These basic BBQ safety tips are a must-have when summer approaches and millions of people dust off their barbecues, ready to enjoy the weather and delicious grilled food. Whether you choose charcoal or gas, using a barbecue grill is a convenient and fun way to produce some yummy meals, but safety is key.
The Grill. Make sure that the barbecue is in good working order, especially if it's the first time it's been used for a few months. Also, check that the barbecue is on a flat surface, away from any low-hanging trees or shrubs. Set up a barrier of chairs a short distance from the grill to ensure that children and pets don't wander into the cooking area. Remember never to try to move the barbecue while it's hot and, above all, never leave the barbecue unattended. Many people keep a bucket of water or sand nearby.
The Food. Now that the grill is operating, think about food safety. Meat preparation is often overlooked when having a barbecue. Store the meat in the refrigerator until just before grilling to ensure that the meat temperature doesn't rise to dangerous bacteria-breeding levels. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling any raw meat, and make sure not to place raw meat next to cooked meat on the grill, which could cause cross-contamination. Check to see that the meat is cooked thoroughly and that there is no pink anywhere on any of the meat. It's also important not to keep high-risk foods in the sun, such as cream, cheese and anything with mayonnaise.
Cleanup. If your barbecue is gas-powered, make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas container. Gas containers should always be changed in a well-ventilated area. If the barbecue uses charcoal, use only enough charcoal to cover the bottom of the grill, usually about 2 inches. Also use approved fire starters and lighter fluid; never use gasoline. Finally, when disposing of ashes, make sure they're completely cooled off, or else they could melt the plastic of a garbage can and potentially start a fire.
Barbecues can be one of the best things about summer, and some safety preparations will help you ensure that your barbecue is a hit.
 | Knowing some grilling tips for outdoor cooking can make barbequing more fun and more successful and ultimately result in tastier food. |
 | Cleaning the grill may not be fun, but it needs to be done if you want to be able to use this expensive piece of equipment for many years to come. |
 | Learning the basics of charcoal grilling is one of those tasks you must accomplish before using a charcoal grill, unless you want potentially burned food, hands or home. If grilling can be considered an art form, then charcoal grilling is one of the most sacred styles of this art. |
Grilling is healthier way to prepare lean meats, poultry and fish. During the summer months, you can almost move your kitchen out onto the barbecue. If you haven't jumped on this particular culinary bandwage, just tune into the Food Channel or cruise the cookbook aisle of your local bookstore and you'll find directions for creating exotic, elegant cuisine using the grill. Once you've got the right accessories, healthy barbecue cuisine can be a snap. |
