You’ve invited your family and friend to enjoy outdoor atmosphere and grilled food you’ve prepared. You’re just about ready to grill like a pro delight and impress them, but before you fire up your Charcoal Grill, here is a quick list of DOs and DON’Ts that will guarantee you to have a smooth outdoor grill party and make them impressed:
- Store charcoal in a dry place. Charcoal absorbs moisture easily and won’t burn well if it is damp.
- Open top and bottom vents before starting a Charcoal Grill and while cooking. Close the vents when cooking is finished to extinguish the coals.
- For air properly flows in a Charcoal Grill, remove accumulated ashes from previous grilling session on the bottom before starting fire. Since charcoal requires oxygen to burn, anything blocking the vents will reduce the heat generated by the coals.
- Make sure the grilling surface is clean and preheated. Scrub the grid with a dry brass-bristled grill brush after every grilling session and again once the grill is preheated.
- Lubricate the grid or the food (or both for better result) with vegetable oil. Do this just right before you begin cooking or the oil will burn off before you start.
- It’s a good idea to drain most of the marinade fluid from food before placing it on the grill.
- Never brush on barbecue sauce until the food is almost cooked through. It contains sugar, which burns easily.
- Watch foods carefully during grilling. Total cooking time will vary with the type of food, position on the grill, weather, temperature of the coals, and the degree of doneness that you desire.
- Set a timer to remind you when it’s time to check the food on the grill.
- Extend the life of your Charcoal Grill by thoroughly cleaning it at least once a year. Discard accumulated ashes and remove the grid and charcoal grates. Spray the porcelain surface with oven cleaner and let stand until the accumulated grease is softened. Wipe out with paper towels. Wash with a mild detergent and water; rinse and wipe dry.
Now that we’ve sparked your imagination, you’ve got all the know-how you need to do it like a pro. Get out and start grilling and make your friends and family having a happy party.
