years. Show your BBQ machine a little extra TLC and enjoy all of its delicious benefits!
About The Author:
Mike is a cooking aficionado who has been working as a professional chef for many years. He also enjoys backyard barbecuing with his friends and family.
Image Credit:
Mike McCune
