Do These 5 Important Steps Before You Start Grilling

As with traditional cooking, preparation is paramount when you’re about to cook your food on the grill. Getting everything ready and checking your gear will save you a lot of time and energy once you start your fire. Once you start grilling, you would want to focus on cooking your food perfectly and not be distracted by other things.

Here are 5 important steps to take before you start grilling:

Prepare your grates

It’s important to prep your grates before putting any food on them. This will prolong the life of your grates by keeping rust off. Do this every time before using your grill.

If your grill is brand new, spray the grates with high heat cooking spray evenly before turning on the grill. Turn on the grill to medium heat until the oil starts to smoke and burns off. If you’re using old grates, pre-heat your grill then brush off any debris.

Prioritize safety

Anything that has to do with fire and high temperatures should be done with caution, and grilling is no exception. To avoid accidents, you should prioritize safety by practicing caution every time you grill at home.

Grill in an open area of your yard, away from any flammable objects like walls or trees. Always check your grease tray and empty it out to prevent a grease fire. Wear gloves, use long handled tongs and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Prepare the food beforehand

Once you turn on your grill to pre-heat it, your food should be ready to go. You won’t want to be going back and forth from your kitchen to your grill while cooking. To save time and energy, prepare your food beforehand – slice and cut up your meats and veggies and make the sauces.

Don’t forget to bring out clean plates, grilling accessories, a food thermometer, paper towels and trash bags along with your food.

Pay attention to your grill

The preparation and operation of your grill depends on what type and model of grill you have. Different types and different brands sometimes require specific instructions to work properly. For example, when pre-heating, charcoal grills require more time compared to the gas variety. Be sure to check your grill’s manual for instructions.

Check and maintain your grill

For successful barbecues, you should make it a habit to always check your grill. Maintenance is also a must. Brush your grates, check your grease trap often, check your propane tank, and keep your grill in a covered area for storage, preferably with a cover.

Do these 5 important steps before grilling for a successful cookout!