With the arrival of spring, it’s time to gear up for grill season – if you packed your BBQ in for the winter that is! Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, everyone knows there’s nothing quite like the taste of food cooked on the grill. From spring cleaning to must-have accessories, we’ve got some tips to help you get ready for grill season and make the most of your outdoor cooking experience.
1. Clean your grill.
Start the season off with a sparkling clean grill. Before firing up your grill for the season, give it a thorough cleaning. Over time, grease and food debris can accumulate on the grates and inside the grill, which can affect the flavour of your food and even cause flare-ups. Even if you gave it a good clean before the winter season, it’s still good to clean it before you use it again as it could be dirty from sitting.
How to Clean Your Grill
- Remove the grates and scrub them with a grill brush or a ball of aluminum foil.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the grill and the exterior.
- If your grill has a drip tray or ash catcher, empty it and clean it as well.
2. Stock up on supplies.
To make the most of your grill season, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. This includes charcoal or propane, chips for smoking, BBQ lighters, fire starter, and any seasonings or marinades you want to use. If you’ve ever had to make a last-minute trip to the store for charcoal or some other grilling necessity, you know how much of a pain that can be. That’s why we recommend getting stocked up so you have enough for a few grilling sessions.
3. Get the best accessories.
Next, make sure you have all the BBQ utensils you need – tongs, spatulas, cedar planks, etc.
It’s also a good idea to have a meat thermometer on hand to ensure that your food is cooked to the proper temperature. If you plan to try something new this season, make sure you have what you need for it.
Here’s our list of a few of the best accessories to have this season.
- Chimney Starter – Start your charcoal grill with ease with this sweet accessory!
- Grill Mat – Protect your deck or whatever’s under your BBQ with this grill mat.
- Stainless Steel Smoker Box – Get the delicious flavour of wood smoke on your grill.
- Cedar Grid Scraper – A natural and safe way to clean your grill.
4. Experiment with different cooking methods.
Get ready to try something different this summer! Do your research and find some new cooking methods or some different recipes and find what you need to try them out. This includes all the ingredients if you try a new recipe and all the utensils and accessories you need for a different style of grilling. Even expert-level grill masters can still learn a thing or two!
5. Practice safe grilling.
Make sure your grill is set up on a stable, flat surface, and not close to flammable items. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby or a bucket of water. If you have new family members or kids who aren’t used to the grill, teach them how to be safe around the BBQ to avoid accidents or injuries.
Enjoy!
Finally, have fun and enjoy your summer grillin’! Cooking on the BBQ is a great way to spend time with family outdoors and experiment with new flavours, recipes, and cooking techniques. If you’re ready to get even more out of your grill or outdoor kitchen, Team Harding is here to help! We’ve got all the accessories and the equipment you need to set up or expand your outdoor cooking zone to help you extend the fun of the summer grilling season!
Gear up and grill!
Contact Team Harding for all your grilling needs.
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
