As cookout season approaches, many of us are rapidly pulling out the grills, the aprons, and the mitts in a bid to host that backyard cookout we’ve looked forward to all winter and spring. But while cookouts are about great food and family bonding, a little carelessness can make the whole outdoor experience go completely awry.

While you may be focusing on the Fourth of July menu or the custom invites, take some time off to inspect your equipment. Your barbecue grill is your main equipment and it is important that it is in good condition before it’s put out for the barbecue. Examine the legs of the grill to see that they have not eroded over time. This is especially important if the grill has been left exposed to the elements and has been through rain or snow. If erosion has occurred, it is easily fixed by reinforcing the base or legs with strong metal strips.

The inside of the grill will need careful inspection too. All the parts within the grill should be in good working order. See that there are no holes at the bottom of the grill. You will need to cover them up, if necessary. The grill rack may also wear away if left out in the open, so check that as well. Clean the grill thoroughly once you are satisfied that it has not suffered any damage. Remove all charcoal build up from a charcoal grill. If your grill runs on gas, see that the gas lines are clear and everything is secure and tightened.

Having cleaned and repaired the grill, take care to place it correctly. The grill should never be placed under a deck or overhang. In fact, it should ideally be placed at least 10 feet from the sides of buildings or wood railings. Grill temperatures can go up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit when cooking and can ignite dry wood very easily, especially after lighter fluid has been added.

You are now ready to start grilling. Just some more common sense advice: never put additional lighter fluid on the fire. Do not place anything on the fire till flames die down. Use oven mitts. Lean away from the grill when cooking and always keep children and pets away from the fire.

The methods and temperatures used for cooking also contribute in keeping food safe. Frying, broiling, and barbecuing are more hazardous than oven cooking or roasting, boiling, poaching or stewing. Barbecuing is dangerous because it brings the meat in direct contact with open flames at very high temperatures. To avoid this, precook meats for a few minutes in the microwave before grilling. Using thinner slices of meats will also help. While grilling, reduce contact between the meats and the flames to avoid buildup of HCAs. Use a drip tray or some foil to catch fat droppings before they can reach the flames. In addition, use a thermometer to cook to the right temperature and avoid overcooking.

Daunted by the details? Remember, it’s best to follow safety tips for a great cookout experience. After all, that’s the only way you can have happy memories of the event.

Author Bio: For more information about outdoor grills and cooking accessories visit our website at http://www.outdoorgrillcenter.com/

Category: Cooking
Keywords: outdoor grills