CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – With the arrival of summer, grills and smokers throughout the Champaign-Urbana area are igniting for weekend cookouts. Make sure your grill is in prime condition for your upcoming outdoor party or family dinner.
Millions of people across the globe have a passion for grilling. Cooking over an open flame imparts a unique flavor to a variety of foods, and that profile can be augmented with marinades, wood chips, and a host of other tweaks that help to create a delicious, finished product. Though many people grill throughout the year, this method of cooking is most popular in summer when welcoming temperatures compel cooks to prepare meals outdoors. As grilling season kicks into high gear, grill masters can embrace these strategies to ensure their grills remain clean.
Clean After Each Use
Once food is cooked, cooks’ minds immediately shift to eating. But cleaning a grill immediately after each use can make it easier to remove all the debris that can gather as foods cook. Fat, grease, melted cheese, marinades, and other substances can accumulate on the grill over time. Though grill masters can eat before cleaning their grills, keeping the fire going until after eating (slightly closing the vents to reduce the heat somewhat) makes it easier to scrape food and other debris off the grill. Grates that are still warm are easier to clean but use heat-proof grilling gloves when cleaning warm or hot grates to reduce burn risk.
Oil the Grates Before Cooking
A light coating of oil brushed onto the grill grates prior to cooking can reduce the likelihood that food sticks to the grill while it’s being cooked. Food adhering to a grill can pose a challenge to clean, yet oiling can diminish the chances of ground beef from burgers or chicken breasts adhering to the grill.
Deep Clean the Grill Periodically
Grill grates may not need a deep clean after each use, particularly when only preparing food for a handful of people. However, deep cleaning every so often, and after heavy usage during backyard barbecues, can remove debris that can accumulate and pose a health risk over time. Follow the grill manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning the grill. Some might suggest traditional dish soap like Palmolive is safe to use, while others might recommend soaps that can protect the long-term life of the grill. Cast-iron grill grates generally should not air dry, so dry these parts off immediately after cleaning.
Use the Right Tools
Steel grill brushes are popular, but these cleaning tools can be unsafe. Steel brush bristles can break off during vigorous cleaning sessions, and they may get stuck on the grill during the cleaning process. If stuck on the grill, steel bristles can easily attach to food. The cooking experts at Epicurious note that steel brush bristles can cause throat and/or abdominal issues if consumed. Alternatives to steel bristle grill brushes are widely available, but grill master’s should know that some, including nylon brushes, should not be applied to a grill until its grates have cooled off.
Clean All Components
Grease traps, ash pans, and the interior of the grill, including its sides and the inside of lids, can be periodically cleaned to reduce grease buildup and the risk of exposure to germs.
Ensuring grills are clean prior to cooking can make foods more flavorful and decrease the risk of illness.