While many of us take to the road, there is a good percentage who are content to sit at home, pop open a few cold drinks, and entertain family, friends and co-workers by throwing something on the grill. A study conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association done in 2013 reports that some 80 percent of United States households own a grill of a smoker. Of those, 97 percent of grill owner used their grill over the past 12 months. The survey also reported that some 14 million new grills were shipped in 2013, meaning that the number of happy grillers is growing exponentially.
Whether it’s the Fourth of July (sometimes called Independence Day by those in the know), Memorial Day, Labor Day or just a midsummer night’s dream get-together, this is the time of year when grilling is the preferred method of getting food on the table. From backyards to vacation homes, camp sites to public parks, we’re ready for a good time during grilling season.
The good news is that the fun doesn’t stop when the weather turns colder. Some 60 percent of grillers report using their grills year-round, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, while 41 percent of confirmed grillers reported tailgating at NASCAR or football games.
The best news is that you don’t have to have a grill that sets the world record for BTUs (British Thermal Units), the measure of heat that uses to determine grilling efficiency. You can get a charcoal grill for as little as $20, an electric grill on the bottom end for $50 and a gas grill for about $100. A water smoker can run about $40 for small units.
Of course, there are master griller monsters that run thousands of dollars. But it’s all meat and veggies on the BBQ in the end, and your food won’t care whether it’s getting done on the cheap or receiving a luxury ride.
A Note of Caution
While grilling is fun, the food is delicious and the company often tremendous, there are safety issues at play. From lighting the grill to maintaining its heat to watching children running around to dealing with flames, a good grill master keeps a close eye on what’s going on and tries to avoid having an incident mar an otherwise fun event.
Here are a few things that are recommended to enhance your enjoyment of an outdoor grill.
1) Read the owner’s manual – Sure, your Uncle Joe thinks he knows how to do things without all those fancy words and instructions. But the manual was compiled for a specific reason – your grill works best when you follow directions on its usage, assembly and safety procedures. Failing to follow them could result in dangerous leaks, failure to ignite or potential danger from heat going where you don’t want it directed. If you have a question, the owner’s manual always includes a hotline number where you can get specific questions on operation answered. Just be sure to have your make and model number handy when you place your call.
2) Keep the home fires burning…outdoors – Grills were meant for outdoor use only except in industrial kitchens, where trained professionals and air outtake can handle the smoky conditions. Make sure you don’t become a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning or other dangers. Avoid using any grill in an enclosed space, whether that’s your garage, in or near a tent, cabin, or trailer. Carbon monoxide is a silent and deadly killer.
3) Ventilation is your friend – Even the best, most professional grillers have occasional sparks and other hazards occur. Keep your grill in an area far away from your house, shed or other shelters, and make sure there isn’t a lot of dry brush, leaves or other combustibles on the ground. Leave a lot of space surrounding the grill and don’t put it in a high-traffic area where the kids are running around or kicking balls.
4) Be stable – This applies to the grill and the griller. Make sure everything is securely on the ground and in no danger of being tipped over. And even though your relatives may come over with all sorts of suggestions on what to do, keep calm and fix your eyes firmly on the food on the grill. You’ve read the owner’s manual, and you can refer them to that if they truly are on your nerves.
5) Electric grills need the proper grounding – If you’re using a rotisserie or other electrical gear in conjunction with your grill, make sure you’re following local codes. Keep the cords taped down or out of the way of clumsy relatives.
6) Don’t wear flammable clothes – There’s a reason why fire retardant was a major improvement on materials used in clothing. Make sure you don’t have loose, floppy sleeves, apron strings or other things that can be caught by the heat or flames and cause trouble. It’s also best if you use long-handled utensils like tongs to turn the meat or other items and wear oven mitts to insulate your hands from potential heat damage.
7) Don’t let the fires burn high – Keep a water bottle handy just in case the flames flare up too high or the smoke gets a little much. You can raise the grill a tad and maneuver the coals, wood or other items to make sure they are more evenly spaced. Food doesn’t have to be blasted with heat higher than the sun to cook properly. It’s also a good idea to keep some baking soda or a fire extinguisher handy in case things get a little out of control – with the food or your brother-in-law!
8) Drinking and Grilling – We know that you’re going to enjoy yourself while grilling, and you should. But try not to overdo it while cooking. You might overlook how close you’re getting to the heat, and that can result in severe burns or clothing catching on fire. Make sure you’re not wearing a watch, excessive metal jewelry, or other items that can absorb heat. And keep an eye on the food – if you’re too busy drinking and talking, you might be over-cooking the food on the grill. This is an art, not a time to catch up extensively. Save that for when you’re sitting down to dine. And by all means, don’t walk away from the grill while you go in the house for something. Accidents can happen while you’re not monitoring the situation.
9) Leave the grill alone – Once you’ve fired up the grill and started cooking, don’t attempt to move it to another spot. Hot grease and sparks could result, and you could drop it and create all sorts of problems. Better to find the perfect location before you begin the process.
These are just a few ideas that can make the overall process safer, easier and more fun for all concerned. So fire up the grill and save a few goodies for the rest of us!