Grilling season is in full swing. Before taking your propane grill game to the next level, please review some basic propane safety and maintenance tips. Then, fire up the grill and impress your friends and family.
Play It Safe With Your Grill During Your Next Cookout, But Take Plenty of Risks With Flavor
Play It Safe
Position your grill in a safe location before lighting it. Always keep it outdoors and at least five feet from the house or other structure. Place your grill on a level surface that is free of debris, outdoor furniture, landscaping, tree branches, or other potential fire hazards.
Check for leaks before you light. Use a soapy water solution to check connections for leaks. Expanding bubbles indicate a leak. Follow this procedure every time you replace the cylinder, and never light your grill if you smell propane before opening the valve.
Follow proper lighting procedures. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s lighting instructions. Most grills recommend keeping the lid open during lighting. Remember never to lean over the grill when lighting it. If it doesn’t light immediately, shut it off and wait before trying again.
Be present. Stay close to the grill and never leave it unattended. Watch young children and pets, and keep them a safe distance from the grill. Don’t set anything combustible or flammable close to the grill, and keep heat retardant mitts close by to reposition food or pans over the hot flame.
Amp Up the Flavor
Preheat your propane grill. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear and ensuring more even cooking. And if you’re like most of us, this step helps burn off the remaining food bits. Give your grill around 10-15 minutes to warm up, allowing the grates to reach the desired temperature.
Turn off a select burner or two, so you can cook with both direct and indirect heat zones. Direct heat is perfect for searing steaks and veggies. Indirect heat, on the other hand, is ideal for slow-cooking larger cuts of meat or baked potatoes.
Infuse your grilled dishes with flavor through marinades and brines. Do a quick Google search and you’ll find tons of great recipes. Most suggest that you allow your meats or vegetables to sit in a brine or marinade for at least an hour or overnight if possible for the maximum flavor.
Put your feet up to rest for a few minutes while your grill food cooks. Also, allow your meat to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Resist the urge to dig in right away and your beef, chicken or pork will be cooked to perfection.
Feel free to share your grilling pictures or add your own tips on our Facebook page, as we love to hear how you’re cooking with propane! Rahn’s Oil & Propane owns the following local convenience stores, all of which you can stop by to refill or exchange your 20 lb prone tank: Big Foot Gas & Grocery, Bowlus Gas & Grocery, Freeport Gas & Grocery, Grey Eagle Gas & Grocery, Melrose 1 Stop, New Munich Gas & Grocery, Ripley 1 Stop, and St. Stephen Gas & Grocery. Be sure to check out our Victory Rewards program and how you can earn a free refill too!
