Master the Grill This Summer With These Expert Barbecue Tips

The long-awaited barbecue season has arrived! But before you fire up that grill, here are some basic tips to help your grill’s longevity and your safety.

Below are some helpful tips from Leanne Tilley, Napoleon’s Technical Grilling Consultant (for a demonstration of these tips, watch the video above).

First, do a circle check. Similar to how you would check your car. Look for structural damage or cracks. Open the lid and take a look at your grill.

“Look at your burners; If there is any deterioration, cracking or corrosion, it will affect them,” says Tilley.

She recommends taking everything out of the grill and cleaning it. Taking out the cooking box is very important. This must be cleaned regularly to avoid any risk of fire.

Victoria Fenn Alverado: Soap and water – barbecue

Leanne Tilley, Napoleon’s grill technical consultant, recommends using dish soap and water to clean your grill (The Weather Network)

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To clean your grill, simply use dish soap and water – nothing too abrasive unless you find excessive rust. Tilley suggests using sandpaper for stainless steel cooking grates.

“Take that rust away and it brings them back!” »

Cast iron cooking grates will show signs of rust if not maintained.

“Drying the cast iron is the most important step in maintaining these grates,” explains Tilley.

Oil them with a high burning point oil like Crisco or lard.

“You’re going to create that nonstick surface and also add a unique flavor to your food,” she adds.

Safety is of course a priority when using a barbecue. If you are using a propane tank for grilling, it is important to check the line and connection points for leaks. Take a basting brush and dip it in soapy water. Rub the soap mixture onto the pipe and connectors. If you notice excessive bubbles forming, it could mean there is a leak. The hose will need to be replaced before it can be used again.

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Victoria Fenn Alverado (The Weather Network): Barbecue Cover

Victoria Fenn Alverado (The Weather Network): Barbecue Cover

When there’s no rain forecast, it’s best to leave the grill cover off, according to Tilley. (The Weather Network)

To cover or not to cover? According to Tilley, you may be doing more harm than good by covering your grill. When rain is not forecast, it is best to leave the cover off.

“You don’t want moisture to get into the grill, so let it breathe,” says Tilley.

During the winter months, leave it covered until spring.

It is recommended that you use these tips every other time you use your barbecue. Happy grilling (and safely)!

(Header image courtesy of howtogoto via Getty Images. Creation number: 2155596519)

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