How to: get ready for a summer BBQ
Summer and barbecuing belong together, like fritz and sauce. Warm days and nights around the grill have been part of our lives since we were kids. Before you don the apron and grab the tongs this summer, do some prep to keep yourself safe and ready to cook up a storm.
1. Safety first
Barbecue fires can cause serious injuries and property damage. If your barbecue runs on gas, check the cylinder setup before you light the hot plate or grill. Check the hose for signs of cracking or deterioration and spray the connection with soapy water to find any leaks. If bubbles appear then gas is escaping, so turn off the gas immediately and get the hose or cylinder repaired or replaced. A portable cylinder can only be refilled if it has a valid 10-year stamp, and if it’s out of date, it must be tested or swapped for a newer cylinder. Consider installing a gas safety gauge with an auto shut-off function. These gauges also have a level indicator to help avoid those annoying times when the gas runs out while you’re cooking.
2. Make it sparkle
Those marinated drumsticks or veggie skewers deserve a clean cooking surface, so prepare for some hard yakka. Turn off the gas, remove the drip tray and scrape off any grease or other materials before giving the tray a wash in hot soapy water. Scrape the hot plate and grill and give them a wash. Clean the outside of the barbecue and the inside of the lid. There are specialist wipes that do an excellent job or use warm water and dishwashing liquid. If you have a charcoal barbecue, remove any remaining ashes and unburnt charcoal.
3. Get ready for your next barbie
Line the drip tray with aluminium foil and fat-absorbing minerals, like Fatsorb, which help avoid odours and flare-ups. Put the drip tray back in place and spray the grill and hot plate with canola oil to keep it fresh for your next cookout. Make sure the tubes and burners are residue free (a paper clip helps get to those hard-to-reach spots).
4. Time to say goodbye?
Your faithful barbecue may have served you well, but if it’s rusty and falling apart, it’s time to splash out on a new one. If you’re often barbecuing away from home, consider buying a portable model, which you can also use at home. Buy yourself a snug, strong cover, especially if your barbecue sits outside and clean it after each use. It’ll save you time and money, reduce the risk of oil fires, and will ensure your barbecue turns out feasts for years.
