OK, so you have your grill, what next? Below you will find a selection of questions that are often asked by novice backyard grillers, expertly answered by the Grilling Coach. Advice almost guaranteed to get your grilling off to a good start. Follow these grilling tips and the only way is up! You will soon start to impress friends and family with your super tasting and well grilled food.

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Should I preheat my grill? 

• Yes, it is best to let your grill preheat for 10-15 minutes. Follow your manual for your particular grill.

What if my grill does not start right away?

• If not ignition on the first try, leave the hood open and turn off the gas. Check your fuel tank and try again after 5 minutes.

How can charring the food be avoided?

• If it is charring, your temperature is too high. You could also be cooking over a direct heat source when the food is better prepared over an indirect source. Direct grilling, where the meat sits over the heat source, it good for thinner cuts of meat, fish and poultry. Indirect heat source is suitable for thicker cuts of meat and the meat sits off to the side of the heat. You can also try waiting on your sauce application, the sugar in it causes it to brown. Apply during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling.

Should I cook with the grill cover opened or closed?

• Manufacturers recommend always cooking with the lid closed.

How can I tell I am cooking with high heat without a grill thermometer?

• It is common for newer models to come with one but if yours does not have one, try this method being very, very careful. Hold your hand above the heat source, however many seconds you can hold it there comfortably, can give you a good indication of the temperature. If in doubt, do not try this method of checking the heat, watch the food carefully in order to establish how fast and how thoroughly it is cooking.

Number of seconds                              Temperature

2                                                          High(400-450F)

3                                                          Medium High(375-400F)

4                                                          Medium(350-375F)

5                                                          Medium Low(300-350F)

6                                                          Low(300F and lower)

What do I turn off first, the gas or burner?

• Always turn off the gas first. The burner will go out but also needs to be turned off.

What maintenance will my grill require?

• Burn off any residue by turning the grill up to high for 10-20 minutes. Brush the grill off with a wire brush after that. Once a season, it is best to clean it thoroughly. Make sure grill is off and cold. Use a fine steel wool pad and lightly clean the catch-pan liner and warming racks. Rinse. Push any residue from the bottom tray with a putty knife. Do not line the bottom tray with anything, it can start a fire, just keep up a seasonal cleanse and it should last you a long time.

If you have any more questions for the Grilling Chef, please let him know.

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