July is considered the midpoint of summer, and it’s also National Grilling Month! Now is the time to get your grilling game to the point of mastery that you desire. Gas grills were introduced in the US in 1966, and although the original gas grills were smaller than today’s, the idea and ease of use caught on quickly. Recent developments in manufacturing provide an even more uniform temperature output across the cooking grid. To demonstrate a grill’s ability to heat evenly, manufacturers and sales associates place five slices of bread on premium gas grills (at the center and corners), and after 30 seconds, they remove the slices to reveal perfectly uniform toast — no hot spots or uneven toasting.
At first, gas grills were sold exclusively through natural gas utilities. Propane models were added and quickly became widely available for home use. Today, some models offer multi-level cooking grids, separate burner controls, stainless steel griddles and even smoker abilities, which doubles their versatility by allowing backyard chefs to slow-roast and smoke meat, veggies and poultry.
Now that you know the history of gas grills, are you ready to perfect your grilling game?
5 Useful Grilling Tips
• Wash your hands, utensils and surfaces often. Food safety is paramount when grilling! After handling raw meat, wash your hands thoroughly to help prevent the spread of germs. Wash utensils and surfaces after each use.
• Keep the food cold. Letting food sit out for an extended length of time allows bacteria to grow, which can make people sick. Keep food cold until it is ready to be cooked. Put salads and fruit trays on ice.
• Always preheat the grill. A preheated grill helps prevent food from sticking to the grates and helps food cook more evenly.
• Monitor your grill. Make sure you know the proper grilling times and temperatures before you start. Use a timer to avoid over- or under-cooking your food. Food should be cooked to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming.
• Keep your grill clean. Keeping your grill clean extends its life and also helps your food taste even better. Grease or food that’s stuck on the grill grate should be wiped or scraped off immediately after cooking.
Now you’re ready to be as much of an expert grilling chef as you desire. Happy Grilling!
