Tips For Summertime Grilling

The summer months bring lots of sunshine, blue skies, the beach and, of course, barbecue grilling. I grill almost every night. You name it, I have probably grilled it. I love the smokey, charred flavors the grill brings to food.

With so much grilling, I've learned taking proper care of the grill is key to a successful summer of cooking out. There are many things to do before, during and at the end of the grilling season that make grilling an easy task each time. Basic grill maintenance should be done each year. Here are a few tips to help get you started: 

 Before grilling season: 

• Disassemble the burners from the grill and clean them out with a wire brush. 
• Clean out the inside of the grill of any charcoal or debris with a vacuum and a stiff wire brush. 
• Clean out the interior of the grill with warm soapy water. Make sure to cover the holes to the gas line so not to get them wet. 
• Dry and assemble all the cleaned parts back into the grill. 
• Wipe down the outside of the grill with soapy water and dry it completely. 
• Hook up the grill to a full gas tank.  

 During grilling season: 

• Before grilling, always spray the grill grate with non-stick cooking spray. This protective spray cuts down on the cleaning time and helps to prevent food from sticking to the grate.
• Do not use chemicals to clean the grilling surface where food is cooked. Instead, use lemon juice. Rub it on the warm grill grate and use a wire brush to scrape off any stuck on food. Wipe clean with a paper towel.
• If you do not have a wire brush, another good method for cleaning off stuck on food is with tin foil. Place two pieces of foil across the grill grate. Close the grill and leave it on high for 15 minutes. Take the foil off and crumple it up. Using tongs, rub the tin foil over the grate to scrape off any stuck food. 
• If food is badly caked on, remove the cooled grate from the grill and soak in hot, soapy water for several minutes. Use a plastic scouring pad to scrub the food off. If the food does not come off, continue to soak and repeat. Dry thoroughly and re-season. 
• To re-season the grate, put a small amount of vegetable oil on a paper towel and rub the cleaned grate. Once the grate is coated, heat the grill on high. The high temperature bakes a solid layer of oil onto the grate. Turn off the heat and allow the grill to cool. Once cool, repeat the steps a few more times to ensure a good layer of oil is baked onto the grate. 
• Always cover the grill to protect it from the hot sun and weather elements that can cause damage and rust. 

End of grilling season:

• Disassemble the gas tank from the grill and store safely. 
• Remove any of the debris and charcoal in the bottom of the grill. 
• Scrub the grate, the inside and outside of the grill with warm soapy water and dry completely. 
• Cover the grill with a good grill cover and store in a shed, basement or garage. 

Now that you have the tools to maintain your grill, go out and use your grill more. I know I will. Happy eating!