Don’t Make These 11 Mistakes The Next Time You’re Grilling
Grilling is one of those great summer pleasures that almost feels like a rite of passage. There’s something about firing up that grill and cooking outdoors that just brings people together. But let’s be honest, as much as we all love to channel our inner grill master, there are a few slip-ups that can easily turn a promising barbecue into a bit of a letdown.
From flare-ups to dry burgers, the pitfalls are many, but luckily, they’re also avoidable. Here’s 11 things you should never do to your grill.
Never Leave Your Grill Unattended
While it’s tempting to watch your steaks and burgers sizzle, leaving the grill lid open can dry out your food. Keeping the lid closed ensures your meats stay juicy and cooks them evenly. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in flavor and texture. So, resist the urge to peek—your patience will be rewarded with perfectly grilled delights.
Don’t Grill Too Much Food at Once
Trying to cook everything at once might seem like a time-saver, but overcrowding your grill is a recipe for disaster. When too much fat drips onto the flames from those juicy burgers or steaks, you’re just asking for a flare-up. Do yourself a favor and cook in batches—especially with fatty meats—to keep everything under control and your grill session smooth.
Never Start a Gas Grill with the Lid Closed
Think twice before lighting up your gas grill with the lid down. This common mistake can lead to a dangerous buildup of gas, turning your attempt to start the grill into a potential fireball scenario. Always keep the lid open when lighting your grill. And if the flame dies out? Shut everything off, give it five minutes to air out, and then safely try again.
And a quick note to you charcoal lovers: avoid adding extra lighter fluid to already lit coals. It’s a surefire way to spark a sudden flare-up, and not the kind you want at your barbecue.
Not Being Prepared for Fire Emergencies
Don’t let a small flare become a full-blown fire. Keep baking soda within reach to smother grease fires and have a fire extinguisher ready for everything else. And remember, tossing water on a grease fire is a major no-no. For added safety, consider downloading the Red Cross First Aid App—it’s a handy guide for handling burns and other emergencies. Thinking about upgrading? A smart grill might be your best bet to avoid these fiery situations altogether.
Keep Those Grates Clean
Starting with dirty grill grates is like inviting last night’s dinner to today’s cookout. Not only does it mess with the taste of your food, but it also makes flipping a nightmare. You might end up tearing your meat apart as it sticks to leftover bits. So, grab a grill brush and give those grates a good scrub while your grill’s heating up. It’s a simple step that’ll make your grilling smoother and your food tastier.
Don’t Press Down on Your Burgers
Ever seen someone smash down a burger with a spatula while grilling? It might look cool or feel satisfying, but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do. When you press down, all those delicious juices escape, causing flare-ups and leaving you with a charred, rubbery patty. So, resist the urge to squish. Instead, just flip those burgers gently to keep all the juicy goodness right where it should be—in the burger!
Oil Your Food, Not Your Grill
It might slip your mind to oil up before grilling, but skipping this step means you might struggle with stuck-on chicken later. Here’s a tip: it’s smarter to oil the food itself rather than the grill grates. This helps prevent those alarming flare-ups. And while cooking spray is perfect for coating your food evenly, you’d be surprised at the other handy uses it has when grilling season’s over.
Master Your Charcoal Grill Vents
Understanding your charcoal grill’s airflow is crucial for perfect grilling. If you keep the vent open, the grill gets hotter due to the increased oxygen flow. For quicker cooking, especially when you’re aiming for that perfect sear, position the vent directly over the food. This little adjustment can make all the difference in how your meal turns out, letting you control the heat like a pro.
Open the Grill Lid Safely
When it’s time to check on your feast, always open the grill lid away from your face. It might sound simple, but forgetting this can lead to some painful reminders. Flames can unexpectedly leap up when you lift the lid, and trust me, singed eyebrows or a burnt nose isn’t a good look for anyone. So, take a step back and open the lid slowly to keep your face and hair safe from those sudden bursts of heat.
Not Protecting Your Deck or Patio
Before you fire up the grill, think about where it’s sitting. Without a splatter-proof mat, your deck or patio is at the mercy of burning hot grease and stray sparks, which can leave ugly stains or worse, pose a fire hazard. It’s also wise to park your grill at least 10 feet away from your home to keep things safe and sound.
Guessing Your Propane Tank Levels
Grilling is no fun if you’re playing guessing games with your propane tank. A standard 20-pound tank should only be filled to about 80% capacity—that’s a safety rule, not just a suggestion. Also, ditch any tanks older than 12 years; they’re past their prime. For peace of mind, get your tank filled by a pro who can check it over for you. And hey, consider getting a scale to keep tabs on your propane levels right at home.
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