5 Do’s & Don’ts to Master Your Grill

We believe that everyone can grill. Yet, to truly master the art of grilling, you need to know some basic do’s and don’ts. The more you know, the easier it’ll be to create tasty dishes for you and your family (while showing off your newfound grill skills).

5 Things You Should Do to Master Your Grill

First things first, you need to find a great grill. It should offer you versatility, allowing you to grill, smoke, sear and more. With your trusty, stainless steel sidekick by your side, here are some tips on how to get the most out of your grill:

1. Select the right tools: Make sure you choose the right grilling tools. For example, use tongs to turn meat instead of a knife to prevent juices from leaking as you cook. The Memphis Genie Tool is great for cleaning grill grates, a basting brush is ideal for applying marinade, and you’ll want grill mitts to protect your hands.
2. Clean your cooking grates: Clean grates make the best cooking surfaces. Allow your grill to heat up, releasing the fat from previous meals. Then, scrape the grate to remove the residue.
3. Learn the difference between direct and indirect heat: Direct heat means cooking your food over the heat source. Indirect heat involves shielding the food from direct flames, such as when you use the Memphis Indirect Insert. For example, BBQ is often cooked via indirect heat, while searing requires direct heat.
4. Use a thermometer when grilling meat: You must make sure your meat is cooked thoroughly before serving. Use a thermometer that checks the internal temperature of your meat.
5. Preheat your grill: Get your grill to the right temperature before placing any food on it. For instance, you must preheat your grill for the perfect sear. After all, every steak needs some grill marks.

5 Things You Should NEVER Do While Using Your Grill

Beyond the obvious no-no’s such as using your grill indoors or attempting to grill while it’s pouring down rain, there are a few things you should never do while using your grill.

1. Don’t forget the spices: Grilled food often has a stronger flavor than food cooked using other methods, so don’t be stingy with the seasoning and spices.
2. Don’t pour on the BBQ sauce before you cook your meat: BBQ sauce or other sauces that contain high amounts of sugar will quickly crystallize on your meat. Wait until you’re almost finished cooking to add your BBQ sauce.
3. Don’t lift the lid: Raising the lid of your grill will allow heat to escape, resulting in longer cooking times. If you must peek, do so quickly.
4. Don’t place too much food on your grill at once: Your food needs room to cook thoroughly, so don’t overload your grill.
5. Don’t reuse marinade: Marinade that has been used on raw meat could be harmful to your health. Instead, use new marinade as you grill.

Become a Grill Master With a Memphis Wood Pellet Grill

A wood pellet grill can help you become the grill master you always knew you could be. To learn more about safe grilling practices or more about our grills, reach out to a Memphis dealer or send us a message.