Aside from baseball and applie pie, there are few things more all-American than barbecuing. "Barbecuing is a simple way to cook, a pleasant family activity and an inexpensive way to literally "eat out," said Nicky Foster of Sneade's Ace Home Center, Inc., 1750 Prosper Lane, Owings, Maryland. "But before firing up the the grill, it's wise to spend some time preparing your grill for the busy summer season."
Following are a few tips from Ace:
CLEAN YOUR GRILL
Before you do anything, start with a clean grill. It will make food taste better and prolong the life of your barbecue equipment. Always clean the grates after every use with a sturdy wire brush and then condition them with spray cooking oil to help prevent rust and prep the surface in advance for the next time you cook.
Make it a habit to thoroughly clean your grill once a year. Remove all grill components and clean the unit completely with soap and water. Clean the grease pan periodically, too - excessive buildup of debris is both unsanitary and a fire hazard. If the lava rocks in your grill have begun to crack and collect grease residue, replace them.
If the paint is wearing off or shows signs of rusting, think about re-painting the grill - your local hardware store can supply you with a can of grill-safe paint.
GET BETTER EQUIPPED
"Having a great grill is one thing, but the right barbecue accessories can make or break your outdoor feast," said Foster. Foster suggests keeping several 2 1/2-inch wide basting brushes near the grill as well as a long-handed, sturdy metal spatula.
Spring-loaded tongs will help you place food on the grill, move it and check for food readiness. For safety, use gloves that are long, heavy-duty and fire-resistant. A time and thermometer can also be handy to assure food is properly prepared.
Backyard barbecue grills have come a long way since their inception in the 1950's. If you're in the market for a new unit, hardware stores offer upgraded grills featuring everything from side burners, warming ovens, grease catchers and larger cooking surfaces to custom-built outdoor cooking centers with a grill alongside a bar sink, ice maker and even a small refrigerator.
GRILL SAFELY
Before firing up a gass grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. It's important to be sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gass mix - are not blocked. Insects love to build nests in these tubes, and use a venturi brush or pipe cleaner can clear out debris.
Check gas grill hoses for cracking, brittleness and holes. If you detect a gas leak, turn off the gas immediately and don't light the grill until the leak has been repaired by a professional.
All grills should be used in a well-ventilated area, away from shrubs, buildings and awnings or patio umbrellas. Beware of the possibility of sudden bursts of flame. Do not wear loose clothing or lean over the top of a grill as your're lighting it.
Avoid fire flare-ups by raising the height of the grill rack or closing the vents of a covered grill. Gas or electric-grill flare-ups can be controlled by lowering the hear thermostat, and remember to store fluids or pressurized fuels outside your home.
For more helpful tips on energy-saving solutions, or other home improvement projects, visit Sneade's Ace Home Center or visit www.acehardware.com and click on the Answers @Ace icon.