Grilling Archives - Page 3 of 3

When it comes to grilling, there is nothing quite like the taste of food cooked over an open flame. However, there is some debate when it comes to determining where to place your grill. Everyone should know to use a BBQ grill outdoors but some people debate whether or not a grill can be placed right next to the house. After all, having a grill next to the house makes bringing food in and out of the house much more convenient. So can gas grills be placed next to the house? Gas grill manufacturers recommend having a distance of 3 feet from buildings whereas the Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CPSC) recommends having a distance of 10 feet from buildings. Grills should not be placed next to a home in case the grill catches on fire which can spread to the home. Now let's cover some tips to keep in mind when determining the best place to set up the BBQ grill. Grill Placement Tips You are probably thinking that maintaining a distance of 10 feet from the house is all that you need to take care of as far as the placement of your grill is concerned. However, in reality, there is more to the ideal placement of a grill than just 10 feet from the home. Make sure to pay attention to the following factors when placing your grill outdoors: 1. Deck, Patio, or Gravel The best ground to place a grill on is either gravel or a patio. Both gravel and patios are not flammable and are generally flat. Decks, grass, and other ground materials are not ideal since hot embers can create fires outside of the grill. However, it is possible to use a gas grill on a deck or grass when set up properly. See this article for more tips on safely setting up and using a grill on a deck. 2. Wind Direction Wind can become a serious problem since wind can easily put out the flame, cause flare-ups, and make grilling difficult. Make sure to place the gas grill in an area where the wind doesn't frequently blow strongly. Generally, placing the back of the grill facing towards the wind is the best orientation of the grill. That way when you open the grill hood to check on the food, the hood will protect both you and the food from the wind. 3. Select A Flat Surface The grill should be placed on a flat surface for the best cooking results. By placing your grill on a flat surface, your hotdogs won't roll off the grill and you will have better control over your cooking. Not to mention, grills placed on uneven surfaces can easily tip over which can cause all sorts of undesirable issues. 4. Distance From Combustible Objects In addition to keeping the grill a safe distance from the house, make sure to keep the grill away from other combustible objects. Grills should also be kept away from wooden decks, railings, trees, and other objects that can dry out and catch on fire over time. 5. Consider Your Neighbors Generally, it's not a good idea to smoke out your neighbors. So make sure to place the grill in an area that won't have all the smoke blowing into the neighbor's windows. Grill Placement And Operation Summary As far as the placement and operation of a gas grill are concerned, the number one thing that you ought to pay attention to is safety. Here are the main points to keep in mind when determining a gas grill's placement: Never operate the grill in an indoor spacePlace the grill at least 10 feet away from any structureNever use the grill under branches, an awning, or anything else that can catch fireKeep a fire extinguisher within arm's reach just in case you have to put out a fire Gas Grill Safety As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest concerns when it comes to grilling is safety. It's always recommended that you pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe lighting and operation of your grill. Keep in mind that if the heat is too much, it can damage paint and siding, so be sure to use the grill in a space where you can control the heat effectively. To learn more about gas grill safety be sure to check out the CPSC gas grill fact sheet. And when it comes to storing your gas grill whether in a garage, shed, or indoors when you are not using it, be sure to disconnect the natural or propane gas tank. The tank should be stored outdoors at all times for safety reasons. Tips For Using A Gas Grill Effectively Once you've placed the gas grill in the best location that is safely away from combustible objects, the next step is to turn the gas grill on. However, there are some ways to increase the efficiency of a gas grill with a few simple tips. When it comes to grilling, the most important thing that you have to ensure is that the food cooks over direct heat. When using a gas grill, this means firing all the burners on the unit for even heat. It's this high heat that makes the grill marks that will impress everyone, you included, for reasons that no one knows. If you want to use the grill for barbecue, you will require indirect heat. This heat allows your meat to cook completely and evenly on the inside so that you don't end up with chicken that has burnt skin yet the inside is raw. For gas grills, the best way to get the indirect heat that you need for barbecue is to only turn on the burners on one side of the grill. Additional Tips For The Best Results The following tips should come in handy when grilling if you are interested in getting even better quality results from your cooking. Follow food safety procedures - To ensure that the food is safe to use, it's always recommended to keep foods that are prone to spoiling in the fridge until you are ready to use them. Also, be sure to use different platters or plates for raw and ready foods. You should also use an accurate thermometer for measuring the temperature of your proteins to ensure that they are cooked just enough.Ensure that you are fully prepared - This means having all of the necessary ingredients, tools, and accessories close at hand before you start cooking. Nothing is more frustrating than realizing that you are missing a key ingredient in the middle of your grilling session.Start with a clean grill - This will help reduce sticking and improve flavor. Be sure to scrape off any burnt-on food from previous cooking sessions.Allow the grill to heat up properly - If you are hoping for superior cooking results, it is recommended that you allow your grill to heat up fully before placing food on it.Allow the food to rest - This final step is especially important when preparing meats because it allows the meat to reasborb the juices. Final Thoughts With all the information provided in this article, you should be better equipped to make your grilling and barbecue sessions more fun and rewarding. By also understanding the right place to position your grill, and taking the necessary precautions, you can easily avoid any accidents or mishaps. Just remember the following when determining the best placement for a gas grill: Gas grill manufacturers recommend having a distance of 3 feet from buildings whereas the Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CPSC) recommends having a distance of 10 feet from buildings. Grills should not be placed next to a home in case the grill catches on fire which can spread to the home. That's all for now, but be sure to stay tuned for more articles on everything grilling coming up soon. Till then, fire up the grill and enjoy some amazing food!