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GRILLING TIPS

Source of Recipe

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Recipe Introduction

Grill Fire Safety And cleaning the grill are very important things to know

List of Ingredients


With nice weather families are doing more outside cooking. Safety is very important when using gas or charcoal grills.

Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests to reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:

Preparing the Gas Grill

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.

Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.

Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.

Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them

Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.

Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.

Using the Gas Grill

Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.

Keep all children and pets away from grill while in operation and after use until grill is cooled.

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.

Use proper utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance from grill while cooking.

Do NOT wear loose clothing while cooking.

Always shut off valve to propane tanks when not in use.

If Your Grill Catches on Fire

If the fire is in the grill portion seems "out of control" simply turn off the burners.

If the fire involves one of the hoses, and you can safely reach the propane tank valve, shut the tank valve off.

If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911).

If there is any type of fire that threatens either personal safety or endangers property, call the fire department (911).

Charcoal Grill Safety Tips

Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside.

Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.

Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

Never apply charcoal lighter fluid after charcoal has been lit. The fire may return into the fluid container and explode.

Keep all children and pets away from grill while in operation and until after use when grill is cooled.

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.

Use proper utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance from grill while cooking.

Do NOT wear loose clothing while cooking

Lorene Bartos Extension Educator



Recipe



Summer Grilling - Tips for Cleaning Your Outdoor Grill

Outdoor grilling is one of summertime’s delights. Even basic foods seem to taste better when cooked outdoors. Whether the grill of choice is charcoal or gas, these tips will help keep it in peak performance. Begin by checking the grill manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning requirements.

Rust is the major enemy of charcoal grills—and the major cause of rust is failing to clean out the ashes regularly. To do this, turn off the grill, make sure it’s completely cool. Then, remove the grates from inside the grill. If there’s no ash catcher underneath the bowl, use a garden trowel to scoop out the ashes.

If the grill has an ash catcher, be sure to clean it, too, once the ashes are removed. Carefully discard ashes in a plastic trash bag. Otherwise, they will fly all over, covering everything (including yourself) with soot.

Clean the grate and the inside of the grill with a spray-on over cleaner. Check the label to make sure the cleaning product is safe for both these surfaces, and follow the grill manufacturer’s use instructions. Let the cleaner sit long enough to soften the accumulated grease and grime. Then, wipe the cleaner off with paper towels. Follow by washing with a hand dishwashing detergent and water. Clean the outside of the grill, too, using a warm detergent and water solution and a non-abrasive cloth. Rinse and wipe dry.

Gas grills should be checked to make sure there are no leaks or blockages. Make sure the grill is turned off and completely cool. Then, inspect the burner and gas supply tubes for spider webs, grease build-up, rusted areas—anything that would slow down the gas flow. Clean these areas following the grill manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Clean a gas grill after every use by turning the grill on “high” and letting it “cook” for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed. Turn off the grill and let it cool slightly. Then, loosen the residue with a brass bristle brush. Once the grill is completely cool, wipe the inside and outside surfaces with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Rinse and wipe dry.

Good maintenance will extend the life and working of the grill.

Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator