Summertime 2023 BBQ Checklist
Spring and summer are the perfect times for firing up the grill and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. However, before you get started, it’s essential to ensure that you have everything you need to make your BBQs a success. This checklist will help you get ready to grill in style this season.
Check your grill: Before you start cooking, check your grill thoroughly to ensure that it’s clean and in good working condition. Check the gas tank, burners, and ignition system if you have a gas grill, and clean the grates and cooking area. For a charcoal grill, make sure the vents are open and clean out any ash from previous uses.
Stock up on supplies: Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as charcoal or propane, skewers, tongs, spatulas, and cleaning tools. Don’t forget to have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
Plan your menu: Decide on your menu in advance, and make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Don’t forget to consider dietary restrictions, like vegetarian or gluten-free options.
Prep your food: Cut vegetables and meats into bite-sized pieces, marinate meats in advance, and prepare sides in advance. This will save you time on the day of your BBQ.
Set up your space: Arrange seating, tables, and decorations to make your outdoor space comfortable and inviting. Make sure you have plenty of shade and seating for your guests.
Keep it safe: Ensure that your grill is in a safe location away from any flammable materials. Never leave your grill unattended, and make sure to use oven mitts or gloves when handling hot items.
Buy a good meat thermometer!
Additional cleaning tips:
Clean the inside of the lid and cookbox with warm, soapy water. Use a heavy-duty grill cleaner for thick soot buildup on the interior.
Remove the grill grate and the fire grate of a charcoal grill, and shovel any old ashes from the firebox. On a gas grill or pellet cooker, remove the grill grates and heat diffuser and then scrape away any debris from the heat diffuser and the cookbox. Use a Shop Vac to suck up ashes from in and around the firepot of a pellet cooker.
Empty the grease traps or replace them. You can also prime internal grease traps or chutes with boiling water to melt the grease and help it flow away from the heat source.
Check the burner tubes on a gas grill. Scrape any debris from the tubes with a stiff brush and unclog any visibly blocked burner ports with a pin or metal skewer. Clean the tube interiors with a long, narrow, flexible brush.
Clean the heat diffuser. Scrape it clean of any debris.
Check the hoses and control panel on a gas grill, and clean the igniter if necessary.
Clean the grates with a stiff brush, remove rust spots by scrubbing aggressively with a stiff brush or S.O.S. pad, and season the grates or pans well. Rub an oil-soaked paper towel over the grates, heat the grill to high, and then re-apply vegetable oil with tongs.
Wipe down the outside of the grill with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water or soapy water. For stainless steel grills, clean the exterior with a variety of cleaning products from branded to generic stainless steel polishes and special disposable grill wipes. Rub, wipe and polish the steel in the direction of the grain, and do not use abrasive pads or steel wool.
By following this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to hosting the perfect summertime BBQ in 2023. Enjoy the warm weather, delicious food, and great company. Happy grilling!
