Summer is upon us, and here at Closet & Storage Concepts of Massachusetts we know how important it can be to throw a great barbecue. Here are some of our favorite tips to keep in mind before, during, and after you use your grill.
Before Grilling
A great barbecue dinner, like all meals, takes preparation to go off without a hitch. When you introduce your grill into the mix you are adding a host of other duties to take care of beforehand. First of all, you want to make sure that you inspect your grill before use. If you have a propane grill, you wan to be sure that your tank is properly connected and that the tank is sitting in an upright position before firing it up. You also want to be sure prepare your meal, and sometimes this can include marinating meat overnight. When it’s just about time to get cooking, you want to be sure to preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes to ensure that it reaches a nice level of heat, preferably somewhere around 450 degrees. If you’re using a charcoal grill, a chimney starter is a great way to get your coals fired up quickly without overusing lighter fluid.
While Grilling
When it’s time to actually start grilling you want to be sure to oil up the grill. Whether this means brushing on oil or using a canola/vegetable spray, getting your grill oiled up before adding food will prevent sticking and make it easier to flip food later. Depending on the type of food you’re grilling, you may want to use different methods, but one popular grilling style is searing. While it’s a myth that searing meats “seals in juices,” the carmelization that comes along with searing will definitely create a better flavor. Because your grill will be very hot, a summer barbecue is a great time to set safety boundaries for children and pets. Create a no-play zone around the grill to ensure that no one accidentally touches or knocks over the grill!
After Grilling
Immediately after pulling your food off the grill, it is a great idea to turn the grill on high for a few minutes to burn any remaining food off the rack. This will make your grill infinitely easier to brush and clean before turning it down post-meal. Assuming you are using a propane grill, once your grill is off you want to be sure to turn off the valve at the top of the propane tank as well. This will ensure that there is zero leakage of propane when the grill is off. This will save you money and also keep you safe, as having even a small amount of propane leaking out of your grill can be dangerous. If you are planning on not using your grill for a while and decide to fully disconnect the propane tank, be sure to store your tank upright and outdoors. Propane tanks should never be stored inside the house. If you are using a charcoal grill, be sure to allow plenty of time for the grill to cool off. Just because the coals look ashy doesn’t mean they are cool, and they can even retain heat for up to 24 hours. Coals can sometimes be re-used at a later date, but once you are absolutely done with your coals, store them in a metal container outdoors for later disposal. Never store your coals in the house or on a wooden deck!
At Closet & Storage Concepts of Massachusetts we want you to have the best summer you possibly can. That means whether you need help getting your home organized or help throwing the perfect barbecue, we want to help! Give us a call today to consult with a storage expert who can help you get any part of your home more organized!