There’s no better summertime occasion than grilling with friends and family. With perfect outdoor weather, cooking delicious grilled food and gathering with loved ones is an idea that must not be missed. Prepare your summer grilling with our tips and ideas below!
Start With a Clean Grill
Why Grill Maintenance Matters
First things first. No one wants to be eating out of a dirty grill. Make sure the first thing you do before you start grilling is clean the grill itself. It’s not only about hygiene; a clean grill improves performance, flavor, and even cooking, and helps maintain the grill’s condition for a longer lifespan. Even as simple tasks like cleaning the grill can go a long way. So, make sure not to miss this step.
Essential Grill Cleaning Supplies
To help you clean faster and more efficiently, it’s a good idea to have essential cleaning supplies on hand. This includes everything from grate-cleaning tools such as a bristle-free brush or scraper to deep-cleaning products like degreaser spray to general cleanup supplies like microfiber towels.
The best summer grilling starts from the very beginning, and having the right cleaning supplies will help you kick-start your summer grilling the right way.
How Often Should You Clean Your Grill?
Ideally, you want to clean the grill before and after major cookouts. However, each part of the grill will require different cleaning needs. For instance, you want to clean the grates, grease tray, and the exterior every time you cook. For asg removal and flavorizer bars, every 3 to 5 cooks is good. As for the interior components, seasonal cleaning, like every 3 to 6 months, is sufficient.
Make Sure You Have the Right Grilling Tools
Must-Have Grilling Accessories
Now, on to the essential tools for grilling itself. Having these accessories will ensure your summer grilling is smooth and safe.
- Meat thermometer
- Heavy-duty BBQ tongs
- Grill press
- Heat-resistant safety gear (such as non-slip gloves).
Why a Meat Thermometer Is Essential
A meat thermometer is the most critical tool for grilling. Without it, you’re potentially facing food safety concerns, overcooked meat, and inconsistent results. While you can rely on visual cues, such as the color of the meat, to gauge doneness, a meat thermometer makes things much easier, as it reads temperature accurately. So if you want perfectly juicy, safe-to-eat meat, get a meat thermometer before you host a summer grilling party at home.
Summer Grilling Safety Tips
Safe Grill Placement
Our first summer grilling tip is to make sure your grill placement is situated away from potential hazards. This includes keeping grills away from structures. A good distance to maintain is at least 10 feet from structures such as the house, garage, walls, wooden railings, and overhanging tree branches. Moreover, you want to set your grill in an area with good open ventilation to prevent a gas buildup.
Lastly, place your grill on a stable surface: flat, level ground or safe surfaces like concrete, brick, and stone.
Food Safety Best Practices
The next summer grilling tip is to make sure the food you will be serving is not only good-tasting but also safe to eat. Be diligent about implementing proper meat handling, avoiding cross-contamination, and always cook at safe temperatures.
Make sure raw meat is stored in the freezer, and thaw it under cold running water or in the refrigerator.
Never place cooked meat on unwashed plates or on a platter that held raw meat, sanitize utensils and surfaces after each use, and don’t forget to always wash hands before and after each cook.
Using a meat thermometer, make sure the temperature is right for each type of meat. For example, for poultry (165°F), ground meat (160°F), whole cuts (145°F), and seafood (145°F).
Fire Safety Around the Grill
Although today’s grilling equipment is very safe, we still want to make sure all safety procedures are in place. So anytime you’ll be using a grill, always have a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave a lit grill unattended. Practicing proactive preparation ensures your summer grilling is worry-free and pleasant.
Summer Grilling Essentials Available at Johnson’s Ace Hardware
Grills and Smokers
At Johnson’s Ace Hardware, you can find a variety of grills and smokers to suit your different needs. If you’re looking for the newest type of grill with innovative features, such as technology that maintains your desired temperatures and a WiFi app to control your grill from anywhere, the Masterbuilt 28 in. is your choice. Or if you prefer a simpler one but still provides good quality, make sure to check out the options here.
Grilling Tools and Accessories
In just one click, you can get all the grilling tools and accessories you need for your next cookout. Grilling gloves, cleaning kit, tongs, burger press, meat thermometer, non-stick spray, and much more!
Fuel and Cooking Supplies
Nothing ruins a backyard party faster than running out of heat right before the burgers hit the grates. We have all the other grilling essentials such as fuel, charcoal, lighter fluid, and long-handled tools to keep your cookout running smoothly.
Backyard Entertaining Products
Cookout ideas are not only about the food but also about other entertainment that can make your summer grilling more fun and enjoyable! Our collection of backyard entertaining products can definitely bring your grilling occasion to the next level. How about a speaker to get the mood going? Or LED outdoor string lights to set the ambiance?
Whatever your ideas are, Johnson’s Ace Hardware has you covered! Visit our site or give us a call for more information about our offerings and services.
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