Whether you are a connoisseur of the outdoors or a novice cook, many homeowners use gas grills well. When used correctly, they are safe and a great asset to any house. Follow these tips for an enjoyable grilling experience.
Keep it Clean
Old grease is flammable. When you are about to fire it up for the season, clean off the buildup of old grease. To clean gas grills, grab a bottle of degreaser from your local home improvement store, spray it on, and wait five minutes. Then, rinse with water. Once you have it cleaned, go ahead and turn the grill up to its hottest temperature, and allow all old grease to burn off for about fifteen minutes. This will create some smoke, but don’t be alarmed. Keep the lid closed, and keep an eye on the situation.
Turn Off the Gas
Turning off a light when not using it seems elementary, but who thinks of a grill? When not in use, gas grills must be turned off at the propane tank. This prevents gas from leaking out along the line. Alternatively, someone could accidentally bump into a knob, and the gas could run out before your next cookout. Shutting off the gas at the cylinder saves money on wasted gas and prevents potential fire hazards.
Clean Grate
When cleaning, make sure you clean the grate as well. Many people cook on a filthy grill; some even claim it adds flavour. Food burnt on the excess grease becomes carcinogenic, and it’s better to avoid ingesting food that has been burnt. Whether you’re feeding your family or neighbours, taking the few extra minutes necessary for a clean cooking surface is considerate.
Light with Caution
When you light one or more of your gas grills, ensure you have a properly functioning igniter. Many people don’t realise when their ignitor isn’t working correctly, and they allow much too much gas to build up in the machine before it lights. This buildup can cause a hazardous flare-up, or it may not ignite. A good ignitor should ignite in one or two clicks. If your ignitor doesn’t ignite quickly, do the smart thing and get it replaced. A new ignitor can be found at any home improvement store. Grilling outside is one of America’s best pastimes, and it can be very safe and fun. Be sure to follow these simple safety precautions to have a great experience.
