Succulent steaks, juicy burgers, roasted veggies, perfect chicken; the possibilities are endless this grilling season! There’s a lot to know about the art of barbequing and an abundance of recipes to try. Whether you’re a master griller or new to the barbeque business, these top tips will be a sure way to have your taste buds hungry for more!

Charcoal vs. Gas?
When considering this question, one must evaluate many variables. Charcoal grills emit more carbon monoxide, particulate matter and soot into the atmosphere, contributing to increased pollution and higher concentrations of ground-level ozone. Gas grills burn cleaner however there are no studies prove that one is healthier than the other. Taste wise, charcoal grills offer a smokier option. In the end, it really comes down to personal preference in relation to a variety of variables.

Au Natural
Conventional charcoals have been known to contain chemical additives such as paraffin, sodium nitrate, borax or lighter fluid. Try your best to avoid lighter fluid because it can release volatile organic compounds, leaving a distasteful residue on your food. So if you do choose a charcoal grill, consider picking up charcoal that is additive-free. It is essentially just charred wood and contains no harmful chemical additives.

It’s okay to lose your cool
Let your food have enough time out of the fridge before getting on the grill. If the meat or vegetable is too cold in the center, the outside may burn before the insides are cooked through. Raw meat can be dangerous if not cooked properly! It takes approximately 20 minutes, for raw food to start approaching room temperature.

Heat things up!
Preheat your grill 15 to 25 minutes before you start cooking to make sure it reaches the correct temperature. By effectively heating up your barbeque you can kill any lingering bacteria. A correctly heated grill keeps the insides moist, sears on contact and helps prevent the food from sticking.

Add a little oil
Reduce sticking by oiling your hot grill rack with a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel: hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. Proceed with caution when doing this and never use cooking oil spray on a grill! It can be extremely dangerous.

All this talk of barbequing is stirring up quite an appetite! Please remember to be safe this grilling season, take precaution and keep an eye on the flame! Looking for a new barbecue or need guidance on grilling? RSVP to Stoney Creek Furniture’s Inside Out Home Show and talk to the masters at Lakeshore Living Outdoor Elements for all your barbequing needs. You’ll be ready for this summer in no time!